[Sportsandrec] accomodations and labeling cardio equipment

Tue Apr 21 19:47:48 UTC 2009

The Concept 2 machine is available at my gym and should be available at 
any facility where rowers practice on a regular basis. I haven't used 
Erg chatter on a laptop with it yet, but more info, and the download 
link for the software, is 
http://www.concept2.com/us/service/software/thirdparty/ergchatter/download.asp. 
I tried sending the link for buying the dots, which is 
http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=6024&idstore=6&idCategory=&category=&product=Bump_Dots_-Small_Clear_(Round)_25_per_pack. 
I'm using a county facility, so they have to be a bit more attentive to 
accessibility issues than private places.
hope this helps,
James

On 4/21/2009 10:39 AM, Ashley Bramlett wrote:
> James!
>
> You live in the DC area!  We will have to chat off list.  Which gym do you go to?  My gym is Sport and Health which has 23 or more locations in the area.  Under the old manager I felt the gym was more accomodating.
> Now I can get assistance but its harder.  The last manager was more friendly to not only me but all members.  He guided me around some, but also was able to give good directions so I knew my way around.  The cycle instructors are still accomodating.
>
> The clear dots used on touch screens are exactly what I need!  Where can I get them.  I was going to use braille and dimo tape on some buttons, but some buttons are too small and there is only room for dots.
>
> I don't know about the Concept 2 rowing machine.  
> That just came out last year with blind people in mind.  That is not a mainstream product and therefore not available at health clubs.  So I don't think that's an option for me.
> I'll just have to use the standard rowing machine and get sighted assistance setting it up.
>
> Ashley
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: James Fetter 
>   To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List 
>   Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 1:47 AM
>   Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] accomodations and labeling cardio equipment
>
>
>   Hi Ashley,
>   There are clear dots that can be used on touch screens that stick on but can be removed without leaving much residue behind, thus alleviating some of the concerns that the people working at your gym may have about labeling machines. They can be found here. I haven't yet tried doing this at the gym near my home, which is also in the D.C. area and has been relatively accommodating thus far, but I was able to do this at Notre Dame while in residence on campus. Unfortunately, that at best allows you to start the machine on your own and doesn't do anything for making the menus accessible. Your best bet would probably be using a Concept 2 Rowing machine with Erg Chatter, which supposedly makes the machine accessible when a computer running the software is connected to the performance monitor.
>   Speaking of which, I would greatly appreciate a description of the process of setting up a rowing machine with Erg Chatter from someone who is familiar with the software. Do I need any software on my computer in addition to this in order to connect to the performance monitor, and does it take a normal USB cable? Also, does it allow you to use the actual menus on the monitor or do I have to drive it with the computer keyboard? Thanks.
>   Sincerely,
>   James
>
>
>   On 4/20/2009 10:03 PM, Ashley Bramlett wrote: 
> Hi all,
>
> Is anyone frustrated with the flat panneled screens on today's new cardio equipment?  Not only are machines flat, but increasingly they are fancy with programs you can set up to simulate hills and more.  The elipticals seem to be pretty tactile but not other equipment.  The others have only small bumps where the arrows are.  There is not a way to tell one button from another.  I can see the green go button on the treadmills, so after they showed me how to use it, I can start it myself.  Other equipment I get assistance to start.
>
> I think NFB should bring to the manufacturer's attention the need for accessible equipment, having tactile buttons and ideally speech output.  I'm going to call them but an organization would carry much much more weight.
>
> Its difficult though to get someone to help.  They are busy.  Some of you mentioned you label the machines.  I would like to get permission to do this.  I hope my gym which is part of a large chain in the DC area, will be receptive to it.
>
> Can you tell me about labeling?  What matterial did you use?  When I labeled my appliances I used clear dimo tape.  
> Some of the buttons won't fit braille on them because they are small.  Is there something that you can use small bump dots on?  I only know of that raised glue, can't think of its name; I cannot put that on their machines.
> How many machines do you label?  I was thinking a couple of each kind.  This way if someone is using one, there's another one.
> Also how do you locate the labeled machines?  You know gyms have rows and rows of equipment close together.
> Do you count machines?  Then you would know for instance, you labeled the second treadmill on the second row.  With over 20 pieces of a given cardio equipment, I think it would be challenging to locate the right one; you cannot go up and touch them.
>
> What other accomodations did you get?  What about classes?  They are taught visually by instructor modeling.  What classes were you integrated in?  
> I was successful with spinning.  For other classes I'm not sure about.  I asked the group fitness director if I could spend time with the instructor prior to class.  
> This would allow them to explain the format of class and some of the exercises I was unfamiliar with.
> She said instructors are only paid for the hour they teach class.  Still I'm thinking its reasonable to meet the instructor if their schedule permits it.
> I hope things work in my favor and I can label the machines.
> This way going to the gym would not be such a chore.
>
> Well take care.
> Ashley
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