Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Baughn) (02/22/90)
Index Number: 6895
RR> How do you get to newly disabled people to let them know this stuff?
We simply put out the word every way we can. I am particularly pleased when I
develop a device which gives an individual greater independence, but I am also
frustrated because I know there are many others who could also benefit if I
knew how to reach them. I also hope that the ideas will outlive me and the
person they were developed for.
I wish it were possible to reach them all, but not just the newly disabled.
Many people who have been disabled for many years or from birth have
limitations which could be reduced with simple information and a little
imagination.
The rehabilitation community, all too often, tends to turn its back on the
severely disabled because, it seems to me, they consider small abilities
unimportant. I recently converted a television remote control for a lady
disabled by CP. She lives in a nursing home. can't communicate, can't even sit
up. She had to lay there and make noises until someone came along to turn her
TV on or off or change the channel. Now she can do this independently. It make
a difference to her, but the professional reaction seemed to be, so what?
Please remember that profit is not a four letter word. In my experience the
rehab community has an attitude problem. They draw salaries, don't they? Stop
their pay checks and see how long they continue to be dedicated to the
disabled. I have been at this for two years without any income. However if we
don't find a way to pay the bills pretty soon it will be impossible to
continue. How will that help anyone? I am sure you could make a living
without trying to promote accessible housing. You must bear in mind that
ninety percent of the world are fools, and the rest of us are in great danger
of contamination.
RR> Why tamper with a system that's working just fine? (Only problem is,
it's not working just fine)
AMEN!
All The Best,
Bill
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