When I got my optacon in high school there were limited options where I
could get training and an optacon to keep. I got my training at a school for
the blind and my optacon was loaned to me by the U.S. Department of
Education with the understanding that I would need to return it when I
graduated from college. Some people I know went to Associated Services for
the Blind in Philadelphia for training which I think included an optacon. I
wonder how much the training cost. The fact that I would not be able to keep
an optacon was a disincentive for me to ever become a fluent user. I did not
get much pleasure from the device and my family hated the noise. I was
always having problems keeping paperback books and magazines open. Maybe my
skills would have improved if I had spent more time with the optacon. In
college I wasn't able to keep up without hiring readers. Recently A friend
gave me an optacon and I need to get around to fixing it. It isn't my
highest priority. If we ever get a new type of optacon with more features I
probably would be more interested in developing my skills using it. If I
don't get around to fixing the optacon then I will donate it to someone on
this list. I wouldn't do what some friends did by throwing their optacons in
the trash. I'm sure I could find someone to use it if I decide getting it
fixed wouldn't justify my using it.
I know my comments sound negative but this is an example of where I would
want more modern technology to interest me more in an optacon. I think the
device should be essentially the same but with newer components and a
digital interface so software could be updated. We have the technology
except for a practical tactile array which is a real shame. The worst of it
is that we don't have enough interest in an optacon where we could obtain
funding for research and development. It is a sad situation.
Dan
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