[il-talk] Independence Comes in All Sorts of Packages

[Robert Gardner]

Have you ever thought about the little things in our lives that contribute to our independence?  Like something as simple as the long white cane.  Or a smart phone, or a slate and stylus.  

Well, I experienced something this week I found actually exciting, something that truly increased my independence.  I had a Kelvin talking thermostat installed in my house.  It’s fantastic!  I can press buttons, and it talks to me.  Or I can just talk to it, and it will follwo voice commands.  

For the first time as a blind adult, I can find out the temperature in my house, and I can raise or lower that temperature without sighted help.  I can even program the thing to raise and lower the temperature in the house at different times during the day.  

Call me crazy, but I think it’s really cool!  And on a more serious note, such a little thing has increased my independence in a recognizable amount.  And as an NFB’er, isn’t that what we’re all about?  


Bob Gardner