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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 914

                           Thursday, May 06, 1993

Today's Topics:


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                                Re: jaws 2.3
                           Re: Type 'n Speakskoobe
                           Disabilities Newspaper
                                   Re: hi
                                 Nreca / tt
                        Re: braille labels for disks
                            Re: Easy Scan Upgrade
                                 Re: Laptops
                   Re: Visual Impairment in United Kingdom


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                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



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Subject: Re: jaws 2.3
From: Walter.Siren@p42.f17.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:396/17.42 - N. O. P. C. Club, New Orleans LA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

On Aprm 03m, Lois Briggs <1:129/89> corresponding with Mitch Galloway typed:
 LB>While JAWS sounds
 LB> complicated and probably wouldn't be great for a beginner user of
 LB> adaptive equipment, I thought it had possibilities for a mid-level user
 LB> such as myself.

It is even good for a beginner, because a beginner does not have to
go into the advanced ways of using jaws.  There are configurations
furnished for most popular programs, and they will suffice until a
person learns how to customize jaws for their own use.

 LB>Are you saying one could
 LB> not write a batch file using, for instance one key to run a program
 LB> configuration then be able to exit that program back to one's own
 LB> personal, shall we call it, default setting?  For me personally, the
 LB> fastest way is the most comfortable way so perhaps I wouldn't like JAWS
 LB> after all.

You can write a batch file to bring up any configuration with any
program.  You also could write a macro to use one key to change
configuration files.

Walter

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!17.42!Walter.Siren
Internet: Walter.Siren@p42.f17.n396.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Type 'n Speakskoobe
From: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 RC> The bottom line is if you need to run off the shelf software
 RC> while away from your desktop machine, the Type 'n Speak is out
 RC> of the question. On the other hand, if you want a truly
 RC> portable user-friendly device and can settle for doing word
 RC> processing and telecommunications with the built-in editor that
 RC> is part of the Type 'n Speak's firmware, the TNS may be just
 RC> what you want.

Robert,
    Although I am not in the habit of leaving messages merely showing my
agreement, I just had to in this case!  I too am in the fortunate
position of having a Braille 'n Speak, Type 'n Speak and a laptop
computer at my disposal, and each does have its purpose!  Despite the
fact the size difference between the Type 'n Speak and Braille 'n Speak
is minimal, sometimes it is significant enough for me, a less than
expert braille user, to take the BNS.  Sometimes, even though this seems
to be occuring less and less as of late, I need the laptop so I have
access to some Dos program while I'm traveling.

     Most often though, if I'm on the road, the Type 'n Speak is what I
carry with me, cause it sort of has the benefits of both worlds!  As
others have said, the keyboard is beyond reproach, perhaps the best feel
I've ever experienced, it is more portable than most any
notebook/synthesizer combination I've seen, and yet it works fine as a
text editor and communications device, the primary things I need when
I'm not at home!  With each update it gets better and better, and since
these updates are easy to get and install, this is a significant benefit
of the Type 'n Speak!

     Now then, if someone would just write a VT100 terminal emmulation
program for the Type and Braille 'n Speaks, I too may be sitting in my
easy chair and using it rather than this desk top!! <
                                        Willie

... BlinkTalk - Blind bats in the belfry!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Disabilities Newspaper
From: Bill.Jackson@f9.n280.z1.fidonet.org (Bill Jackson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:280/9 - South Of The River , Overland Park KS


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

                          >>> THE INDEPENDENCE <<<

THE INDEPENDENCE is a monthly newspaper for people with
disabilities, serving Missouri, Illinois and Kansas.  Aimed at
people with all kinds of disabilities, it offers newsbriefs,
information on events and organizations, regular columns such as
"Making Life Easier," "Family Talk," "From the Social Security
Administration," and "Dealing With Disabilities."  It also includes
a calendar of events and listings of professional organizations and
support groups with their phone numbers.

Letters from readers and and information about groups and their
events are not only welcomed, but encouraged.  The publication as a
whole is very friendly and informative.  I have subscribed now for
about 2 years.

   THE INDEPENDENCE is published by JoAnne & James A. Groos.  Subscriptions
are $12 per year, or 2 years at $21, and may be obtained by writing to
P.O. Box 1439, St. Charles, MO  63302-1439.  They may also be reached at
(314) 946-9456 - (314) 724-8082 (FAX).
___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!280!9!Bill.Jackson
Internet: Bill.Jackson@f9.n280.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: hi
From: Dawn.Jackson@f140.n267.z1.fidonet.org (Dawn Jackson)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:267/140 - Lower Albany BBS, Albany NY


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I have a question on Visual impairment.  Has anyone ever heard of
Optic Neritus?  Where one eye tends to blurr and colors dim?  I
went blind in my left ey back in August and it took three months to
clear, but now it is slowly going again.  I had numerous tests,
MRI, VER (visual ER gram) and few others and all they could tell me
is that my Optic nerve is or was, is again swollen and that is what
causes the blurr.  But little by little my less oxygen is getting
to my eye, cause they say some of the blood arteries are shot.

I would love any feed back anyone has to offer.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!267!140!Dawn.Jackson
Internet: Dawn.Jackson@f140.n267.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Nreca / tt
From: Thomas.Martin@f14.n279.z1.fidonet.org (Thomas Martin)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:279/14 - Project Enable, Dunbar WV


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I am pleased to report that the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association has installed a "text telephone" (TT) at its switchboard in
its Washington headquarters, as 202-857-2180.   Incomming test messages
are appreciated.
Messages of congradulations on the installation of the new text
telephone (TT) should be sent to:
    Mr. Bob Bergland
    Executive Vice President and General Manager
    1800 Massachusetts Avenue N. W.
    Washington, D. C. 20036
by mail, or to the new text telephone on 202-857-2180.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!279!14!Thomas.Martin
Internet: Thomas.Martin@f14.n279.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: braille labels for disks
From: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (George Mccoy)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 BH>  The regular paper labels do not hold up.  The
 BH> clear plastic sheets with the peal off backing can be cut to size,
 BH> but once you cut them, it is extremely difficult to unpeel a single
 BH> label without the starter edge supplied on one end of the sheet.
Hello, Bob!
I use the clear plastic sheets with the peal off backing.  I don't make
a label until I have a multiple of two disks to label.  Two labels make
a complete strip accross the top of an 8.5 inch wide sheet.  I braille
the labels at the end of the sheet where the starter tab is located.  I
then peal the backing before I cut the strip from the sheet.  That way,
I still have the backing attached to the unused portion of the sheet.
It took me a bit of practice to cut the labels after pealing the
backing, but it's not too hard when you get used to it.  It's not the
best solution, but it works.  I had to do something.  I was hip deep in
unlabeld 3.5 inchers.  Precut labels would be great, though.  If you
find a source for them, count me in.

Best wishes from
George and Bullet WOOF!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!George.Mccoy
Internet: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Easy Scan Upgrade
From: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (George Mccoy)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

 JS> Automatic contrast slows the scanning ("picture taking") portion
 JS> of the process.
 Boy, you can say that again!  I'm running An Open Book on a 386 until I
 can get the last few parts I need to build a dx 266 and A scanner pass
 takes about 50 seconds!  The menus are primative, as well.  I find I
 must lean on the escape key to get things happening.  When the select
 key is pushed, one shouldn't have to hit escape to move to the next
 option.

I am running an accent pc synthesizer with Arkenstone's driver.  When I
leave the machine idle for 5 or 10 minutes, the speech goes away.
Sometimes I can get it back, sometimes I can't.

The document reader is crude, but take heart.  a good talking text file
reader is right around the corner.

Best wishes from
George and Bullet WOOF!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!George.Mccoy
Internet: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Laptops
From: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (George Mccoy)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I'm using a bondwell laptop with an accent sa synthesizer and the asap
screen review program.  You can obtain systems like this from a company
called Infosystems.   Their number is (801)-224-8237 voice.

Hope this helps
George and Bullet WOOF!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!George.Mccoy
Internet: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Visual Impairment in United Kingdom
From: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (George Mccoy)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89.0 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA


[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

Hello, Jason!
I have used the Appolo synthesizer, briefly.  I liked the speech quality
but was disappointed in the rate.  I have not heard of the other items
you mentioned, but am always interested in the newest stuff.

Regards from
George and Bullet WOOF!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!George.Mccoy
Internet: George.Mccoy@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org




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                 End of Issue # 914 of the Blind News Digest

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