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

[Kirt Manwaring]

Marsha,
  I'm on SSI and I'm a college student.  I use it to survive and enjoy
life every once in a while (anyone ever said laser tag isn't a fun
date activity for a blind person?  It was brilliant last night!)  So
I'm not condemning the idea, or the ideal purpose of the system.  But
you know that there are way too many people who abuse it- I won't
insult your intelligence by thinking you don't see it.  So the
question I posed is simply this: would it be better to only give SSI
to students and people actively seeking employment?  To respond to
Bridget's point, we could include general unemployment checks that go
out every month and lump that in with SSI- only give unemployment to
those actively looking for jobs.  I'm not saying I agree with the
idea, although to be honest it's got a certain logic to it.  But I do
think it's probably a bit extreme.  Thoughts, anyone?

On 4/8/11, Maurice Mines <maurice.mines at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello, I think the word balance is a very in port and word and education as
> well's life. I am a student, I am also an amateur radio operator I also use
> Facebook, and twitter. What I am not is one to use any of these two excess.
> I also have and have always had on my desk a Perkins braille writer. I also
> possess a notetaker or whatever I need it. I believe that having many tools
> in our toolbox to get the work done that we must get done is critically
> important. I'm also looking for work. I've also done work. I guess to sum up
> some of things I've said here is balance is important in order to find a job
> I must want to work. All of the other things are just window dressing around
> the central issue. As others have said on this list just because one is on
> some form of assistance does not make him, or her lazy. And just because one
> has all the tools didn't necessary to live in today's world is full of
> technology as it is. Does not make one instantly dependent on them. Just my
> own take on all of this. PS I am using dictation software, so some of this
> may not quite turn out like the way it's supposed to turn out. Because I
> also have an additional disability on top of blind us. Hope all is well.
> Thank you very much for reading this Maurice, amateur radio call sign
> kd0iko.
> On Apr 8, 2011, at 3:06 PM, Bridgit Pollpeter 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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