There are many reasons why organizing ourselves as a user community is particularly timely. Just when we thought we had it made with good alternative access to DOS-based applications, along came the graphical user interface; we've essentially had to start all over again. Making this kind of transition alone can be a scary proposition indeed.
But as the days go by, more blind people are in fact discovering that the transition to a GUI isn't as formidable a process as a lot of people would have us believe. The access technology companies are working very hard to create viable GUI interfaces so we can stay employed, get educated and participate equally in this rapidly evolving telecommunications-based information society.
By helping each other, we can develop the skills and awareness that will make us conversant with state-of-the-art technologies and information systems. Armed with such experience and knowledge, we're in a much better advocacy position with the agencies that serve us, the schools that educate us and the corporate world that employs us.
In the eighties, I was involved in forming and operating a user group in Toronto. Frankly, the amount of networking and information sharing that went on was rather amazing. Even more impressive was the extent to which the entire system came to view us as a valuable resource. It was through this kind of interaction that a fairly large number of people found or lobbied to create positions for themselves as access technology consultants where they are still employed today.
We are all affected by technological advancement. Whether just starting out, or wondering how to keep the job you've had for ten years in the face of a changing work environment, a good user support network can make a difference in how you'll ultimately cope with the process of adapting in order to survive. This is especially true for people who don't qualify for, or can't afford services from the agencies who provide training and job support. Especially for the latter, a peer support group has the potential to become a welcome and necessary alternative.Drop Tom a
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