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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Fello Members and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A contributor to this list has let me know of accessibility problems that she has had accessing paperwork from the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). I wonder if others on this list are having the same or similar problems. The person is blind, and this may also impact those with other print disabilities as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to get at least some benefits from DSS, print paperwork must be completed. Requests for correspondence in accessible formats, such as Braille or electronic mail, have not been granted. Further, it seems that regular reporting must also be done using paper forms that DSS will not provide in accessible formats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We in NFB, for example, advocated strongly with the federal Social Security Administration to get correspondence for blind and print disabled persons in accessible formats such as Braille or electronic mail. DSS can do the same.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you, too, are not able to get forms from DSS that you need in Braille or electronic form, please let me know. If you know someone with this problem, please have them contact me. I can be reached at:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:ntwales@omsoft.com">ntwales@omsoft.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(530) 219-2573<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With hope, love, and determination,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nathanael<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>