Hi Mike, I think ageism is one of the most stupid of prejudices. It seems to be the case that many people seem to have failed to notice they we all get old. But the next question is what is old? That seems to vary from organisation and law to law. In reality chronological age is about the roughest of guides ever invented for mental or physical function. I don't know for sure, but I would be very surprised if it wasn't the case that the range of ability or disability in a given age group probabably follows a random distribution curve around a mean point. If regulations based on who needs what, or who is worth giving what to, are based on this mean nead then many people will not receive wht they need. If the disqualification for equipment assistance depends on the likely increase in the functional utility to "society" of the individual, rather than the increased function for the benefit of the individual, then frequently the drop off in functional return for "society" is mainly brought about by society's socially determined categorisation of a particular age group as useless or nearly so. If a group over a certainage is defined as useless and therefore not worth assistance in getting adaptive technology, then if the definition is correct surely that groupp becomes more eligible on the grounds of impairment and the need for compensation to those individuals in that group for their perceived disadvantage. We are all equal citizens, or should be, certainly after the age of majority and before the age of senility. Majority is fixed by law. Why should senility be also similarly fixed? I would argue that even the age of majority is a very crude and discriminatory device, but at the other end of life it is unforgiveable. Sory for the length of this note, but I seem to have been running into a lot of ageism directed at both the old and the young recently. All The Best Ed -----Original Message----- From: vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Mike Meaney Sent: 04 May 2007 13:23 To: vics ireland Cc: irelandvipnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [vicsireland] you're out if you're over 65 Hello listers, I bought a new Computer and decided to enquire about getting help from the pool of aids, first to find out that someone had registered my version of Jaws. I asked then was it true that if you were over 65 you were out, and was told to contact my local office, I did that to discover it was true. But it was the fault of the health board. I rang and was told first they never heard of JAWS or any software for the blind, and if I had purchased it I wouldn't get a refund. And if they could give me one I'd have to have a medical Card, but I wouldn't get that till I was 70. I am very annoyed over this because I know there are many members and non members out there who are working with versions of Jaws that are ancient and many of them would not be able to afford 1171.65 Euro for the latest version. I would like if Vics could bring this up at their next AGM and find out where the problem lies. I have been on this list for years and hear members who are working discussing their new version of JAWS, Can you imagine how the other people with out of date versions feel. Any suggestions would be welcome. If I wanted a zimmer frame or a commode I'd also have to have a medical card. I must try to stay healthy and mobile. Mike. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.2/787 - Release Date: 03/05/2007 14:11