Hi Richard: I think you made a lot of interesting points. However, a part of the reason why adaptive technology companies may not have the type of capital that HP has is because, unlike HP, these companies DO NOT SELL stocks to source capital! Some of them may have turned to VENTURE CAPITAL corporations to raise the initial funds for take off and are trying hard to repay the loan. Me thinks there are a number of blind folks who have some largess to invest and would possibly consider investing in adaptive technology companies if they sell stocks.
Also, if these products can be made available in the mainstream markets, I think the prices may drop somewhat. I wager that making them available in mainstream markets may even create job opportunities for blind individuals. It is gratifying to know that the U.S. government and several other governments in the Western world do assist with the cost of purchasing these equipment; however, there are usually so many hurdles to SKIP THROUGH just to get the help. Developers and manufacturers of equipment used by sighted folks also sell to the government and this is because the government is the single largest buyer of any product(s) or service(s). Government does in fact NEGOTIATE prices with suppliers; however, in the case of adaptive equipment, there is NO SUCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATION process; government just pays whatever price the developer stipulates! In essence, adaptive technology developers are merely MILKING THE GOVERNMENT the same way I would HAVE BEEN MILKED if I had come up with the funds. Adaptive technology developers and manufacturers should OPEN THEIR COMPANIES up for scrutiny, sell stocks, and let's see where the pendulum will swing them!! Sincerely, Olusegun
