Category: Daily Living
Hi all, I'm at the poit of needing an upgrade but in my situation can't see 3ow this can be done. My husband is freelance graphics websites comic books that sort of thing. I don't make any money but I do support him and keep hearth and home together so he can bury himself in work and not worry about Solomon. I can't ask for new tech based on being a homemaker and I don't want to lie and make fake paystubs either. A forty thousand dollar debt for a piece of paper that I may not be able to use won't do it either. Is my only option to saddle my family and myself with debt to get noew tech so that I can help myself my son and my husband? Yes I know with proper training and opportunity the blind can blah blah. Ideas thoughts. Tiffany
Do you have a state agency in your area called something like Rehabilitation Services Commission or some similar name. Yes, they usually only want to help blind people with college expenses or equipment for a job, but, at least in my state, they also pay for homemaking services. It can't hurt to at least call and explain your situation and ask if they can open a case for you.
what new technology do youneed? I fully understand: people in the working population, or as your situation is, staying at home, fall through the cracks for many things.
So, starting with what technology you need, then we can possibly assist. I don't know what groups like the Lion's Club or other charities support but that may be an option.
The problem you face is any agency or charity targets one or a few situations, and it's hard to find one that targets people in the working class such as yourself.
LibraLady: voc Rehab won't support you if you don't work or go to school. Tiffany wants to support her family & Voc Rehab doesn't see that as a viable reason to need services. As for any suggestions for you, Tiff:
What about looking on eBay for tech stuff? If your Braille Note is in working condition, maybe someone will trade you for something different? I saw somewhere that you were interested in an iPad/iPhone or something along those lines. That's a great way to go if you want something for less than $1,000. You can get a Braille Pen12 Braille display for $995. I know these don't sound like workable suggestions especially if you are like we were a few months ago & strapped for cash. Hmmmmm... I'll be back when I think of more ideas.
Do you have a center for the blind in your area? My friends here in Illinois just needed an upgrade, and the Chicago lighthouse helped them pick out a piece of equipment. I will need an update myself soon, so probably will contact the lighthouse to have them consult with me and match me with the equipment I need. My friends have no income really, and i was impressed with the way they were able to get equipment without going through rehab people. Neither friend works either. Just a thought for your situation.
Sunshine and Rain, rehab is different from state to state. In Ohio, they indeed do help people who don't work via separate funds for homemakers.
I'm looking for an ipad with braille display. Indeed, I've been the voc rehab route and they said no. We have an agency for the blind but they mostly help seniors who are going blind. They've offered me factory work but were honestly confused when I started asking about help with tech, it's something they usually don't do. Maybe there's a lighthouse in Albany I'll look them up and see what they say. We've contacted the lions club and they've never called or emailed. If anyone here lives in pa we've decided that's where we're going next, anything I should know about how that state handles blind folks. Is it honestly worth the few grand to upgrade the braille note at this poit? They do seem to have made the idternet more accessible. Basically what I'm hoping for is to be a live-in research assistant and data manager for Bruce's film and advertising business. He's started to head back to comic book work so we'll see. He has street cred there having worked for Marvel and Dc. I'll keep poking at it till someone decides to help. Tiffany
Hello Tifany,
First of all, good luck on everything that you have on your plate!! I know it feels like you have a full plate..and I know what you are going through so I'll be praying for you that it all works out.
As for Pa, I used to live there (grew up there before I moved to Florida about a year ago..), so I may be able to help you and put you in touch with some people that I know still work at the state agentcy.
Please feel free to email me or contact me on skype or msn..(just email me for the info..) and I'll be glad to chat with you or help in any way i can!
Unique1, I'd be interested in this info, too. I'm in PA, Pittsburgh...
Tiffany, if you happen to be moving near me, if you'd like, get in touch.
Yeah, CA. doesn't have a homemaker option for Voc Rehab clients anymore. Kinda sad, really.
Ca is a great place to get help. Have you contacted the Braille Institute Of America. Ca also has small loans of grants for people needing tech. Try calling 211 I believe that is the standard number for help with things. Rehab in Ca. has the home maker plan.
are you in need of a laptop? stand alone reader, sara? what are you in need of?
You might try getting a grant or a small business loan.
I've never tried either of these but they might be plausible.
Looks like it means a trip to visit uncle Google.
Bob
Unique 1 and violet bluee, we're thinkig of the Lehigh counqy area, more specifically Bethlehem. I'm looking for an i-pad with bluetooth braille display and keyboard. Is this a viable option for what I'm looking to do or should I stick with the braillenote? Is the learning curve high for this kind of tech? I've pretty much ignored my email since Solomon was born but I'll log in to make sure it works. Thank you for all your help. Tiffany Oh the grant or loan may work once we've moved.
Why I Pad? A laptop would be more versital, and that is how people donating would see it? The braille display is easy, but probably not the I Pad.
Heck you can even use a netbook which is a latop but smaller and does not have a DVD/CD drive. I have both my netbook gets used a lot. Just bee careful in which computer vender you get with netbooks. I have had good luck with asus, plan to get their high end laptops sooner or later. Any way but on topic,. go see a netbook at a store see if it fits you.
yes it is doable but those suggesting a laptop or netbook are right. You will be happier in the longrun by going that route and adding something like Jaws or window eyes, or another screen reading option for far less. Then adding a refreshable braille display to your laptop won't be any different than adding up the devices for the iPad. Heck, for the same money check out the macbook air. One suggestion, contact your localcommunity health clinic organizations. Sometimes they have a department that will help fidn this stuff for you. Other ideas are your local easter seals chapter or if you have one your local Civitan or Rotary club would be helpful. Your local library has this. In most communities, 211 or 311 or both will link you to agencies that can help you as well. Good luck. Hope you get what you need.