Friends: I wanted to take this discussion off-list because it involves so many elements, and frankly, it is not a subject that has one conclusion or one answer, if you will. Since this is an International list, I am well aware that many of you will be put to sleep by what follows (which is why I wanted to take it off-list) but now I shall go forward. What I write pertains to the United States, and does not pertain to any other nation state. My point is not that this discussion is not valid, it is this. How one obtains technology depends on a person's needs and, frankly, their ability to learn. Some expect state and/or federal agencies to simply buy, buy, buy. Unfortunately, it isn't that easy. Every state agency is audited each year in order to determine how funds are spent and why they were spent. Each state agency receives Federal funding. The money received has strings attached. Funding must be justified. For example, to make this simple, I cannot authorize the purchase of technology for someone who would like to learn to read email and browse the web. Unless they're gonna get paid to do it! How state agencies spend their funds is mandated by Federal law. We who work for state agencies can decide what technology is purchased, but there are specific categories and guidelines we must follow. It's not because we all got together and decided we would be the judges with complete power over funds, we have to do what the law will let us do. Accordingly, if an individual wants technology, I have to ask why. If an individual can within reason state that this piece of technology will be used in order to prepare for, or obtain employment, in my state the person will most likely receive the technology. We rarely deny a request, and even if we do, we will always give a person a second chance. In fact, in many cases, when a person is employed and their technological needs change, we simply reopen the case and make the necessary purchases. In most cases, employers are quite reluctant to invest in technology for blind and visually impaired people, although in some cases I have seen it happen. I'm trying to make this as polite as I can, but to put it bluntly, we can only purchase technology that has a high price tag for those individuals who are preparing for employment (perhaps a student) or who have a specific set of plans whose outcome is expected to lead to employment. We are always talking with potential employers, and we are always hoping to find new opportunities for blind and visually impaired people. However, we are limited in funding and we cannot create jobs. States are losing funding at an alarming rate. The fact is, we live in a climate where the majority of citizens do not want government services. Yet, how can the majority of individuals ever come up with the money on their own? I know people who have done it, and I admire them completely. However, for most people, some agency will probably fund their technology. And, since the majority of Americans are not in favor of government services, funding will continue to grow smaller. This is in my view unfortunate, however it seems to be the trend. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Bishop Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 1:24 PM To: Braillenote List Subject: RE: [Braillenote] Obtaining a Braille-Note.
Richard, At the risk of incurring wrath from some on the list, I totally agree with you. This whole subject of "obtaining a braillenote" is really one of obtaining adaptive equipment; it could be a braillenote, a pacmate, a perkins brailler, or whatever. It really does belong on a more general blindness-related list as this list is really for those using the braillenote or those who may wish to have a braillenote and desire answer to questions specifically pertaining to the operation and use of the braillenote family of products. At least that's my impression of the list, along with my reason for joining and staying on it. If there are technical questions or "how to" questions in last night's and todays mail, they've certainly gotten lost in all the messages related to obtaining adaptive equipment. Just putting the word "braillenote" in the subject does not necessarily mean it's really for this list. Don On Tue, 7 Sep 2004 11:57:09 -0500, Richard Ring wrote: I would have much to say concerning this topic, because, I have a good deal to do with deciding what technology people in Iowa will receive. However, I think this topic needs to go off-list. This list doesn't concern how to obtain funding or rehabilitation services. This list is designed to assist BN/VN users in effectively using their products. I do not point this out to anger or frustrate anyone, I simply believe that this discussion is far more complex than it sounds and that this is not the place to continue it. Thanks. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sarai and Rosie Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 12:46 PM To: Braillenote List Subject: Re: [Braillenote] Obtaining a Braille-Note. Well first, you have to have an idea to present your case. For example for me I went from a voice note to a braille note with multilingual software. I justified it by the fact I am a Spanish major andhad no adequate way to do my work then I listed reasons of why I needed it. For a job, figure out what kind of job you want then justify why the BN would help you. Sarai and Rosie Isaiah 33:6 and there shall be stability in thy times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah is thy treasure. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Anita" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Braillenote List" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 1:16 AM Subject: Re: [Braillenote] Obtaining a Braille-Note. > I guess. Really have no idea. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Diane Kelker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Braillenote List" <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 2:21 AM > Subject: Re: [Braillenote] Obtaining a Braille-Note. > > Hello, > > > > There is a world of difference between wanting and needing any technical > item, including BRAILLE/VOICENOTES. Do you have a comprehensive and > practical educational, vocational, or professional plan which you are > systematically completing to the best of your ability despite your lack of > appropriate equipment? Can you clearly demonstrate with concrete facts, > figures, and relevant examples how a particular DVR investment would be > highly beneficial to your long-term and specific goals? Can you also > clearly and methodically outline your training techniques for learning the > BRAILLENOTE? These fundamental questions must be carefully considered and > answered with concise and complete details before a legitimate and workable > request can be submitted to DVR or any other funding agency with realistic > expectations of being granted! > > > > > > Diane Kelker, Actress, Coach, Professional Woman > > > > > > ___ > > To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit > > http://list.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote > > > ___ > To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit > http://list.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote ___ To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote ___ To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote ___ To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.pulsedata.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
