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

Thu Mar 21 14:33:34 UTC 2013

Yes, they will purchase Braille displays. I will be getting some type of 
Braille display. I have not decided yet. I believe the individual 
decided against an ipad for me because she said it was for people with 
low vision and not for individuals totally blind.
Janice
On 3/21/2013 10:13 AM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
> Pennsylvania isn't even starting until May. I have already contacted 
> them.
>
> I have an Iphone already, can't use the phone to make calls on 
> anymore. So I text or email. Will this program purchase braille 
> displays for the Iphone? I have the data plan already.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
> http://adventureswith2feet4paws.blogspot.com
>
> On Mar 21, 2013, at 9:56 AM, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com 
> <mailto:scottdavert at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>> Hi Janice.
>> Depending on what exactly you are trying to do, an iPod may be a 
>> better bet for you. No data charges come with it, but you also do not 
>> get cell service with it. But if you're always connected to Wifi, 
>> that doesn't really matter. The other draw-back to an iPod is that it 
>> doesn't vibrate. So it really depends on what you want out of the 
>> device as far as what you'll pay.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>> Scott
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Mar 21, 2013, at 9:35 AM, Janice Toothman 
>> <janice.toothman at verizon.net <mailto:janice.toothman at verizon.net>> wrote:
>>
>>> 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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