Nancy.Feldman@p0.f605.n105.z1.fidonet.org (Nancy Feldman) (06/25/91)
Index Number: 16430
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
MD>I did leave something out. I've seen sighted folks who can't read a map or
MD>they are told directions--still can't find whatever. So, I think perhaps
MD>we're all equal pretty much in our abilities to do this or that. I've not
MD>been concentrating and bumped into stuff--actually, the pole or wall just
MD>jumped out and attacked me (sniffle), and have seen sighted folks bump into
MD>stuff, too--because of distraction or lack of keeping the mind on what's goi
I know this is true. I have run into walls that have been there for
years, and my only excuse was distraction. But I have also seen sighted
people walk into open doors, fall down stairs, etc. simply because they
weren't paying attention to our surroundings. The difference is that
the sightedperson would simply be accused of not paying attention
whereas the blind person would be pitied because he/she can't get
around.
MD>parents and I drove back to Fort Worth from Colorado Springs, we hit Trinida
MD>Colorado--think it was--it was really snowing. My father, who was driving,
MD>turned to me and said, "Margo, guess what. You could drive as well as I can
MD>right now--we're pulling over because I can't see anything." My father has
Well, not quite true. If, for some reason, he needed to continue
driving his skill and long practice would have helped him. But I'm not
trying to be negative.
Actually, what really interested me about your message was the idea of
developing a car that blind people could drive. The sighted community
would have a cow. <Grin> Seriously, though, it would need a
highly-refined radar. It might be piloted by a satellite mapping
system, most of the technology for which exists already.
Anyway, it is a nice thought. But when it finally comes to pass the car
will be soexpensive that it will beyond the reach of the majority of
blind people.
* SLMR 2.0 * I see you shiver with antici . . . .. . . . pation!
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Internet: Nancy.Feldman@p0.f605.n105.z1.fidonet.orgRoy.Zuvers@f333.n280.z1.fidonet.org (Roy Zuvers) (06/28/91)
Index Number: 16513
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Nancy, one of the things you point out in your message is the reason why
I tried to joke with Margo a little about driving. I don't believe the
joke worked but then some of us were never good at telling jokes. Remember
that old prison joke about the numbers of jokes.
With that aside now, what you say about technology and driving is true.
If we wanted to spend the money to orient specific parts of technology
all in that direction, in a massive effort to accomplish that one goal
of a blind person driving a vehicle, we could probably do it. The much
broader question is, should we. Of all the goals and benefits that we
could spend those billions on, many of them would be a greater asset, a
lot sooner than computerized driving for the blind.
Roy Zuvers
* DeLuxe 1.1 #6289 C code run. Run code run!
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