[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12

[Marsha Drenth]

Janice and All,
I completely agree with you in this regard. Although the NFB for many years had a deafblind division, still we haven't until recently been accepted. Not that we are completely now, but as we have all seen, that trend is changing. Its the same with the guide dog division, for many years persons who use guides dogs were brushed off for their choice. No longer, NAGDU has worked hard to change that thinking. We as deafblind people are starting to stand up for our rights, we have a long way to go but will get there. I suppose if I have anything to do with it..

I have also used the assistive listening devices at convention, two years ago. We came to convention with my own batteries, with my own ear buds and other related equipment that would connect it to my hearing aids. In the long run it still did not work. Its incredibly frustrating. Two years ago, when the ALD worked, I could hear, today if I tried to use one, that would probably not be the case. 

Does anyone know anything about the ALD's used at conventions? Whose are they? When were they purchased? And would there be a better options now? And is this something that the deafblind division should look at taking over? 

Just some thoughts...

Marsha drenth  
Sent with my IPhone 

On Oct 31, 2013, at 8:25 PM, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:

> Hi Heather I think a common problem with DB people willingness to come to Conventions (apart from finances) is whether their will have the accommodations they need to get the benefits of the convention.  It is sad that many feel they do not have adequate support (e.g. SSP, alternative to listening devices) and people who are appreciative of their difficulties and willing to work with them rather than brush them off as a minority, who has to fend for themselves.  I know that not everyone is rude but their are many people who do not understand our unique needs.  National seems to think that they can offer listening devices and expect that they will work for the DB.  I complained three times that I could not hear last July; they exchanged the listening device-with no improvement.  They said try changing adjust my hearing aids but that was also unsuccessful.  I gave up.  I really needed to listening because of the resolutions that the DB Division had to have passed.  It was frustrating.  It costs money to invest in technology that will assist the greater needs of the DB rather than someone perhaps with mild hearing loss.
> Janice
> On 10/31/2013 2:28 PM, heather albright wrote:
>> I think I know 3 here in Austin!  But the DB program in austin is a joke!  I wish I knew someone who could make it better!  Our state convention is next week, and I have not heard from any DB persons who are going to be there!  Heather
>> 
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