[nabs-l] backpacks are unprofessional?

Beth thebluesisloose at gmail.com
Thu Jan 29 12:00:06 UTC 2009


Good suggestion, Joseph.  Personally, I just carry my BrailleNote
around, and have a laptop backpack for carrying my computer around
when I come to and from the university.  I don't carry backpacks
because I feel it can be harmful to the shoulders if mishandled.
Beth

On 1/29/09, T. Joseph Carter <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com> wrote:
> If you can get a bag with a "floating strap" it will feel lighter and
> hurt your shoulder less.  Also, I've been using convergence devices
> more and more so that I need carry less.  I also carry a 3lb computer
> instead of the traditional 6lb laptop--though these have limitations
> (see the thread on nettops--smallish keyboards and screens or high
> price tags..)
>
> You should might be able to order just the strap from Waterfield
> (sfbags.com), which is what I use.  It's about the only affordable
> product they sell, and it's a nice strap for that sort of bag.  You
> might have to email Gary and ask him to sell you one.
>
> Otherwise, the style of strap is one that has a shoulder pad that
> won't slip easily, and is long and stretchy.  Most fatigue from an
> over-the-shoulder bag comes from the shock of motion, and the
> stretchy shoulder pad takes most of the force out of that.  It makes
> the bag feel lighter and easier to wear.
>
> Just a suggestion.
>
> Joseph
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 11:54:49PM -0500, Jamie Principato wrote:
>>I can kind of see where your professor is going, but at the same time I
>>don't think he understands how inconvenient and impractical it is for a
>>blind professional to carry around a messenger bag or briefcase. I don't
>>know where I'd be if I was suddenly told I couldn't carry my backpack on my
>>back. A messenger bag throws me off balance and I tend to move diagonally
>> to
>>the side the weight is on if it's heavy (which we all know it would be.).
>> It
>>also makes it more difficult to use my cane, and the weight can be rather
>>painful and potentially harmful. I can understand if I was driving into
>> town
>>to do this work, but if I'm walking and using public transit, it just isn't
>>practical... And frankly, our bags are heavier (usually) than a sighted
>>persons, what with the weight of any braille or large print materials we'd
>>be carrying, laptops, note-takers, magnifiers, things that may be needed
>> for
>>the dog (not sure about that one since I don't use a dog, but I imagine
>> it's
>>a possible added weight). It just makes more sense to use both shoulders
>>instead of one or just your hand.
>>
>>I don't think it looks unprofessional to be carrying a backpack. I mean, if
>>a blind person was doing business with me and they had on a barbie doll or
>>spider man backpack, or it had stickers and buttons all over it advertising
>>their favorite bands or college sports teams, I have to say that would look
>>very unprofessional and may lead me to take this person less seriously. But
>>a simple, organized adult backpack is fine, in my opinion...
>>
>>However I am not the majority, and I find time and time again that my views
>>on blindness and other matters differ greatly from those of the majority.
>
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