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 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!130!10!Bill.Baughn Internet: Bill.Baughn@f10.n130.z1.fidonet.org