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

Sat Apr 9 17:47:03 UTC 2011

I think your idea only sounds extreme because society's tried to force us into this entitlement mentality.

You're 100% right on every point, and I think that should be implemented.

As far as you were saying about the couple you knew with kids,
as long as they could proove that they were actively seeking a job there'd be nothing to worry about.

Jorge

On Apr 9, 2011, at 1:36 PM, Kirt Manwaring wrote:

> 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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>> 
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