Category: the Rant Board
Prepare to throw up.
Students Surprise Blind Kid with Incredible Xmas Gift
I'll post my comments below.
Ok, number one, this is great, but why did his county not do this? Also, if you're going to write an article on what a blind child got for Christmas, don't you think the reporter would have gone into more detail as to what the name of the device is? How did he know that another blind person wasn't reading that and looking for resources? What a shitty article, but awesome classmates. :)
Awful, on so many levels.
The latest technical specifications I could find for the Braille Note include 8 GB of storage, 256 MB of RAM, a 532 MHz processor and an operating system no one on Earth still uses, Windows Embedded CE 6.0. Why didn't his classmates buy him a 21st century computer instead? It would have been thousands of dollars cheaper for them and more useful for him. Even if he needed a Braille display, they could have bought him a decent machine for a few hundred, the display for a couple thousand and still spent less than half as much for a far better deal. Why are people limiting this kid to ancient access-ghetto devices?
It's not clear to me from the article if the school district is preventing all kids or just the blind kid from accessing the Internet at school. In either case, what's stopping him from using a cheap computer at home?
And let's not forget, he's inspirational. No article about a blind person would be complete without making that person seem amazing for doing ordinary things.
Oh yes, so sick of the inspiration porn. It's got to stop.
I agree with the technical issues surrounding the technology. I've never used the device, but I understand it's old, but braille is incredibly important for a blind writer to know. No screen reader can replace the knowledge of structure, spelling and grammer obtained through reading braille. I love audio books, but I'm so glad my assistant hammered a need to read brail into me so I could learn those vital skills. True, they could havbe probably bought him a PC or mac with a braille display. A good PC and the brailliant BI 40 would have been significantly less. But how were they going to know that? Sure they could have researched it, but his instructor and classmates see this device on a regular basis and know it’s what he uses. Probably, if he's really so important to them, they may also know it's limited to the school. So in that way, it makes sense that's what they would have chosen. Maybe it wasn't the "best" gift, but it's still a fantastic experience for both he, and the students. This is more than just a story about a bunch of kids getting a blind person outdated technology. It's about a group of people - young children no less - coming together to support their fellow student. Even if there were only a few of those kids who were really in on it, that’s still amazing. In this case, the experience and show of friendship is what will last all these kids, especially him, well beyond when this device outlives its usefulness. As for being inspirational, as one who gets that a lot, it is a bit tiring. But consider that there are a great many people who use their vision as their primary sense. The world is visual, whether we want to admit it or not. We’re pittied because we can’t see. That’s annoying, but I think it’s done mainly because people can’t conceive living without that important sense. When they see us, see this kid for instance using it to motivate him - whatever that means in this case – it should inspire them. We are inspirational damn it. We’re finding ways to adapt to a world which is not generally geared towards us. We’re not letting that limitation bother us. I’m not saying we should be cheered for doing the daily things most people take for granted, but I do understand why people see it that way sometimes.
I think this is about ignorance. You've got to remember, he may be using this device at school because the vision teacher has decided it's best. Just because someone is a professional doesn't mean they actually know.
Also, a lot of school districts and VR agencies have contracts with companies like humanware. They are still investing in the blindness tech, rather than good mainstream devices.
I agree a pc and braille display would be best.
But, I don't knock the classmates for doing this. They saw a need and tried to meet it. And yes, the state should have helped this kid, but we know that often doesn't happen.
I'm not reading through the replies yet, but really OP "Be prepared to throw up?" I'm sorry to know that you don't see this as a wonderful thing being done for the child, because that's truly what it is--being able to keep the technology with him year-round is awesome, and given that I know what it's like to have to give it up at the end of the school year, I can attest to the fact that what these students did for this kid, is nothing short of awesome.
The students were awesome, but the ignorance and terrible representation in this article were not.
To add to my previous post, who gives a flying flip if the BrailleNote isn't the latest and greatest technical item they could've purchased? I sure don't, because all I can think of is the fact that this kid will now have something in his possession that he only had access to in the classroom during the school year. He'll be able to continue writing his novel, and be allowed more freedom than he would otherwise have had.
Since we're talking about sighted people seeing us as inspirational, I used to get annoyed at that, but I can honestly say it doesn't bother me anymore--I just let it slide. Because, if the worst thing is that people see me as amazing, the way I look at it is: does that negatively impact my life? No. Does it in any way hinder who I am, keep me from speaking my mind or what have you? No. It is simply what they think...and what others think does not concern me to such an extreme as that.
I totally agree with Remy.
It was absolutely beautiful.
The students have no idea what the latest and greatest tools for the blind are.
The schools in Michigan, and they may not know themselves.
The writer only knows what is given, and probably used the specs from the machine the school has.
The new one might be totally different.
The thing is, they tried to help someone.
The county and all that, the parents probably have no idea what is available to them. They felt they couldn’t accomplish this task until he was going to college, if the article is correct.
You know, you can email the writer and tell them what they need to buy the kid. It is on the article.
The money can be returned, or the device, so it isn’t too late?
If you want to do something, do that for the kid.
I’ll bet they have an up to date machine, because it sounds like the capabilities are similar to newer models of note takers.
Even if not, it is a beautiful thing if you don’t have one.
A laptop would have been just as good, but again, they don’t know.
Access to Braille is so important, especially for a kid who aspires to write. It was an incredibly kind thing of these classmates and teacher to organize and do. This is better than what he would otherwise have, and maybe he's more likely to use what he's familiar with.
I just wonder why the math books are said to be larger than any other brl textbook. LOL
And the typical "inspiration" bit is in the article, but at least they didn't go into an explanation of what caused his blindness.
Chelsea, normally I don't care too much about what other people think either,
but I do have to interact with them sometimes and this attitude impedes my
ability to get useful work done and have meaningful relationships.
Forereel, that is actually a great idea. If I made it clear that the kids did an
awesome thing but there are such better options out there, do you think anyone
would listen?
Voyager, keep in mind that the child might have actually wanted this device and if it was seven grand, it was probably the most recent model. I have an Apex BrailleNote and it is five or six years old. I don't know the specs offhand.
Also, would you share with us how you made that url linkable?
Thanks!
I respect what his classmates did, but hate the inspiration porn presentation. It detracts from the positive aspects, and not just for us as blind readers. Instead of seeing the positives, most sighted people are going to come away from this still thinking, "Aww, that poor helpless blind kid."
Sure. I'll write out some of the symbols so my explanation itself doesn't turn
into a link. I'm replacing the '<' and '>' signs with less and greater.
Here's how you do it:
less a href="URL in quotes" greater name of your link less /a greater
Example: less a href="google.com" greater Google less /a greater
You can leave out the spaces before and after the less and greater than signs. I
put those in so that my examples would read correctly..
Absolutely. Explain you are blind.
Give them some links to the items you are referring to, and the reasons why you feel the items will be more productive to him.
Explain you are open to feedback.
Stick to the technical.
I'll bet you learn that he's probably gotten an updated machine. I can't see why any organization would send them an older model if they are buying a new machine.
Humanwear and everyone else likes to sell the latest and greatest.
its the thought that counts methinks.
I don't see anything productive in putting your oar into things. This purchase and decision has already been made. They aren't going to send it back and buy something else. they'll just feel bad for having gotten the wrong thing.
And it probably is the newest model machine from Humanware, not a ten year old BrailleNote.
It is great what they did for their classmate!
I don't see anything productive coming out of emailing the writer of the article and saying "By the way, there are better things out there." Because, how do you know the latest and greatest wasn't purchased? And again, why does it matter? Braille literacy is more important to keep up, than griping about what you perceive he received, and this "inspiration porn" many of you are referring to.
Because she will get her answer. It will put her mind at ease as well.
She will learn that, yes, the machine is par, or no, it isn't.
She won't make anyone feel bad, because her email will go to the writer, not the school.
I'm sure if the writer knows the machine that is coming is not par, they'll contact the advisors and they'll change the order.
From the time limit, I doubt the machine has been delivered already.
Those students are going to have a tough break when the blind kid comes out as trans-sighted. New wave identity politics at its finest. Get the popcorn.
What? Trans-sighted?
And inspiration porn? LOL
I'm not awake enough to be reading this board.
lol Right Leo. We have it all nowadays. I'm losing tolerance.
I'm awake.
trans-sighted? wah thah?
Just as confused ... never heard that particular term until now.
It's the opposite of trans-blind. He's a sighted person trapped in the body of a blind person. Pretty much all late-blind people are that way, though.
I want to know how adults can get help with a Braille device. Look. I hate being paraded, but I know my situation is just out there. I want people to be aware it happens. I want to also read Braille. So, despite not wanting to be a show-piece, what else is there? I have a completely different situation. So, it does make sense. However, I still have no way to read Braille.
Blessings,
Sarah
Sarah. You can put a compaign on that vary site to raise money for things you feel you need as well.
Your state agency would probably help you, but go ahead.
You might be surprised.
You'll need to validate you are honestly disable, but that should be easy.
You could research assistive technology grants. I'm not sure what's available in the US. Also, contact your state vr services. You could also ask for donations.
If you're gonna go the route of using GoFundMe Sarah, word to the wise: they take 5 percent of the donations you receive, meaning that you don't actually get all the money that was donated to you.
So, that being said, I recommend using your state agency. That's your best bet, I would think.
The Apex is the newest Humanware device, sadly.
Other manufacturers have better products, but the BrailleNote is the go-to for schools.
I wish there was a site where people with medical issues like Chelsea could get their donations from people without a fee. Some sort of nonprofit. I mean, if I used a GoFundMe or Patreon or some such, I have a job I've worked at for many years. But many are not so fortunate.
Guess part of why I participate in community projects is why I'm passionate about this. It's the invisible people who slip through the cracks, people wo really struggle and the SJW's never notice, because they're only interested in certain groups.
As to the trans-sighted? That's the product of some beers and a laugh on my part. Figure the blue-haired upper class SJW's can make up words every other minutes, so thought I would just give it a good run and see what happened.
5% isn't bad. It is a small amount.
You know, watch that "Go Fund Me" thing. You can and people have, lost money and benefits from using that thing. I think someone made the news by losing their child's benefits, cause they used Go Fund Me. It's really not an option, if you have Government benifits.
Blessings,
Sarah
One more thing. Will he lose benifits, cause what his class did? Will we be told? Just a thought.
Blessings,
Sarah
No. You won't lose benefits. You are raising money for an adaptive piece of equipment. You are not making or earning money.
Wayne, it's easy for you to say that five percent isn't a large amount of money. However, Leo is right. To those of us who live off government funding, it's a hell of a lot of money, especially when you factor in the fact that, in my case specifically, my insurance doesn't cover most medical things I need (such as the leg braces, or wisdom tooth removal); things, you know, that will help improve my quality of life and keep me healthy for as long as possible.
Anyway, I brought up the point about GoFundMe because I can't be the only one who was unaware of them taking five percent of people's funds. It's very important, and in my opinion, every reason to not waste one's time on a site like that unless the people are working class, as Leo said.
Or, better yet, go ahead and use the site but try and raise more than you need.
Specifically 10% more and then they take 5% of the total so you're still ahead.
I cost them something to post your add. You feel you should be able to earn money, but not offer them anything for helping you do this?
If you collect 5 thousand, 5% just isn't going to keep you from getting the things you need.
$250? Come on.
Or ask for 5300 and then even if you just get 5200 you still are above your
threshold.
It's doable, and sure the site needs to earn something to pay its people and
keep its servers online. 5% isn't much but it is enough to consider, especially if
you are low income, where you can just increase your amount by a factor you
can live with and cover the percentage. Even stores price their goods to
compensate for the 3% transaction fee credit card companies charge. You just
factor it into your cost.
Wayne, nowhere in what I posted did I say they shouldn't earn money. I simply said that it shouldn't be taken from those who are low income, especially if they don't raise anything close to what their goal was.
I suspect the people raising money are income challenged for one reason or another, or they'd not be raising funds.
I just can't see how 5% is so great an amount it causes low income persons a problem.
If you set a goal at 5000, but only raise 3000, you are only paying 5% on 3000 not your goal amount.
You pocket 2850 you didn't have when you started your fund raiser due to the fact this service is available to you.
I can't see how that 5% hurts you at all. It isn't as if that 5% kept you from your goal amount.
If they didn't charge something, and this is the only source of income they have, their job, how do you expect them to keep offering a service? They are low income now too, plus they are paying out of pocket for a service they don't need.
You aren't helping them by posting an add.
It always amazes me when people want great services, but don't wish to reward the providers.
The people that feel 5% is too much have the option of setting up a website, and raising their own funds.
How much out of your funds do you expect that cost? Provided you were lucky to raise funds at all?
Call me a chicken, but I'm too jumpy about losing funds to try that site. Five percent loss, or not. I don't want to check my bank and find no rent money. This stuff makes me skiddish of programs like that.
Blessings,
Sarah
Sarah you wouldn't lose your bank money. The five percent is taken off of
whatever you get from the GoFundMe campaign. *After* not *before* the
campaign ends.