Our 2008 Christmas Letter

December 24th, 2008

Also posted on Living on the Edge and Jobina

Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this finds you well. It has been a very challenging time for us since we moved to St. Petersburg, FL. Wil was hired in October, 2006 to relocate here and work for Freedom Scientific, a company that makes a screen reader, JAWS, and other blind and low vision products. I left my job of twenty years with Richmond County DFCS at the end of March 2007 to move the house down here. It took almost a year and Congressman Young’s assistance to get my Social Security disability started; but it finally did. Wil was laid off from his job in May, and thank God, is receiving Unemployment. It is very hard for a blind man to find a job in today’s economy; but he looks every day. We went to Albany, NY to help friends, Kristen and Jeff, while she had and recuperated from reconstructive foot surgery. They have an eight year old and a seventeen month old. We were able to check out the area and were impressed. Going from Florida days of 90 degrees to New York days of 60 degrees was a nice change. Wil has been approved for 55b employment in New York State; but there are no open positions at this time. Wil thinks he will love the cold weather up there; but I don’t think I will like that at all.
Wil had some digestive problems in New York that got progressively worse. He refused to go to the ER up there as we have no medical insurance. The day after we arrived home, we went to our doctor; and he was sent straight to the hospital as he had lost 23 pounds in September. On October 3rd, his colon perforated and he had emergency surgery (6pm) to totally remove his colon and perform and ileostomy. He remained hospitalized until the 14th. He bled out on the 17th, had to go to the hospital by ambulance, and was released again on the 23rd. A repeat occurred again on October 30th and he was released on November 3rd (for good this time). By God’s grace and much support, love, and prayers from everyone, he survived the whole ordeal. It was a very scary time not knowing if I was going to loose him. He lost from 209 to 160 pounds; but now has gained 21 and will be able to weight train again after the New Year. We have not been able to have children, so I tease him about delivering a baby stoma. Therefore, he named it Jake.
There has been some good here. We like the St. Petersburg area as it has an excellent bus system. Despite the summer heat, between November and May, it is awesome to have the windows open and be outside. I enjoy swimming for 9 months out of the year. We have everything we need in walking or bus distance. It is tops for blindness independence. I would have to say that the best thing that has happened here is that we introduce Theresa to Wil’s previous co-worker, John; and they married on November 28th. It is nice having her living here.
Titan and Max (Golden Retriever Leader Dogs) are doing great!! They are happy as long as they are with us. Max missed Wil badly while he was in the hospital. Wil was so sick that Max only got to visit a couple of times. This is the only time I have ever known Max to act out by pooping on the carpet (always after he heard his daddy’s voice over the phone). Poor boy! He couldn’t find him. Both boys worked very little during the whole ordeal; but neither forgot how to work. Titan turned 8 this year and Max will turn 6 later this month. The time sure does fly!
We wish you all the best this Christmas and a great New Year to come.
Love,
Denise, Wil, Titan, & Max

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blind Journalist Speaks Out On skit

December 16th, 2008

This is quite interesting. From the Dallas area, we have a blind reporter who has been att this paper since 1984. I must say I am not impressed with the writing style. Read on.

Tuesday, Dec 16, 2008
Posted on Mon, Dec. 15, 2008

First person: “I am glad the Star-Telegram chose to ignore negative stereotypes when I was hired”

Elizabeth Campbell
liz@star-telegram.com
Editor’s note: Elizabeth Campbell has been a reporter at the “Star-Telegram” since 1984. She covers government affairs, focusing on Parker and Johnson counties, as well as surrounding cities. She is president of the National Federation of the Blind chapter in Fort Worth and has founded a group for blind journalists throughout the world. She works with a Seeing Eye dog, Gabe.

This weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” skit portraying New York Gov. David Paterson, who is legally blind, as an incompetent, bumbling idiot is an unfair, condescending slap in the face to the disabled in the United States.

The skit comes on the heels of the movie, “Blindness,” which is based on a novel that depicts blind people as demented, cruel thugs when a mysterious disease strikes a city.

These depictions bring forth stereotypes that blind people have battled for years.

Is it fair to poke fun at people who face an unemployment rate of 70 percent or higher, and a high poverty rate at a time when our economy is in dire straights?

Is it fair to make fun of a governor who was thrust into a difficult job, and who now must make the difficult choice of whom he will appoint to fill Sen.
Hillary Clinton’s seat, just because he is blind?

I consider myself to be very fortunate because I was given a chance to demonstrate that I can work alongside my sighted colleagues as a newspaper reporter.

I am glad the “Star-Telegram” chose to ignore negative stereotypes and images when I was hired.

Is it fair that the blind and disabled may not be given a chance to prove what we can do because people get their information from a late-night TV show or films that reach a wide audience?

At a time when President-elect Barack Obama is reaching out to include the disabled in policy-making and planning for his new administration, let’s not get sidetracked by petty, mean-spirited depictions that serve no purpose.

Everyone deserves a chance for success.

First off, how can someone who cannot make a full paragraph continue to work for this paper? Nobody corrected this lack of journalism excellency? Last I checked, a full paragraph consisted of five sentences. I can certainly do that on my own blog, and I’m not getting paid. Maybe I should get paid. Maybe the St. Petersburg Times will consider becoming politically correct and hire me.

Ok, six sentences to open up with sttarted out my opinion on this lady’s op-ed piece. Now, I feel I need to tackle the questions she poses.

This weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” skit portraying New York Gov. David Paterson, who is legally blind, as an incompetent, bumbling idiot is an unfair, condescending slap in the face to the disabled in the United States.

Who says? the NFB, God’s gift to blindness? No, I don’t think so. Try again!

Is it fair to poke fun at people who face an unemployment rate of 70 percent or higher, and a high poverty rate at a time when our economy is in dire straights?

yes. Is it fair to pick on anything that is wrong or rightt with this nation? Of course! This is why the First Amendment of our constitution exists, freedom of speech. Why should we blind people be protected from humor? Isn’t that just like “advocacy” organizations, and I use the term “advocacy” loosely to tell me what I should think and do? Again, I don’t think so. Don’t speak for me, I speak for myself, thank you very much.

Is it fair to make fun of a governor who was thrust into a difficult job, and who now must make the difficult choice of whom he will appoint to fill Sen.
Hillary Clinton’s seat, just because he is blind?

That question is a try at inserting an uninformed opinion because she cannot get past blind people getting picked on. There were actually three targets for the skit. They are:

  • 1. the Illinois governor
  • 2. new Jersey
  • 3. Blindness

Is it fair that the blind and disabled may not be given a chance to prove what we can do because people get their information from a late-night TV show or films that reach a wide audience?

Unfortunately, the chance you speak of should be given based on the way you carry yourself in public. If you sit on a chair and roc back and forth, you deserve what you get. if you poke your eyes in public, you get what you deserve. if you pick your nose in public, you get what you deserve. if you come off as someone who has a clue about interacting with their sighted counterparts, you get what you deserve. If you act as if you have an education and not as a bible reading, Social Security Income-receiving, stay-at-home-because-I-don’t-know-how-to-interact idiot, you get what you deserve.

Pictures do speak a thousand words, and so does idiotic op-ed pieces such as the one I posted from the Fort Worth Start Telegram.

Posted in General, Opinions | No Comments »

Press releases from NFB and ACB About SNL Skit

December 15th, 2008

We knew it wouldn’t be long. ACB and NFB have both issued press releases about the skit. Read below, then read my comments. Up front, the ACB’s press release is more tastefully done, although I do not agree with it.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Melanie Brunson

(202) 467-5081

Saturday Night Live Skit Reveals Poor Taste and Shortage in Comedic
Creativity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2008 - The portrayal of New York Governor David
Paterson during the December 13 episode of Saturday Night Live troubles the
American Council of the Blind.

Gov. Paterson, who is legally blind, was portrayed as an inept and
out-of-touch person who is blind. During the skit, the actor portraying
Paterson demonstrated buffoon-like behavior by doing such things as holding
up a chart that was upside down.

“This segment diminishes Governor Paterson’s stature as the Chief Executive
Officer of one of the largest states in the country, while further
perpetuating stereotypes of people who are blind,” stated Mitch Pomerantz,
president of the American Council of the Blind. “These are the very
misperceptions that this organization has worked hard to knock down over the
past 5 decades. This portrayal is unacceptable.”

About the American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization. Its
members are blind, visually impaired, and fully sighted individuals who are
concerned about the dignity and well-being of blind people throughout the
nation.

Formed in 1961, the ACB is one of the largest organizations of blind people
in the world, with more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates and a
nationwide network of chapters and members spanning the globe.

For more information about the American Council of the Blind, contact:
Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, American Council of the Blind, 1155
15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005; phone (202) 467-5081 or
toll-free, 1-800-424-8666; or visit the web site, www.acb.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Public Relations Specialist

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen@nfb.org

National Federation of the Blind
Comments on Saturday Night Live Segment

Largest Organization of the Blind Criticizes Attack on Blind Americans

Baltimore, Maryland (December 15, 2008): Chris Danielsen, spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, said: “The biggest problem faced by blind people is not blindness itself, but the stereotypes held by the general public about blindness and blind people. The idea that blind people are incapable of the simplest tasks and are perpetually disoriented and befuddled is absolutely wrong. This misconception contributes to an unemployment rate among blind people that stubbornly remains at 70 percent. That is why the National Federation of the Blind is disappointed that Saturday Night Live chose to portray Governor Paterson in a comedy routine that focused almost exclusively on his blindness. Attacking the Governor because he is blind is an attack on all blind Americans­blind children, blind adults, blind seniors, and newly blinded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The National Federation of the Blind urges the producers of Saturday Night Live to consider the serious negative impact that misinformation and stereotypes have on blind people before continuing in this unfortunate vein of humor.”

I have to ask, why must the Nazis for the Blind say I am attacked with this skit? On the contrary! I am not attacked, rather humored. It’s a play on blindness. It’s a comedy show. Saturday Night Live is in its 34th season as of this writing.

I attack the NFB because they try to think for me, so that is why I call them Nazis for the Blind instead of their proper name. NFB, don’t take it upon yourself to think for me. If any other blind sheep want to follow you, that’s their problem. In my opinion, all they are doing is having themselves thought and spoken for. I am no blind sheep. I think for myself, I do for myself, I live my life according to what Planet Wil wants. I am the President, dictator, and commander in chief of Planet Wil, not the Nazis for the Blind. Nobody rules this bitch except me, plain and simple! Do you under stand me?

Posted in General, Opinions | 2 Comments »

Update: Blind Advocates Are Bothered By SNL Skit

December 15th, 2008

The NFB is at it again. Saturday Night Live did a skit of New York governor David Paterson, and the NFB isn’t too happy about it. Read on:

Quote
Advocates of blind fault TV skit about NY Governor

ALBANY, N.Y. - The National Federation of the Blind says it considers NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” skit making fun of New York Gov. David Paterson an attack on all blind Americans.

Federation spokesman Chris Danielsen says the portrayal on Saturday’s television show suggesting Paterson as befuddled and disoriented because of his blindness is “absolutely wrong.”

The skit features SNL actor Fred Armisen as Paterson, who must appoint someone to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Armisen says he has three criteria: economic experience, upstate influence and someone with a disability and unprepared for the job - like himself. He holds up a chart illustrating the state’s job losses upside down.

Paterson says he can take a joke, but adds that most blind people can’t find work and the skit’s “third-grade” humor won’t help matters.
end Quote

Come on Nazis for the Blind, fucking lighten up! First, you bitch about Mr. Magoo, now you’re bitching about this skit! This is entertainment! You’re opposed to Braille money, but you endorse a coin depicting Louis Braille. You don’t want DVS, so that is in the same vein of your continuous complaints of slapstick humor toward the blind.

This goes to show you the NFB does not have a sense of humor. Any members thinking of disbanding from them should do so in protest.

Now, Paterson, the only thing that will help matters for blind people getting jobs is your state opening up positions for blind people to fill. yeah, the economy is in the crapper right now, but it won’t be for long.

Posted in Opinions | 2 Comments »

Accessibility Anywhere Braille Display Petition

December 10th, 2008

I would strongly encourage those who care to go sign this petition. I generally do not do these, but I think this is very important for us to consider. Why have the Braille display manufacturers hold there drivers as a proprietary driver when the ability to make it universal to Windows exists? Talk aboutt monopolizing! Here is the press releases released by Serotek.

A petition has been started by George McDermith at
asking Braille display manufacturers to base their drivers on the human interface
protocol, found on all Windows computers.
Such a design philosophy will ensure that users can be certain of having support
for their Braille display on any computer, not just one which has been custom-configured
for such access, and will eliminate the need to depend on specific screen reader
drivers.
The text of the petition reads as follows:
“To: Braille display manufacturers
We, the undersigned, who are Braille display users, friends and family of Braille
display users, and teachers of the blind,
*: Believe that accessibility to information for the blind on a par with their sighted
piers is a right. Believe that due to this right, and due to the cost of Braille
displays, accessing Braille through the use of Braille displays should not be limited
by the type of screen reading solution used by the blind.
*: Strongly request that all manufacturers of Braille displays cease basing the drivers
of their Braille displays off of particular screen reader drivers, but rather base
all Braille display drivers off of the Human User Interface Protocol, which can be
found on all Windows computers.
*: This will allow true portability and equal access to information for the blind,
as they will be able to use their display with any computer. This will create greater
competition in the market for the best Braille display to stand out, grant greater
literacy in Braille through greater access to electronic Braille books and other
materials, and support the right of all blind people to have accessibility anywhere.”
To add your support to this worthy cause, visit the petition web page at
http://www.petitiononline.com/brldis/petition.html
The Serotek Team

Posted in Assistive Technology News, General, Opinions | No Comments »

Serotek Releases System Access 3.0

November 27th, 2008

The following is a press release from Serotek. A major breakthrough has happened! Read on for moredetrails.

Serotek releases System Access 3.0
Serotek Corporation continues to raise the bar in the assistive technology industry
with its latest software release of System Access 3.0. In this release, there is
a great deal to be excited about both for new and existing customers.
The update to version 3.0 will happen seamlessly for existing customers with no need
for user intervention. And for new customers, it is not necessary to find and download
an installation package. Users can simply log in to
http://www.satogo.com
or visit
www.serotek.com
and initiate the automated installation process. In this way, users can begin a
trial or create a paid account without any complexity.
Serotek is proud to release the first full-featured screen access product with support
for 64-bit operating systems. This support is not only an essential breakthrough
for IT professionals working in 64-bit environments in the course of their employment,
but for the average consumer as well. Blind individuals can now walk in to any of
the increasing number of retail stores who stock their shelves exclusively with machines
running 64-bit operating systems, and purchase a new computer without wondering whether
or not the machine will be accessible when they take it out of the box. From the
smallest Netbook to the most powerful server, System Access delivers fast, reliable,
and easy to use accessibility.
Remote Training and Support is now better than ever. System Access users have long
had the ability to remotely access other users’ computers for the purposes of support,
training, or just for fun. Now System Access has added a voice over IP feature which
allows for crisp and clear voice chat between connected users, eliminating the need
to communicate by phone or through third-party VOIP software such as Skype.
Accessibility Anywhere is right at your fingertips with support for the
Alva BC640
Braille display. With this light, portable, and fully plug and play Braille display,
users can have full access to Braille in all their favorite applications both at
home and on the go.
But screen access to computers isn’t just for work anymore. It’s also for fun, and
for those living the accessible digital lifestyle, System Access brings you the most
compelling support for
iTunes 8
available on the market. And since everyone enjoys playing games, the Serotek team
and the team at
All In Play
have collaborated to bring you a game-playing experience you’ll want to return to
again and again. All In Play features four games that are appealing to blind and
sighted individuals alike, and with all plans being less than $8 per month, the fun
is accessible and affordable for all. Combine System Access support for Anagram Tag,
Texas Hold`em, Crazy Eights and the classic game of poker with the crisp clarity
of the System Access Mobile network chat system and you’ll have accessibility and
entertainment wherever you go.
And whether you’re at home or on the go, you’ll always want the ability to keep in
touch with friends and family. In addition to Serotek’s built-in client supporting
MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, subscribers to the SA Mobile Network can
now easily communicate with each other through text or voice. Users can add their
SAMNet friends to a list of SA Mobile Network contacts, and have the ability to initiate
a text or voice conversation with those friends.
These are just a few of the many exciting features available in the release of System
Access version 3.0. If you’d like to see a more comprehensive list of features, you
can
read “what’s new in System Access 3.0”.

Posted in Assistive Technology News | No Comments »

Serotek Launches Serotalk

November 14th, 2008

Serotek has joined the podcasting revolution that everyone seems to have latched on to. I personally think it is a lot better than most, because for one, it is a massive kiss-ass of the product, but on the first podcast, Mike Calvo stated that he’s not afraid to mention JAWS or Window Eyes, and that if something worked better with those products, he would say so. Big balls deserve respect, which I give Mr. Calvo and Serotek. You da man!

Here is the information from the press release that justt came in my inbox.

Please do not reply to this message. If you don’t wish to receive any more Serotek
announcements, activate the link at the end of this message.
SeroTalk is both a podcast and blog discussing ways people use access technology
to improve the quality of life. The web site is
www.serotalk.com
, and will feature biweekly productions hosted by Michael Lauf, former creator, host
and producer of Handi-Talk, the first interactive internet radio program to discuss
the needs of the blind and visually impaired
The website, podcast and blog will offer a wealth of information on new technologies,
useful websites, cool software, education, information and entertainment.
Podcast listeners won’t have to wait for each episode to air in order to
keep up with the latest happenings in the accessible digital world. Listeners can
read and comment on the Serotalk blog, send e-mail to
resources@serotalk.com
, and even leave voicemails on the toll-free Serotalk line at (866) 997-2522.
In this way, listeners can shape the direction of the podcast by sharing their digital
lifestyle experiences, and these messages may even appear in a future episode of
the podcast.
Persons can instantly recieve the latest podcasts and blog postings by adding the
following URL to their web browser, RSS news reader or podcatcher
http://serotalk.com/feed/
SeroTalk is a production of Serotek Corporation, creators of System Access, System
Access Mobile Network, and the free SAToGo screen reader found at
www.satogo.com

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

A Dedication

October 29th, 2008

No, this is nott some cheesy Casey Kasem long distance dedication. This is a dedication to a place here in St. Pete I cannot name, but it should not be hard to figure it out. Based on my location and why I moved here, and being this company is the one who draws people to move here to work should clue you in. I’ve referenced them here on the blog in earlier posts. Sorry new readers, due to legal obligations, I cannot directly mention the name of this company. Now, on to the dedication.

I have recently had some health complications this month. Denise will be filling you in on this later. I blame this company for the outccome I have suffered, so I thought I would pay them back in kind.

There is a song by Godsmack called ‘I Fucking Hate You’. I cannot post the actual song, but I can post the llyrics to which you will find below. Ream them and weep! WARNING!!!!!! Strong Language Below!!!!!!

For everything you do
I’d like to swallow you
And everyday Im gonna blame you
Even if you justify
Every fucking bullshit lie
It only makes me want to break you
You pull me down
And you crucify my name
You make me insane
It’s broken now
Don’t ever look my way
Don’t even think I’m playin
cause I fucking hate you
You’re such a liar
And I love to hate you
You’re all the same to me
When you repeated me
Take advantage of me
The only thought I get of you sickens me
Everybody knows your fate
You’re everything I fucking hate
And I’m everything that you could never be
You pull me down
And you crucify my name
You make me insane
It’s broken now
Don’t ever look my way
Don’t even think I’m playin
cause I fucking hate you
You’re such a liar
And I love to hate you
You’re all the same to me
I fucking hate you
You’re such a liar
And I love to hate you
You’re all the same to me
(fuck you)
(fuck you)
(fuck you)
You pull me down
And you crucify my name
You make me insane
It’s broken now
Don’t ever look my way
Don’t even think I’m playin
cause I fucking hate you
You’re such a liar
And I love to hate you
You’re all the same to me
And I fucking hate you
You’re such a liar
And I love to hate you
You’re all the same to me
Fuck you (fuck you)
Fuck you (fuck you)
Fuck you (fuck you)
Fuck you (fuck you)

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Window Eyes 7.0 and Mobile Geo 1.0 are released

September 18th, 2008

Window Eyes 7.0 was released today. If you would like to get the skinny on what’s new, take a look at this page.

Also, Mobile Geo from Code Factory has been publicly released. You can get the scoope here.

Posted in Assistive Technology News | No Comments »

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursdays

September 12th, 2008

The blog’s posts and comments about the place marker controversy made an appearance as Item 3 in this week’s issue. If you are not subscribed to this newsletter, I would strongly recommend subscribing.

The blog was also cited on July 26, 2008 by The Ranger Station, another good read.

I would like to thank everyone for the comments and, of course, for reading this blog.

Posted in Assistive Technology News, General, News about the site | No Comments »

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