Dear Terry, First, I'vemade itmy lbusiness to try to keep up with technology that can make coping with being deaf-blind easier and less isolating. Over thew years, I've worked as a teacher, public affirs rep, coordinator of a state program for deaf-blind and as a rehab counselor. I began using a coputer in 1986, when things were much simpler! Of course, the braille displa technology wasn't too hot then. I worked as a Rehab Counselor for the Deaf from 1996 until 2002. Frankly, I'd still be working if the State hadn't changed their computer system and made it impossible for me to do my paperwork any longer. (Ironically, last year, due to complaints filed with EEO, the Dpt. of Rehab provided all blind employees a laptop and the privilege of doing everything in Windows, instead of through the sight-dependnent system.) I was using braille displays from Humanwre, starting in 1991; and, going to NFB Conventions, most years, since 1983. I became friends with some Humanware staff, including Jim Halliday. In 2002, Larry Lake did a workshop on the Bn at the Convention. I was the first one to buy one the next day. As you can see, I love my BN and had the Transplant done. I'd do a lot more with my M-Power, if I had the Manual in braille. Like you, I find learning new tasks to be a royal Pain in the butt without written information. You can rst assured that I will be contacting Roger Behm. I'd gladly pay more for the manual than those for whom he did the Transplant. (My Bn had a dead Flash Disk when it went in to Humanware, meaning the decision to Transplant occurred while it was in the shop.) Terry, I was fascinated to read that you work for NIH. I hope you don't mind my askingWhat exactly your job involves? Do you belong to NFB? If so, do you go to National Conventions? BTW: Although Carol made some points, I felt her comments were negative and a little off. What I mean is that I have used TDD software on a computer to make telephone calls. Deane Blazie devleoped a software Program for the Braille Lite upon which Freedom Scientific has built. Basically, the defining factorsare software and an external modem from Ultratech, located in WI. I actually sent Jim Halliday one of the Modems and the software about 8-years ago. Pulsedata wasn't interested in pursuing it. (To be honest, there is no well-known TDD company out of NZ, so I doubt the developers at Pulsedata know much of value on this subject.) Currently, with a Pc one can use the Relay Internet service to make telephone calls. Since I don't have a PC, that isn't an option. Furthermore, I'm not alone in relying on an BN, because, all told, it is less expensive, and far less frustrating than a PC with screenreader softwareand braille display. (You may have noticed that there is no hard-copy braille manual for screen-readers either. (I did have the Cmmmand Summary from NBP for Eudora though.) Well, I'll close for now. I have surgery in a few weeks and need to get everything organized here. Take care Terry and thanks for writing and for caring. Yours in friendship, KC
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