[nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment

[Jewel S.]

Thank you for this resource. I wil lread it; it looks good. I can
quote it in my complaints, I'm sure.

~Jewel

On 7/23/10, Briley Pollard <brileyp at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi again,
>
> This resource is long, but really highlights Voc Rehab's responsibilities
> with specific RSA situations. This should help you a great deal.
>
> http://www.nls.org/vrron.htm
>
> Briley
> On Jul 23, 2010, at 1:18 PM, Jewel S. wrote:
>
>> This is my feelings also. I do not think the refreshable Braille
>> display is a luxury, but an essential tool for my learning. I am a
>> visual and tactile learner, and have a lot of trouble learning by
>> audio teaching only. I often have to re-read what JAWS has read to me
>> several times, and have to rewind audio books if I have the least
>> distraction (such as someone making a comment to me or the radio or tv
>> or pretty much any background noise can distract me).
>>
>> A quick update. They want to do an accessment (laptop or PDA). I'm
>> going to ask about justifying just getting the laptop, as I think
>> it'll be the easiest way to go (more compatibility with programs, more
>> connection with other students, less expensive for DSB, more versatile
>> in future programs that I purchase). The supervisor was not in today;
>> I will speak to him on Monday and get this all straightened out.
>>
>> ~Jewel
>>
>> On 7/23/10, Briley Pollard <brileyp at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I just wanted to offer that I don't agree that a Braille display is a
>>> "luxury", and that you shouldn't push for Voc Rehab to provide it. Is
>>> having
>>> print a "luxury", for sighted students? No. If Braille is your preferred
>>> reading medium, you shouldn't be forced to just get by with only audio if
>>> that is not how you best learn. They would never send a sighted student
>>> off
>>> to college and say, "Good luck getting by with no print books." Voc Rehab
>>> can provide this for you, and moving up the chain of command will achieve
>>> the quickest results. Every regional office has specific complaint
>>> procedures which you can request in writing from your councilor's
>>> manager.
>>>
>>> Just my thoughts,
>>> Briley
>>> On Jul 22, 2010, at 4:44 PM, Arielle Silverman wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Jewel and all,
>>>>
>>>> This is an old story that I've heard way too many times from students.
>>>> Your counselor's actions (or non-actions) are ridiculous and
>>>> definitely need to be addressed with her supervisor(s). In the
>>>> meantime, though, I think it's important to come up with a plan B that
>>>> doesn't involve DSB at all, at least while you're waiting. A few
>>>> ideas:
>>>>
>>>> 1. With rehab, I'd focus on getting the computer and scanner. The
>>>> refreshable Braille display and embosser are nice, but they're
>>>> luxuries, not necessities, in my opinion. Asking for just a couple
>>>> pieces of equipment rather than the whole gamut may be less
>>>> complicated/bureaucratic.
>>>> 2. Does your school have an office for blind/disabled students? If so
>>>> they very well might have equipment for loan, like computers, and they
>>>> should have public-access scanners that you can walk in and use. If
>>>> not, find out if there's anywhere else on campus (like the bookstore
>>>> or library) where you can borrow or rent a computer for low or no
>>>> cost. Perhaps family members or friends might have extra computers you
>>>> can borrow? Once you have the computer, you should be able to download
>>>> a free open-source screen reader to use with it.
>>>> 2. The NFB has a technology loan program and your NFB affiliate might
>>>> have one too. Call the NFB Braille and Technology Center at
>>>> 410-659-9314 for details. Of course borrowing equipment for free is
>>>> better than racking up interest, but it could be a last-resort,
>>>> temporary option.
>>>> 3. If you can't get a portable computer, see if any of the public
>>>> computers on your campus are accessible (all Mac's are out of the
>>>> box). What you may need to do in a pinch is use a voice recorder in
>>>> class and then use the public computer for assignments.
>>>> 4. Remember that
>>>> www.rfbd.org
>>>> provides books in audio format, and
>>>> www.bookshare.org
>>>> provides books for free in a text format that you can read on a
>>>> regular computer (either the public computer or a rented one).
>>>> 5. Don't forget that readers are low-tech and relatively cheap
>>>> (usually $7 per hour) and if your school has a community service club,
>>>> you might be able to find volunteer readers. If rehab is
>>>> uncooperative, your school (either the disability resource center or
>>>> the department of your major) may be willing to help pay for readers,
>>>> at least initially while you wait for equipment.
>>>>
>>>> In short, while you should definitely nag rehab to get you what you
>>>> need (especially the laptop, scanner, and perhaps an audio book player
>>>> like a Stream), rehab isn't, and shouldn't be, your only option. I
>>>> think the only piece of equipment that's really mission-critical is a
>>>> computer, and that can be either a personal computer or a public
>>>> computer. Even your local public library might have a public computer
>>>> you can use. I'd recommend staying in your classes if at all possible.
>>>> Textbooks can be read with readers (readers can even be students in
>>>> your classes, who have to read the books anyway), or with a public
>>>> scanner (which might be available in the library or DRC).
>>>>
>>>> Best of luck and please keep us posted on your progress.
>>>> Arielle
>>>>
>>>> On 7/22/10, William ODonnell <william.odonnell1 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>>> I would have to say that I agree with Joe on many of the points he has
>>>>> made.
>>>>> Also, keep some things “off record” with your councilor.  I am
>>>>> referring
>>>>> to
>>>>> the suggestions of you purchasing a net book that you provided in your
>>>>> email.  Remember the following approach: don’t ask, don’t tell or do
>>>>> not
>>>>> give any additional information than requested.
>>>>> In addition, always copy a supervisor when you’re documenting so the
>>>>> context
>>>>> of what you discuss is not altered or misrepresented at a later date.
>>>>> Finally, investigate whether or not your local independent living
>>>>> center
>>>>> has
>>>>> advocates that will speak on your behalf.
>>>>> Note: some colleges and universities have laptops or net books that
>>>>> disabled
>>>>> students can reserve from there DSS office for use during class.  In
>>>>> regard
>>>>> to readers or reading services, some organizations for the blind as
>>>>> well
>>>>> as
>>>>> community centers have people from the community who volunteer who may
>>>>> assist you.  In addition, check with your college or university to see
>>>>> if
>>>>> you can post an add requesting for volunteers to assist you when time
>>>>> is
>>>>> of
>>>>> the essence and your accommodations/equipment is not available.  I say
>>>>> the
>>>>> following since it is a reality.  Note: I do not want to discourage or
>>>>> scare
>>>>> you; however, throughout your college career, you will learn and see
>>>>> that
>>>>> you will need to liquidate all avenues since many times you will
>>>>> experience
>>>>> faulty services and accommodations while meeting important deadlines as
>>>>> any
>>>>> other student.  You will need to be strong and always be your own
>>>>> advocate
>>>>> while never losing focus with your agenda.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --- On Thu, 7/22/10, Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> From: Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>>>>>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Date: Thursday, July 22, 2010, 11:30 AM
>>>>>> Hi Jewel,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I see online that North Carolina just started a new fiscal
>>>>>> year.  This is
>>>>>> bad, because this is when agencies can afford to lapse a
>>>>>> little.  If I were
>>>>>> you, and taking your budget into consideration, this is my
>>>>>> personal
>>>>>> recommendation:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1. Take Justin's suggestion and go straight to the director
>>>>>> of that field
>>>>>> office.  It's not your job to ease this counselor into
>>>>>> her new position.
>>>>>> Your first priority is getting what you need to be ready
>>>>>> for school.  Put
>>>>>> your communications to the director in writing.  Say
>>>>>> in your first e-mail
>>>>>> that you will follow up via telephone in a few days to talk
>>>>>> about what can
>>>>>> be done.  Later, after your phone call, send another
>>>>>> e-mail summarizing what
>>>>>> was talked about.  Always keep a written record of
>>>>>> your communications.  In
>>>>>> the letter you should give a brief summary of the events to
>>>>>> this point, but
>>>>>> I would spend more time listing the equipment you need and
>>>>>> a good
>>>>>> justification for why you need them.  This may
>>>>>> somewhat minimize the need
>>>>>> for an assessment if you can give concrete reasons for why
>>>>>> the products are
>>>>>> required.  Also, rank your products in order of most
>>>>>> important.  The Victor
>>>>>> Stream, for example, may be a necessity, but it could
>>>>>> probably go near or at
>>>>>> the bottom since your top priority is the ability to take
>>>>>> notes in class.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 2. Locate the individual or office that handles technology
>>>>>> assessments.  The
>>>>>> more people you have inquiring into your case, the better,
>>>>>> and even if they
>>>>>> say they need to hear from your counselor, when your
>>>>>> counselor calls the
>>>>>> people will be familiar with you and have more of an
>>>>>> incentive to act.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 3. Talk to your NFB affiliate president.  He or she
>>>>>> may know of someone
>>>>>> working in the agency who can look into your case.
>>>>>> The affiliate should
>>>>>> also prove to be a good advocate on your behalf.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 4. Locate your nearest Lions Club.  They may be able
>>>>>> to step in and help
>>>>>> with the cost of a netbook.  If you can get that, you
>>>>>> can use one of the
>>>>>> free or reasonably priced screen readers while you wait for
>>>>>> your other
>>>>>> technology to arrive.  The main thing is to get you
>>>>>> something for the first
>>>>>> day of class, and I think your Lions Club or Rotary Club
>>>>>> should be able to
>>>>>> generate $300 on your behalf.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This is, at least, a start.  I'm in a bit of a rush
>>>>>> but can offer more later
>>>>>> if you're still in a bind.  Hopefully others will
>>>>>> chime in as well.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Best of luck,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Joe
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
>>>>>> their sleeves,
>>>>>> some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at
>>>>>> all."--Sam Ewing
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>> [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>>> On Behalf Of Jewel S.
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:06 AM
>>>>>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> Subject: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dear all,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I am having serious issues with DSB here in North Carolina.
>>>>>> I begin
>>>>>> classes August 16, and have been working toward getting
>>>>>> some needed
>>>>>> equipment. This equipment is a netbook with JAWS, a
>>>>>> refreshable
>>>>>> Braille display, a VictorStream Reader, a Juliette
>>>>>> embosser, a
>>>>>> scanner, OpenBook scanning program and Dusxbury
>>>>>> (spelling?), and JAWS
>>>>>> for my home computer. I have been working very hard on my
>>>>>> side to get
>>>>>> this done in time for classes. However, I was reassigned
>>>>>> recently to a
>>>>>> new VR counselor (by new, I mean green...this is her first
>>>>>> position).
>>>>>> She did not even know who the assessment person *was*, let
>>>>>> alone how
>>>>>> to do an assessment referral, so after I saw one person for
>>>>>> review of
>>>>>> my home computer and basic needs, she did nothing with
>>>>>> that
>>>>>> information, despite him having stated that I needed an
>>>>>> assessment
>>>>>> with a particular computer teacher. It was not until I
>>>>>> asked him what
>>>>>> the next step was again that he said that my counselor
>>>>>> should have set
>>>>>> up the assessment (when I had talked to him the first time,
>>>>>> he had
>>>>>> said that my VR counselor would see the referral sent and I
>>>>>> needed to
>>>>>> just wait for the referral to go through).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Now, because of my counselor's delay in getting the
>>>>>> referral done, the
>>>>>> paperwork has not even been submitted for my equipment. At
>>>>>> first, they
>>>>>> told me it would take two to three weeks to get the
>>>>>> equipment. Then
>>>>>> they said one month. Now they are saying that it could take
>>>>>> up to two
>>>>>> months!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Classes start August 16, and I do not have any of the
>>>>>> equipment I
>>>>>> need. The only method of note-taking I have (other than
>>>>>> getting a
>>>>>> notetaker to take notes for me, which I'd rather not) is my
>>>>>> slate and
>>>>>> stylus. With my physical problems, I can only use a slate
>>>>>> for a few
>>>>>> lines at a time before my wrist and arm begin to hurt very
>>>>>> badly, so I
>>>>>> don't see that as a possibility at all. I do not even have
>>>>>> a voice
>>>>>> recorder, though I am considering whether I have the funds
>>>>>> to purchase
>>>>>> one myself (I am on a very tight budget these days).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have suggested the solution of renting a laptop until my
>>>>>> equipment
>>>>>> comes in. However, my counselor seems to have taken that to
>>>>>> mean that
>>>>>> I am willing to buy a used laptop on my own. She has
>>>>>> suggested places
>>>>>> to purchase used laptops and said she will look into it
>>>>>> also. When I
>>>>>> asked her whether this would take the place of the laptop
>>>>>> promised me
>>>>>> by DSB, she didn't answer directly but told me that the
>>>>>> laptop I would
>>>>>> purchase would last me throughout my curriculum. But if
>>>>>> it's used, how
>>>>>> can she be so sure? And how does she expect me to pay for
>>>>>> such a
>>>>>> laptop?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is this appropriate action on the behlaf of my counselor?
>>>>>> SWhat should
>>>>>> I expect to happen? If she is not doing things properly,
>>>>>> who should I
>>>>>> bring this up with?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I said, classes start in a few weeks. I do not have a
>>>>>> way to record
>>>>>> the classes, type notes, read my books in class, or
>>>>>> complete
>>>>>> worksheets in class. I will basically be stuck relying on
>>>>>> other
>>>>>> students to take notes for me, read exercises to me, and
>>>>>> will not be
>>>>>> able to participate when the class reads the books. I might
>>>>>> as well
>>>>>> not even attend class, for all I will be able to do! From
>>>>>> what DSB is
>>>>>> telling me, it will be halfway through the semester before
>>>>>> I get any
>>>>>> of my needed equipment. Is the renting of a laptop a
>>>>>> reasonable
>>>>>> accommodation while I wait, or should I drop these classes
>>>>>> and wait
>>>>>> until next semester? I will not be able to participate
>>>>>> appropriately
>>>>>> in class without even a laptop, and my grades will be
>>>>>> drastically
>>>>>> effected by this.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any advice, please?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yours,
>>>>>> Jewel Shuping
>>>>>> Wake Tech Community College
>>>>>> Raleigh, NC
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
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>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
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>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Arielle Silverman
>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>> Phone:  602-502-2255
>>>> Email:
>>>> nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>> Website:
>>>> www.nabslink.org
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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