[nfb-db] FCC to distribute assistive technology to people with combined hearing and vision loss

[Scott Davert]

It would appear National doesn't monitor this mailing list. I sent out info when this program was first authorized last summer. Anyway, I would encourage anyone who meets the criteria below to get in contact utilizing the website or by calling the phone number provided. After next year, we do not know whether there will be an extension to the pogram's funding, so you may want to get in on this now.
One thing that many people have asked about NDBEDP is whether or not internet service or data plans are also covered. In NY and a few other states that I know of, the individual is responsible for covering this cost. They will, however purchase things like computers, braille displays, screen magnification software, iDevices, etc. I'm not officially associated with the program itself other than that I train professionals in the field, but I do refer people quite often in my current job.

Scott
Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2013, at 10:01 PM, David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com> wrote:

> 
> Jernigan Institute
> 
> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
> 
> The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) would like to pass along the following information to its members who are deaf-blind. We encourage all NFB members to share this information about the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP), promoted by iCanConnect, a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to distribute assistive technology to people with combined hearing and vision loss who require special equipment to make a phone call, send an e-mail or access the Internet.
> 
> Working in conjunction with the FCC, Perkins School for the Blind, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults (HKNC), iCanConnect will connect people who are deaf-blind with the proper equipment and training on how to utilize it. iCanConnect was mandated by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act and provides a wide range of hardware, software and applications to suit the varying communications technology needs of people who have hearing loss plus visual impairment.
> 
> Who can benefit from iCanConnect ? Here are just a few examples. 
> 
> · A recent college graduate who is deaf-blind and wants to use Monster.com to search for a job 
> 
> · A young girl with combined hearing and vision loss who wants to use Skype to connect via sign language with her grandmother 
> 
> · A man who has lost sight and hearing as a result of aging and wants to use e-mail and Facebook to reconnect with friends and family
> 
> Who is eligible?
> 
> Any individual who meets the definition of deaf-blindness in the HKNC Act and has an income that does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty level can qualify to receive telephone, advanced communications, and information services equipment. 
> 
> Communication is essential for staying healthy, holding a job, managing a household, and participating in the community. If you know someone who might benefit from the iCanConnect program, please call 1-800-825-4595 or visit the new Web site, www.iCanConnect.org.
> 
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