So, how does one change a culture from one assistive technology to a better
one? What sort of persuasion and social influence, directed to what audiences,
can bring us to a tipping point where a new technology becomes prevalent?
Dave Myers
This is beginning to remind me of The American Beef Association sponsoring
research
to ascertain if beef is good for us.We should not be surprised if the
outcomes support beef usage. As the unchallenged cross-cultural dude on Tips,I
find "better one " assertion
very presumptive.Some people may still prefer the old technology even though
there is an updated version.The reason for that is some people have developped
a comfort zone with the old stuff and may not be able to handle internalized
changes that must be made,such as
different sensations,the slip-ups,that they occur in mechanical
adjustments,and the incorrect attributions to blaming the new device paradigm
for major or even minor social and other interactional errors. I suspect that
could be an issue for more advanced seniors.
The device seems to be confined to use in enclosed structural
situations such as churches,rooms.theatres,and so on.In this case it is limited
in its usage.If the target populations do not frequent those avenues,it could
be a hard sell..Although it is the law that buildings should have wheel chair
accessible ramps or be constructed in such a way to facilitate handicap
access,the fact that the hearing impaired is not distinguishable
from any other person in a group could be a factor in selling the idea to some
institutions.I am not sure of the nature of the concerns of thew ADA about
this.
It seems to fall more along the lines of the "sensory" challenged challenged
than demonstrable physically challenged.Note how braille is not required to be
available
in public accomodation buildings.
I do think that it is good technology.Europeans tend to make
cities centers
for public,social,and cultural activities so it could be easier to implement
devices like the loop in buildings concentrated in the or two areas.In the U.S
we are spread out all over and there may be different population dynamics for
different areas.I think it is easier to implement public support in Europe than
in the U.S.Besides there are not too many of them
in the various countries.
Michael"omnicebtric" Sylvester,PhD
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