Re: for your amusement [an article emailed from a former student]

This article about a former student was sent to me by the former student it is about. Wait. Did you follow that? Well, you'll "get it" when you read the message and the article below.
~K

http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/

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From: Ray Foret Jr;
To: The City Cafe <the-city-cafe@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sun, December 19, 2010 4:33:05 AM
Subject: for your amusement

Hi,

You will not believe what I just came across.  I Googled my own name and there popped up, among the results, this newspaper article about me published back in 2003.

"Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 7:53 a.m.

Ray Foret Jr. is nothing short of a full-fledged computer geek; a handle the 38-year-old Houma native proudly and insistently dons.

He admittedly spends too much time sitting at the computer checking his e-mail, exchanging messages on one of the two Catholic message boards he is a member of and chatting with others with an affinity for going barefoot.

His e-mail signature bears the tag: "Sincerely Yours, The Constantly Barefoot Ray."

KRISTY MAY/THE COURIER

Ray Foret Jr. laughs at a joke e-mailed to his home computer. Blind since birth, Foret uses a software program that reads the messages outloud.

Foret's computer use would significantly be limited if not for screen-reading software.

He was born blind and the technology allows him to access the Internet, e-mail applications as well as take advantage of the multitude of computer-related opportunities available.

The JAWS software allows the operator to use the computer via short-cut command keys, also called hot key commands, instead of employing a mouse.

Audio instructions are spoken, which can be programmed in various languages. Foret's computer reads aloud with a British accent, possibly because of the two years his family lived overseas.

Such computer applications are pricey: Foret's software alone cost $900.

He said 70 percent of blind people who are of working age are unemployed, and as a result most go without the technology.

"People think (blind people) can't do anything, much less work," he said of common stereotypes.

Foret lives on a fixed income and understands the importance of cutting corners, saving money and making the little he has last.

He wouldn't be able to enjoy his current computer-literate lifestyle if not for the West Houma Lions Club donating a computer and the screen-reading software to him about a year ago.

Before, he used a telephone Internet service, which got to be expensive. One bill rang up $399.67 for a month's usage.

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http://www.houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030716/FEATURES/307160303&template=printpicart 12/19/10 4:28 AM

He knew friends with the screen-reading application and his mother, Carolyn Foret, explained to the group her son was looking for a job and needed the computer and software to send out resumes.

Previously, Foret held positions in various computer technology fields in Arkansas and Nebraska with his favorite position being a disc jockey at a local radio station.

Lisa LeBoeuf, Lions club first vice-president, who served as president at the time of the donation, discussed Foret's case with club members.

The project was approved by the membership, and shortly after, LeBoeuf began making the necessary arrangements.

"He's blind and out on his own. He lives by himself. He inspired me when I first talked to him," said LeBoeuf, a 13-year member, of the donation, which neared $2,000.

"He's so smart when it comes to computers. He inspires me . to talk to him and to know how much he knows about computers."

Most of Foret's hobbies are linked to the computer. He downloads historic speeches and recordings. His jewel is a recording of Thomas Edison from 1808.

Home theater is another of Foret's favorite pastimes.

"I watch TV not listen to TV. I don't feel the need to change what I say since I'm blind," he explained.

"I can't always expect the world to adapt to me because I'm blind. I figure out ways to do what I want to do."

Foret walks to the voting polls unassisted and has sound political views. He plans to vote for State Rep. Hunt Downer, R-Houma, in the upcoming gubernatorial election, and he's not fond of politically correct terms like visually impaired.

He's a member of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, where he learned how to live independently, and the National Federation of the Blind, which taught him how to use a long white cane to move about.

Foret even cooks for himself.

Foret, who has been having a difficult time finding a job, is working on a business venture where he would remaster old audio recordings. He is currently saving for the computer software as well as a DVD burner.

"I'm finally going to be able to fulfill my dream," Foret said.

Staff writer Jewel Bush can be reached at 857-2207 or jewel.bush@houmatoday.com.

Copyright © 2010 HoumaToday.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.

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"

Sincerely, 

The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!

Now A Very Proud and very happy Mac user!!!

Skype Name:

barefootedray

Raymond, I can't get over the reporter's amazement that you actually cook for yourself! LOL!