[nfbcs] Independence with a Price Tag

Wed Feb 3 14:10:18 UTC 2010

I will be getting a windows 7 machine at work at U.S.D.A. and will have to purchase a new braille display. I work at home two days a week and like the braille display for coding Java. I know I could do it without, but I'd rather do it with (grin). It better work for the rest of my life.

Susie Stanzel 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hyde, David W. (ESC)
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 7:53 AM
To: 'NFBnet NFBCS Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Independence with a Price Tag

Joe, I'm with you. Even working for the state, an getting equipment through the employer, I can't afford what I want for home use. A GPS system that can be purchased for under $150.00 costs a lot more. An accessible cell phone adds at least $200.00 to the cost of the free phone I can get when I renew my contract. My sighted friends, if they are as cheap as I am, get all the phone functions for free.

If we're going to rouse the rabble, I'll help rouse.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joe Orozco
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 10:45 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Cc: 'Discussion list for NABS, National Alliance of Blind Students.'; tabs_students at googlegroups.com; 'NFBnet NFBCS Mailing List'
Subject: [nfbcs] Independence with a Price Tag

Dear list,

I'm continuously appalled at the price tags associated with adaptive technology.  While you're in college you might receive assistance from your rehab agency to purchase equipment.  You may get some assistance after you find a job, but inevitably there comes a point when the expense comes directly from your own pocket.  I wonder how many people have had to settle for outdated technology because they simply cannot afford it.  But, that's the thing.  I'm only assuming there are tons of people who cannot afford this technology.  I'd like to lead a campaign to call public attention to this monopoly, and, I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether or not you think me crazy.  If my assumption is wrong, I'll keep my views to myself.
If there is a high number of people unable to tap into emerging software simply because they cannot pay for it, I'd like to hear from you.  I understand the technology itself costs a lot of money to develop.  Yet, it seems more of the price boost is owed to extravagant government contracts that allow the few players to charge something like $6,200 for a device that, despite its best advertisements, does not perform completely on par with its mainstream counterparts.

At this time I have only a vague idea for a strategy.  Yet it's something I'm willing to build up if the need can be clearly identified.

Looking forward to your input,

Joe Orozco

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado

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