Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind the source for blindness news and information since 1907

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Braille thoughts in past issues, David wrote:

I wonder if a student using a slate and stylus can really keep up with college lecturers. Most people talk about 250-300 words per minute and I heard the best slate writers attain a rate of 25 wpm. How can that work? I say this because I heard from so many people especially from a certain organization of the blind who stressed slate writing. Even with Grade 3 Braille it would be hard. I don’t even think any existing Braille software can produce the same. I don’t think NLS has any downloadable books in Grade 3.
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Howard Geltman wrote in to say:

In our town we have a main thoroughfare, Silas Deanne Highway, a two-way road with two lanes on each side, and a buzzer that sounds when the traffic lights turn red so persons with disabilities know when it is “safe” to cross the street.

When the buzzer sounds I tell my trusted companion, Valor, a Yellow Labrador, “Forward”. We walk at a normal pace, and usually by the time we get to the center of the road where the two white lines are the light changes, and cars just start going regardless if we are stuck in the middle of this very busy road with nowhere to go.

Of course, you can’t move in any direction with cars zooming by, because the draft from them actually causes Valor and I to rock from their motion.

You would think people would have the common courtesy to let you finish your walk across the street before they start moving, which might delay them an extra thirty seconds. It seems drivers these days are so eager to get somewhere they would put a blind person’s life in jeopardy rather than using some common sense.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to posts in last week’s Reader’s Forum regarding Braille teaching, Gary wrote:

I love Braille and have often used the argument about not teaching sighted students to handwrite, but I was surprised to hear our school board actively discussing no longer teaching cursive, the reason being the use of the keyboard for writing. I have yet to hear them recommend discontinuing print reading because there is audio. I hope that is never advanced as a serious argument for the sighted for it is most certainly a flawed one for the blind.
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In response to posts in last week’s Reader’s Forum regarding Braille teaching, Sean wrote:

I am unable to readily use Braille due to nerve damage suffered when I was shot, but can feel the dots for just a minute or two before they are unrecognizable. But I can’t imagine doing many of the things I do now without the little I do read. I use it to access bathrooms, find offices in the hospital, take the elevator, and even to purchase snacks and soda from the vending machines where I frequent. While I have had to label the machines myself and the snack machine man knows the situation and tries not to change the menu without letting me know I do occasionally get a bag of chips instead of the snickers I wanted or a cookie instead of chewing gum. But life without it would be very difficult for me. Those who feel it is not important need to spend a month living blind and they would soon change the tune they sing.

Sean Martin
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In response to a December Reader’s Forum post, Alan wrote:

Hello,

I am writing to comment on Shelley McMullen’s December contribution to the Readers’ Forum regarding the use of treats by guide dog schools as a training aid. I got my first dog in May of 1979. At the time, the school I attended did not use treats as part of training. While that situation has changed since my first trip to class, I don’t think the use of treats has been applied in all situations. When I trained with my most recent dog in 2008, treats may have been used in some situations for some of the dogs in class, but I never used them when I worked with my current dog and have never had to do so since I came home.

I share Shelley’s concern, in that I’m not sure how gradually the treats are withdrawn and I don’t want my dog to have to work for food rewards, but since it was clear that the dog I trained with didn’t need that kind of encouragement, I never had to use food rewards.

I suspect, however, that if used properly, they may help some dogs over situations that might otherwise frighten them and if it helps, I wouldn’t discount it, especially since treats are a part of effective clicker training, which has certainly helped some dogs learn to work effectively.

Alan Conway
Quebec, Canada
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In response to Feature Writer Karen Crowder – The Last Time I Saw Donna, Jan wrote:

I was very touched by Karen Crowder’s article about Donna. I’ve known Donna since 1963, when we were at camp together. I was planning to go to the party Karen was referring to, but I was sick, a rare occurrence. So the last time I saw Donna was the previous November. She brought me back in touch with several friends over the years. Donna was a special person and will certainly be missed.
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Wrangling with Windows 7, Duane wrote:

Lynn’s piece in the current Ziegler about her frustration with Windows 7 is further proof that Microsoft really doesn’t care if its products are accessible to those who are blind. Despite my recent purchase of a new laptop with Windows 7, I’m plodding on with my XP unit until it crashes because I’m reluctant to enter the unknown environment of the new operating system. I don’t even know where to begin to set it up to be accessible. Perhaps a future issue of the magazine might be devoted to some quick tutorial help for that time that will come to all of us when we must wave goodbye to XP, and plunge headlong into this new world Microsoft creates every few years to make computers more and more inaccessible, while people like Lynne patiently persist in devising workarounds with little or no help from those who create such new computer environments.
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In response to Feature Writer Ann Chiappetta – Comparing Two Popular Screen Readers: Part 2, Keith wrote:

The use of the caps lock key is also used in Jaws, but you have to switch to the laptop configuration to use it. It’s handy for laptop users who don’t usually have a numpad to issue commands. The trouble in Serotek is that they don’t offer the rest of the laptop commands to navigate that Jaws does. For example, in the laptop configuration, capslock + j, k, or l is the same as using insert+4,5, or 6 to move by words (left, say current, or move right).

It would be cool if Serotek would let you route mouse to PC. I have some software where that’s the only way to access a status bar on the screen and have it read.

Great observations.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Learning Braille–A Touching Process, and Feature Writer Alena Roberts – The Quest to Create a Low Cost Braille Display, Tim wrote:

I read with interest Lynne Tatum’s article about learning Braille as an adult, and Alena Roberts’ article about the cost of producing Braille material and Braille displays. I will comment on both articles.

Congratulations, Lynne, for the effort you are putting into this! It will pay off later! Though I learned Braille in Kindergarten, at the New York State School for the Blind, and use it every day, myself, I taught Braille to adults for many years. During my work and travels, I used English, Spanish, and Afrikaans in my teaching. One interesting thing I found was that, for people who speak a second language, no matter how well they spoke it, it was always best to start them off in their native language. The intuition which helps you guess and understand what you are reading works much better in your first language.

As stated, I use Braille every day. Yet I do not borrow books from the NLS libraries. This may mean that, according to the statistics, I am not a Braille reader, even though I use slate and stylus, Perkins brailler, and I used to have a Braille printer for my computer.

Is it only the cost of Braille books and Braille equipment that causes the numbers of children learning Braille to be so low? I strongly say that this is not the only reason. In our current main-streaming educational system, I believe that there is a definite bias against Braille on the part of teachers who teach our blind and visually impaired children. Most of these teachers are sighted, their knowledge of Braille is weak, at best, and they just don’t want to be bothered, or those funding this education don’t think Braille is valuable. Ask these same teachers if we should eliminate hand writing instruction for their sighted children. Imagine the loud choruses of “no way!” that you would get. Ask any adult blind person who is a fluent Braille reader, no matter how often or rarely that person uses Braille, and he/she will be more than likely to say, “I wouldn’t give up my Braille knowledge for the world.”

I strongly and assertively promote Braille whenever I am asked about it.

Tim Hendel
Huntsville, Alabama
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Learning Braille–A Touching Process, Duane wrote:

Braille is an awesome medium of communication that must never disappear! I was delighted to read Lynne Tatum’s article about learning Braille. As both pastor and musician, I have read Braille all my life. Louis Braille’s birthday should be commemorated annually everywhere. Keep up the good work of learning, whoever you are, and wherever you are!
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Learning Braille–A Touching Process, Andrew wrote:

I am teaching myself Braille using flash cards and a deck of Braille playing cards. I find that in today’s cyber society it is hard to find motivation when you can have smart phones, screen readers, and books on tape.
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Learning Braille–A Touching Process, Andrew wrote:

It is encouraging in this age of declining Braille literacy to read about someone going back to reading Braille. As a lifelong Braille reader, I agree that it is a very peaceful way to read, but I still remember how frustrating it was to learn even as a child. I especially remember how I used to get e and i mixed up and how my teacher, who was also fun, would pretend I hurt the feelings of letter e when I called it an i! I also had tracking problems for quite a few years, but the good news is, if you are going to work mostly with Braille notetakers, the Braille display only shows one line at a time, so that might make tracking easier for you. Good luck!
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In response to Karen Crowder – Will 2012 Bring in a New Age of Civility and Politeness? Danni wrote:

I went through this a couple years ago when I was dropped off at Target rather than Toys R Us where I was supposed to be going! Turned out scheduler messed up, but anyway, I figured I’m here I’ll do some shopping since by the time paratransit could get back to get me it would be too late to shop elsewhere and got a shocking response from the manager: “We don’t offer a service like that.” Oh well, okay I got back on the phone and called paratransit back and told them to please find a driver to take me home, they don’t want my money at Target! I have spread the word much since!

Walmart, though, at times has been interesting help. But they have always been willing to help!
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In response to Karen Crowder – Will 2012 Bring in a New Age of Civility and Politeness? David wrote:

Hello,

I dread shopping alone, not because I can’t do it, I have and will again. I dread it because I never know who I’ll end up getting to help me. Will they be in a hurry and sort of rush me along? Will they get me what they think I have asked for, but maybe it’s the Vanilla Coke not the Cherry Coke or the chunky peanut butter, not the natural smooth? Will my groceries be bagged such that my bread is smashed? Will the para-transit driver help me load or just sit in the van near where I am standing with my basket, motor running, and not roll the window down to let me know it’s my ride, not who knows who out there? Will I have too many bags for the para-transit driver not to tell me not to have more than 3? Will I miss new and interesting items because the shopper helper has no idea what I might like to try?

As to the couple at the mall, I think the security was rude. But I think that if you are going at a very busy time, you take a chance they are busy. I always try to avoid extremely busy times at malls where I rarely go anyway–overpriced often and the noise from echoes and inside fountains makes a sound-fog that gives me a headache. I don’t expect people to be helpful anymore. It seems everyone is in a hurry, expects technology to help us, or people just think we should be more independent or they get tired of helping when you don’t ever improve. I sometimes think the advances in technology will continue to make an ever-more independent group of blind people but the group risks becoming smaller and smaller unless older blind people can keep up with the technology changes and afford the new things. There are so many things out now, iPads, iPhones, iTouches, iMacks, Windows 7, several notetakers, Victor Streams, NLS downloadable books, NFB Newsline items, Audio.com books, Bookshare.org and Learningally.org items, commercial audio, and other resources. I feel a bit lost at times and definitely old now.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – Diving into a Good Book, Karen wrote:

I loved Lynne Tatum’s article on diving into a good book. I have always been an avid reader, and if I really liked an author I will try to read all of her/his books that I can find. A few recent examples are the series by Sheryl Woods on the town of Serenity in the Carolinas, and how the three women find true love. She also has a new series which takes place in Maryland. I also like mysteries, science fiction, true crime books, cookbooks, and really too many other books to mention.

I have re-read books like “Gone With the Wind,” by Margaret Mitchell, which is a timeless classic, books by VC Andrews, especially her early ones, and cookbooks, such as Fannie Farmer, and her baking book which teach you basic cooking techniques.

I enjoy reading such popular authors as Mary Higgins Clark, and the popular writer Anne Rule. I also like to read about some rock groups like the Beatles and have read almost every book put on cassette about them.

So with that said, reading is a great past time and a good way to learn about life, love, and our world.
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – A Reminder About Patriotism, Tim wrote:

I heartily agree with Bob Branco’s wish that our National Anthem would be played more at the beginning of sporting events, as it used to be.

I am hardly what you would call a “super patriot.” In fact, as a far-left Democrat, many on the talk show circuit would deny that I’m patriotic at all. They would be wrong, but, that’s not what I’m here to discuss.

Our Huntsville Stars are an AA minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers. Every year, they hold auditions, so that local singers, including many young people studying voice can try to get chosen to sing the National Anthem at baseball games.

The local station here which carries the Stars refuses to broadcast the National Anthem. I have written to the station several times on this matter. I have pointed out that if they just cut the pre-game show a little bit short, they could get in all their paid commercials and still broadcast the anthem. The man who does the Stars commentary actually wrote to me and said, “We have no interest in broadcasting the anthem, and do not plan to change our format in order to do so.”

I thought this was merely a local Huntsville problem, until I read Bob’s letter. I say, fans, if you want your stations to broadcast the anthem, write to the stations, the sponsors, and the team’s front office. Maybe someone will listen.
Tim Hendel
Huntsville, Alabama
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – Does Rudolph Promote Bullying, Bruce wrote:

I couldn’t believe it when I heard about that psychologist claiming the story of Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer promotes bullying. Kids instinctively know what’s wrong and what’s right. We had the same nonsense preached when The Three Stooges were shown in theatres to kids. My friends and I knew that being boinked in the eye really hurt, yet some ninnies claimed we’d all turn out violent from watching Larry, Curley, Moe, and Shemp doing their slapstick routines.

The point is that all kids bully or are bullied at one time or another without being encouraged. It went on at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf and Blind as well as the public schools I went to. Nobody had to show kids how to throw stones at me and call me names. They just did it. I think that psychologist had too much time on his hands and too much ego on top of that.

Sincerely,
Bruce Atchison – author of When a Man Loves a Rabbit and Deliverance from Jericho.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Separating Work and the Family, Allison wrote:

I totally agree with Bob Branco on separating work from family. I’m involved with a group that has a regular monthly meeting, and one of the members brings his young son. The child is bored, naturally, and is quite a distraction during the meeting. His noise makes it difficult to concentrate, and those who have hearing impairments have a particularly difficult time.
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Separating Work and the Family, David wrote:

It’s different with kids today. Parents seem to arrange their lives around kids. Kids seem to have every night scheduled with an activity and parents spend all of their after-work time running them to practices of some kind. They seem to live on chicken nuggets and oven fries while spending hours on the Xbox or other gaming console. No play outside seems doable. Teachers want to be their friends. Zero-tolerance for bullying is expected. Some of these changes are good, but some amaze me. Teachers being your friend, for instance. We had teachers who liked being hard-nosed and you’d better hop in line. One teacher in high school hit the door lecturing and you better have Braille paper and be ready to go.
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – Does Rudolph Promote Bullying? Keith wrote:

The story of Rudolph comes from a man who worked for a well known department store. He had lost his wife, and was struggling to support his young daughter. Down on his luck, having everything in their lives go wrong, he wrote a poem, with illustrations for his girl. It portrayed the bad stuff that life handed to them, and hope that somehow they might make it in the world.

When his employer caught wind of the poem, it soon became a storybook that they sold in their stores. The store bought the rights to the book, but later gave rights back to the family.

It was, of course Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The later fame, and income from the song, and the TV special goes to add that despite being handed a raw deal, bullies, losing a loved one, or being denied the career path of choice, you can’t lose hope. Success just might find its way into your life somehow. Life has no guarantees, and bad things happen, but they don’t have to be the final word.
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – Does Rudolph Promote Bullying? Mel wrote:

I’m getting sick and tired of everything getting labeled “bullying!” First of all, I was bullied in high school. I was spat upon by other kids. I was pushed down and called all sorts of nasty names. My parents never dreamed of getting the school involved! They taught me to stand up for myself. I think we are doing our children a lot of harm by calling everything bullying! If we don’t teach our children to stand up for themselves while they are in school, what will happen in the “real world” when there is no school to “protect” them? I’m not advocating violence here when I say stand up for yourself. I just think we need to teach our children that life isn’t all sunshine and roses. There will be bullies. There will be hurts. That’s just life.

And, yes, I am a mother of an 11 year old girl. She gets teased a lot at school because of my disability. Children can be awful. I don’t think anything will change that.
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In response to Shelley McMullen’s post in last week’s Reader’s Forum regarding Guide Dog training, Allison wrote:

I also agree with Shelley McMullen. I’ve had two guide dogs, one was obtained in 1965 and one in 1996. I noticed the differences she mentioned when I got my second dog, and frankly, I wasn’t pleased with the changes. I also think the dogs are softer than they used to be. That may be necessary, given the aging population, but I still see it as a problem.

One change I do like is the teaching of the follow command. That can be useful in a lot of situations.
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In response to Shelley McMullen’s post in last week’s Reader’s Forum regarding Guide Dog training, David wrote:

No way am I going to give my dogs treats in public. What if a friend holds out a treat too and you are about to cross a street? I thought clicker training was the big thing now. I had a guide dog, too; and I liked it but never had the mystical connection some have with their dogs. I liked having Nader, hope he was happy, tried making sure he had organic, high-quality food and supplements, and took him for walks and such, but just didn’t have any mystical mind-reading like feelings.
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In response to Feature Writer Karen Crowder – Five Non-traditional Ways to Give and Celebrate During the Holidays, Rick wrote:

Karen, your last idea about giving a book or CD was most meaningful. Last Christmas, after the San Francisco Giants won the World Series, my friend Donna gave me as a Christmas present–a DVD she got from Major League Baseball highlighting their season, and that meant more to me than any other present I got. Little did I know at the time it would be the last present she gave me before she passed away.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – What to Do for your Cold and/or Flu? Samuel wrote:

I write to comment after reading Lynne Tatum’s article of Ziegler, December 5, 2011, titled “What Do You Do for Your Cold and/or Flu?”, where she talked about the various medications she used in the course of treating her cold. I believe in spending money on good food, eating healthy, no matter how the food may taste, smell, feel, or sound, than spending money on good medicines. “Positively draconian” as the remedy suggested to Lynne Tatum by her aunt may be, science has proven countless times that pepper can serve as a good and natural remedy for colds, the flu, sore throats and even irritations. She (Lynne Tatum) even testified to this truth by saying that the black pepper concoction did help to some extent but she couldn’t continue with its administration every night.

Well, I think rather waiting for a cold to strike before seeking a solution, we can do better by preventing ourselves; besides, “prevention is better than cure.” This prevention method can be achieved by including some quantity of natural pepper regularly in our meals.

If life must be lived to the fullest, I think we should be willing to make some sacrifices, no matter how discomforting, unpleasurable or negative they may be to us. Life is not all sugar and spice, and all things nice, but also Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails!
For more information on the pepper-remedy visit www.jcrows.com/cayenne.html or simply google for the benefits of pepper; you’ll be amazed what you’ll discover about pepper!
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Black Friday is a Joke, Alison wrote:

I agree with you that Black Friday has gone too far! I am a traditionalist too, who believes Thanksgiving should be a family day. I am 21 years old and enjoy having the latest technology, but I have never wanted anything bad enough to camp out in front of a store to get in at midnight. For the sake of the poor store employees who make minimum wage yet must leave their families to work the store, it makes me sad how many people cannot wait.

The only shopping I generally enjoy on Black Friday is shopping for the perfect family Christmas tree at our local tree farm. This year, my parents made a bit of an exception as they wanted to take advantage of a sale at the Apple store to get me an iPad, but I will never do that again. Even in the evening when we went, the store was so crowded and noisy that I couldn’t hear the voiceover when the store worker tried to demonstrate it for me and I didn’t get the personal attention that I probably could have gotten on a less busy day. Bargains are nice, but not always worth joining the frenzy.
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Black Friday is a Joke, Karen wrote:

I liked Bob Branco’s comments about black Friday what a farce it has become. It is sad we are imparting the wrong values to children that shopping is more important than spending valuable time with family.

People do not realize that if you really want to save money on gifts that you can wait until the week or even a few days before Christmas. One year my husband shopped for me on Christmas Eve day. Almost everything he bought me was half the original price. The waffle sandwich maker was $30, not forty dollars. The Jeanne Natae and Wind song were a half off at the Walgreen drug store. So if people really want to save money wait until Christmas week to buy gifts. After Christmas sales are great, as well, and often everything is over half off and you can buy wrapping paper and such too.

So these are a few suggestions on how people can save and not rush out on Black Friday. It used to be a pleasant day to do shopping but not now.
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Shelley McMullen wrote in to say:

I know before I submit this that it may produce a lot of controversy among Ziegler readers. These are issues that have concerned me for a very long time so I feel compelled to address them!

First let me state that I have been a dog guide user since May of 1975 which is over half of my life. For me, having a dog as a guide has enhanced my independence more than I can ever explain! Furthermore, over the years my dogs have been my best friends and have been wonderful companions who have loved me unconditionally when I haven’t always been lovable. They have accompanied me to work where they have patiently and quietly remained obedient all day long. My dogs over the years have been loyal and have forgiven me when I didn’t feel well enough to go for a walk.

When I think about all these dogs give up in order to become guides and faithful companions it almost makes me cry. I am so filled with emotion and gratitude for the dogs, their puppy raisers, trainers, and all of the schools who train them.

Now to the heart of the matter. When I received my first dog in May of 1975 my class was told that the dogs are taught to work for us because they want to please us and want to keep us safe. However, within probably the last 10 years many of the dog guide schools including the one that my dogs are from has started using treats for the purpose of weaning the dog from its trainer and for encouraging the dog to work for the blind student. I abide by this rule when I am in training, but honestly have to say that the rule no longer applies once I return home with my dog. I don’t want my dog to work for food. Besides it may not always be convenient to pull a treat from one’s pocket. It concerns me that students feed their dogs treats in public. To me the messages that are being sent to the general public are confusing and misleading in situations such as I have mentioned.

I understand that students of the recent past may like this method of training, because that is all they are familiar with. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned verbal and physical praise?

Secondly many of the schools are using less and less leash corrections as a part of training. Keep in mind that every dog and the amount of correction it requires is different. For those of you who don’t know a leash correction is a quick snap of the leash which is attached to the dog’s collar to reprimand the dog for something that it has done that is wrong. The correction does not hurt the dog, it simply startles the dog temporarily and helps the dog to refocus on its work. Schools are now verbally correcting more, and implementing the use of the gentle leader, a type of head collar instead. This I agree is an effective tool in some situations, but does not replace a quick well-timed leash correction. To me correcting is just like anything else. It requires good common sense and appropriate timing.
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In response to Feature Writer Karen Crowder – Accessible Christmas Gifts, Barbara Mattson wrote:

According to the emails I’ve been receiving from Long’s Electronics, they are out of business.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – What Do You Do For Your Cold and/or Flu? Chela wrote:

In response to Lynn’s article about Cold/flu/sinus issues, I know how she feels and I use the Neti Pot purchased at my local drugstore CVS, which was only $11 at that time I purchased it. It comes with printed instructions as to how to use it which I will post here if you ever want to try it out. It comes with a plastic spoon and several salt packets which when you run out of them, you can also purchase a pack of a hundred from wherever your purchased the Neti Pot. It acts as a great way to clear out your sinuses

I also drink Throat Coat tea. I used to gargle warm salt water to cure my throat but switched to throat coat tea.

It also helps if you eat right, make sure you get your daily dose of fruit and veggies, take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Also, get plenty of exercise because it builds your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day or go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the lift, etc., unless you’re a wheelchair user. It also helps to wash your hands often. If you can’t, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around. Get lots of fresh air and open doors and windows whenever possible. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can and get plenty of rest.
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – What Do You Do For Your Cold and/or Flu? Roy wrote:

I do absolutely nothing for a cold. When I feel one trying to come on I mentally try to block it. I tell myself “Roy, you do not want this cold and you will not get it.” Usually it works. I believe having a positive attitude is very important for your health. And if I happen to get it I just give into it and let it run its course. I find that if you take something for a cold it’ll last about 14 days. If you don’t take anything for it, it’ll last about two weeks. If it’s really a cold a good doctor won’t give you antibiotics because a cold is not an infection. I’m also a singer and, yes, it does affect your voice. I’ve occasionally had to cancel a show but not often.
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In response to Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – What Do You Do For Your Cold and/or Flu? Karen wrote:

If you happen to catch a cold drink plenty of fruit juices and plain water, herbal tea and broth are good choices, too. Eating light and sticking to tried and true chicken noodle or rice soup and toast for the first two days is helpful.

There are herbs for the throat like slippery elm lozenges, horehound drops or powder, and cold care tea. You can find these herbs at most health food stores or places like Whole Foods.

There is one more old home remedy I have used for years that is simply hot ginger ale. All you do is pour some ginger ale into a mug and microwave it for one minute fifteen seconds. Drink it and go lie down. Not only does it help you rest but you might feel better the next day. Try some of these suggestions and I hope your cold is better soon.
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Barbara Mattson wrote in, saying:

Some may consider me a Scrooge when I say I feel much more like giving during Christmas time–December 25 until January 6. Nonetheless, what bit of shopping I do before then is usually done by mail order. This year I also bought some candy bars to help our school for the blind alumni raise money and at the same time, to give as small gifts.

We siblings, spouses, and nieces and nephews used to draw names. Depending on whose name I received it would either bring pleasure or a feeling of obligation. The past few years, though, I’ve enjoyed the creativity and surprise factor of buying a present for my family’s Yankee swap, (also known as dirty Santa). This game enables all of us to interact in a way we don’t experience any other time.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Contributor Lori Castner – The Restroom Challenge, Charlotte wrote:

I totally agree with the hazards of finding and navigating public rest rooms. I was experiencing every step and problem as you methodically went through them. I think the thing that bothers me the most is that in so many bathrooms these days, the paper towel dispenser is across the room from the sink, and the trash can is nowhere to be found. Many times it is located close to the door on your way out. I always have my cane with me so if there is someone in the bathroom, they hopefully realize that I need some assistance and don’t think I’m just a weird person for feeling around to find things. I look forward to hearing other people’s experiences.
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In response to Contributor Lori Castner – The Restroom Challenge, Rebecca wrote:

I really loved how tastefully done Ms. Castner’s article was, and I can identify with so many of the things she discusses. I have a few suggestions/observations which someone may find helpful.

1. A guide dog in the prime of its training understands the routine almost as well as we come to know their routine. In addition to managing the twists and turns, I think they begin to identify that “my human needs to go into one of these doors, and sit on that thing.” Because of having bigger dogs, I go for the bigger stall, which is generally on the end. I have no problem with my dog leading me right to the toilet.

2. Scentsy to the rescue! I am very tired of the sink routine, so I’ve purchased scent foams which are also hand sanitizers from Scentsy Products. So even if people do look at me funny when I don’t go to the sink, I know I’ve washed my hands without having to touch things to find towels and the trash can possibly picking up more germs.
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – Almost No Accolates (A Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen), Michelle wrote:

I live in a town named Springdale, Maryland. Right within the division in which I live is a high school named “Charles Herbert Flowers.” Mr. Flowers was one of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Mr. Flowers lives in the town next to mine, just a few blocks away. When the school was being built about ten years ago, there was discussion as to name the school Springdale for the town or for Mr. Flowers. Today, I am glad his name won the vote as it gives him honor for the courage he and others showed during the war. To my knowledge, he is still alive and is among the last remaining few Airman.
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In response to Feature Writer John Christie – Freedom Scientific Lowers Prices on Popular Products, Gonz Blinko wrote:

I cannot imagine wanting a PAC Mate and I led the software team that invented the thing. At FS back then, many of the hardware requirements were defined by software people like me. Along with various other software guys, we pushed hard for a removable braille display. The result was the biggest and heaviest notetaker on the market.

As far as I see things today, though, anyone who is visually impaired who doesn’t choose an iPhone 4S with any number of Bluetooth braille displays and keyboards completely confounds me. You get the flexibility we hoped to design into PAC Mate as you can choose when to bring a keyboard or display with you or not while getting many, many more accessible apps than the PAC Mate has ever known. To boot, the apps are cheaper and Windows Mobile is going away so no one is developing for it anymore.

The PAC Mate braille displays are a good product at a good price but, without bluetooth, I won’t be going with them either.

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Alena Roberts – Oregon Uses iPads to Help the Disabled Vote, Abbie wrote:

In response to the article on Oregon’s use of the iPad to help blind voters, although this may be the cheapest solution, I don’t think it’s the best. Here in Sheridan, Wyoming, blind and visually impaired voters use a machine called the Auto Mark. You insert the ballot, and an automated voice talks you through the voting process. The buttons are labeled in Braille, and it’s easy to use. When you’re done voting, the machine prints the ballot, and you place the ballot in the slot just like everybody else. Those of us who have never used a touch screen would have a hard time learning the iPad, and just for the purpose of voting, it’s a ridiculous waste of time. I hope Sheridan County doesn’t start this practice.
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Christian wrote in, saying:
I attended Ananda Ashram for two weeks in December 2010. Though they were nervous about hosting someone with no sight, I assured them both before and during my stay that I was no different from any other Ashram attendee. I chopped and cooked in the kitchens, navigated even when they had a two foot blizzard, and made my way independently. I did have to escape the people they had following me, as I prefer to travel alone and did not want to be followed or constantly directed. I had a fabulous time there, and wanted to return for three months this winter. I contacted the office and made plans, and it seemed that everything was going fine. However, I recently received a call from one of their head people saying that they do not want me to come during the winter for the following reasons:

I am too much of a liability, which they also said last year.

Some sighted guy fell and broke his arm last winter, and they are convinced that I will do the same or worse, despite my navigational prowess and extensive rural O&M training. Unlike most sighted people, I actually look where I am going.

They do not have a dedicated staff person to, and I quote, “help you out and follow you around.” I neither require nor desire such a pointless waste of staff, and would not tolerate one if said dedicated staff person was thrust upon me.

What really got to me was the fact that this was all said in a tone that one would use for a sick and/or slow child, and said person repeatedly told me that they are only saying this because they are concerned for my safety. This is, as he put it, all for your own good. I did not say this, but it crossed my mind that this is exactly what Hitler told Nazi Germany as he killed millions of what he perceived to be inferior beings. At any rate, I was not able to make any headway with him or the administrative staff, nor was my father, who is rather nastier than I. This same person told him that blind people are, statistically, far more likely to fall down and get hurt than sighted people. These are his words, not mine. Now I don’t know which professor of blindology he’s consulting for his stats, but I can definitively say that his assumption in the guise of fact is both inaccurate and ludicrous.

The point of my story is this. The ACLU will not get involved, as this is not a constitutional issue. The EEOC will not get involved, as this is not an employment issue. (I wanted to work there in the kitchens and housekeeping, but I am paying to work there, and they are not paying me.) I am having trouble figuring out whether the ADA applies to this specific place, because it is a religious organization but its purpose is commercial. I am wondering, if there are any experts here, to whom I can turn and where I should go from here. I reside in far southern Pennsylvania, but the Ashram is in upstate New York. The place is almost four hours away from where I live, so it is not at all close. Therefore, which state should I focus on? I am seeking any advice I can get my hands on, as this is the first incident of this kind that I have ever dealt with firsthand. I may be reached at christian@campottercreek.com or through Reader’s Forum. Thank you for your time and assistance, and have a pleasant day.

Sincerely,
Christian

For your convenience, all Reader’s Forum submissions are separated by the ## symbol.

In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – So Tragic and Preventable, Beth wrote:

If I were sighted and if I chose to drive, I would not talk on a cell or text, I would not use ham equipment while driving, and I would not have a radio or other audio entertainment on. When you are in charge of a ton or two of steel, your rapt attention is indicated. Even years before onset of my severe hearing disability, my thought has been that people who have less than good vision should not travel alone. Why do people feel they have to prove themselves? We are human beings, not human doings. The dangers are many to solo travel, whether with a dog or cane: Drunk or distracted drivers, weather impediments, “right turn on red”, traffic overload, quiet cars, roundabouts, curb cuts, and I’m sure there are more, such as mugging potential. Sighted people should not travel alone either, also for these reasons, police will tell you that, I have heard it on the news.
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In response to Feature Writer Terri Winaught – So Tragic and Preventable, Marie wrote:

Just what we need: another unnecessary law. Why can’t sighted people sit still during bus rides and so on? Do they have to use their cell phones every single second? There is no common sense: If you cannot walk and chew gum at the same time, and doing so would make it unsafe for you to travel, just sit still and concentrate on the one thing you can do without endangering yourself. Even though I cannot drive, I don’t use my cell phone while riding. I wait till I get home before I get back to anyone. No one needs to hear my conversation out there in public. As for texting, I’m not into that. I prefer to send email. Sighted people are too distracted by too much technology. That is why we have yet another unnecessary law. And there are more of them as the years go by, all because of lack of common sense.
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Is it Work From Home or a Scam? Beth wrote:

I have found 2 legit job search sites and they are great:

https://www.elance.com/php/landing/main/login.php?crypted=cGVyc2lzaWQ9MzUyMzIwNTIz

https://www.flexjobs.com/login

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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Is it Work From Home or a Scam? Linda wrote:

The question was asked, “How do you know that some work at home businesses are legitimate and can help a blind person?”

The very first thing I consider is, are you being charged to get into the business? If you are, how much, and what is the company actually giving you in return? I wouldn’t fall for a company that insists that you make a large initial investment, sometimes actually receiving nothing in return but training. I am visually impaired but on Social Security Disability. For now, those who are on SSDI can still work and earn a certain amount of money each month without jeopardizing that income. So I feel quite safe in seeking to do what I can to increase my income.

I am a Scentsy consultant. I paid approximately one hundred and fifteen dollars to join the business, but believe I received that same amount of materials to start my business immediately. I do pay ten dollars for a web site every month. That is optional, but I choose to do it that way. The web site is very good, and the areas that are not completely available to the blind are being worked on at this time, as there are several blind consultants who want to have full accessibility. It is definitely possible for a blind person to order from the website. The person whom I joined under told me right up front, “This is not a get rich quick scheme. Your business will build slowly, but it will build.” And, of course, it depends on how much time you put into it.

My husband is sighted, and he assists me in different areas. It is nice, for example, if I am displaying my products at a booth, to have someone there with me to spot people who may be looking at my products if I am unaware of it because of the noise around me. Also, he can check checks that are written, etc. You don’t need an assistant all of the time though, and can do most promotion on your own. So some people may perhaps find a friend who will assist from time to time, or hire someone.

I am in this business in the hopes that eventually it will net me a fair amount each month. But, I’m also in it because I really love the products and can therefore enthusiastically endorse them, and because the company has true integrity. Please check out my web site and read my story. If you like fragrances, you will be in seventh heaven. www.SafeCandlesKY.com

I am Linda Stewart. I have four people as downline, two who live here in Lexington, Kentucky, and one who lives in Idaho and one in California. We can keep in touch very easily over the phone and all help each other.

Linda Stewart
www.SafeCandlesKY.com
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In response to Op Ed with Bob Branco – Is it Work From Home or a Scam? Marie wrote:

As for those work-at-home schemes: My first sighted husband got me mixed up in some of those crappy scams. They are nothing more than scams; don’t get involved in them; you are throwing away the very little money you have on envelopes and stamps and all that. They don’t materialize into work of any kind. Avoid chain letters; Other scams include those companies that advises people not to pay their mortgages and claim to reduce your debts into lower payments. I have heard so many of those commercials on Sirius XM. I don’t even understand why that service has to broadcast these commercials. That is another thing I would never, ever do. Avoid email spam that also advertise this. Filter them so you don’t even get them anywhere near your Inbox on your Internet provider’s server; you don’t need to clog your Inbox with that junk. They make no money for anyone.
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In response to Feature Writer Steven Famiglietti – JAWS 13 New Features: Part Two, Bill wrote:

I want to comment on the article about jaws and how expensive the upgrades are. It is a sad thing that we have to pay so much for something which is vital to us to do work on the computer. The manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves charging so much money. They sure have a monopoly.
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In response to Feature Writer Steven Famiglietti – JAWS 13 New Features: Part Two, Pam wrote:

I agree the cost of upgrades is prohibitive and can’t help but resent the constant need to upgrade, especially when many reported problems simply aren’t fixed. I’d be interested to know how many readers experience silences when using Jaws 12. These silences are brief but infuriating and I have to say I never experienced these prior to recently upgrading from a very old version of Jaws.

Regards,
Pam MacNeill