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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 967

                           Tuesday, June 29, 1993

Today's Topics:


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                              Games and Speech
                           Re: Grade Three Braille
                              GUIDE DOG PROBLEM
              ADVICE NEEDED ON HARDWARE & SALES TO BLIND PEOPLE
                              Re: New guide dog
                          Advice Needed On Hardwar
                            Re: An adverse ruling
                          Re: Where's the romance?


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Subject: Games and Speech
From: Russ.Kiehne@f99.n215.z1.fidonet.org (Russ Kiehne)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:215/99 - Blink Connection, San Leandro CA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 KN> I am trying to collect games which will play well
 KN> with a speech synthesizer.

I have 147 text adventure games available for download from Blink
Connection 510-276-4121 that all work with speech.

Russ

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!215!99!Russ.Kiehne
Internet: Russ.Kiehne@f99.n215.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Grade Three Braille
From: Randy.Formenti@f99.n215.z1.fidonet.org (Randy Formenti)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:215/99 - Blink Connection, San Leandro CA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 NF> I've been thinking of learning how to write in Grade 3 braille, but
 NF> don't know where to find help.

Well about 20 years ago I knew Grade Three pretty well but I don't
use it much anymore.  I would start by learing the dot 4 5 45 and
456 contractions.  The ones for Grade Two are the same but Grade
Three uses all letters and more.  That may be about all you would
really want to learn anyway.  Some braille translation programs do
Grade Three like my C version of nfbtrans, and TurboBraille which I
suspect is more accurate.

As far as the rules go, there was a hard cover one volume book that
had the rules and a shi*load of reading material.

Oh and by the way, When you get your degree, maybe I could
stop by for some free analysis.  I'm one sick puppy!

... Randy Formenti N8KL  Internet: rcf@genrad.com
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!215!99!Randy.Formenti
Internet: Randy.Formenti@f99.n215.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: GUIDE DOG PROBLEM
From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:203/11 - SIREN, Sacramento CA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hi all!

I know, I know, it's been a million years since I have posted
anything here in BLINKTALK, but I have been following along in the
shadows.

I have been having some terrible problems trying to control dry
skin and excesive dandruff on my Guide Dog Toby. These are probably
cause by both excema and flea allergy.

I have tried all of the usual things, trying different dog foods,
zinc in his food, antibiotics which do little or nothing for him.
My Vet says that Toby is just going to have long term skin problems
causing him to itch and a tendency towards hot spots.

Well, Toby has had so many bad hot spots since we have been
together, that we know how to treat even the more severe ones
without Vet assistance. But the one thing I have'nt been able to
control, is his problem with excessive dandruff.

This may not sound to dire a situation, but when you realize that
he gets dandruff to a point where it would be disgusting to have
him out in public and that he is always waiting for the slightest
chance to chew himself up, it can be very very frustrating. In
fact, his problem is so bad, that if I did'nt have some useable
vision, there would be no way that I could keep him because he
would always be a bloody dandruff flaked mess.

Does anyone have any helpful suggestions concerning these problems.
Especially dandruff control.

Thanks much!

Keepin' the faith!

.                              Vixen

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen
Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: ADVICE NEEDED ON HARDWARE & SALES TO BLIND PEOPLE
From: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org (David Tanner)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:109/234 - Braille Bank BBS, Oakton Va


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

You raised some very importatnt questions and I am sure you will
get a lot of answers. I don't want to scare you but there are a lot
of choices when it comes to choosing the appropriate speech access
product. If you can call me or send me your voice number where you
can be reached during the day I will be happy to speak with you and
help answer your questions.

As the blindness products specialist for AT&T/NCR Special Needs
Program a part of my job is to assist blind individuals in finding
the best access hardware and software. Since we do not produce any
access products ourselves and work independantly with no ties to
any particular access technology producers we can evaluate your
needs and recommend the best products regardless of who produces
the product. After the needs analysis we can assist you in getting
what you need at a lower price than is often available from dealors
who are tied to a particular software or hardware producer, and we
can also provide the training and hot line support after training
has been completed.

My new office number at our new Maryland facility is (301) 212-5478.

I have been working with people like yourself for 8 years and know
the acces technology field pretty well. I also have hands on
experience with most of what is available, and since I am blind
myself I feel that I want the best technology for my use and that
each blind person should be able to define what is best for
themselves whether or not it is necessarily what might be exactly
what I might think is best for me. Each user has different needs
and tthese may require different solutions.

    David Tanner

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!234!David.Tanner
Internet: David.Tanner@f234.n109.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: New guide dog
From: Doug.Parisian@f120.n2320.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Parisian)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:2320/120 - MicroTalk, Louisville KY


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

CC>I'm not sure what they could really say which would prepare you for all
  >the set-backs and confusion of those first days and weeks at home.  I
  >know most instructors at most schools do mention that you are bound to
  >experience some backsliding in your teamwork when you get home and that
  >the dog will be somewhat disoriented and perhaps even rattled before it

First, I must take issue with your tagline "read what I mean, not what I
write."  Seems to me that the latter is just fine, in fact in most cases
excellent and worth stealing--and sometimes I do.  You might consider
publishing some of your observations, insights, and experiences in the
world of Dogs; then I would no longer have to be a thief--until then,
snatch, grab, steal.

I have had three dogs starting with a shepherd in 1977.  All responses
on first home coming, and for the next few weeks were quite different
for each one--and the Seeing Eye in fact did prepare me well.  Seems to
me that the duty of the master is patience, consistancy, providing a
safe secure environment, and all that good stuff.  I have seen dog guide
owners pass on responsibility for the animals basic care--feeding,
toilet schedules, grooming, and the like, to significant others and then
wonder why they ar not able to bond and are experiencing problems.

The worst in terms of going to pieces was my shepherd.  Of course, when
considering the shock of the environment to which he returned, little
wonder.  We left a beautiful fall day at Seeing Eye to return to a
rather serious blizzard in Winnipeg, manitoba, canada--just north of
North Dakota.  It hit about 3 days after I returned home with a vengence
wich virtually shut down a city of 600,000 people for 24 hours.

On my first day at work, he growled at one of my rather bulky collegues,
made even more so by his down-filled coat.  Since we were good
buddies, I new I had to get Brut, (the shepherd,) to accept him.  I took
the fellows parka, put it on my bod, and played with Brut for a while
(there was enough room inside that likely both you and me could have
worn it and invited friends.)  This solved the problem.  Unfortunately,
though an excellent worker, Brut was extremely protective.  I
worked in a public office as an employment counsellor for the Canada
Employment and Immigration Commission, having often to deal with angry
shouting clients, he had to be retired in a year and a half.  Seeing Eye
determined that he would not be suitable for a guide dog so Brut became
the body guard for my aging mother until he died of tortia at age 8.

My present dog, Boots, a black weapon of a Labradore, showed no initial
signs of loosing anything for the first week or so.  I did keep to
familiar roots and repeated them constantly, allowing the dog to go at
her own rate and not being too harsh if she missed a few curbs and the
like.  It was towards the end of this "gentle period" that she fell
apart in the middle of a busy intersection--no explainable reason.  I am
fortunate to have good mobility skills so simply walked her accross,
no--dragged her and carried her--the light was changing and there was no
choice.  Since then, Boots has been my most favourite, wonderful, and
loved dog--as was my second, and first, and as will be my fourth, etc.
Boots (the Booter) tends to supress her anxieties and were the same
event every to develop now, I am sure I would have picked up her
messages BEFORE such could ever happen.  About the only problem I have
is with her "Parking"--reguardless of how regular I keep her, she will,
in all likelihood need to do a "2" about 10 bloks or more into a trip,
even though she had had every opertunity to do so before going out.  I
even used the "Match stick" trick (under the tail you know) before
starting out to see if I could induce any action--nothing.  So I live
with it--she knows to go to the curb and/or bullevard.

Well, sorry for the intrusion, byeee!

 * OLX 2.2 * My dog can lick your dog!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!2320!120!Doug.Parisian
Internet: Doug.Parisian@f120.n2320.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Advice Needed On Hardwar
From: Walt.Cone@f145.n138.z1.fidonet.org (Walt Cone)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:138/145 - The Cats' Paws, Tacoma WA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hello Bob:

     You asked for advice concerning blind people and screens?
Many blind people like myself have a color vga monitor because
others in my family also use the computer, and they want color.  (A
little Democracy lingo there) (grin).  I am not sure what your
requirements are as far as what you need for a screen reader, and a
synthasizer.  Some like a small package that gives them the basic
and some like a combination of braille and speech using the
bennifits of both.

     Yes there are a lot of people who will be able to help you and
don't feel you are asking dumb or stupid questions in this forrum.
The only way to learn is to ask???

     I hope you have many more messages:
Walt

"I have alot of ideas, but there all backed up...
___
 X MegaMail 2.10 #0:

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!138!145!Walt.Cone
Internet: Walt.Cone@f145.n138.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: An adverse ruling
From: Steve.Bauer@f6.n291.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Bauer)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:291/6 - Wichita BBS, Wichita Ks


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 PG> Recently I heard on Westlink that now blind people can no
 PG> longer serve as volunteer examiners.  The finding was in
 PG> response to a complaint filed by Wd8Pof when his Ve team
In this weeks edition of *NEWSLINE* Hap Holly, KC9RP put more light
on the story.  The complaintent, claims to have 20/400 vision.  This
is  enough vision to observe one or two test candidates, but not a
general test session.  He is appealing this decision, so the final
word is  not out yet.

I too am an accredited Volunteer Examiner.  The role I usually play
at a test session is moderator.  I make all the preliminary
announcements,  like turn your radios off, etc.  Then I physically
run the code test while introducing each one.  The rules require that
three  accredited VE's be observing at all times.  In my case, there
are  at least three additional VE's in the room.  I never sign off on
the  certificates.  I let the eyeballs do that.

It will be interesting to see how this one comes down.

Steve (KC0HF)

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!291!6!Steve.Bauer
Internet: Steve.Bauer@f6.n291.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Where's the romance?
From: Steve.Bauer@f6.n291.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Bauer)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:291/6 - Wichita BBS, Wichita Ks


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

OK Henry, here's a summer topic.

Usually each summer, families have reunions.  I personally hate them
and refuse to go.  Three things usually happen:

1.  All the cousins start playing softball, vollieball or something
like that.  You are stuck on the side with a warm soda hot and
sweaty.

2.  A cousin, Aunt or Uncle you have not seen for a couple hundred
years  comes up to you, grabs your hand and in a loud voice ( you
know the ears are the first thing to go in a blind person) and says
"Do you know who this is?"  After playing a stupid guessing game the
person finally says "I'm your Uncle Marvin".  Well, like I said, it's
been several hundred years since I saw him and gosh, just didn't
remember  the voice.

3.  You are standing there talking with a sweet little old lady, some
cousin twice removed from the fourth generation of the left side of
your  MOthers family.  She says, "What do you do with your time
during the day?"  I take a deep breath and tell her I am employed as
a "what ever" and she replies: "Oh, you work, isn't that wonderful.
Oh my, I ...... words get hard to say.

Well, I don't need this kind of stuff so I just stay away.  I know
some will disagree with me, but I bet more will agree than not.

Are you going to your family reunion (abuse session) this summer?

Steve

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Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!291!6!Steve.Bauer
Internet: Steve.Bauer@f6.n291.z1.fidonet.org




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                 End of Issue # 967 of the Blind News Digest

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