[Reader-users] KNFB Reader Purchases by DBS

[Peter Donahue]

Good afternoon everyone,

    I'd be curious to know if we have any KNFB Reader users on this list
whose machines were purchased for them by the Texas Division of Blind
Services, (DBS.)Mary and I may have some job possibilities coming up which
may require the use of a device such as the KNFB Reader and discussed
potential purchases of readers for us by DBS. So far they're telling us that
DBS is studying the usefulness of the reader and deciding whether they will
purchase it for their consumers or not. It seems like if states like Ohio
are now purchasing the reader for consumers our agency should do likewise.
As to its usefulness many DBS and DARS staff were at the national convention
this summer and most likely saw the reader in action. This plus the large
number of favorable articles and news stories ought to be convincing enough
to warrent their making the KNFB Reader available to their consumers who
demonstrate a need for it. I'm not sure if Tommy Craig is on the list, but
could he or Jim give us a heads-up on efforts to urge DARS and DBS to make
the KNFB Reader available to their blind consumers. Any ammunition we can
arm ourselves with to assist in negotiating with our counselor should these
job possibilities get hot will be very much appreciated.

Peter Donahue