[nfbcs] Research

Amanda Lacy lacy925 at gmail.com
Fri Feb 24 19:21:01 UTC 2017 

I'm assuming I missed a lot because I didn't understand much of what
was happening around me. No one realized it for a long time because I
wasn't failing.

On 2/24/17, Jessica Dail via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi,
> I'm just curious, but why did you mis out on the benefits of your college
> degree?
> Thanks,
> Jessica
>
> On Feb 24, 2017 1:47 PM, Amanda Lacy via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> I wasn't arguing that a CS degree generally isn't worth it. But if I
>> technically have a CS degree but I missed out on most of the benefits
>> it was supposed to bring, am I truly prepared or qualified for these
>> jobs that require CS degrees?
>>
>> On 2/24/17, John Heim via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> > The issue of the value of a degree has come up before on this list. In
>> > my capacity as President of IAVIT, I've talked to IT managers about this
>> > before. I happened to be on a run with a group of guys a couple of weeks
>> > ago. One of them was the manager of an IT department for a company with
>> > maybe a hundred employees in a handful of states.
>> > I brought up this issue about some blind people thinking a degree isn't
>> > worth it. He was, in turn, shocked, amused, then horrified. First he
>> > expressed surprise, then he made a little joke. Then when I explained it
>> > really was controversial, he was horrified. He said essentially that a
>> > blind person already has such an uphill battle that you really don't
>> > need to add not having a degree on top of it.  He said they get so many
>> > applications for entry level positions that they don't need to bother
>> > with people who don't have a degree in CS or related field. They don't
>> > even bother with people who don't have degrees for a lot of mid-level
>> > positions.
>> >
>> > So I asked him, "Which would be worse, having a misspelling on your
>> > resume or not having a degree?" He said, "You know, quite honestly, the
>> > degree would be a bigger problem.
>> >
>> > Having a degree so greatly expands the number of positions you qualify
>> > for that is absolutely worth it especially for a blind person.
>> >
>> >
>> > On 02/24/2017 06:31 AM, Joseph C. Lininger via nfbcs wrote:
>> >> Amanda,
>> >> Worth while is the point I'm disagreeing with you on. Pretty much any
>> >> degree is "doable", but as you point out with some there's no point
>> >> because you won't be able to learn or do anything with that degree once
>> >> you finish. That doesn't just apply to blind people either; there are
>> >> worthless degrees out there.
>> >>
>> >> What I am arguing is that it is in fact worth while. I studied computer
>> >> science at a couple of schools. In both cases, I was able to learn the
>> >> material and I was able to complete most of the course work. There were
>> >> a couple of situations where I needed some extra help, and there were a
>> >> couple of major assignments I can remember where the professor had me
>> >> do
>> >> an alternative assignment. In those cases, it wasn't because I couldn't
>> >> do the work in question, it was because the visual aspects weren't the
>> >> point of the assignment and I could get the same information by doing
>> >> something else.
>> >>
>> >> As for whether the degree is worth while from a career perspective,
>> >> well, you can have quite a lengthy discussion on that particular
>> >> question. As someone who has worked in the field for years, both with
>> >> and without a CS degree, what I will say about it is this. If you want
>> >> to work in the computer science field, as in the deep technical aspects
>> >> of it and not just as a network admin or help desk rep or something
>> >> like
>> >> that, you almost have to have a computer science degree these days. It
>> >> is possible to get hired as a software developer or other highly
>> >> technical job without the degree, but it is not easy and the best jobs
>> >> go to those with the degree.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Joe
>> >>
>> >> On 2/23/2017 13:34, Amanda Lacy via nfbcs wrote:
>> >>> Joe,
>> >>>
>> >>> I agree that it's doable. Whether it's worthwhile is another question.
>> >>> I transferred to UT Austin because I loved programming and learning.
>> >>> Once there, I spent much more time struggling with access than I spent
>> >>> programming or learning.
>> >>>
>> >>> On 2/22/17, Joseph C. Lininger via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> >>>> Amanda,
>> >>>> I have to disagree. I currently have an under grad degree in CS, and
>> >>>> I
>> >>>> am working on a Ph.D. I am also employed full time as a computer
>> >>>> scientist. There are some issues the blind will experience with
>> >>>> technical degrees that are unique to those degrees, but it's
>> >>>> definitely
>> >>>> doable.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> --
>> >>>> Joe
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On 2/22/2017 12:13, Amanda Lacy via nfbcs wrote:
>> >>>>> I have a CS degree. I cannot in good conscience recommend it to
>> >>>>> other
>> >>>>> blind students unless they accept that they will experience a lot of
>> >>>>> hurt. I don't have satisfying answers to most of your questions.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> On 2/21/17, Michael via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> >>>>>> Hello Andy,
>> >>>>>> Thank you for your response. Before answering your questions, I
>> >>>>>> will
>> >>>>>> preface
>> >>>>>> my response that this project is entirely predicated on ensuring
>> >>>>>> other
>> >>>>>> blind
>> >>>>>> students, who may be considering computer science, do not do what I
>> >>>>>> did;
>> >>>>>> namely, believing that blind people cannot do computer science.
>> >>>>>> Now, your
>> >>>>>> questions:
>> >>>>>> (1) No University, community college, or vocational school is
>> >>>>>> funding
>> >>>>>> this;
>> >>>>>> this is an assignment that I have received on behalf of the
>> >>>>>> Louisiana
>> >>>>>> Center
>> >>>>>> for the Blind (LCB) for my technology class.
>> >>>>>> (2) I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, this past
>> >>>>>> December
>> >>>>>> with
>> >>>>>> an Honors B.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in logic,
>> >>>>>> metaphysics, and
>> >>>>>> epistemology.
>> >>>>>> (3) This guide will serve to educate prospective computer science
>> >>>>>> students
>> >>>>>> who are blind. When I was in high school, I was extremely
>> >>>>>> interested in
>> >>>>>> doing computer science. I was told that blind people could not do
>> >>>>>> computer
>> >>>>>> science; mistakenly, I believed this to be true and thus proceeded
>> >>>>>> into
>> >>>>>> the
>> >>>>>> liberal arts. If I can provide clarity to other students thinking
>> >>>>>> about
>> >>>>>> computer science, or elucidate blind students when it comes to the
>> >>>>>> copasity
>> >>>>>> of blind people, I would be very happy. As it stands, the only
>> >>>>>> place I
>> >>>>>> know
>> >>>>>> for sure this research will end up is the national Association of
>> >>>>>> Blind
>> >>>>>> Students website, as I sit on the board and can make that happen.
>> >>>>>> Otherwise,
>> >>>>>> I have no idea.
>> >>>>>> (4) This is true. I did not make this anonimis. If people are
>> >>>>>> willing to
>> >>>>>> answer, I would be very happy, and will of course cite you, or not
>> >>>>>> cite
>> >>>>>> you,
>> >>>>>> depending on your permission. If people are not willing to, I
>> >>>>>> totally
>> >>>>>> understand that as well.
>> >>>>>> I hope I was able to address your concerns.
>> >>>>>> For anyone else who wishes to help me out, you can email your
>> >>>>>> responses
>> >>>>>> to
>> >>>>>> my email (mausbun at nevada.unr.edu) or, if you feel confortible, just
>> >>>>>> responding to this thread.
>> >>>>>> Thank you again for all your attention and time!
>> >>>>>> Respectfully,
>> >>>>>> Michael Ausbun
>> >>>>>> Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada.
>> >>>>>> Secretary, National Association of blind Students
>> >>>>>> Student, The Louisiana Center for the Blind
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>> >>>>>> From: nfbcs [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Andy B.
>> >>>>>> via
>> >>>>>> nfbcs
>> >>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 2:24 PM
>> >>>>>> To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> >>>>>> Cc: Andy B. <sonfire11 at gmail.com>
>> >>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Research
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> I am interested in answering these questions. However, you never
>> >>>>>> displayed
>> >>>>>> your credentials or qualifications in the subject. What school is
>> >>>>>> funding
>> >>>>>> this study? Where did you graduate and with what degree? What do
>> >>>>>> you
>> >>>>>> intend
>> >>>>>> on doing with the guide when it is finished? The results of this
>> >>>>>> survey
>> >>>>>> are
>> >>>>>> not anonymous. Therefore, people might be hesitant.
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>> >>>>>> From: nfbcs [mailto:nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael
>> >>>>>> via
>> >>>>>> nfbcs
>> >>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 2:45 PM
>> >>>>>> To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>> >>>>>> Cc: Michael <mausbun at nevada.unr.edu>
>> >>>>>> Subject: [nfbcs] Research
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> Hello All:
>> >>>>>>     My name is Michael Ausbun, and I am currently a student at the
>> >>>>>> Louisiana
>> >>>>>> Center for the Blind. I am conducting research, to develop a
>> >>>>>> comprehensive
>> >>>>>> guide for prospective computer science students. I would much
>> >>>>>> appreciate
>> >>>>>> it
>> >>>>>> if you would take some time and answer the following questions.
>> >>>>>>     Thank you for your attention in this matter.
>> >>>>>> Respectfully,
>> >>>>>> Michael Ausbun
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> Research questions:
>> >>>>>> Advocacy:
>> >>>>>> (1)    What accommodations do you believe were most beneficial to
>> >>>>>> you in
>> >>>>>> completing your degree?
>> >>>>>> (2)    What accommodation(s) were necessary when completing visual
>> >>>>>> components
>> >>>>>> of one’s degree requirements?
>> >>>>>> (3)    In what ways have you advocated for the modification of
>> >>>>>> materials to
>> >>>>>> ensure equal access for yourself or future computer science
>> >>>>>> students?
>> >>>>>> (4)    What is the most important question(s) a computer science
>> >>>>>> student
>> >>>>>> should
>> >>>>>> ask their instructors before and during a selected course of study?
>> >>>>>> (5)    Are there any Universities, companies, or organizations who
>> >>>>>> have been
>> >>>>>> greater benefactors?
>> >>>>>> Academics:
>> >>>>>> (1)    How much math and science is necessary for a person to be
>> >>>>>> successful
>> >>>>>> within the computer science field.
>> >>>>>> (2)    In general, are materials accessible with access technology?
>> >>>>>> (3)    What are some effective, and somewhat universal, techniques
>> >>>>>> for
>> >>>>>> manipulating and writing computer languages?
>> >>>>>> (4)    In what ways did your assignments get modified, to establish
>> >>>>>> equal
>> >>>>>> access to all requirements?
>> >>>>>> (5)    What are some effective ways for designing accessible
>> >>>>>> algorithms and
>> >>>>>> data structures?
>> >>>>>> (6)    When developing a portfolio, did you find an accessible way
>> >>>>>> of
>> >>>>>> publicly
>> >>>>>> displaying your code, or for hosting your portfolio?
>> >>>>>> (7)    After publishing your code, what methods do you use to
>> >>>>>> ensure the
>> >>>>>> visible code is visually appealing or readable?
>> >>>>>> (8)    Are there any courses you might recommend to take in high
>> >>>>>> school to
>> >>>>>> prepare someone going into the computer science field?
>> >>>>>> (9)    Besides the source work required to obtain your degree, what
>> >>>>>> additional
>> >>>>>> course work might you recommend to enhance one’s employment
>> >>>>>> effectiveness?
>> >>>>>> Access technology:
>> >>>>>> (1)    What access technology gave you the greatest degree of
>> >>>>>> opportunity to
>> >>>>>> compete on an equal playing field with your peers?
>> >>>>>> (2)    What challenges did access technology present when
>> >>>>>> interacting with
>> >>>>>> the
>> >>>>>> technology required to complete tasks and assignments for your
>> >>>>>> computer
>> >>>>>> science degree or profession?
>> >>>>>> (3)    What role does access technology play in the completion of
>> >>>>>> your daily
>> >>>>>> assignments or tasks?
>> >>>>>> (4)    How might modifications to standard technology create more
>> >>>>>> opportunity
>> >>>>>> for usability with access technology?
>> >>>>>> General technology:
>> >>>>>> (1)    In what ways is the general technology inaccessible when
>> >>>>>> paired with
>> >>>>>> access technology? Are there any work arounds for these issues?
>> >>>>>> (2)    What sort of accommodations are necessary for the use of
>> >>>>>> most general
>> >>>>>> technology used in this field of study or profession?
>> >>>>>> (3)    Can standard tasks be completed on a unit without extensive
>> >>>>>> modification
>> >>>>>> or accommodations?
>> >>>>>> Does most technology come ready to use? Are there ways to increase
>> >>>>>> one’s
>> >>>>>> productivity when using Python JavaScript C++ swift and racket, and
>> >>>>>> integrated development environments (IDEs)—such as CodeLite,
>> >>>>>> Eclipse,
>> >>>>>> NetBeans, VisualWX, Xcode, and KDevelop?
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >>>>>> for
>> >>>>>> nfbcs:
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/sonfire11%40gmail.com
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >>>>>> for
>> >>>>>> nfbcs:
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/mausbun%40nevada.unr.edu
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >>>>>> for
>> >>>>>> nfbcs:
>> >>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/lacy925%40gmail.com
>> >>>>>>
>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> >>>>> for
>> >>>>> nfbcs:
>> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/devnull-nfbcs%40pcdesk.net
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> >>>> nfbcs:
>> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/lacy925%40gmail.com
>> >>>>
>> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >>> nfbcs mailing list
>> >>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> >>> nfbcs:
>> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/devnull-nfbcs%40pcdesk.net
>> >>>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> _______________________________________________
>> >> nfbcs mailing list
>> >> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> >> nfbcs:
>> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/john%40johnheim.com
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > nfbcs mailing list
>> > nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> > nfbcs:
>> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/lacy925%40gmail.com
>> >
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbcs mailing list
>> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nfbcs:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/jldail13%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> nfbcs mailing list
> nfbcs at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbcs_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nfbcs:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbcs_nfbnet.org/lacy925%40gmail.com
>

More information about the NFBCS mailing list