[nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment

[David Andrews]

A netbook is essentially an inexpensive notebook computer.  They are 
smaller in size, and have a less powerful processor, and usually USB 
and network connections, no floppy drives, no cd-rom or dvd drives etc.

They generally sell in the $200 to $500 range.

Dave

At 06:02 PM 7/26/2010, you wrote:
>What is a netbook, and how are they different than a laptop?
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Arielle Silverman" 
><nabs.president at gmail.com>
>To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Monday, July 26, 2010 6:45 PM
>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>
>
>Hi all,
>
>You may already know this, but you can get a netbook for $200-$400
>which in my opinion is almost as good as a laptop-and also
>considerably easier to carry.
>
>Arielle
>
>On 7/25/10, Serena <serenacucco at verizon.net> wrote:
>>Have you ever used a BrailleNote?  The Apex, the newest model, has wireless
>>capability and multiple USB ports.  Therefore, a laptop with a Braille
>>display isn't necessarily the best technology for your future.  The fact
>>that a laptop is less expensive for your agency to buy really shouldn't
>>matter to you as a consumer.  You're being too nice to the agency!  What you
>>need/want matters most.
>>
>>Serena
>>
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
>>To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>><nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 2:18 PM
>>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment
>>
>>
>>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
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>>>>>>info for nabs-l:
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>>>>>>%40gmail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>>>nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>>nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>>nabs-l mailing list
>>>>>nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
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>>>>>nabs-l:
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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
>>>>
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>nabs-l mailing list
>>>>nabs-l at nfbnet.org
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>>>>nabs-l:
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>>>
>>>
>>>_______________________________________________
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>>
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>>
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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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                         David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
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