[nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment

Sun Jul 25 18:06:35 UTC 2010

Thank you, that's good food for though. I know I am a decent typer.
When typing from the top of my head, I can type up to 80 wpm. When
typing what is on an audio recording, I can typ up to 60 wpm, though
it is often closer to 50 wpm.

I'm going to see how soon the assessment can be done for this, but
would really like to do the assessment rather than trying to justify
one over the other on my own. I'll keep you guys updated on how it
goes.

~Jewel

On 7/25/10, stacy timberlake <guitargirl89 at windstream.net> wrote:
>     When you are agreeing to accept a laptop rather than a notetaker
> consider whether you plan on taking notes in class or recording your classes
> and taking notes based on your recordings.  If you plan on taking notes in
> class consider whether you are really a fast enough typist to do this
> effectively.  (I personally am MUCH faster at typing on my Braille note than
> I am on a traditional keyboard--even though I am pretty fast on a keyboard)
> This could be part of your argument in favor of receiving both pieces of
> equipment.  I am a junior in college and I find both my laptop and notetaker
> crucial so don't give up!
> Also be aware that there are other methods in which to get both devices.  If
> you are unable to get  them through  your counselor explore charitable
> organizations such as the lions club,  but bare in mind that if you HAVE to
> accept only one the note taker is MUCH more expensive than a laptop and it
> has refreshable Braille.  Bare in mind that every other student at your
> college has to undertake the expense of a laptop so it is not completely
> unreasonable for you to do the same (also most colleges have payment plans
> to fund the purchase of a laptop)
> If your counselor refuses to purchase both I would push for a note taker as
> well as the software required to make the laptop accessible for you.  (If
> you show your counselor now that you are willing to take on some of the
> expense as well they will be more likely to assist you with the additional
> expenses that come up as you continue your education)
> -Stacy
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Briley Pollard" <brileyp at gmail.com>
> To: "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>; "National Association of
> Blind Students mailing list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 11:31 PM
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>
>
> A notetaker and a netbook do not serve the same purpose since they don't
> perform the same functions. They fulfill separate but equally important
> educational needs.
>
> Briley
> On Jul 24, 2010, at 9:13 PM, Ashley Bramlett wrote:
>
>> Briley,
>> A rehab agency will not buy duplicate equipment serving the same purpose
>> especially in tight budget times.  A
>> laptop with braille display or
>> braille notetaker serve the same purpose; both provide that braille output
>>
>> Jewel said would be most conducive to learning.
>> So no they won't buy a laptop with braille display and braille notetaker.
>> However I have heard of VR clients receiving a braille notetaker and
>> laptop, but nothing external with the laptop such as braille display.  If
>> you have a braille notetaker you can use its display
>> hooked up to a computer and I imagine you could hook it to a laptop too.
>> Having equipment serving the same function is hard to justify.
>>
>> Ashley
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Briley Pollard" <brileyp at gmail.com>
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 8:37 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>>
>>
>> If you will be most successful with a notetaker and lap-top, they will get
>>
>> you both. It won't be difficult to justify. Stick to your guns. You'll get
>>
>> what you need.
>>
>> Briley
>> On Jul 24, 2010, at 7:25 PM, Jewel S. wrote:
>>
>>> DSB told me that they would get either a Braille notetaker OR a laptop
>>> with a refreshable Braille display, but not both.
>>>
>>> ~Jewel
>>>
>>> On 7/24/10, Arielle Silverman <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Hi Jewel,
>>>>
>>>> I wonder if you can ask for a laptop with JAWS, a Braille notetaker,
>>>> and a scanner. That's the setup I use and I've been very pleased with
>>>> it-electronic books and notes can be read on the Braille Note's
>>>> Braille display, while the laptop can be used for the third-party
>>>> applications you described. I tried bringing a Braille embosser to
>>>> college my first year, and I found myself never using it since I had
>>>> Braille access on my notetaker and, as you mention, Brailling
>>>> textbooks yourself is quite labor-intensive.
>>>>
>>>> Best of luck!
>>>> Arielle
>>>>
>>>> On 7/24/10, Jewel S. <herekittykat2 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Thanks for that clarification. I requested either a Braille notetaker
>>>>> (such as the PacMate or BrailleNote) or a laptop with a refreshable
>>>>> Braille display. The person who did the initial assessment thought a
>>>>> laptop and refreshable Braille display would be a better set-up than a
>>>>> Braille notetaker for flexibility, ease of use, and usability with
>>>>> third-party programs such as my DaybyDay planning calendar. I agreed
>>>>> with this assessment, though if they gave me a Braille notetaker
>>>>> instead of the laptop-Braille display combination, I would not turn it
>>>>> down and would work with it I think about equally as well. My concern
>>>>> is that if I get a laptop, I must have a way to read my books and
>>>>> notes in Braille. The embosser will help with this, but putting my
>>>>> textbooks and notes all in hard-copy Braille is not feasible, I think,
>>>>> and a waste of paper. But I simply cannot listen to long segments of
>>>>> audio, especially when I'm supposed to be listening to the professor
>>>>> (I know I can read the book ahead of time, but in my Spanish class, at
>>>>> least, we will be doing a lot of reading aloud).
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm hoping to be on my way with getting this resolved Monday. It's
>>>>> really frustrating and I'm impatient about the weekend.
>>>>>
>>>>> I do appreciate everyone's input on this. It has given me many things
>>>>> to think about and some encouragement that I should be getting what I
>>>>> need for school.
>>>>>
>>>>> ~Jewel
>>>>>
>>>>> On 7/24/10, Arielle Silverman <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> Hi all,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I think what I meant by "luxury" is the large Braille display that
>>>>>> connects to a computer. While these are ideal, I think you can get
>>>>>> almost the same degree of access with a portable Braille notetaker
>>>>>> with a Braille display, such as a Braille Note or Pac Mate, and I
>>>>>> believe portable notetakers are also cheaper than Braille display
>>>>>> computer hookups. Jewel, I don't remember if you had requested both a
>>>>>> Braille notetaker and a Braille display in your original equipment
>>>>>> setup, but if you  find yourself needing to negotiate, the Braille
>>>>>> notetaker will give you lots of Braille functionality whether you
>>>>>> choose to read your books on it or listen and take notes in Braille,
>>>>>> as I do.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Arielle
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 7/23/10, Jewel S. <herekittykat2 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> 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
>>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>>>>>>>>>>>> account
>>>>>>>>>>>>> info for nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jsorozco
>>>>>>>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your
>>>>>>>>>>>>> account info for nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/william.odonnell1%40yahoo.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>>>>>>>>> info
>>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> --
>>>>>>>>>>> Arielle Silverman
>>>>>>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>>>>>>> Phone:  602-502-2255
>>>>>>>>>>> Email:
>>>>>>>>>>> nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>> Website:
>>>>>>>>>>> www.nabslink.org
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/brileyp%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/brileyp%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Arielle Silverman
>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> Phone:  602-502-2255
>>>>>> Email:
>>>>>> nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>>>> Website:
>>>>>> www.nabslink.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Arielle Silverman
>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>> Phone:  602-502-2255
>>>> Email:
>>>> nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>> Website:
>>>> www.nabslink.org
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> nabs-l:
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/brileyp%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40earthlink.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/brileyp%40gmail.com
>
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