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From: Joe.Chamberlain@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Questions
Message-ID: <16489@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 21 Dec 90 05:30:05 GMT
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Index Number: 12564

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

CC>      Modeming does NOT necessarily retard social involvements!  In
CC> many cases, the modemer becomes acquainted socially with the people he
CC> or she communicates with via the modem.  Also, knowledge gained from
CC> telecommunications can be used in a social setting aside from modeming
CC> itself.  IE sharp inside opinions on politics, and the like.

        The object of the questions were to stimulate some thought 
on the dangers of becoming a computer hermit.  How many hours do 
you spend in warm glow of the monitor screen?  Do you base your 
political opinions on the input you receive from the CONTROV echo 
or do you watch C-SPAN and CNN?  Do you visit or have friends 
visit with whom you can argue intelligently?

CC> Just because one is interacting with people using the modem doesn't
CC> mean that he or she is NOT interacting with people outside a tele-
CC> communications realm.  In this perspective, there is nothing to
CC> be protected FROM.

        Living with a disability often involves staying at home 
more than the average individual.  Sometimes these requirements 
become habits which interfere with a adequate social life and 
which result in staying at home much more than the average 
person.  

        Maybe the questions should have been more direct.  When 
was the last time you went to the beach, mountains, or the city?  
When was the last time you visited someplace new?  Or, are you 
visiting that same old friend for the 23rd time?  Do you shop in 
the same supermarket all the time?  Have you tried a new mall 
lately?

        What airline is the best for you?  Have you tried the 
wonders of AMTRACK?  When was the last time you made a new friend 
or met a stranger?  When was the last time you drove a strange 
road and ended up somewhere you hadn't planned?

        How many new smells have you experienced lately?  Have 
you smelled the homeless old lady begging near your office 
building?  Do you know the smell of a street hot dog stand in the 
winter?  How 'bout the local airport, dog pound, or new 
construction site?
                                -=joe=-

 CC>   
>>3) Do we compete with our fellow handicaps over who has the 
>>   more debilitating disability? 
     
 CC>      Well, since I really don't qualify as handicapped, per se, I 
can't
 CC> answer with austerity.  BUT, discussion of handicapps doesn't seem
 CC> competitive, and one who purposely invokes such discussion TO BE
 CC> competitive would seem to be in the minority!
     
 CC> [=\Chris
 CC> [==]Just thought I'd put a few words in...
     
 CC>  
 CC> -- Via Opus Msg Kit v1.12  
 CC> --- Opus-CBCS v1.14
 CC>  * Origin:  (1:147/12.0)
     

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