Surviving the Week and Dancing Through Life

To ctach everyone up who might come across this blog I have recently over the course of the past month been hooked on Red Bull, Fan Fiction, and Jager Mister. I am very pleased to note that I made it through a long week. Training goes well at work and I will yet call down fire and lightning from the sky on the customer; nevertheless, still working on getting a handle on things.

Life overall goes well. This week I was hooked on fan fiction, particularly that of Harry Potter as provided by the Lady of Darkness. I was also joined by her for coffee at Mile High, which was a highlight of the week. My Bald God stopped by as well, and he and I had the most amusing conversation I have ever had with him. Unfortunately the details of said conversation are sealed in the confessional, but it along with Ms. Todd helped me through a rough week.

Looking forward to the rest of the month. In addition to keeping the social life alive a good friend is returning from her travels (yay), and another is leaving for home (:(). My loyalty to the iPhone continues, but I think it will be awhile until I acquire a Mac- particularly as long as Serotek continues to be the dynamic company it has been up to this point. I am also taking up writing- just a bit here and there, but I hope it will improve my overall skill and perhaps provide some entertainment (at my expense or otherwise) to those with whom i share it.

Finally I find it interesting how my life has willingly been given to Google. I use gmail, Google Voice, and even this blog is written on a Google platform. Now if only their phones would involve built in accessibility Apple might have a run for its money.

The National Federation of the Blind

Braille For Everyone

Thoughts from the Tech God on Humanware and the Alva BC640

During the last few weeks of getting settled in Denver, getting a handle on my new job, and attempting to start up/maintain a social life here I have not had lots of time or energy to write on this blog.

However, with the announcement by Humanware about their most recent product the VoiceNote Apex and the interesting announcements I believe will no doubt be coming forth this week at National Convention, I simply had to add in my two cents.

I believe the product by Humanware is a step backward from the strides they have been making towards transforming themselves from an outdated company producing overpriced products to a modern one providing goods that the blind population can afford without a personal loan and their first born being sacrificed. Why do we need another notetaker when a netbook/laptop and a Braille display would work just as well? Why spend time, energy, and resources developing yet another blind ghetto product and then tease us about it? I find it rather like a date who teases you all night and then chops off your personals. Great surprise.

As I gaze about the AT landscape the only bright and shining star I see is Serotek. Freedom Scientific did a good thing by knocking down the price of it's Focus 40 Blue, but they did a far worse thing by locking down their drivers. I appreciate Freedom's seeming support for Braille in its products, but question how supportive they can really be when they force Braille display manufacturers to annually pay to play in their sand box.

A bright note for me personally is the obtaining of the Alva BC640. This will allow me portable Braille access through System Access which will be wonderful.

Can't wait to get to Nationals next year in Florida. Wishing all my friends at Nationals a very good time. Have one for me.

The National Federation of the Blind

Braille For Everyone

Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail clips

My favorite comedy movie of all time is Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail, so I was thrilled when I found some of my favorite clips from it on You Tube. I have posted some of them below for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy! :)

Celebrating Earth Day

Over the last several months I have attempted to lead a greener lifestyle (I particularly like the ideas of the bright green movement), noting the usefulness of conserving resources, and have done so with some success. Baby steps seems to be the name of the game for me; an CFL here, a way of saving water there, etc.

As Earth Day is today I ahve celebrated by Planting a Tree with Dell, ordered The Year of the Flood from Audible, and signed up with the declaration of energy independence. All in all not to bad. Looking forward to next year and seeing where I stand. I hope you too are leading a greener lifestyle.

Are We the Same Because We're Blind?

A good article from Fred's Head which asks the question of the title. The points made are valid ones IMO, particularly the point about how the public in general views us. As a blind person you are likely to be the only blind person John Q Public ever meets. This is why being polite (no matter how vexing the person) is so important. This is not always a success- there have been many times where I have simply not been in an educator mode and ripped someone's head off. I always regret this, as I know my behavior directly reflects on my blind brothers and sisters. Diplomacy has become easier for me since being involved with the NFB, but there is always room to learn.

On a side note Through Our Eyes is an outstanding podcast on blindness. During their next show (4-21 8pm EST) they will be discussing the International Braille and Technology Center (IBTC) the place I would live if only they would let me set up a cot. If you don't know about the IBTC, or simply wish to hear the discussion I suggest tuning in.

The National Federation of the Blind

Braille For Everyone

Some Thoughts on Low Vision Aids

I am scheduled to begin training students during the summer program at the Colorado Center for the Blind in a month and a half. From previous experience I always find at least two or three (if not more) students who absolutely insist on not useing their sleep shades. I even recall one student indignantly insisting to me that he was not blind. When I asked him exactly what he was doing at a blind summer camp he had no rejoinder.

This attitude reflecting the hierarchy of sight (the idea that a blind person's success and happiness are directly related to how much or little vision they have) seems to me to be most unfortunate as it poorly serves those who proclaim it. I myself used to do so, and I recall nothing but worry that I might loss what "blessed sight" I had left. This made, in my opinion, what was already a stressful and unpleasant situation into a emotionally damaging one. I can see the use of remaining vision, but only after one has come to accept emotionally and mentally the concept of blindness and the fact that it is respectable to be blind. (For excellent reading on this front I recommend Freedom for the Blind by James Omvig.)

I subsequently came across an article on what a low vision person could do in order to ensure his safety. I thought to myself that one could do this or one could simply be cautious and recognize that their vision is going, and act accordingly.

The more I see individuals going to amazing lengths to avoid the dreaded "b word" and having it applied to them, the more I am convinced that a defined positive philosophy on blindness is needed in every school, organization, and service provider who claims to serve the blind. As I visit my old high school as a part of the alum group the philosophy put forward by the school is obvious, and it is neither defined or positive. I hope to have some impact on that.

The National Federation of the Blind

Braille For Everyone

On Colorado's Internet Tax

I found Colorado's recent adoption of the "Amazon Tax" to be both foolish and bad for business. I just found the below from the Colorado Business Magazine. The report is before the tax was passed. I hope that with the next round of elections here in the state we can get some leaders who don't wish to tax us to death.