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

Thu Mar 21 20:58:46 UTC 2013

Hi Marsha,
I know that they are recommending for me either Hims Braille Sense U-2 
or the Humanware Apex notetaker or Bralliant 40 all three of are IOS 
compatible with Iphone, Ipad or Pad touch.
I have not decided what I will get yet.
Janice

On 3/21/2013 3:09 PM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
> What braille displayes work with the Iphone? I have been told that the 
> focus 14 is good. Any other reccommendations are greatly appreciated.
>
> What is Ip-relay? Tell me more about it, please. Although I have had a 
> hearing loss for a long time now. I am just now exploring skills and 
> techniques of communicating in the hearing world.
>
>
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
> http://adventureswith2feet4paws.blogspot.com
>
> On Mar 21, 2013, at 10:37 AM, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com 
> <mailto:scottdavert at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>> Good morning Marsha.
>> Yes, the program will cover braille displays that will work with the 
>> iPhone. If possible, I'd recomend meeting with them and request demos 
>> of the various displays. That way, you can get something you like.
>> Have you tried something like ip-relay for fhone calls? It seems like 
>> you may benifit from this as well after getting your display.
>>
>> Just a thought,
>> Scott
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Mar 21, 2013, at 10:13 AM, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com 
>> <mailto:marsha.drenth at gmail.com>> 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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>>>>>>
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