New Ideas
9 July 2010I wrote, a few posts back, about my experience with the lady from the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and how she basically accused me of being in denial. As time passes and I’m forced to face my limitations I find that she may have been right.
I’ve been convinced that I could still make a living on the computer doing things like WordPress design. I expected I’d have to learn some new skills but I saw that as just another hurdle. I’m finally beginning to realize that my vision simply isn’t going to allow me to do that. But I can’t see myself as a couch potato for the rest of my life so what to do?
One of my frustrations has been the cost of so much assistive technology for people with low vision or blindness. I’m convinced that the reason for some of the exorbitant prices is that in so many cased the end user isn’t paying for it, the government is. While that is a blessing for those who qualify, it removes the marketplace from the price equation, resulting in much higher prices. It’s the same problem we face with medicine as a while.
An example of what I’m talking about is a little program called ZoomText. ZoomText is a very nice little program that makes it much easier for the vision impaired to read on a computer. The problem is this little program costs as much as Microsoft Office or an iPad. It’s $500! If the actual market was dictating the price of this program it would likely be closer to $50 but the market is not setting the price.
ZoomText is just one example among many. For those who are not legally blind and therefore do not qualify for assistance, technology like ZoomText is simply out of reach.
So I’ve been thinking about what could be done.
I’m considering starting a non-profit to deal with this problem. The initial goal would be to raise enough money to hire a contract programmer or two to write a program to compete with ZoomText. As that grew we’d branch out into other areas of need. For example, smart phones are notoriously difficult for the vision impaired or those with low vision to use. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some apps to deal with that problem?
I see a real need here and no one is filling that need. Every agency or group I’ve found that deals with this stuff seems unable to provide any assistance unless you are legally blind. But a whole host of people are not legally blind, yet find it extremely difficult to read. And those without vision problems simply do not grasp just how basic to everyday life reading is. I’m learning that first hand and I want to do something about it.
So if you’re reading this and have ideas, suggestions, know anything about starting a non-profit or in any way want to help out, just leave a comment here. I think this is doable and very much worth doing. What are your thoughts?
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July 9th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Hey Ron,
I think you are on to something. I’m not real sure how to go about setting up a non-profit. If you set this up as a ministry of sorts, it might open doors to address this issue in churches and raise some support that way. I’m sure our church would be interested.
July 11th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Good thoughts! Of course, I imagine it will take me six months or more just to get up and running.
July 21st, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I just want to thank-you for your honesty and willingness to share your journey with us. I have been thinking of starting a blog, because I like to write, to talk, and to vent. I am a verbal person and I personally find it easier to deal with life that way. I am interested in your story because we are school pals, we are both Christians, and it would seem to me that anyone who blogs must approach life in a similar manner. Any thoughts on this? Would you still do this even if no one ever read it? Like a private diary? Or is it a desire to share yourself with others that compels you? I want to make a difference; be the hands and feet of Christ, and I feel called to do it in an expressive manner… Another note, I wish I lived close by! I love to read out loud to adults and am exploring volunteer type avenues to do so. I also have strong proofreading and editing skills. I wish I could help you if possible. Again, Ron, thanks for sharing. You are building up others through your words and by allowing us to “see” through your eyes!
August 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
It’s good to hear from you Bev. You may be interested to know that we’re moving back to East Cobb in a couple of weeks. I don’t know if you’re still there or not.
I’ve blogged off and on for years and I definitely want an audience. I was never a journaler and don’t really do this for therapy, though it certainly can be therapeutic.
For years I did a political bog because I wanted to influence opinions. I haven’t done that in several years, though I may still write a political post from time to time. But that will not be the focus of this blog.
I blog about my experience with vision issues because I’ve spent so much time frustrated over it and I’m certain I’m not alone in that. If someone else can gain from my experience that makes it more acceptable for me. Also, I can’t imagine going through this without my faith and I hope that others going through struggles might be encouraged to look toward Christ as their support instead of negative things.