[nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment

Tue Jul 27 01:12:44 UTC 2010

Someone told me that notebooks don't have the memory capacity to run
JAWS and Microsoft Office at the same time. Is this true? I was told a
netbook would not fit my needs for school, that a laptop is what I
need.

And...an update! I talked to my VR counselor's supervisor. He told me
that if I can get the man who did the initial assessment to recommend
a laptop and provide the specs for it (memory capacity, programs
needed such as JAWS and Microsoft Office, etc) and sent that
recommendation with the others to my counselor, she could process it
quicker and while it would take 30 days from the day she submitted the
order to when I got my equipment, I would be able to get a few ideas
before school. For instance, since the Victor Stream is a
comparitively inexpensive item and is not customized, I would have one
by the time school starts if we go the order in this week (a
possibility if the man who did the assessment got his paperwork over
to my counselor in the next few days, which is possible). And with the
$500 that DSB provides for books and supplies, I would be able to get
the 32 gb flash drive I need for my textbooks (DSS will put my
textbook word documents on a flash drive, if I provide the flash
drive, which would make it easier to get it on the Victor or on a
laptop). I'll also have a recording device, since that's built in the
Victor Stream. In this way, I'll be able to start classes and not fall
behind. It won't be perfect, but there won't be a whole lot going on
the first week of classes, and I can make do with what I have, along
with readers and possibly a notetaker for the week after that.

So there we go. It's a start. As long as they do this, I'll be all
right, I think.

On 7/26/10, David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com> wrote:
> 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
>>>>>>>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
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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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>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>--
>>>>>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
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>_______________________________________________
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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
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>nabs-l mailing list
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>>
>>
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>
>                          David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
> Follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920
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-- 
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com