[nfbcs] Independence with a Price Tag

[Wunder, Gary]

Hi Joe. I've looked at the posts after being away at Washington Seminar and have a few observations. First, I wish products for the blind cost what products for the sighted cost, but I have no idea how this could be, given our relatively small numbers. I have no data to show the profit margins of FS, Humanware, GW Micro, etc, but unless they have all conspired to keep prices artificially high, something which seems unlikely given the suits between them, I have to believe that prices come close to reflecting the cost of development, manufacturing, and the ongoing technical support we must have. 

Second, while we as blind people have a limited amount of money, I do not see tremendous interest in our 3 percent loans for blindness related products. I think most all of us can say there is too much month at the end of our money, but also believe there is some truth in blind people saying, "I wonder who will buy this for me," rather than saying, "Wow, I'd like to purchase this but it is way beyond my means."

Third, I'm surprised that the price of a car keeps coming up when the price of blindness technology is discussed. Not having a car payment doesn't free me to buy a BrailleNote. Not having a car payment means I rent a car for short segments of time and not only do I rent the car but have to buy the time of the chauffeur. I pay $125 a week to go to work. Now indeed some folks pay that much when you add their car payment, insurance and gas, but they have a vehicle to use for runs to the video store, to get groceries, and other errands such as taking their children to after school events or taking Grandma that picnic basket.

Leaving you with one last point, as an employed person I find myself more concerned about what my technology will do than I am its price. If my screen reader can't read the newest web sites or work with PeopleSoft or the latest company sanctioned instant messaging program, I find my income threatened. I'm not saying I have little concern for those who can't afford things because I do. What I am saying is the technology which is marketed has to stay abreast of what my sighted colleagues use or the rehabilitation dollars which come with the understanding they will result in taxes from work become silly words dated by new technology. We have to work with developers of that new technology, but the screen reading folks will always have to do something to make things speak and produce large print and Braille the way we want and need it.

 



-----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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