[nabs-l] DSB delaying needed equipment

[Jewel S.]

I decided to go with the laptop because of its flexibility with
third-party programs, ease of connection with the embosser and
scanner, and ease of direct connection with other students (I have a
document, I put it on a flash drive, give it to another student, they
put it on their computer, no translating the file, vice versa). They
will be getting a refreshable Braille display to use with the laptop;
that was one of the recommendations that was emphasized, because I am
so not an audio learner.

I did the tutorial for the Victor Stream at rehab and learned quite a
bit about it, and agree that it will be awesome and very helpful It
will allow me to keep up with my classes until the other equipment
comes in.

The other equipment will also be coming. I just emphasized the laptop
and Braille display as the most important for school. The other
equipment include a scanner, Juliette embosser, and a talking
scientific calculator (for science and math classes...my little
calculator was of very little help with even high school level maths
beyond the very basic).

I did contact the local chapter president (my adopted mama, actually)
and the state president, as well as the supervisor. They all know that
I am very independent, but am willing to ask for advise...they know
that they shouldn't do things *for* me since if they do that, I'll
never learn how to do it myself, but they know that if they tell me
how to do something, I'll do it. So that's what happened. They told me
how to do what I wanted to do, and I went and did it...most of it at
home on the phone so it didn't exhaust me from walking all over in the
heat. I'm quite proud of my work, but I've still got lots to do!
Tomorrow I gotta call Wake Tech to see if they got the financial aid
note from DoE so my tuition is covered (tuition is due Friday) and so
I can get my books and supplies. I still haven't heard from the person
who did the assessment about getting the recommendations over to my VR
counselor, but i'll be on his tail all day tomorrow. I can be merrily
annoying when I want to be.

At the same time, I'm fighting the leasing office to return my deposit
from the move...it's almost a month late and they gave no notice of
withholding, so they owe me the full amount back, $495, which I plan
on saving toward my Orlando trip next June/July. That's a whole nother
mess, but I'm right on their tails, too.

Self-advocacy is very important, but I'm still just learning it, as I
was a very withdrawn, timid child. I kept away from people because I
didn't want to be hurt by them as I had been hurt so many times by
bullies and back-stabbing "friends." I was abused emotionally and
mentally as a child (my therapist says from what I tell her, my mother
may be a true sadist). So, now I'm learning to stick up for myself and
not withdraw into myself when someone attacks my opinion, beliefs, or
assertions. *smiles*

On 7/26/10, Arielle Silverman <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I use JAWS and MS-Office all the time on my netbook (an Acer Aspire
> One) without problems.
>
> Arielle
>
> On 7/26/10, Ashley  Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>> Jewel,
>>
>> Thanks for the update.  Its good you're a great advocate!
>> So you decided to go the laptop way not the braille notetaker.  Since you
>> don't have the braille display of a notetaker, I hope they'll provide you
>> the display with your laptop. On your list of equipment, The VR stream is
>> least expensive.  So I'm glad they can get that for you fast and you'll
>> have
>> it by the time school starts!  The Vr stream is a recorder, book player,
>> text reader and more so I think you'll be impressed with it.
>>
>> What did they say about the other equipment such as a scanner?  Keep on
>> them
>> and it will turn out alright.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Ashley
>>
>>
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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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-- 
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com