[nabs-l] Independence with a Price Tag

Wed Feb 3 23:37:34 UTC 2010

Voc Rehab agencies are supposed to provide training for equipment they provide for their clients. The key word in that sentence is "supposed to". The problem isn't always lack of instructors, but a lack of an adequate vendor's system in certain states. Everyone should remember you have the right to sea out an independent technology evaluation if you're not getting the services you need from voc. rehab. Usually, if you show initiative in that area and show you will stick to your guns and know what you need, they'll give. Backing down is never the answer, even though it can be difficult to push the issue with people who are in a position of authority. I know this was a bit off topic, but hope it is helpful.

Briley
On Feb 3, 2010, at 2:03 PM, V Nork wrote:

> This is such a complex issue, but so critical to the lives of  the members of our community.  It should be pointed out, I think, that just being able to afford the equipment is sometimes just the beginning of sticker shock. It can be extremely expensive to find instruction for your complicated new devices, if you can  even find it.  This is true also for repair, since this equipment is so specialized and esoteric at this time, not everyone who works on computers will be able to do repairs if needed Best, Ginnie.
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Hope Paulos" <hope.paulos at maine.edu>
> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:45 AM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Independence with a Price Tag
> 
> 
>> Dear Joe. I agree with you. There have been countless times that I've needed adaptive technology and haven't been able to purchase it without assistance from my vocational rehabilitation agency. (I was in high school or college at the time). It's horrible to think that companies can charge $150 or more for even  software updates.  Paying $6,200 or thereabouts for a device made especially for the blind is ludicrous. Especially when this device may not be compatible with mainstream software. If you need help with this campaign, I'd be more than willing to assist you in any way possible.
>> Sincerely,
>> Hope Paulos
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe Orozco" <jsorozco at gmail.com>
>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: "'Discussion list for NABS,National Alliance of Blind Students.'" <nabs at acb.org>; <tabs_students at googlegroups.com>; "'NFBnet NFBCS Mailing List'" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 11:45 PM
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Independence with a Price Tag
>> 
>> 
>>> 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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