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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 1140

                           Monday, April 17, 1995

Today's Topics:


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                             new computer group


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thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
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Subject: new computer group
From: kelly@ripco.com (Kelly Pierce)
Organization: Ripco Internet BBS, Chicago

      The following is the first newsletter of the computer Users
Network in Chicago.  The initiative is built on the principles of
self-development, mutual aid, cooperative learning and peer
mentoring.  The newsletter is shared in this space in an effort
for others to consider developing similar initiatives of blind
people and those with disabilities as an alternative to vertical,
"professionalize" models as well as models national in scale and
resource intensive that serve merly as demonstration centers with
outcomes never reaching the end user.


COMPUTER USERS
NETWORK NEWS


Vol. 1, No. 1
January, 1995


                          Published Bimonthly

                     by Blind Service Association
                           22 W. Monroe St.
                          Chicago, IL  60603

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to provide a vehicle for our
consumers to share information with each other. This is
accomplished by stimulating the pro-active involvement of our
readers.







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                               CONTENTS

WELCOME TO AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME

THE HARD STUFF

COMPUTER POSSE

LINK SQUAD: AN INTERVIEW WITH                 KELLY PIERCE

THE LINK SQUAD AND INTERNET

FROM THE NO-NAME COMMITTEE

JOIN US

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
KITTEN ON THE KEYS





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                          WELCOME TO AN IDEA
                          WHOSE TIME HAS COME

      In November of 1994, something exciting happened at Blind
Service Association. Several dozen blind and visually impaired
computer users came together to form a network. There were gurus
and novices, those with jobs and those without, those with some
ambitious technical goals to achieve and those who merely wanted
to tinker. It soon became clear that not only did each
participant have something to learn, each had something unique
and important to give.
      We at B.S.A believe the time is long overdue for blind and
visually impaired consumers to generate the kinds of services
that they truely need. It is evident to us that the most creative
and useful ideas often come from the bottom up, not from the top
down. We also believe that adults learn best from one another on
a peer basis. We all have something genuine to contribute.
      Electronically based information systems frame the doorway
to the future. A whole range of options and opportunities is
emerging through this medium. B.S.A. is proud to be the sponsor
of such a unique venture as this Computer Users Network.

      Blind Service Association
      Arthur M. Shapiro, President
      Anna Perlberg, Executive
Director

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                            THE HARD STUFF
                            by Dave Porter
      The peer-to-peer approach to defining, identifying, and
solving our own technological challenges is the hard stuff of the
Computer Users Network. By defining technological end-users as
experts and providing these experts a forum,  they will be able
to bring their ideas, techniques, and perspectives to a common
table.  Peers wILL bring new approaches and more pressing
challenges to this field of adaptive technology.       Our
bimonthly newsletter is a vehicle of the Computer Users Network.
It is dedicated to those who have stayed up working on a problem
only to discover that the night is gone, you're full of
adrenaline and you've got a whole day, replete with intrusive
responsibilities in front of you. You don't care because you've
uncovered little aha's that infused you with an unexplainable
energy. Bring those aha's to us. They are the hard stuff of
adaptive technology.
      As a student I believed there were people who knew the way
things worked. They had the right answers and all I had to do was
hitch a ride on their credentials and they would see to it that I
got what they knew , I needed. As an adult I've come to learn
that a credential is more a product of stamina than know-how. We
learn by doing. We succeed by asking questions, bartering ideas,
leveraging information, trial and error, and perseverance. We are
mentors, teachers and students simultaneously. We observe and,
where possible, incorporate what we gathered into the litany of
our experiences. Answers will bring more questions. If we ask
questions, interpret and incorporate answers into these common
experiences, they will provide the impetus and energy we need to
move forward.
      As this project Coordinator, I relish being the beneficiary
of the unique perspective, strategies, ideas, effort, energy and
experience that only you can provide:  U + US = WE
      I promise to ask you those questions, to provide any
answers I can give, impart what I can of my trial and error
experiences, practical and zany ideas and any contacts,
resources, tips, tools, tricks and techniques I've learned to the
bubbling
caldron of accumulated knowledge and know-how if you'll promise
to do that for me.
      This newsletter will chronicle events, catalog experiences
document ideas, ask questions. It will inform, challenge,
entertain, and, maybe, inspire you to join us. Like the Network
itself, your input, and output will determine it's success or
failure. Each success breeds success, which breeds self
confidence, which breeds trust in ourselves to push on. The
ultimate goal is to do what we can to provide the space to be the
people we want to be seen as being. In the final analysis, that's
who we are.       WELCOME! As the Coordinator of the Computer
Users Network, I want to welcome you all to this noble
experiment. I believe in our innate ability to provide the give
and take that makes a project like this succeed. I see my role as
doing what I can to provide opportunities for all members of the
network to bring their best to the table. I commit to bring my
very best to the table along with you. I look forward to getting
to know you, working with you, and learning from you.

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                          THE COMPUTER POSSE
                           by Lary Williams
      The Computer Posse is a group of people who are interested
in learning about the inner workings of computers. The name for
this group, Computer Posse, was chosen by the group because these
volunteers will be "rounding up"  computers discarded by
corporations, organizations, and agencies which no longer need
them.
      The Posse will be the repair and maintenance segment of the
Computer Users Network. Each participant has hands-on experience
taking non-functional computers apart and salvaging usable parts
to construct working computers. In order for this to work, there
must be computers to repair and maintain. The Computer Posse has
already procured some computers and has inroads for getting more
into storage. The Posse is on the trail, moving towards their
goals.
      The Posse also plans to develop a program that will provide
opportunities for persons to take ownership for salvaged and
working computers. Criteria for eligibility will be established
by the Computer Posse. David McClain and Brad Schnell are co-
leaders of the group. Contact them if you are interested in
joining the Posse.

                               --------
  THE LINK SQUAD: An Interview                      With Kelly
Pierce                            by Larry Williams
      LW: How did you get involved with computers?
      KP: It all began when I was in college. I typed rather
poorly and I wasn't computer literate. I began to realize that I
needed to master the mainstream software and hardware that other
people were using--peers that were doing what I wanted to do--
journalism, freelance writing, or, perhaps, working at a public
relations agency.
      LW: So you found the computer helped you tie in with the
sighted world?
      KP: Yes, but first I had to learn how to type and to teach
myself about computers. I finished college with a B.A. in
journalism. In the meantime  I taught myself WordPerfect, Spell
Checker, The surus, and to print envelopes with my Screen Reader.
Then I wanted to go on-line.       LW: On-line, meaning '''
      KP: Using a modem to access other computers by phone line.
With other people accessing their computers you can exchange
information and ideas with them.
      LW: So, you taught yourself?
      KP: Yes, including on-line. Then I began networking with a
lot of people both on the Internet and on Bulletin Boards. I even
filed a couple of civil rights complaints in relation to access
to information--library and on-line acces. Now I'm involved with
the Computer User Network and, so far, I'm the organizer of the
Link Squad.
      LW: What do you think the role of the Link Squad should be?
     KP: I think the role is helping people understand Internet
and the on-line community can benefit from one another. Blind
people can obtain information they can read. The whole resource
base is expanding. Whereas, before, information was stored in
warehouses of print, information is now being transferred to an
electric format. Now, instead of getting it on a floppy disk or
CD-ROM, people will be able to just dial in and get it.
      LW: Could you tell me about bulletin boards--that's part of
going on-line, right?
      KP: Yes. A bulletin board is a computer just like the
computers you and I have. It has software that will allow people
to phone into this computer--maybe, even twenty simultaneously.
They'll be able to read and write messages on a very focused
topic with one another. Topics such as blindness, dog guide use,
computer use, issues related to blind people are available to
blind people. They can do all sorts of things, such as obtain
files, games, other software. newsletters, other programs, and
other software. There's a ton of free programs on bulletin
boards. There are periodicals such as "USA Today." There's a lot
of great stuff on the Internet you could put in the newsletter.
      LW: What's the big difference between the Internet and the
bulletin board?
      KP: The big difference is that the bulletin board cannot
connect to other computers around the globe. It allows people to
conference on certain topics in a region or around the nation.
Internet goes beyond the bulletin board.
      LW: What is the goal of the Link Squad?
      KP: Most interlink programs are migrating toward a client-
server. It operates from a computer that "serves," that is, sends
out files to people. There are two interfaces. One is called
Links; the other is Mosaic. Mosaic is similar to Microsoft
Windows. It is not available to blind users with DOS screen
readers. Links is, but there are lots of tricks to using Links.
Our goal is to become familiar enough with Links so that we can
share its applications, not only with the network, but, also with
B.S.A consumers. For instance, college students could learn to
access information in libraries on their own.
      LW: What makes a person qualified to join the Link Squad?
   KP: They should be able to type 20-25 words a minute with
relative accuracy or they will lose a lot of time mis-typing
commands. They should also be able to use a word processor.
      Prospective members can contact Kelly at 312-472-7206.

                               --------
                              LINK SQUAD
                           by Kelly Pierce
      The Internet. Computer bulletin boards. Modems. The
Information Superhighway. These words and phrases are part of the
buzz of urban life, but what are they about and what do they
mean?  The Links Squad will help you understand, and help you to
learn how to navigate the electronic frontier. Cyberspace has
much to offer a blind person. The complete catalogs of the
National Library Service for the Blind, all cooperating NLS
regional network libraries, and Recording for the blind, are all
available online.  Additionally, the catalogs of several thousand
public and university libraries, including more than 800 in
Illinois, are also available online. This is a great resource for
doing term papers, exploring hobbies or something as simple as
obtaining a list of all the Steven King books ever produced on
cassette by anyone. There are a growing number of books, reports,
pamphlets, and reference material becoming available online.
Newspapers and newsletters, journals and trashy "zines" are all
out in cyberspace. This explosion of information offers us blind
people the opportunity for the first time to do for ourselves
what we previously needed someone else to read or transcribe.
Jumping  into the saddle and heading off into the electronic
frontier is much easier than you think. One of the simplest and
the most commonly used trail, or on ramp, to the information
superhighway is through electronic mail.  Despite its name,
electronic mail, which is often abbreviated to just e-mail, is
unlike postal mail in many different ways. First, it's fast. Mail
arrives at its destination in a few minutes.  Second it's
accessible.  Every word of it can be read.  Third, long articles,
even books, can be mailed for the same price as a three line
message. Fourth, it's more personal and focused. Best of all, it
is free. One common Internet activity is the mailing list.
Mailing list are groups of people of usually no more than a few
hundred that share ideas, experiences and collectively problem
solve. Mailing lists exist for nearly every interest, profession,
hobby or lifestyle. Most mailing lists are highly specialized and
tightly focused. Some examples are lists for dog guide users,
those who want access to libraries for people with disabilities,
another for equal access to software and information, and there
is even one for gay men who are eagle scouts. Some merely are
alternative information sources. The most up-to-the-minute news
from Chiapas, Mexico comes from an e-mail list connected to
activists in Chiapas who transmit to the net from a university in
Mexico City several times a week. If you are ready to take the
plunge, here is how to get connected.       First you will need a
computer that has a modem and
telecommunications, or online, software. Modems allow you, the
user, to send and receive information from your computer to other
computers and vice-a-versa. Modems require special software to
run them. If you want help buying a modem, selecting software, or
figuring out how to install it properly in your computer, talk to
other users and the Computer Posse of the user group for machine
problems.
      Second, once you have and installed modem and can receive a
dial tone with your modem, call a computer bulletin board. You do
this by using the commands with your communications software. I
used a 5 by 8 card and braille what seemed to be the most common
commands form the manual from Recording for the Blind on it. This
saved a lot of grief. Others have done it by special organizers
that work in tandem with their screen reader or simply read some
of the common commands onto a cassette until they become
familiar. Many manuals are either on tape from Recording for the
Blind or are in a text file with the program. Many communications
programs display a list of features and commands at the bottom of
the screen. Use the review cursor of your screen reader to read
these lines, especially word-by-word at first. The arrow keys
used in application programs (located between the number pad and
the QWERTY keyboard) will not read the screen like you can in a
word processor.       Third, log into the system. Dial the
telephone number with the numbers at the top of your computer
keyboard. I am aware of two computer systems that offer users
free internet e-mail. In the near west suburbs and on the
southwest side, Chicago Syslink is a local area call at
708-795-4442. A local call from the loop, north, and northwest
sides, West Town and Logan Square is Ripco BBS at 312-665-0065.
Use the review cursor of your screen reader or the auto
speak/active window to read all screens and initial messages. You
will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that includes your
name, address and telephone number. Providing this information is
necessary because these are computers in the corner of someone's
home and you are just a house guest. When you come to a menu,
read through it line by line with the review cursor of your
screen reader. Choose the option called mail or internet mail by
entering the number or letter beside the option. From there, read
help screens and menus. The rest is largely self-explanatory over
time.
      More detailed information is available at Blind Service
through the Computer Users Network.
Internet resource guides are available, along with a list of e-
mail providers and bulletin boards. Bring a floppy of either size
to copy these materials from the hard disk. Another good resource
that is highly comprehensive is "The Whole Internet" by Ed Kroll,
which is available on tape or in E-text from Recording for the
Blind. If you have questions, contact Kelly at kelly@ripco.com or
at
312-472-7206.

NEXT ISSUE:  A review of Internet resources and computer bulletin
boards for blind people and those with disabilities.

                               --------
                      FROM THE NO-NAME COMMITTEE
                            By Cindy Brown
      The group that put this newsletter together has taken so
seriously its assignment to produce this first edition in time
for the January meeting, that it has found no time to dream up a
"cutesie" name. But it would be too, too embarrassing not to have
this assignment completed by the February meeting.
      You may have noted that the bylines in this edition are
represented by only a few hardworking individuals. Marie Porter
deserves special mention for the work she has put in assisting in
the editing, as well as entering the entire newsletter on a disk
for printing. My co-chairperson, Larry Williams,  has also played
a vital role in facilitating this process. We sincerely hope that
you will submit material with your byline for future editions.
      For the March issue, please get your article to the CUN box
at B.S.A no later than  noon, Wednesday, March 8, 1995. Put it to
my attention, and also leave me your phone number in the event
that I have questions. Please anticipate that there might be
minor editting. Oh, yes--and for this time, I would appreciate
Braille or cassette. I promise to become technology friendly with
each succeeding edition.

                               --------
                                JOIN US
                           by Wayne B. Smith
      When Benjamin Franklin walked out of Constitution Hall
after signing that most extraordinary document, a woman walked up
to him and asked, "What have you given us, Mr. Franklin?"
      Franklin responded, "A republic, Madam--if you can keep
it!"       Anna Perlberg and Dave Porter have loaned their
expertise and support to the BSA-launched Computer Users Network.
The response to the group has been immediate and exciting. We
want it, we've got it, and it's up to us to keep it!
           Bring us:
''' Your on-the-job adaptive technology solutions
''' Your tips and solutions for getting the most out of hardware
and    software
''' Where to get the most bang for your buck (if you know where
to find the best deals, why not share the wealth?)
''' Sources for information and education from books,
publications, bulletin boards, on-line services, organizations,
individuals, newsletters, and classes.
''' Your knowledge of unique and specialized uses for the
technology that is out there
''' Any experience you have had with with other users' groups or
networking associations, either for disabled users or those who
are focused on any point in the technology spectrum
      Join us!

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                       A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
      We have purposely chosen a very blah title for this
newsletter, because we want the name to come from you! We know
that you can be very creative in naming your newsletter. Submit
your suggestions to the C.U.N. News, attention: Jimmy Sue
Castleberry, at B.S.A.

                           DATES TO REMEMBER
      Future C.U.N. meetings are scheduled for:

February 23 &25
March 23 and 25
April 27 and 29
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                          KITTEN ON THE KEYS
                            By Marie Porter

I have a cat, or she has me--I'm never sure. She is outrageous. I
was talking to a friend on the phone. My computer was on, waiting
for me to finish my document. In a cold, severe voice the
computer said, "Access denied."  My cat had walked across the
function keys on my keyboard. I couldn't stop laughing long
enough to scold her. I have never heard the computer sound so
nasty, nor the cat so disdainful. So much for adaptive
technology!




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                 End of Issue # 1140 of the Blind News Digest

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