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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.l-hcap
Date:         Wed, 19 Aug 1992 18:01:15 EDT
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2891
X-To:         LHCAP <l-hcap@VM1.NODAK.EDU>

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2891

                         Wednesday, August 19, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                Re: driving?
             Re: WANTED: Advice re: airline wheelchair practices
                             Air Travel Booklet
                     left handed IBM AT keyboard wanted
                   Re: left handed IBM AT keyboard wanted
                             Wheelchair Van Lift
                        Wanted - Van with Chair lift


                                ******


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thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


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Compuserve: 73170,1064

                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



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Subject: Re: driving?
From: kiser@taronga.com (Jim Kiser)
Organization: Taronga Park BBS

In article <23670@handicap.news> Rich.Veraa@f907.n135.z1.fidonet.org writes:
>Index Number: 23670
>
> >> RV> stabilize my position. You're getting ripped off big time. My
> >> RV> whole conversion cost $1500.
> >>
> >>If it's a ripoff, the taxpayers are getting shafted, not me.  I was
> >>evaluated by instructors, and the above list is what they decided I
> >>need.  I'd rather have less stuff.  *adh*
>
>Actually, it's not the taxpayers that get shafted -- it's other
>disabled clients. The taxpayers are shelling out as much as they'll
>put up with, and no state has _enough_ funds to meet all the needs.
>So whatever they spend on one client is funding they can't spend on
>someone else.


It also hurts those of us who have good jobs but still need the
equipment.  Since the state agencies will shell out "whatever it
takes" there is no incentive to the manufactures/dealers to be
competitive on the price.  That means I pay inflated prices or I go
without.  (Usually the later.)  I keep hoping that as more
handicapped become employed, we can become an economic force and
make them give us more realistic prices.

--
      "Never send a bunny to do a duck's job."  - DW




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Subject: Re: WANTED: Advice re: airline wheelchair practices
From: kiser@taronga.com (Jim Kiser)
Organization: Taronga Park BBS

In article <23645@handicap.news> dlc@ais.org (David Claytor) writes:
>Index Number: 23645
>
>Subject line says it all.  On earlier experiences, I have
>transferred to a boarding chair at the gate and my E&J was
>collapsed and taken to the hold.  Now, however, I'm using a rigid
>frame Quickie.  The footrests, armrests, and cushion are all
>removable, and the wheels are quick-release -- but unless the chair
>will be stowed somewhere in the cabin, I'm really reluctant about
>sending a disassembled rigid-frame to the hold.
>

I have an Arrow by Invacare which also is rigid, due mostly to the
motors, etc.  I have had no problems flying regardless of the airline.
They are familiar with the fact that some chairs do not fold and can
handle them as easily as folding chairs.  Be sure you follow the
recommended procedure of getting there early so they are prepapred
and can load you first.  This gives the baggage handlers time to
get your chair to the hold and do any rearranging necessary to make
room for your chair.

--
      "Never send a bunny to do a duck's job."  - DW




------



Subject: Air Travel Booklet
From: hsi!rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov!shafer@bunker (Mary Shafer)


The booklet "New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability"
is available from the US Department of Transportation.  This
booklet details how recent legislation (the Air Carrier Access Act
of 1986 and the Americans with Disabilities Act) affects air
travel.

Copies are available from the Office of the Secretary, US
Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC
20590.  Telephone 202/366-4220 or FAX 202/366-7618.  No charge.

Write or call for it.  Everyone with a disability should have this
booklet.  You don't want to be caught not knowing your rights and
responsibilities if you have to fly on short notice.

This is a very informative booklet.  People in wheelchairs will
also like the following information on cabin accessability, from my
husband's first-hand experience.  A manual wheelchair has priority
over all other carryon luggage for the onboard closet, if you
preboard.  You may want to select a flight based on what kind of
airplane it is.

If you have a regular-sized folding manual wheelchair, it will fit
in the following aircraft closets by removing the footrests: United
757 and Delta L-1011.  If it has a lowish back (my husband's is
about two inches shorter than the standard and clears with some
extra clearance) it will fit in the first class cabinet of the
United DC-10.  If you can remove the wheels, the chair will fit in
the closet of the United 737, both -200 and -300 models.  You will
also be able to get the chair frame, wheels, and footrests in the
overhead bins on Southwest.

My husband, who travels extensively on business, has flown 16
flight legs since 1 June and was able to keep his chair onboard all
16 times.  He did have a little trouble with the cabin crews on 3
of the legs but they went along after he asked to try, agreeing to
check it if it didn't fit.

You might ask "why not just check it?"  There are two reasons.  The
first is that the chair can get damaged in the hold.  Broken
spokes, jammed axles, damaged upholstery--these have happened to
Ken's chair.  Not on every flight, of course, but it's bad to get
to your destination and find a chair that won't get you around.
The other reason is the possible loss of a part.  The last time we
flew to Buenos Aires, on our way to Santiego, they brought the
checked chair up to the gate and one of the footrests was missing!
They found it, but we got pretty anxious before the baggage handler
showed up with it.  Another advantage is that you will know that
your chair is with you, not sitting on the ramp.  (We once flew
back from London on TWA and the wheelchair followed, about 3 hours
later, on British Airways.  Fortunately, we had a long layover so
we didn't miss a flight waiting.)

--
Mary Shafer  DoD #0362 KotFR NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, CA
shafer@rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov                    Of course I don't speak for NASA




------



Subject: left handed IBM AT keyboard wanted
From: edgar_e@pain.la.ca.us (Edgar Estrada)
Organization: Public Access Info Network  (818/776-1447)

[Note from Bill McGarry: See the next article]

I'm looking for a company that sells IBM type keyboards
for the left hand only.
Please e-mail me if you have any information.

edgar_e@pain.la.ca.us

Thanks


--
edgar_e@pain.la.ca.us




------



Subject: Re: left handed IBM AT keyboard wanted
From: wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com (Bill McGarry)

Edgar Estrada (edgar_e@pain.la.ca.us) writes:
> I'm looking for a company that sells IBM type keyboards
> for the left hand only.

Try contacting the IBM National Support Center for
Persons with Disabilities (I think that there is still
someone there.)  Their address is:

        IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities
        P. O. Box 2150
        Atlanta, GA 30055
        (800) 426-2133
        (404) 238-4806

        (800) 284-9482 (TDD)

Ask for the mobility guide.  Or you can obtain the IBM guide here
via anonymous ftp at "handicap.shel.isc-br.com" in the
/pub/ibm directory.

I also have some programs which allow one to emulate a Dvorak
keyboard.  I don't have them up for ftp or on the BBS just yet.
Next week when I'm back from vacation and I'm not sneaking on
the computer when my wife is asleep.

Just a couple entries taken from the guide:

   PRODUCT: DVORAK KEYBOARD CONVERTER
    VENDOR: Typewriting Institute for the Handicapped
            3102 W. Augusta Ave.
            Phoenix, AZ 85051
            (602) 939-5344

   PRODUCT  DESCRIPTION:  Dvorak Keyboard Converters are alternate computer
   keyboards that function like the standard keyboard  but  have  the  keys
   laid  out  in the Dvorak configuration, a system that reduces strain and
   increases efficiency for a person typing with only one hand.  The Dvorak
   layout distributes the typing load more evenly for each  finger  on  the
   one-hand  typist's  hand  than  does  the  standard layout.   Right- and
   left-handed models are available.
   ________________________________________________________________________
   PRODUCT: DVORAK KEYBOARD MODIFICATION PROGRAMS
    VENDOR: Dvorak
            P. O. Box 129
            Brandon, VT 05733

   PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:  Dvorak carries many programs which allow the  user
   to  remap  the  computer keyboard to the Dvorak configuration.  Programs
   for the IBM PC family include PC/Dvorak and a software  typing  tutorial
   called  Dvorak  QED  Typing Made Easy.  Keyboard overlays and one-handed
   Dvorak layouts are available.
   ________________________________________________________________________

   PRODUCT: MALTRON KEYBOARD
    VENDOR: P.C.D.-Maltron Ltd.
            15 Orchard Lane
            East Molesey - Surrey
            England      KT8 0BN,
            (44)01 398-3265

   PRODUCT  DESCRIPTION:    The Maltron keyboard, ergonomically designed to
   fit hands, is available for the IBM PC.  The Maltron has keys where  the
   fingers  find  them  easily and with comfort.   It includes a top row of
   function keys, a central number group and thumb keys for frequently used
   functions.  Maltron also makes a single-handed keyboard.
   ________________________________________________________________________




   PRODUCT: OCTIMA CHORD KEYBOARD
    VENDOR: TASH Inc.
            70 Gibson Dr. - Unit 12
            Markham, ON L3R 4C2
            Canada
            (416) 475-2212

   PRODUCT  DESCRIPTION:   Octima is a computer keyboard that is controlled
   by one hand; its system of chords (groups of  keys)  represent  all  the
   standard keys of the keyboard.  The user presses a group of keys and the
   appropriate  key  is  sent  to  the  computer.   A software tutorial and
   instruction manual are included.
   ________________________________________________________________________


Hope this helps!

                                Bill McGarry
                                (203) 337-1518

UUCP:       {oliveb, philabs, decvax, yale}!bunker!wtm
INTERNET:   wtm@bunker.shel.isc-br.com
BITNET:     l-hcap@ndsuvm1.bitnet
            (300/1200/2400 baud, 24 hours)
Compuserve: 73170,1064




------



Subject: Wheelchair Van Lift
From: timpson@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com (Ron Timpson)
Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.

Hi,

I hope you'll excuse me if I make some etiquette errors here, but
this is my first posting. I'm trying to find a competent Ricon
dealer to do perventive maintainance on my wheelchair lift and
other adaptive van equipment.  I'm in the San Jose, CA area and am
prepared to drive a moderate distance for service. Moderate being
less than 100 miles.  I normally go to Advanced Mobility in North
Hollywood, CA but my wife has been ill and right now extensive
travel is not possible.  Mobility Unlimited in this area is not
acceptable.  In my experience and that of others that I have talked
to in this area, Chuck Williams competancy and quality of
workmanship has gone into a steep decline in the recent past.
Anyone who needs three trys to fix a broken wire is not going to
work on my van.  Many thanks for whatever information you can give
me.

                                                      Ron


--
Ron Timpson   timpson@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com




------



Subject: Wanted - Van with Chair lift
From: cfwpm@ux1.cts.eiu.edu (Bill McGown)
Organization: Eastern Illinois University


Pardon the intrusion into this news group by an outsider but we are
in need of a van with a wheel chair lift and lockdowns. The ideal
van would be a 86-87 or newer in the southeast US but we can be
flexible on both price and distance to pick it up (obviously the
two are related). We would prefer a side lift. The van will not
need to be set up for wheel chair user to drive since it will be
driven by someone else at all times. Many thanks for any assistance
you might be able to give on this request.

Because this is a personal request e-mail to me is prefered. Others
wishing to know what responseI receive may contact me and I will
forward replys.

Many thanks.. Bill.

--
**************************************************************
W. P. (Bill) McGown                     Eastern Ill. Univ
cfwpm@ux1.cts.eiu.edu                   Psychology Department
                                        Charleston, Il. 61920




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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2891 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU