“When you have a disability, knowing you are not defined by it is the sweetest feeling.” – Anne Strike, author and Paralympian.
By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. | As many GwinnettForum readers know, I am involved in many health and social action organizations in the greater Atlanta area. I also am an unpaid, volunteer mentor with SCORE, a non-profit associated with, but separate from, the federal Small Business Administration. SCORE assists small businesses in Gwinnett County (and nationwide) to get established and become profitable enterprises. As a free service, I have counseled many of these businesses in the Metro Atlanta area.
Over the last 15 years, I have mentored hundreds of individuals, but the most unique I have worked with is John Gutmann, a long time Lilburn and Gwinnett County resident. John is a veteran who is heavily into technology. He owns a firm which produces videos. He has a magnetic personality and an impressive, empathetic soul. By the way: John is also legally blind.
John has formed an enterprise designed to improve communications skills of our neighbors who are either blind, deaf, mute, or have arm or leg disabilities. He is seeking to conduct a focus group session with Gwinnett County veterans and civilians with these characteristics. The group will be testing a revolutionary new device, the Tactile-Telephone, which helps people communicate using touch. It has the potential to be a unique way for people in these groups to stay connected! And John wants to know how this device can help you.
First, anyone interested in this will need to join an online Zoom focus group. A video will explain how the device works and can improve your life. You’ll also introduce yourself, share your disability, and talk about your interests and goals. Don’t worry if you’re blind or deaf; John will have a volunteer to describe the screen and someone using sign language to help everyone understand.
After the on-line focus group, you will attend a real-life event in Stone Mountain to try the device yourself. There will also be music at this event with disabled talents performing. You can ask questions. It will be a great way to see the device in action!
This focus group is limited to 16 people, with multiple dates and times to fit schedules, including weekends and evenings. Based on participant feedback, additional sessions may be scheduled.
If you participate, you’ll get a $15 gift card for being part of the focus groups. Plus, other local companies are anticipated to be giving away their products to participants.
To sign up, call John Gutmann at 1-833-HAPTIC6 (1-833-427-8426). Or email him at beta-test@machinepress.com or help@tactile-telephone.com; or just visit tactile-telephone.com.
You will have an interesting time, and may find new ways to help yourself, and possibly others.
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