[Ohio-talk] Typewriter

[via Ohio-talk]

HI Colleen and Readers,

I'm enjoying the discussion we've been having about BSVI and other matters pertaining to what we can do to heighten the expectations of the blind.  The next step is to formulate a plan to promote these ideals.

With regard to so-called outdated equipment, I should have saved my electric typewriter, if only to write mailing addresses on envelopes.  I know how to use the toos feature for addressing envelopes with a printer, but try as I might, I CAN'T GET MY PRINTER TO WRITE THE SENDER'S ADDRESS ON THE UPPER PART OF THE ENVELOPE AND THE RECIPIENT'S AT THE CENTER.  THE LAST TIME I tried printing it, both addresses appeared on the center of the back of the envelope.  The sender's address was in the wrong place but the recipient's was dead center, where it should be.  It's hard to determine how the printer fared in this effort, unless I seek sighted help, and I don't like doing that, especially when I'm in a hurry and need to mail something.  With a manual or electric typewriter, there is no mistake.

By the way, I agree that people ought to use the equipment that works best for them, as Shelbie suggested, but how does anyone know what works best if he/she doesn't try it first?  How does anyone know whether a Braille writer or a slate and stylus could help them if they're not even encouraged to try it?  I remember when I took a test for the Immigration Adjudications Examiner.  I had all day to finish the exam but as usual, it wasn't in Braille.  Many of the questions required careful unraveling of logic and reasoning, and this would have been hard to do with a reader.  I took my trusty Braille writer with me and practically Brailled most of the questions.  It took about 8 hours to complete the test, but I did it, and I passed.  At the end of the day, I Brailled at least 20 pages, and I gave them to the examiner, who wanted to keep them along with the print text.  I guess it was for security reasons and to show her superiors.  I thought it was odd that she would want my Braille notes, but I was happy because, at least, I was able to study my questions without constant reader help.  When you have the text in front of you, you have better control over how you answer the questions put to you.  If it hadn't been for the Braille writer, it would have been impossible or very difficult to complete the exam, let alone passing it.

Just as the sighted have their text in print, we, the blind, need our test in our own language--the language of Braille.

In reference to the "Shake Your Cans" song, I would be glad to write it, if I can find a collaborator and a musician.  We might as well turn this cans thing into humor to offset the ridiculousness of the whole situation.

Milena

Milena