Tim.Cumings@p0.f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Tim Cumings) (06/18/91)
Index Number: 16159
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
It seems you're being inconsistent. You object to blind people getting
reduced or free subway fares. Why don't you object to the "free mailing"
privilege which blind people can use for normal mail as well as Braille
or tapes? Neither do you object to the National Library service program
which gives blind people free reading material and recrd or tape
players. What about Supplemental security income? The Nfb has not fought
against that? They have fought to keep it and increase it. If you want
to talk about sighted people getting a bad image of blind people who
ride subways for free then what kind of image do they get from blind
people who are on Supplemental security income with no incentive to get
off the system?
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Internet: Tim.Cumings@p0.f460.n101.z1.fidonet.orgMika.Pyyhkala@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Mika Pyyhkala) (06/18/91)
Index Number: 16180
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi,
In terms of free matter, I think that library materials
such as the books and braille magazines are okay.
However, I do not think that blind people should be able to send
casual letters to each other using this service. Since
braille is heavier, perhaps the price of a standard stamp could
be charged, for sending a braille or taped letter. While
this might not be exactly even, it would help.
Also, some braille could be sent with a 29-cent stamp, in a 9x12 envelope,
and if you had a few pages, it would still be in the
proper weight range. If this were so, I think
the blind person should use a stamp.
In terms of magazines being free, sighted users can go to
libraries and peruse magazines, and since there isn't an NLS
library in each city, then I guess the most efficient
way to compensate for that is to mail the mags to us.
Also, the mags do come late, so that decreases their
value.
Also, sighted people can copy the magazines at the library.
I would not object to a fee fro the magazines, however,
I do agree that it should be perhaps less than the newsstand
price, for those publications that are available after the
print publication date, especially when it is significantly late.
In terms of SSI, I think it is legitimate to use it to
"get off the system," or to buy adaptive equipment. Perhaps a
time limit of years could be setup that one could receive
this benefit. However, I don't think it should be
used by people to stay home and not work for their whole life.
The SSA should start some kind of Workfair program for some
clients to this service.
-Mika
... I'm never wrong, just misunderstood!
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