Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Oh NO! Weather HAPPENS. This Could Actually Ruin The Solar Eclipse…
Monday, April 1, 2024
“Secret Ukrainian super-weapon” revealed by russians! |
Sunday, March 31, 2024
EASTER! With wheels!
#Easter2024 #CovidIsntOver
Cross adorned with flowers |
Mostly a smooth trip home. No unplanned tourism. And the RantWoman got to RantMom's in plenty of time to feast on the Easter buffet AND RantWoman learned that someone else RantWoman knows now also live's in RantMom's retirement community.
The story of Jim Tharpe's family quilts
The ACCESS RIDE Home
Small note: RantWoman is squeamish about some religious imagery. Today RantWoman decided she took the photo; therefore she is not going to fuss about copyright issues for other people's work.
Affordable Connectivity: PLEASE Don't tell me to check the internet when the problem is the internet doesn't work.
Dear Congress,
PLEASE renew the Affordable Connectivity program if only because some customers have barely had devices and connectivity at their fingertips long enough reliably to do simple tasks, never mind the vast and necessary horizons of the internet.
Look, RantWoman imagines that one goal of the ACP is to get enough user experience out there to hit a better sweet spot about meeting customer needs as far as device access, human support, and targeted subsidies addressing specific populations. The world is a long ways from there and the way to get better data is not to halt the program but to renew it and commit to continuous improvement. Perhaps rantWoman will have more to say soon.
In the meantime, for one example of corporate hiccups: choosing an internet provider AND the right device, in the highly competitive world of wireless service providers we have:
Provider #1
--Seems to have subcontracted the store closest to RantWoman. Visit experiences include:
--multiple customers and not enough staff
--loose papers and half-drunk beverages all over the counter
--a perky clerk having a conversation with an elderly customer where the amount he was going to need to pay bounced all over the place and then the clerk had the nerve to ask whether there was anyone he wanted to add to his account.
--Closed the branch across town where RantWoman was treated VERY kindly by an attentive but possibly lonely staff person
--numerous other fiascoes written about elsewhere.
The following is NOT an April Fools Day joke.
Enter Provider #2, the service provider for a specialized phone aimed at blind people. A customer recently called RantWoman and described what RantWoman interprets as either a general network problem or probably some kind of data cap when the customer tries to access the internet. In short, it is probably going to be really hard to send email even if the customer has figured out how to do email, something RantWoman thought the customer would be able to figure out. Anyway put a pin in the no email no internet issue.
Enter Mr. Google and a quest for the accessibility support line. The website is for RantWoman at least, reasonably well-behaved. RantWoman does not find a phone number but does find a form inviting RantWoman to write in and describe the problem.
Silly RantWoman, RantWoman described the problem, REQUESTED A PHONE NUMBER for the end customer to call, and sent the form off.
And what did RantWoman get in return:
Basically "please check out our website and consider switching to our services. We are sure we have a plan that can meet your needs."
Meet what now?????
RantWoman ASKED FOR A PHONE NUMBER to give to the end customer because "please try the internet" is not working. Currently, RantWoman's reflex whenever possible is to refer people directly to people getting paid to address the particular combination of technologies involved.
RantWoman will try again in daylight and will ask the end customer's permission to submit the form on his behalf. HOWEVER, RantWoman is likely to get other requests for the same phone number in the same context. So, um, provider #2, DO BETTER.
And by the way, think POSITIVE influencers instead of grouchy frustrated ones.
One more thing: RantWoman reached out to end customer. No, he does not yet have email. But the internet data flow sneezes he was experiencing miraculously disappeared over the weekend. So #HappyEaster or some such thing.
Data hiccups disappeared. But end customer who struggles to pay the bare minimum price per month he now pays just got word, PRovider #2 wants to charge customers $5 / month for personal help.
Seriously?
End Customer vows to go in person for help. End Customer does not drive and also regales RantWoman with transportation realities involving THE BUS into downtown Seattle from one of the official burbs.
Friday, March 29, 2024
Film Out March 29: Against All Enemies
Tardy International Women's Day statement from the World Blind Union
WBU
recognizes the intersectional challenges women with disabilities face, including violence, which remains a pressing
issue that demands our urgent attention
and action. As we celebrate the advancements and resilience of women worldwide,
we must also commit to safeguarding their rights and dignity, especially for
blind and partially sighted women and girls who are disproportionately affected
by violence.
Diane
Bergeron, WBU Treasurer and Chair of the WBU Women’s Committee, observes,
"Violence against women and girls with disabilities remains a hidden crisis.
We must bring these issues to light and work tirelessly to create safe, inclusive
environments where women and girls who are blind or partially sighted can
thrive without fear. Let's use this International Women's Day to renew our
commitment to fighting for a world where every woman and girl is
valued,
respected, and empowered."
Dr.
Diana Stentoft, WBU Secretary General, emphasizes, "In our journey towards
inclusivity, we must leverage the untapped potential of women who are blind or
partially sighted. We offer invaluable resources that society cannot afford to
overlook. Our unique perspectives and experiences enrich our communities and
pave the way for innovative solutions to the challenges we face. Let's ensure
our voices are heard and our contributions valued, as we work together towards a more inclusive and
equitable world."
The
World Blind Union calls on all stakeholders—governments, organizations, and
individuals—to join us in our mission to inspire inclusion and eliminate violence
against women and girls with disabilities. Together, we can build a future
where every woman has the opportunity to contribute, participate, and lead in a
world that recognizes and celebrates her worth.
Contact:
WBU
Office