Hi Olusegon, This is Eugene Manfrini here applauding you so loud that I'm sure that if you listen closely you would hear me. I wish that I could have said it as well in my email on this subject to the BrailleAlistHumanware. "I think it is more of a control issue a way to keep blind customers essentially locked in to a tight bond." In my piece I crossed out a very similar sentence which I wish I hadn't. Well said, Olusegon. As a totally blind person I could also tell the Humanware staff members about hundreds of situations where blind people have overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, for instance, I traveled New York City and its five boroughs, New Jersey and surrounding areas going to a different area each day for almost 45 years without a cane so taking apart radios, amplifiers and machines and doing repairs was a snap. Olusegon and Red (known as Rhonda to all of us), thank you for helping to try and get Humanware to solve a simple matter. They could definitely do it if they chose to. Again, I applaude you. Eugenio
---- Original Message ------ From: "Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc." <[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Braillenote] replacing batteries Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:03:28 -0700 Hi Andrew: A major problem I have with developers of adaptive technology is the uncommon assumption that blind folks are incapable of doing things for themselves! I once had a cell phone that used NiCad MetaHydride batteries, I replaced these batteries myself all the time and I had no problems doing it. Admittedly, some blind folks may have dexterity issues to deal with; in that wise, I can see why they will need assistance when it comes to replacing batteries. However, why live with the assumptions that all blind folks need constant hand holding? Does Humanware every think about blind folks in countries where EASY ACCESS to a Humanware product service center is both unavailable or unheard of? A blind individual living in, say, Latvia using the BrailleNote needs to have the batteries replaced; such a one has to SHIP his equipment either to London or California, or may be even to New Zealand just to have batteries replaced! Wow, does Humanware every think about the COST ASSOCIATED with shipping for this blind individual? The same issues hold true for a blind individual in Swaziland or Eritrea; I suppose these could be left out of the loop because their buying power is so insignificant? But isn't the actual buying power of blind folks worldwide similarly limited? I just recently changed the battery in talking watch; I did it myself without having to ship the watch to, may be China or Japan to have it done. Is it really that hard for Humanware to keep things simple? I still have the Braille Lite 40 hanging around here; I use it as a backup for the time this classic goes to the clinic for chemotherapy ... I change the batteries in the Braille Lite 40 with no hassles! I think it is more of a control issue, a way to keep blind customers essentiall locked into a tight bind! I am all for newer and better concepts with respect to the battery thingy. I think that Humanware can and ought to do better in this respect. It is my hope that the newer generation of their notetakers will accede to the level where the users will be able to change their own batteries! Sincerely, Olusegun 2___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
