[nabs-l] Interesting topic for discussion: Is Technology Turning into Our Enemy?

[Jorge Paez]

Kirt:

Agree with you 100%.
I think both SSI and any kind of Wellfare program should run like that.

Jorge


On Apr 8, 2011, at 5:26 PM, Kirt Manwaring wrote:

> Bridget,
>  I pretty much agree with you completely here.  I, for one, am guilty
> of spending way too much time on facebook, blogs, and blindness
> mailinglists.  *smile*  At any rate, I'm not really sure what a good
> solution would be.
>  The problem of dependence on technology is, as you illuded to
> earlier, much more widespread than just the blindness community.  But
> unfortunately for blind people, who happen to be a minority which, in
> general, is already quite dependent on society, the problem gets
> compounded.  Here we have bright, capable blind people who (I'm
> thinking of specific instances here, I'm not implying all blind people
> are like this) who aren't really sure how much they can contribute to
> society.  When you add in the fact that a disproportionately large
> number of blind people get the basic support they need through SSI,
> the motivation to get employed can all but disappear.
>  Here's an idea I just had- I'm not advocating this, but I'd be
> interested to see what people think.  What if SSI were restricted to
> students, or people actively seeking employment?  What if, in order to
> qualify, you either need to be attending a school of some kind, either
> university or trade, or show that you turn in at least 1 job
> application/resume every month?  Maybe if that idea's too agressive,
> what if SSI were limited to students or graduates of a post-high
> school institution?
>  That's all purely hypothetical, it would go against our current
> wellfare state mindset...but you know what?  I'm almost sold on the
> idea of restricting SSI to those interested in paying the system back.
> The more I think about it, the better it's sounding.
>  Best,
> Kirt
> P.S.  I'm only making this a political discussion because it has to be.
> 
> On 4/8/11, Bridgit Pollpeter <bpollpeter at hotmail.com> wrote:
>> Hello NABSTERS,
>> 
>> This was posted on another list.  It is a topic I find interesting, and
>> one we should consider and discuss.  I am curious to hear student
>> opinions, and what your experience has been regarding technology.  Is
>> there a balance in how we use this technology?
>> 
>> One of the things I like in your note was your observation that "We now
>> have the opportunity to explore a future of our own making.  Jobs,
>> school and families are not dreams we long for, but are realities within
>> our reach."
>> 
>> One of the questions I've been struggling with is how to start a
>> dialogue, probably in the Braille Monitor, about whether these are still
>> the widely-shared dreams of blind people. I read the statistics about
>> our unemployment, and in my job searches have certainly encountered
>> discrimination, but I can't tell you of very many Missourians who are
>> actively out looking for work. Neither can I tell you about many who are
>> employed.
>> 
>> In my younger days there were blind people who were smart and articulate
>> who simply would not tackle the challenge of going to get a job. Some of
>> them were amateur radio operators and spent their days doing good by
>> taking Western Union style messages and sending them free of charge
>> across the country and the world. The message might be as simple as
>> happy birthday or as complicated as "I'm going in for surgery tomorrow.
>> I will let you know how it goes. I will appreciate your prayers." Still
>> other amateur radio operators would connect their telephone and radio
>> and help people talk to loved ones. This, of course, was before the days
>> of free long distance.
>> 
>> The thing I want to focus on here was that the folks who spent most of
>> their time doing this substituted these volunteer tasks for employment.
>> They were not seeking jobs. They were getting fulfillment but from a
>> very different source because our society, whether through SSI, SSDI I,
>> the Missouri blind pension, or some other program, was perfectly willing
>> to give them at least a minimal level of support and didn't challenge
>> them with the tough question "Why aren't you employed?"
>> 
>> Today I think I see our young blind folks substituting the Internet for
>> ham radio. Maybe they are all about building websites to communicate
>> something special they believe they know about blindness. Some do their
>> own radio shows. Some make podcasts. The shows and topics seem to be all
>> over the place. On one podcast I follow, which is usually technical in
>> nature, one person put up a recording demonstrating how to change a
>> diaper, while another produced a podcast of his dog guide popping the
>> bubbles that are found in shrink wrap. Both were similar--lots of
>> rustling plastic but not a lot of information. I do not object to what
>> anyone wants to do for entertainment, but my concern is that these
>> playtime activities are being substituted for what I see as a major life
>> activity and responsibility, that being to earn a living and do these
>> other things as time allows.
>> 
>> I think the question I would like to explore is whether the work ethic
>> which burned in so many folks of my generation still is prevalently
>> found today. If not, who put out the fire and how do we rekindle it? Is
>> our safety net frequently being used as a means of permanent support,
>> and, if it is, is there something we can and should do about it?
>> 
>> Some folks I know claim they had to do upwards of a hundred interviews
>> to get their first job. Is this still true today? If so, I'm not hearing
>> about it. My fear is that, with all of the civil rights protections and
>> advances in technology, we still have a significant number of
>> intelligent blind people who aren't taking advantage of a world which is
>> more receptive today than ever it has been in the past to getting us
>> employed and accepting us as capable human beings in society.
>> 
>> I think the dream we share is worth dreaming and that what we dream of
>> is attainable. Are there more effective ways for us to sell this dream?
>> If so, how can our newsletters and our Braille Monitor help?  As I look
>> at the most recent issue of the students late, it is perfectly obvious
>> to me that some still buy the dream. The question really is how many,
>> and are there better ways for us to sell the dream of equality so that
>> more young folks act on it?
>> 
>> I see technology being the downfall for society in general, but this
>> post presents a very serious issue.  We know far too many blind people
>> still refuse to believe in complete independence, but how is this
>> reliance on technology affecting the situation?
>> 
>> What are student thoughts?  Do you see this trend, and if so, what can
>> be done to tackle it?  What areas do you think need work, and can you
>> propose any ideas to change a larger population of blind peoples
>> mindsets?
>> 
>> Bridgit
>> 
>> 
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