[nabs-l] access to Work Out Equipment

[Jim Reed]

Jessica, 

Wouldn't it just be easier memorize button locations or  to Braille the machine's buttons, and then either memorize or create a cheatsheet as to what the buttons do? 

For example, on my cell phone, I may not be able to read where is says "power", but I know the power button is the topmost button on the left. Also, even if I cant read the cell phone's display screen, I know that if I push menu 3 times that I will then be at my contacts list, then if I push down 4 times my dad's phone number will be highlighted, then I can push send. I don't need to see the screen, or have it talk to me to figure it out.

As to why they don't make talking exersize equipment, the reason it is not made is because it does not make buisness sence to do so. First, there are not enough blind or reading impaired persons to make it profitable and/orworthwhile to make such machines. Additionally, making a talking treadmill is not as easy as simply adding a speaker to the machine. It is quite likely that several parts of the manufacture and assembly plant procees would have to be drasticly changed. This could include expensive propositions such as requiring new equipment, and then having to hire and train new emploees to run the equipment. From the manufactures point of view, it is not worth the hassle of compkletely retooling the engeneering of the machine, and retooling the manufacturing process simply to make a run of 1,000 talking treadmills. You may be willing to pay a little more for a talking treadmill, but given everything I just said, you would not pay a little more for
 for a talking machine, you would pay alot more.

Jim

Message: 11
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:10:15 -0500
From: "Jessica Kostiw" <jessicac.kostiw at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] access to Work Out Equipment
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"

Hey, I apologize, I know this is an old thread.  I've been really busy and 
am just now getting to my E mail.  I have a question.  Does anyone know if 
NFB or ACB has ever tried to push for accessible exercise equipment?  It 
seems to me they would make a killing!  I don't know about you, but I would 
pay a little extra for a talking treadmill, or elliptical.

Thoughts?
Jessica Kostiw

"From compromise and things half done, 
Keep me with stern and stubborn pride,
And when at last the fight is won, 
... Keep me still unsatisfied." --Louis Untermeyer