[nabs-l] school is not accommodating

Mon Jan 23 16:49:29 UTC 2012

ell, I think for an expensive  piece of technology, its reasonable to share. 
I use my desktop at home and then do not worry about battery life.
Also, my dad might travel ocassionally and probably would prefer his own 
computer rather than using the hotel computer lab.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Rania Ismail CMT
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 9:38 AM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] school is not accommodating

I also agree that you should have your own laptop this way you have one that
works. I have had family members install all kinds of stuff on the computer
that also had jaws on it. That really caused a problem because jaws didn't
work correctly. If you have your own laptop you won't have to deal with
other people installing a bunch of stuff on it.
Rania,

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Amy Sabo
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 1:21 AM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] school is not accommodating

Hello Ashley,

As for getting a laptop I'm proud that you are going to get one. But, you
shouldn't share it with your dad. You should have your own. Yes, they are
expensive but, you can get a laptop for under $600 or so. If you can't
afford one I'm sure like dvr or the lions club or some other agency can help
you financially to purchase one for you.

I'm glad that you have had some travel skills and, that you are figuring
things out on your own. As for the career center I know that the software
isn't accessible but, try to work with them. And, that's why you will have
the independence and your laptop for this. Take care and, I will talk to you
soon.

Hugs,
amy

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 2:06 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] school is not accommodating

Amy,
I am pretty sure I will get a laptop; I'll share it with my dad though. They

can get expensive, so its best if more than one person use it.
As for mobility, I did receive an orientation by a mobility instructor.
Also, my parents helped me out. But its just that the new student union
building with the bookstore, student café and more in it is laid out weird;
its not a  particular shape; just a lot of open space. I'll do the best I
can with it though. The counseling center is in a corner so it shouldn't be
too hard to find.

I'm looking for readers as well. So looks like I'll have to make my own
accomodations. However, I still will plan to speak to whomever purchased
jaws; someone in the office of the vice president. I find it rediculous they

don't have enough licenses; I'm not going to be the last legally blind
student there.

Another drawback to just using my own equipment is that there is learning
software and databases in the tutoring center and career center. If I use my

own equipment, those programs are not on it.
I'm sure if I request jaws in the career center, I will get the same story
about licenses. groan.

Ashley
-----Original Message----- 
From: Amy Sabo
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 12:21 AM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] school is not accommodating

Dear Ashley,
I'm sorry that you are having difficulties with your situations and problems

at a community college. I too had some of these same problems myself when I
began my college experience way back in 2000 where I began at a community
college in Michigan. And, here's what I had to do in dealing with all of
these problems relating to yours.

As to the mobility situation on your campus I didn't have any o and m
training even though I had asked the mi commission for some I didn't receive

any at all. So, what I did was try to learn as much on my own by asking many

questions and, also asking other students for sighted assistance and, then I

knew where to go. I also had my parents or a sighted friend who was in one
of my classes show me around the campus. So, those are 2 ideas on getting
around your community college independtally. As for your it class I would
get a laptop. I had a voicenote when I was at my community college which was

helpful but, it didn't do everything that I needed for my classes so, a
laptop is sooo much beneficial in working on the job and, also for college.
And, you can have your own copy of jfw on it and, you don't have to rely on
the dss office or the school's version or wait for their licenses of it for
the keys. You said that you don't want to lug a large laptop around campus
well, I used a roller bag for it and, it worked out fine or put it in a
laptop bag for a backpack or messenger bag which is available for purchase
all major stores. Or, you can purchase a netbook which is smaller than a
laptop and, it works great with jfw. My sister has one as a matter of fact
it's her second one to be certain of that!

As for the school's web site not being accessible with jfw have you advised
the dss office of this? If yes or no then send a friendly email of your
concerns and frustrations to the webmaster of the school's web site.

As for the cd for the textbook or other materials that you are using what
format is it in? as for all of the it books try to get them in a accessible
format on your own or get the dss office to assist you? When I began at my
community college this happened to me and, I had to scan my books on my own
or have a reader or a family member be my reader for me.

Besides rfbd there's other resources like bookshare or nls to name a few.

So, there are many resources and ideas that I have given to you. I hope that

you can use them to your advantage. Take care and good luck!

Hugs,
amy

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf

Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 12:14 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
Subject: [nabs-l] school is not accomodating

Hi all,

Just want to vent. My school doesn’t seem very accomodating and they’re the
largest community college in the commonwealth. Yo They got over five
campuses and you can read about at www.nvcc.edu.

I’m just taking further classes to get a writing certificate and figured
extra knowledge will enhance my resume as I look for work. No one’s hiring
so it will be a whwile; might as well learn more.

First, my disability service office, DSO, does not scan any texts. I am
still waiting for electronic text; fortunately, a family member can read
meanwhile til I find a reader at school. If the publisher won’t give us the
e-book, they likely never will; I mean its been two weeks!

Second, I am taking that It class as I mentioned before. The instructor
wanted jaws installed in her office because she needs to show me the steps.
Hmm. Maybe I need a laptop. But I hate the idea of lugging the thing around!
They tell us they don’t have enough licenses; um how absurd. They need lots
of them. what if another blind student needs jaws in a classroom lab?

Third, they cannot braille tests; at least they will outsource to get it
brailled though; just seems like a large school would be able to braille
tests!

Fourth, this new building which holds the student service stuff and
counseling center is very open few halls, few landmarks. I bet its not ADA
compliant. I don’t know though. Its certainly confusing for a blind
traveler. Sighted people get lost until they’ve been there a lot since its
not laid out well.

Not to mention the inaccessible website and CD for the IT class too.
Publishers need to get with the program!

Ashley
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