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

[Janice Toothman]

I just had my assessment and found out that they do not pay for the data 
plan that is required for the Iphone often needed for many deaf-blind 
communication devices. I am in the process of finding out how expensive 
that would be to add it to my existing phone account, since I think that 
having it and the Braille Sense U-2 from Hims would be of great benefit 
to me.
Janice
On 3/21/2013 12:17 AM, Scott Davert wrote:
> 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 
> <mailto: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 21^st 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 <http://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 
>> <http://www.iCanConnect.org>.
>>
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>
>
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