It’s Buyer Beware

By Avril Rinn

There’s no doubt that computers have improved the lives of people with disabilities in certain areas. But computers aren’t perfect, they often create as many problems (at least in the beginning) as they solve, and they cannot "cure" a disability. At best, they are tools that make reading, communicating, learning and playing, a little easier. At worst they are expensive and frustrating paperweights!

As a person who is legally blind, and someone who has worked with computers and people with disabilities for the past eight years, I’m in a position to see both the positive and negative effects computers have had on us. Yes, unequivocally, a computer can add tremendously to your life. Unfortunately, because of misconceptions fostered by advertising and the media, too often people develop unrealistic expectations about their machine, and consequently are very disappointed.

The good news is that people with every type of disability can benefit from the right combination of hardware and software. The key to success is knowledge.

These tips will help you purchase equipment that is right for you.
- Ask yourself questions. Why do I want a computer? What kinds of things am I expecting a computer to do for me? How much money am
I willing to spend? Are there any government programs that will help me pay for it? If there are, get in touch with them immediately. You will need to fill out forms, as well as be assessed, and the whole process can take months to complete.

- Be an educated consumer! Learn everything possible about computers. Visit the local library if you can, it will have "How To" books about buying your first computer. Some even offer short workshops on this subject.

- Talk to buyers -- not salespeople. Ask people you know about their home computers: where they got them, how much they paid for them, what programs they are using. The information you get from actual users will be far more useful to you than anything a salesperson might say.

- Learn about access technology. If you have a disability that affects how you see a computer screen or physically use the keyboard and mouse, you may need one or more "access devices." These are hardware and software solutions such as a large keyboard with modified layout, or a program that translates screen output to speech. Finding out about them is not easy if you don t know where to look. Disability organizations and consumer support groups can be a valuable resource. Also, check out the Special Needs Department of a local College or
University. Never buy an access device unless you have first tried it. They are VERY EXPENSIVE and you want to get one that meets your needs.

- Shop around! DO NOT buy the first computer you look at. The computer industry is extremely competitive; prices and quality vary drastically.



(Avril Rinn is a Special Program Coordinator at ATN, an organization that provides pre-employment training to adults with disabilities in London, ON.)

Live Chat!!! Meet the Host & Producer of CBC-TV’s Moving On!

CBC-TV’s "Moving On" is a program about independence, access and self-expression. Winner of a Gemini Award and several human rights awards for its coverage of disability stories, "Moving On" launches its third season early in January, 2000.

For more detail, check out the Foundation on Independent Living’s segment of the CAF Forum, page 23 of this issue.

Joanne Smith, "Moving On’s" host, and Doug Caldwell, the show’s Executive Producer, invite you to join them, online in EnableLink’s After Hours chatroom. You’ll find them there January 17 from 7PM to 9PM (EST).

By then, you will have been able to see the first two episodes of Moving On’s third season (check local listings in January). Please join us -- www.enablelink.org, click on Enablelink and then the Communication Centre icon, and log on to After Hours. Virtual refreshments on us!

Have You Visited the Product and Service Catalogue lately?

There are hundreds of listings in EnableLink’s Product & Service Catalogue. Is your company there? The service is FREE!

Categories include: Accessories, Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Children, Clothing, Computers/Technology/Communication, Employment & Training, Fitness, Health, Housing, Mobility, Seating, Services & Consultants, Sports & Recreation, Transportation, Travel, Videos, CDs & Tapes, and Wheelchairs.

And the catalogue continues to grow! We are adding listings continuously! If you want to be a part of this ever-growing resource, send us your information including, product name, description, company, address and contact names and numbers including e-mail and website address. Be accessible!

And if you’re looking for a product -- start here! Chances are we’ll have just what you’re looking for. And -- follow the link to the online classified section too!

Drop us a line at: ask@enablelink.org.