Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Baughn) (03/02/90)
Index Number: 7035
Linda,
The remote control modification I mentioned consisted of constructing a
small wooden box just large enough to contain the remote. The box has a
split, hinged lid and the end is open to expose the infra red emitter. each
section of the lid has a rubber button glued to the under side. When pressure
is applied this button press the off/on button on the control, under one
section and the channel up button under the other side. This does not allow
channels to be selected by number but does allow scrolling until the desired
channel is reached. The box has a clamp un its bottom which is used to attach
it to the bed rail. The lady this was made for lacked the motor control
necessary to hit the small buttons so I, in effect, reduced the control to two
large buttons.
For a quad I would think they could activate a conventional remote with
a mouthstick or an orthosis with a probe if the remote is mounted within reach
and mounted so it won't move. If it has to be mounted in a position which
points the emitter or business end away from the tv set a small mirror can be
installed to reflect the beam. Most remote controls can be secured, to a lap
board for instance, by gluing Velcro to its bottom and to the lap board. Put
the soft side on the board. It doesn't take a very large piece of Velcro to
hold. Be careful not to position the Velcro where it will block access to the
battery case.
I hope some of this is useful. If you would like I can send a sketch of
the remote I modified.
All The Best,
Bill Baughn
No. Tex. Amputee Support Group
5427 Redfield, Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 631-7438
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!130!10!Bill.Baughn
Internet: Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.orgCarl.Herring@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Carl Herring) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8922
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
looking for a shaware large print program to help client. io use
speech output so am unfamilure with largeprint programs except for
lpdos zoomtext. my client has diabetic retonopothy and hal just
lost her job and has a ibm clone and a monicrome monitor tried the
demo copy of lp dos and it will not run on her system. trying to
find a salutation for her. also trying to get state rehab to assist
but the redtape is wrapping around ournecks.
let me know of any posible salutations. i think she does not need
too much magnification her vision is around 20/80.
thanks
# Origin: The Broken Rose BBS-Like Hell I Can't (203/11)
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Carl.Herring
Internet: Carl.Herring@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.orgSysop.*@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Sysop *) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8923
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Carl,
I have the Magherc large print display program if your client or
friend can use it. It goes up to eight times magnification and only
requires 41 K of memory to keep in memory. I have been using it
with other aids and find it quite a good program.
Magherc is a Shareware program and the authors price is extremely
reasonable, and is definitely a program that should be supported by
it's users.
However, Magherc, requires that the M S DOS computer have a
Hercules or Hercules compatible monochrome card and muxt be used
with a TTL monitor. However, since new TTL monitors can be bought
for as low as seventy odd dollars and the Magherc program
regiytration fee is so low and resaonable, it is worth buying a
Hercules compatible card and TTL monitor, when you consider that
most commercial large print display programs cost 300 to 700
dollars!
Also, Magherc, will let your client, wordprocess, use terminal
programs to call BBS's or just about anything that is text based.
It is a nifty little program. So, find out if she has a TTL monitor
and a Hercules card in her set up.
I know what you mean about that Rehab red tape. My counselor talked
about getting some better assistive things with me, but since that
was long ago and I have never heard anything since, I guess she
meant I should get it by myself! heheh!
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
# Origin: The Broken Rose BBS-Like Hell I Can't (203/11)
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Internet: Sysop.*@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.orgJohn.Holliday@p0.f14.n3601.z1.fidonet.org (John Holliday) (07/19/90)
Index Number: 9255
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi All, Haven't been active on the echo for quite a while. Been
out beating the bushes for a radio job. I have managed to find a
job with a progressive company, but not progressive enough that
they will pay for a vb2-plus. I can understand that, the 7,000
price tag is a bit scary. But as I see it, that is what I will need
to be able to do news and also get involved in copy writing at the
station. Can anyone suggest funding sources? D.B.S. here in
Florida will not help in any way, cause the job is partime to begin
with. Anyone take time payments on a used vb2-plus that can be
interfaced to a news wire, hahaha. Time payments being the only
way I could go. Any suggestions? BTW, the job is in Plainview TX,
70 miles south of Amirillo, pardon the spelling of Amirillo. Any
help would be greatly appreciated. The vb2-plus is not absolutely
necessary for the job to be done, but the way it stands now, it
will take two people to do the job that one can do. That is
something which could result in resentment later on, and I don't
want that.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!3601!14.0!John.Holliday
Internet: John.Holliday@p0.f14.n3601.z1.fidonet.orgChip.Orange@f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Chip Orange) (07/19/90)
Index Number: 9258
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi John,
I'm here in Tallahassee and thought I would pass along to you a few
ideas on your funding problem.
The first is that if your employer is willing to say that the part
time employment may lead to a full time position, then the diviy{sion of
blind services os obligated to assist you in obtaining the position
including the purchasing of needed equipment. Sometimes you just have to
push your case and contact your representative to intervean for you.
The second is the high-technology fund administer by Independence
for the blind here in Tallahassee. It provides loans for needed special
equipment at two percent (I just obtained a kurzweil personal reader this
way). You can contact them for an application by calling: (904)
681-6835.
If you'd like to talk with me in person you can reach me at:
home: (904) 877-0061
work: (904) 487-2680
Good luck,
Chip Orange
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Internet: Chip.Orange@f778.n115.z1.fidonet.orgScott.Marshall@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Scott Marshall) (07/19/90)
Index Number: 9340
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi John: A couple of things which might help. First, *don't* let
the rehab agency off the hook so freely. Technology should and can
be a part of your IWRP. Check with the Client Assistance Project in
your state for some help with the negotiations. I also highly
recommend that you purchase and read Financing Adaptive Technology: a
Guide to Sources and Strategies for Blind or Visually Impaired Users
by Steve Mendelsohn. He is at 212-222-0312 and the book I think is in
braille, disk, print or tape for $20. Although in some respects out
of date now (published in 1987) Steve's book has an excellent
survival chapter in it on how the rehab system does or doesn't work.
It's *must* reading for everyone who has to deal with a rehab agency
whether technology is in the picture or not. Steve is a blind guy
and is a sharp attorney from New York City. No, I don't get a
commission! <grin>
Alternatively, you might try Associated Services for the Blind in
Philadelphia which I think still has a technology subsidy program.
You can call them at 215-627-0600. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Scott
PS. If I can help further in any way, call me at 202-457-1498.
... Xpress Yourself!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!Scott.Marshall
Internet: Scott.Marshall@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgStew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Stew Bowden) (09/19/90)
Index Number: 10449
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Marda: couldnt help but notice your message. I think the major
problem regarding churches is that many of their congregations, and
unfortunately, especially ministers, consider blind persons not to be
a very gooed investment. Many seem to think that if one is blind he
or she would be unable to contribute to the church financially.
That's a rather sad commentary on churches, but often it surely seems
that way. As for me, I got lucky in the last six years. Found
aminister who happens to like computers. He sends me the church
bulletin every week, and I run it through my braille translation
program and print it out in braille.though I have never felt left out
because I happen to sing in church choire, I certainly feel like a
more active participant with the braille bulletin in front of me.
Hope I haven't interrupted anything Marda, thanks for letting me
share my thoughts on this subject.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!377!6!Stew.Bowden
Internet: Stew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.orgGary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Petraccaro) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10472
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
-> In a message to Gary Petraccaro <09-10-90 11:03> Walter Siren wrote:
->
-> WS> GP> In that message you didn't understand, I was refering to the
-> WS> GP> attempts
-> WS> GP> some religious types have made to have god perform a WS> healing.
-> WS> GP> Dislike it
-> WS> GP> intensely. Fortunately, it's not common.
-> WS>
-> WS> Hey I agree with you. I believe in prayer, but the
-> WS> days of miracles were over in the first centry.
Well, I can't speak to this last, but my reaction was based on the
perception that they wouldn't have been laying on hands, so to speak, if
they had been more accepting of me as a person instead of trying to score
points with the big guy. Maybe I'm misperceiving, but that's the way it
looked at the time. Other intensely religious types never even gave that a
thought and just took me as they found me.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!90!Gary.Petraccaro
Internet: Gary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.orgStew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Stew Bowden) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10519
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Marda: nice to hear from you again. I have heard of the
translation programs you spoke of but I am using Duxbury here. I like
it, but the manual might have been a bit clearer when it comes to
discussing various formatting commands. Other than that, I find that
it does an excellent job of translating print to braille, and the
batch files to make it quick and easy are very simple to write. I'm
rather fortunate here because the State Department of Education
purchased a Theil printer for me, because they have a number of
persons who need braille on their various boards, and I do that for
them in exchange for the printer. Not bad do you think? If I can be
of further help to you please let me know. Good to hear from you
again Marda
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!377!6!Stew.Bowden
Internet: Stew.Bowden@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.orgDeborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org (Deborah Johnson) (12/01/90)
Index Number: 12093
HI, I'm fairly new at this so I hope I do it right. My Dad who is in
his mid sixty's has a problem. He's an amputee just below the knee so
he has the swing of the joint. He's been an amputee since 1975. From
personal observation his limb has never been fitted properly, he's had
problems from day 1. The problems are 1. He's a big man 6'4" and about
250 pounds 2. The belt device to hold the limb on was causing many back
problems so he "invented" a suspender type of device it helps but is
still not doing a good job 3. The limb is about an inch longer than his
real leg 4. He develops abcesses on the end of the stump which don't
want to heal. This is much better by using Aloe Vera jell and peroxide
daily. 5. He has as far as I know only gone to one limb and brace shop.
They tell him it will cost $2,400.00 for a new limb and $1,600.00 for
them to try and fix the old one. If they haven't gotten it right since
1975 why do they think they can now? 6. He's on Heprin a blood thiner
and has been almost constantly since 1975. Due to the Heprin he's
losing calcium in the bones causing him to lose bone density and brittle
bones. He's broken his back 3 time in falls his pelvis once. Usually
they are hairline fractures not complete breaks. 7. He's on a very
limited income he's been unable to work since 1975. I'm hoping to get
some advice. I'm looking for a limb and brace shop that will stand
behind what they sell. If it doesn't fit they will get it to fit with
out charge. I don't think that's asking too much! Is it? Also he's on
disability which they are trying to take a way. They say because my Mom
is working they make too much in combined income to qualify. The only
income he gets is disability. Has anyone had this type of problem and
if so how did you resolve it. Any help or advice is appreciated thank.
Deborah Johnson
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Internet: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.orgJim.Sherwin@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Jim Sherwin) (12/05/90)
Index Number: 12204
Hi Deborah,
I'm no where close to being capable of advising on prosthetics, yet
three questions/ideas come to mind. 1.Was your dad ever in the service?
If he is a veteran with a Honorable Discharge he is entitled to utilize
the veteran administration medical centers. I'm a vet and see lots of
older men getting prosthetic devices.2.Does you dad have diabetes. It's
quite common to have similar ulcer sores attributed to diabetes.
Finally,
your dad <and I> need to lose weight. If your disabled, your problems
increase proportionately to how overweight you are. Please accept my
comments with the "hope to be costructive" sincerity I intend. Good
luck
resolving these concerns for you dad.
\/ Squire \/
/\ Jim /\
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!272!21!Jim.Sherwin
Internet: Jim.Sherwin@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.orgDeborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org (Deborah Johnson) (12/05/90)
Index Number: 12216
Hi Jim, thanks for the comments. Yes Dad is a Vet. In fact his first
'leg' was paid for via VA. Problem is they will only (according to
them) pay for one 'leg'. Right now they are trying to take away his
disability benefits $200.00 a month because my Mom works for a fraction
above minimum wage and their combined income is according to them too
much. The medicine alone he takes is over $200.00 a month not to
mention hospitalizations and doctors visits. They are trying to figth
it at the moment by showing his hight medical costs. Dad denies he is
diabetic however he is borderline controled with diet. How is doing on
the diet? Most of the time lousy. Yes, your right his weight is a big
factor. It not only causes the usual problems but because his 'good'
leg is supporting so much weight it swells and hurts. His fear and ours
is that he may lose his other leg too some day. Dad was always a very
active man he worked eithor two jobs or was a farmer. He didn't know
how to rest. His idea of a vacation was to put up vegetables from the
vegetable garden. He has had alot of problems dealing with inactivity
and the things he's not suppose to do. Being on Heprin a blood thinner
he isn't suppose to use knives or sharp objects of any kind no climbing
and God for bid he fall. You get the idea. Bless his heart he tries
but he gets frustrated and will go make knives from deer hornes, or sand
his truck down for repainting or reroof the house. Mom and I try to
keep quiet as much as possible but we're gettin too many gray hairs too
early from worry. Thanks for the comments and you were right on target.
Deborah Johnson
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Internet: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.orgJim.Sherwin@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.org (Jim Sherwin) (12/07/90)
Index Number: 12406
Hi Again,
I too do alot more than I should for my physical condition. My
philosophy is, "It's not the quantity of life that is important, it's
the quality." Last year I was on hospitalized bed rest for six months.
You might assume the much needed rest would have been good for me. The
fact of the matter is that I almost died from an undetected stress
ulscer! I too am an active preson, the confinement in bed cause an
ulser due to inactivity. Sometimes I guess you can win for losing!
Anyhow the PVA Paralyzed Veterans Association may be able to help with
tactfull advocacy. <actually there laywer's love to bring law suits
against VAMC's> I suggest you give the PVA a call. They have a toll
free 800 number, just call 800 information for the number. If you want
mail a letter to me and I'll forward it to the New York City office to
get you informasion as to his REAL RIGHTS under the VA regulations.
Anyway good luck! <my address is 101 Union St. Beacon, NY 12508-4225>
\/ Squire \/
/\ Jim /\
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Internet: Jim.Sherwin@f21.n272.z1.fidonet.orgDeborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.org (Deborah Johnson) (12/13/90)
Index Number: 12452
You're right about the inactivity and the quality of life. That's why
my Mom brother and I try our best not to be too protective. It is hard
on those that love him though with the constant worry of just a small
cut and he could bleed to death before the bleeding could be stopped.
His temperment when inactive makes everyone walk on egg shells around
him so we do try to understand. I will drop you a letter as I want to
try and get him some help as he seems to have just accepted the
situation as is and isn't trying real hard to fight for his rights.
Thanks for your interest and input. Good talking to you. May God bless
and keep you safe. Deborah
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Internet: Deborah.Johnson@f1.n3800.z1.fidonet.orgken.miller@f303.n203.z1.fidonet.org (ken miller) (01/09/91)
Index Number: 12742
[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]
hello everyone
i have a friend that is paralyzed from the neck down but he
has little use of one arm
he has a computer but he limited on what he could do i set him
up with a modem and he wants to try to use a communications
with a mouse is there is a such thing
also we would like to find out if there is a program around
that would put a key board on the screen and he could type
messages with a mouse for the existing program he's in i herd
of 1 that uses letters on the top to access with a mouse but
i don't know where to get one does any 1 know of such of
thing?
these programs would make it easier for him to type
he's can only type 1 key at a time and cant type 2 keys like
alt x or something
we would appreciate help or information
THANKS, THE SYSOP OF BIGTIME'S WOODLAND EXCHANGE
<==-- KEN MILLER --==>-(1:203/303)
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Internet: ken.miller@f303.n203.z1.fidonet.orgJay.Schlink@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Jay Schlink) (01/09/91)
Index Number: 12752
[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]
Ken,
There is so much available out there it is hard to begin. The latest info I
have seen is in the August 1990 edition of "MAINSTREAM" magazine. That
edition has a large amount of info geared at just such a problem. I'll give
you their address and phone number so that you can contact them. Their
address and number are:
MAINSTREAM
P.O. Box 370598
San Diego, CA 92137-0598
Phone (619)234-3138
If you can't get a copy of this edition, tell them you want info on the
following readers' service numbers:
251, 248, 216, 222, 252, 243, 215, 254, 266, 211, 268, 257, 264, 212, 213,
206, 228, 218
If this doesn't get you anywhere, let me know and I'll mail the readers'
service card in with your name and address on it.
Jay
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!140!Jay.Schlink
Internet: Jay.Schlink@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.orgCliff.Jones@f44.n254.z2.fidonet.org (Cliff Jones) (01/18/91)
Index Number: 13070
Hello Ken,
Regarding your friends need of mouse controled programs, you did
not mention which computer he/she has access too..
If you can post that information in this echo, we may be able to
suggest some programs that can help.
I represent "Disabled Data Link Group', am myself Disabled with CP
and provide an online help service based at my home here in
Lowestoft, UK..
I know were a long way off Ken, but feel that support of this
nature should well be borderless..
Best wishes for the New year Everyone..
Cliff
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Internet: Cliff.Jones@f44.n254.z2.fidonet.orgEric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.org (Eric Bohlman) (04/13/91)
Index Number: 14847
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Regarding large-print crossword puzzles: it might be possible to use a copier
with an enlargment feature to increase the size of commercial puzzles.
Whether the increase would be large enough, I don't know, but most of the
"copy-store" chains have machines that can do it, and they don't charge much.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!115!778.1!Eric.Bohlman
Internet: Eric.Bohlman@p1.f778.n115.z1.fidonet.orgAnn.Parsons@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Parsons) (04/20/91)
Index Number: 15072
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Phil,
First of all in the matter of taped books; they are no longer exclusively the
property of the blind. Many libraries carry a good selection of both abridged
and unabridged books of this kind. I have a sighted friend who is always going
to her local branch of the Rochester Public Library to get their taped books.
She listens to them on the way to work in her car. So, if you are in doubt as
to whether your mother-in-law would like tapes for the blind, go to the local
library and check out some regular taped books.
As for large print, I am not sure, but I believe that most libraries carry a
good selection of this kind of book as well. In addition, they would probablly
know if you could get large print cross word puzzles. I am sure that AFB
American Foundation for the Blind sells large print cross word puzzles, but I
think they ought to be available elsewhere too.
Check your local library, you'd be surprised what you can find there. Just as
a hint for those who don't know. I found out some years ago that libraries
carry many of the larger city phone books for the U.S., so, if I want an
address in Chicago, I call the library, not Information. The librarian will
give me the address without my explaining that I am blind and only need the
address, etc, etc, etc.
Take care, hope that I've been helpful.
Ann P.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!260!207!Ann.Parsons
Internet: Ann.Parsons@f207.n260.z1.fidonet.org