[optacon-l] Re: An Interesting Message
- From: "Linda Webb" <rtfan@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:09:40 -0600
Personally, I'm not surprised why anyone might feel the Optacon is dead,
especially if they are not using one. Of course that's not me and I
encourage any promotional push it can be given.
I put some of the blame on the blind resources of various state agencies
who, because of audio devices such as screen readers, scanners, etc.
maintained how slow the Optacon is compared to these devices and almost
refuse not only to promote it but to purchase it and train blind persons on
it once some of the other devices started becoming available. Of course, I
disagree and we all know the advantages noted previously in the list of
things only the Optacon can do..
Just yesterday I was working on a project wherein I was comparing line items
in a table of charts having six columns. I did some of it on the computer
but turned once again to my Optacon only because I could scan through the
table much more quickly at my own speed rather than wait for a computer to
"spit out" what it had to say.
But unfortunately, I think the Optacon has often taken a back seat to some
of these other devices much the way Braille has. Once books were more
readily available on tape, CD and download, many of your special education
teachers and vocational rehab personnel don't understand the real need for
Braille or an Optacon. I had a blind friend who when working as a teacher's
assistant was once asked even by a school principal why they should keep
teaching Braille in the school. Until the importance of such things as
Braille and Optacon are pointed out by educating the public, many will look
at the Optacon as a "has been" rather than a "what could be."
So all having been said, I guess I'm not surprised why someone could be
totally misled as to the fate of the Optacon.
I really would love to see it revived as I have even had friends tell me
they wish training had been offered to them and wished they had one.
Always and Forever...A Randy Travis Fan
Linda and Guide, Greg
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Faith Elizabeth Cummings
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:18 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: An Interesting Message
Until recently, I was afraid that the views expressed in this message were
true. If I hadn't heard from a friend about this list, I would still be
under that illusion. The list is a valuable resource for those of us who
love and want to continue using the Optacon and I'm very glad to hear that
repairs are still being done as I have two that need repairs at the moment.
I think this man could be a valuable resource in England now that he knows
about the work being done here. Take care all, Faith
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Catherine Thomas
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:12 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] An Interesting Message
Good morning, Listers,
As you know, I am very careful to keep confidential all information as to
who writes to us privately via my email address. If someone chooses to
communicate and join the list it's strictly up to them. In this case I'm
making an exception for the following reasons. The message below is from a
person who was a very active Optacon user, both for himself and in
teaching others. I really would like to know how such a person came to be
so totally misled as to the fate of the Optacon. Also, some of you may
know this man and wish to lend your support and your contacts. You will
see by the message the importance of our outreach. Here it is.
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