HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: Carla.Campbell@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Carla Campbell)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: editorial
Date: 13 Oct 92 18:20:15 GMT
Reply-To: Carla.Campbell@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24915

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 WW>      Frankly though, this really doesn't happen to me that
 WW>  often, although I do know several people who endure it on a
 WW>  daily basis.  I think this may be because I just happen to be
 WW>  attached to an extremely large black labrador with a crazed
 WW>  look in his eyes as I travel,

Hiya, Willie.

As just another datapoint in the data sea, I'll note, here, that I am
rarely grabbed when walking with Chance, the dog-guide-critter.  Every
now and then, it happens-- usually while I'm waiting for an especially
long or complicated traffic pattern to cycle a time or two to get a feel
for a five-way intersection and that sort of thing.

Over the past two weeks, however, I've been walking more with my cane.
(Dog-face is due to retire in October and I'm trying to adjust us both
to his staying at home when I leave the house.  This is not my idea of
fun, but that's a different message which I'm sure I'll write later.) I'm
not a great cane traveller, but I'm relatively good. I do not flail with
the cane and I move at a quick pace with it.  I usually look relaxed and
confident-- at least over familiar routes.  A professional mobility
instructor could, no doubt, tell immediately that I'm not normally a
cane user, but no one else usually knows that I don't do this regularly.
I carry my head up and only look mildly stressed, as far as I know, when
walking with a cane.  But when I'm out with the cane, I am *regularly*
stopped, grabbed and asked if I "need help."

So I think you're right about the intimidation factor of the dog...
that, coupled with that stupid, stupid myth that the dog is the one who
knows where the team is going... which keeps us clear of most of this
sort of "help."  MMy suggestion to anyone experiencing this, though, is
to try to look as confident as possible.  Practice wearing a calm,
serene smile on your face. ;-)

I actually had a woma pull over the other day when I was walking in my
own neighborhood down to the mailbox with my cane.  "Do you need help?
Are you lost?"  "No, Ma'am, I am not lost, thank you," I replied. "Are
you sure you're ok?"  (the whole time, I was pacing her car, walking
along the sidewalk besidre her... )  This has not ever happened when
I've been out with the dog on this same route.Now, I *know* I didn't
look that distressed abut walking three simple, residential blocks with
a cane!! Yeesh.  (now, if they pulled over when I was standing at that
5-way intersection in an unfamiliar area with my cane, I might
understand that I was wearing an expression of abject terror, but...
<grin>)

                                                  --Carla

... Read what I mean, not what I write!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!Carla.Campbell
Internet: Carla.Campbell@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
From: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org (Linda Cummings)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: HELL or NOT?
Date: 14 Oct 92 15:52:05 GMT
Reply-To: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:375/34 - Batteries Included, Montgomery AL
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25012

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message to Derek,

 > I know Alan has got a lot of problems with pain, and when you mix it
 > with quadriplegia, as he put it, it's gotta be hell on earth.
<snip>
 > It becomes a day to day mental challenge. It has helped to stay busy
 > with different things as Joe and Keith had mentioned earlier, AND a
 > sense of humor is always a plus.

Although I'm not a quad, I do have the constant chronic pain.  I
agree with you, Tim...mental challenges, keeping busy, and having a
sense of humor are a must!  So, I tease the guys,
write..write..write messages, and laugh at everything!  ;-)

Linda

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!375!34!Linda.Cummings
Internet: Linda.Cummings@f34.n375.z1.fidonet.org
From: Greg.Wick@f45.n343.z1.fidonet.org (Greg Wick)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Spasms
Date: 15 Oct 92 16:20:53 GMT
Reply-To: Greg.Wick@f45.n343.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:343/45 - The French Connecti, Edmonds Wa
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25034

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

AH>I am only interested in acquiring medications legally.  If you can do
AH>that with marijuana, let me know how and I'll pass the info on

I tried smoking pot a few times just to see if it would help my
spasms... It didn't, it made me tired and lowered my blood presure.
I'm can't say it was of any use to me. But if you want to try
something like like, I've heard of THC pills. I don't know if
that's what is supposed to help.

===
 * SLMR 2.1 * I modem down, but dey grew back!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!343!45!Greg.Wick
Internet: Greg.Wick@f45.n343.z1.fidonet.org
From: Frank.Dipalermo@f49.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Frank Dipalermo)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Usage of a GUI
Date: 13 Oct 92 18:22:23 GMT
Reply-To: Frank.Dipalermo@f49.n272.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:272/49 - Calliope's Den, Garrison NY
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24929

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi Kelley,
Perhaps I should introduce myself.  I am the Product Planner responsible
for IBM product development for people who are blind or visually impaired.
As such, I have been involved in the IBM Screen Reader project for the past
5 years.  Therefore, I guess I have as much background as anyone right now
on the usage of the GUI by the blind, even though I am not myself blind.

I agree with some of what Stew says about usage of the GUI.  It is true
that some functions are difficult to use without being able to see the
screen, but graphics brings some inherent advantages as well.  For
instance, if you choose the smallest WordPerfect font, you might have 200
lines visible in a single window and then can edit without a lot of page up
and down activity.  Most of our users have done this with their word
processors and editors.  I have trouble reading those windows myself, but
Screen Reader/2 has no trouble with it, of course.

There is also the concept of how the access system is designed.  We
designed Screen Reader/2 specifically for a GUI environment and some of its
features make using GUI much easier.  For instance, with SRD/2 the user can
assign numbers to all of the windows he normally uses.  Then focusing on
and clicking with a mouse.  I use it all the time.

Sorry to have rambled on so long, but I think there are important changes
about to take place.  It is real similar to those folks who say that they
don't have any use for the GUI.  Command line apps are good enough.  We are
only now at the beginning of providing access to this powerful new
platform.  As we build a customer base and get their feedback on what
changes to make, I believe that the GUI will provide the same increase in
productivity to computer users who are blind as it does to the sighted
user.

Frank DiPalermo
Product Planner, Vision
IBM Special Needs Systems

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!272!49!Frank.Dipalermo
Internet: Frank.Dipalermo@f49.n272.z1.fidonet.org
From: GODS%IRTCORK.bitnet@HEARN.nic.SURFnet.nl (Chris)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Wedding cake toppers w/bride & groom in wheelchairs
Date: 13 Oct 92 04:02:56 GMT
Reply-To: GODS%IRTCORK.bitnet@HEARN.nic.SURFnet.nl (Chris)
Organization: Regional Technical College, Cork, Ireland
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24860

Dawn,
Perhaps you could get someone who does cake decorating to make the
toppers from icing.  I made a (regular) bride and groom from piped
royal icing for a friend's wedding cake.  I think that's called
filligree work.  You could also make runouts of the bride and
groom. i.e. draw the outline of the bride on paper, cover with waxed
paper and fill in the design with slightly runny royal icing.  When
dry peel off paper, turn figure over and do the other side.  Some
American book (think it was The Wilton Way of Cake Decorating) I read
called this 'color-flo icing'.  A good cake decorator would know more
about this stuff and could hopefully come up with a solution to your
problem.    Best of luck.

Chris (gods@irtcork)
From: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Braille n speak comp
Date: 7 Oct 92 15:43:24 GMT
Reply-To: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24714

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 KF> Does Blazie have anything available as an external program
 KF> other than the calculator yet?

Kelly,
    All I know of are the COPY.BNS and TRANS2.BNS I mentioned here
earlier, and quite honestly, we're sort of stretching the use of the
term "PROGRAM" with them!  That is, the first of these merely copies a
file to a new name, and the second just translates a braille file to
ASCII, so they're no big deal.

     Actually, I'm wondering if anyone here using the external
scientific calculator on their Braille 'n Speak can give me some basic
commands they feed it to use its extended capabilities.  Frankly, I
struggled like heck to complete the required Algebra course while in
college, so we're talking very basic stuff here, but I would like to see
something beyond those things you can do with the internal calculator.
    Thanks...
                                        Willie

... A proud member of the Sloverdegullyon Society!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
From: Tony.Young@f304.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Tony Young)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: HELL or NOT?
Date: 14 Oct 92 15:53:08 GMT
Reply-To: Tony.Young@f304.n109.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/304 - WID East, Springfield VA
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25020

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

In a message on <Oct 05 12:21>, Tim Syfert (1:114/15) muses:

TS> AH>> P.S.  Quadriplegia is no gift.  Quadriplegia with pain is
 TS> AH>> hell onearth.  Dependence and discomfort - what a
 TS> AH>> combination!
 TS>
 TS> DJ> It isn't that bad and you know it.
 TS>

 TS> Careful Derek,

 TS> had the pain problem, but after almost 20 years as a quad it
 TS> comes
 TS> close to hell. It may not seem bad to you now <which seems hard

I've been a quad for 22 years, and it's not all that bad. It's a problem when
things go wrong, especially when I have problems with an attendent, but
otherwise it's a life. It beats not having a life.

 TS> a sense of humor is always a plus.

This is for sure. There are times when life gets so absurd that a sense of
humor is a necessity. Just ask John Callahan!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!304!Tony.Young
Internet: Tony.Young@f304.n109.z1.fidonet.org
From: Alan.Fonseca@f715.n153.z1.fidonet.org (Alan Fonseca)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Speech
Date: 13 Oct 92 18:19:31 GMT
Reply-To: Alan.Fonseca@f715.n153.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:153/715 - The BandMaster, Vancouver BC
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24910

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I am looking for a system that is portable and talks clearly so
others can understand. A laptop or notebook computer with a built
in voice synthesizer, good quality speaker and suitable programs
with library. Can anyone help me?

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!153!715!Alan.Fonseca
Internet: Alan.Fonseca@f715.n153.z1.fidonet.org
From: Steve.Richards@f101.n277.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Richards)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Editorial
Date: 14 Oct 92 15:30:39 GMT
Reply-To: Steve.Richards@f101.n277.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:277/101 - House Of Pancakes, Morgantown WV
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24974

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

RD>     Well, I've resisted till now, but got to join at this point.  I too hav
RD>had to "God will cure you if you pray" routine.  I  usually tell them that
RD>"she
RD>tried but she couldn't."

Hi Ron, well, I grew up in a devoutly Christian family, and although I'm
the uncontested black sheep of the family I didn't mean to give anyone
the impression that I was poking fun at those who believe in God,
however they perceive Him.  What ticked me off was that the lecture I
was receiving was being delivered by this guy who was drunker than a
hoot owl!

Back when I was a kid I would, from time to time, encounter some family
member who wanted to pray for me concerning my blindness.  In my young
teens I took a stand, telling them all, "Look; I love you, but stop
that."  I'm an independent sort; the day I went to college was the last
day I ever lived at home except for visits.  But I respect my family for
what they believe.  People telling me that God can heal me doesn't anger
me, I just find it sad.  I tell them, "Why not pray for something that
matters?"  I've got a young nephew with muscular dystrophy.  If miracles
do occur, then he needs one, not me.

 * SLMR 2.1a * Every time I lose weight, it finds me again!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!277!101!Steve.Richards
Internet: Steve.Richards@f101.n277.z1.fidonet.org
From: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: New Nerve Regeneration Operation
Date: 9 Oct 92 20:56:10 GMT
Reply-To: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24793

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

Ok, just heard this yesterday, some doctor on the east coast is
going to operate on 6 ( I think) paraplegics and use a technique
that has show some nerve regeneration on cats.  Is there hope yet?
Meow, Meow.

Regards, John

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!John.Lynch
Internet: John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org
From: Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Frank Whitney)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: HELLO
Date: 9 Oct 92 21:00:31 GMT
Reply-To: Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:261/1000 - Nerve Center, Pikesville MD
X-Fidonet: Spinal Injury Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24821

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

JL>She did have some strange ideas.  Didn't she say that
JL>breaking her neck was a gift from God, or something of the

Well, as I said she has some rather strange ideas!

JL>sort.  The girl really has faith way above mine.  I believe
JL>in God, but not paraplegic as a agift.  I do get frustrated
JL>at times and ask Him what he wants of me if I am to be a
JL>paraplegic.

I believe that we all do as you do.  I know that I do.  I would never
look on my being a quadriplegic as a gift and I don't believe that many
other quadriplegic or any other diseased person would say that in 99% of
the time.

JL>Didn't I read that she has a child or two.

Yes, I believe that she does have children.  I don't really follow her
that much so I'm not really much of an authority on her.  I do know that
she apparently got quite a large settlement from where she sustain
d her injury.  Also with some of the things that she has done
such as her movie I believe that Billy Graham industries was
behind her. Now I have nothing against Billy Graham, in fact, I
believe that he is probably one of the few people that I believe
honestly is legit.
Frank.
___
 X SLMR 2.1a X This message was produced using speech technology

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!261!1000!Frank.Whitney
Internet: Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org
From: Mike.Freeman@f126.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Mike Freeman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Braille N Speak Comp
Date: 16 Oct 92 04:09:26 GMT
Reply-To: Mike.Freeman@f126.n105.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:105/126 - Lawson & Reay, Vancouver WA
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25068

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

In a message to Mike Freeman <24 Sep 92 08:00> Paul Migliorelli wrote:

 PM> I also wonder if Z-modem might be on
 PM> the way for the 640 as well.

Hi, Paul.

I have no inside info but I'd say it's a definite possibility.
It seems to me that I once heard Dean Blazie say he was thinking
of it but didn't know much about the Zmodem specs.  Come to think
of it, I've got documentation about the innards of Zmodem; maybe
I'll upload it to Braille Inn Speak Out.  That is, I'll do so if
I can ever get in; lately it seems not to answer or not be
talking to the modem I'm using; dunno which as I dial into it
from a dialout port on a mainframe so can't listen to the
goings-on on the phone line.

Regards,

Mike Freeman
... ** Loose bits sink chips. **
___ CRR QWK 1.40

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!105!126!Mike.Freeman
Internet: Mike.Freeman@f126.n105.z1.fidonet.org
From: Glen.Sepke@f2.n348.z1.fidonet.org (Glen Sepke)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: connecting with mainframes?
Date: 14 Oct 92 15:30:31 GMT
Reply-To: Glen.Sepke@f2.n348.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:348/2 - Man-Net-EC, Winnipeg MB
X-Fidonet: Blink Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24973

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

CH> I've heard on and off about problems some speech software has
when being used with terminal emulation boards to connect with
mainframes.  I'm interviewing next Tuesday for a mainframe
programming job, and am just wondering about these problems.

Hi There Chris, this is one of my interests.  I have been working
as a mainframe programmer for 7 years using terminal emulation, and
here are my experiences for what they are worth.

I am currently using JAWS with a BNS as my synthesizer.

Many terminal emulation packages that run on the PC take total
control over the keyboard interupt which does not allow a screen
reading program to intercept/act upon key strokes.

You have to be careful to get one which has been programmed in such
away to allow the screen reading program to modify the interupt
vector to allow it to insert itself between the keyboard and the
emulator.  some don't allow this, while others sort of do.

There are two main kinds of connections these days

1. a dedicated card to which a coax cable is connected.  pacages
such as avatar, cxi, and irma have this configuration.  The one I
hav gotten to work is avatar.  irma and cxi were total failures.

2. The more popular now, Connection through a token ring card
through your lan onto the mainframe through software.  I have
gotten the irma-lan product to work with a lot of work
reprogramming all cursor movement' function' and a few other keys.
a long painful process' but it does work.

I would be more than willing to give you a copy of my JAWS macros
for Irma-lan if you think they would be useful.

If there is more you think I can provide' don't hesitate to give me a shout.
Good luck with the interview!!
- Glen -

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!348!2!Glen.Sepke
Internet: Glen.Sepke@f2.n348.z1.fidonet.org
From: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: S.i.g.n.s.
Date: 13 Oct 92 04:23:18 GMT
Reply-To: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/26 - SoundingBoard, Pittsburgh PA
X-Fidonet: Silent Talk Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 24880

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

 PC>> "Native" users of American Sign Language if you
 PC>> want your work to have any semblance of acceptance by
 PC>> the Deaf Community.

 AS> If you go back and re-read Rick's message - he stated hearing
 AS> impaired, not specifically the Deaf Community.  There are many
 AS> deaf/HoH folks who use PSE and SEE, so ASL is not the only
 AS> sign language.

How right you are, Annie.  When accepting the Ridder award at the SHHH
convention in CR, Pres. Jordan of Gallaudet spoke orally and signed at
the same time in PSE (or was it SEE?).  They had two interpreters
translating what he was saying into ASL.  It was interesting to see the
difference, live and in real-time.  It must be difficult or impossible
to speak orally and sign at the same time in ASL.

There was an interesting article in the 1991-92 Winter edition of
"Gallaudet Today" titled "The Silent Majority : Deafened Adults".
There are several times as many deafened adults as "born" deaf, and
most deafened adults use PSE when signing.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!26!Jack.O'keeffe
Internet: Jack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org
From: Phil.Thuma@f116.n270.z1.fidonet.org (Phil Thuma)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Autoimmune Disease
Date: 15 Oct 92 16:19:52 GMT
Reply-To: Phil.Thuma@f116.n270.z1.fidonet.org
Organization: FidoNet node 1:270/116 - The Line Source BBS, Harrisburg PA
X-Fidonet: Rare Disorder Conference
Originator: wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com

Index Number: 25028

[This is from the Rare Disorders Conference]

MM>Anyone ever hear of Chronic Autoimmune Hepatitis+ know if
MM>it's ever possible to get off the immunosuppressants
MM>afterward?
MM>Missy ;)

This is also sometimes known as chronic active hepatitis which is
Hepatitis B s antigen negative. It is usually diagnosed only after
other causes of chronic hepatitis (such as Hepatitis C, Wilson's
disease, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, or liver toxicity due to drugs)
have been ruled out. The diagnosis is confirmed by a liver biopsy which
shows a characteristic pathological pattern of "piecemeal necrosis". In
addition, other autoimmune problems have been seen in these
patients including colitis, hemolytic anemia, glomerulonephritis and
thyroiditis.

As far as I know, the majority of people who have this problem are on
some sort of immunosuppressant the rest of their lives, although they
may go through periods of remission when they are off the drugs for a
period of time.

Sorry that I cannot give you more optimistic information!

___
 X SLMR 2.1a X Know a little but not a lot!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!270!116!Phil.Thuma
Internet: Phil.Thuma@f116.n270.z1.fidonet.org