[bcab] Re: An introduction

Hi Dave,
 
Speaking for myself, I found this to be a superb first post to the list,
and I hope there will be many more to come.  As a user of braille and
speech technology, From reading your post, I have already learned a few
things I didn't know about the experiences of partially-sighted computer
users.  I hope you won't be shy about coming forward with more comments
and requests for information about the things that affect
partially-sighted users.     

-----Original Message-----
From: bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Dave Goodwin
Sent: 25 June 2007 10:31
To: bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bcab] An introduction

Hi all,

I have only recently subscribed to this list, and thought a quick
introduction might be in order.

So, now the problem is knowing what to say!

Well, I have been using personal computers since 1992. I had used
computers whilst working for a bank in the 1980s, but those things were
so different to what we now think of as computers, that I'm not sure
they should count. Thinking back even further though, I recall using
Sinclair Spectrums and BBC computers whilst at school. They were
certainly closer to what now sits under my desk than the computers at
the bank, which quite literally were the desk!

But anyway, my first real exposure to personal computers came at a
course run by the RNIB at Manor House in Torquay. My thoughts on my time
at Manor House are rather less than flattering, but that is a whole
different tale. However, two good things came from the course. Firstly,
it made me aware that a personal computer could be far more than a
glorified games console, and secondly it made me want to prove the RNIB
very wrong in what they thought the future was likely to hold for
anybody with a visual impairment (I do so hope that their attitudes have
changed since then!).

So, within a few days of finishing the course, I had bought my first PC.

Soon after, I had applied for a place at university. A few years later I
was the proud owner of a first class honours degree in politics. I then
forgot to leave the university, and ended up working there for the next
8 years.

During this time I had developed quite a strong interest in computers. I
had built several, and had designed and run a number of web sites. I had
even managed to shoe-horn my interest in computers into my job at the
university, and had somehow gained the title of the faculty 'geek'.

Two years ago, with my eldest daughter due to start at school, I took
the decision to leave my job at the university and work for myself. 
Basically, I wanted the flexibility in my life so that we didn't have to
worry about what to do with the kids before school, after school, during
school holidays, when they were sick, or when something else unexpected
comes along.

By this time I had a small portfolio of web sites, some of my own and
some that I had designed for other people. I enjoyed doing this, so
thought I would do it on a more professional basis. Yes, I know, like
the world needs another web design business! But hey, it fits in very
nicely with our current lifestyle needs, and I enjoy it.

I still build my own computers. My current system is just a few months
old. However, I must admit to taking the easy option and buying a Dell
system for the girls, as for what it cost and for what they actually
need, it simply seemed the best option.

At the moment my sight is still at a level where I can use a computer
without needing a screen reader or screen magnification. A large
monitor, low resolution and a suitable colour scheme is still enough to
get by. Well, most of the time anyway. Software that refuses to use my
high contrast colour scheme can still be a problem, as is software which
just gets confused by it and ends up trying to display black text on a
black background or white on white. But, I'll save that particular gripe
for another time.

I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of thing gets discussed around
here.

Dave Goodwin
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