[nabs-l] Independence with a Price Tag

[Jedi]

David,

I don't think anyone is turning technology developers and government 
offices into the enemy. But I also think that the problem is well 
noted. One obstacle to employment for some folks might just be the high 
price tag of JFW, particularly if they're not doing something 
particularly technical.

As an aside, I don't know if you've worked with SA much, but it's 
surprisingly flexible in places where JFW isn't. For example, I used to 
go to a gym that mostly used flash content in its member login 
software. The software's used for members to track their workouts and 
initiate the hardware that takes their heartrate and their mechanical 
motion in order to figure out how many calories have been burned. I 
just plugged my SA key into the computer and had access to the whole 
application. This was in 2008, and at the time, JFW would have had a 
hard time reading that application, especially since I would have had 
to install it first. That is, unless I decided to get some scripts for it.

Yes, work and recreation are two different things, but the point I'm 
making is that a lot of folks poopoo SA basically saying that it's 
kinda like the screen reader for the common person, but it can do some 
interesting things.

Respectfully,
Jedi


Original message:
> Max,  You are right in some of your conclusions -- but not in
> others.  You are right that there are many individuals who can't
> afford the technology they need or could use.

> However, you seem to be making the Assistive Technology developers,
> and government agencies the enemy.  This is not the case.  I have
> been on all sides of the fence, individual, technology developer, and
> work for a state agency.

> It is not like the defense industry, the government doesn't give
> manufacturers big open-ended, cost plus contracts.  Yes, they buy
> stuff, but at the going price, or in come cases less because they can
> negotiate discounts due to volume.  They are not the enemy here.

> Secondly, all this stuff is expensive to develop -- I suspect more
> then you realize.

> Yes, a way to help individuals acquire technology is needed, but the
> solution isn't to make the government, or developers your enemy.

> David Andrews

> At 10:45 PM 2/2/2010, you wrote:
>> Dear list,

>> I'm continuously appalled at the price tags associated with adaptive
>> technology.  While you're in college you might receive assistance from your
>> rehab agency to purchase equipment.  You may get some assistance after you
>> find a job, but inevitably there comes a point when the expense comes
>> directly from your own pocket.  I wonder how many people have had to settle
>> for outdated technology because they simply cannot afford it.  But, that's
>> the thing.  I'm only assuming there are tons of people who cannot afford
>> this technology.  I'd like to lead a campaign to call public attention to
>> this monopoly, and, I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether or not you
>> think me crazy.  If my assumption is wrong, I'll keep my views to myself.
>> If there is a high number of people unable to tap into emerging software
>> simply because they cannot pay for it, I'd like to hear from you.  I
>> understand the technology itself costs a lot of money to develop.  Yet, it
>> seems more of the price boost is owed to extravagant government contracts
>> that allow the few players to charge something like $6,200 for a device
>> that, despite its best advertisements, does not perform completely on par
>> with its mainstream counterparts.

>> At this time I have only a vague idea for a strategy.  Yet it's something
>> I'm willing to build up if the need can be clearly identified.

>> Looking forward to your input,

>> Joe Orozco

>> "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the
>> crowd."--Max Lucado



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