[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12
Sheila Leigland
sleigland at bresnan.net
Wed Oct 30 02:09:23 UTC 2013
hi my name is Seila and I'm from Montana. If you have questions about
the I can connect program, and you can't get any response from your
state people try calling the manager of the program Marcia brooks.
On 10/29/2013 7:57 PM, DELCINA M BROWN wrote:
>
> First, let me introduce my self. My name is Delcenia Brown and I am a
> member of the National Federation of the blind of Cleveland, Ohio. I
> am new to this mailing list. Therefore alot of you I do not know and
> alot of abbreviation I do not know. It will be nice if sometimes some
> of you would spell out what you are talking about and it would be nice
> to know what state you are in.
>
>
>
> Tracy, I understand and appreciate what you are saying, your identity
> does not change because of your situation or how you handle certain
> settings. Taking advantage of what you have left is understandable. I
> am greatful for what little hearing and vision I have left. I also
> take advantage of that by reading with a CCTV when I can and using a
> fm system or pocket talker at the appropriate time.
>
>
>
> At the same time I wish someone had taken the time to teach me
> braille, sign language when I was younger. Now as I grow older and
> have other obstacles it is a struggle to learn braille. I still have
> no one to teach me sign language. So, yes, reminding Randy, that there
> are some deafblind that are hard of hearing and do not sign was a
> gentle response.
>
>
>
> Just recently, I have posted a notice asking if anyone in my state
> share my interests and got no response. However my state president
> does share my interest and I believe at the state convention which is
> to be held November 1 thru 3, 2013, the agenda does include
> information about the I can connect program.
>
>
>
> Now, the downside of things. I have completed my application and it
> was approved. I have had my assessment and I believe all of the
> equipment has been ordered based on messages that I have received.
> However, I still have not actually recieve anything as of today. This
> process started back in March or April. I am grateful for the
> possibility of obtaining the equipment, it is frustrating that it has
> taken so long and no one is returning my call.
>
> I gladly get on board!
>
> Delcenia
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Tracie Inman <mailto:tracieinman at yahoo.com>
> *To:* nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 29, 2013 9:06 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12
>
>
> Hi Randy: I hope you're doing well and AADB is growing stronger
> under your leadership. I wish you all the best always. Just a
> gentle reminder my friend that many many Deaf - Blind are hard of
> hearing (non sign speaking) blind folks. Randy, indeed since
> getting the two C.I.'s I'm guilty of using voice, Assisted
> listening devices and voice interpreters as opposed to using my
> signing, using interpreters, etc. I have switched to English. My
> excuses has been that my vision is going "bye bye" and depending
> on tactile scares me. In time, that may be my only option but for
> now I'm surrounded by hearing family and friends so I've gotten
> into a "comfort zone" with the success of my C.I.'s. What I'm
> trying to say here is, remember that, just because you might not
> observe the folks signing doesn't mean they're not Deaf-blind.
> All the folks in the NFB Deaf-Blind division who are promoting ICC
> are Deaf-Blind. In fact, every one assigned to Operation Outreach
> (our outreach project to raise awareness of the ICC and the
> Deaf-Blind community requesting ALL 50 affiliates and the D.C.
> affiliate to form committees for the Deaf-Blind in their
> individual committee) - including our mutual friend Marsha drenth
> are Deaf-Blind.
> Speaking of, hey Scott if you want to help please contact me or
> Joe Naulty. We could always use more helping hands. We got two
> projects going on at the moment and probably will start a third.
> You know about Operation Outreach. We've also started a committee
> on SSP issues. If you want to help us, we can always use another
> helping hand. I do believe the Deaf-Blind division is working
> harder than it ever has before. I dare to say that we've
> accomplished more in the last few months than we have in many
> years. The latest announcement we heard was that Scott Labarre
> (affiliate President of Colorado and a National NFB Board Member)
> has agreed to set up a Deaf-Blind Issues committee in the Colorado
> affiliate. We also heard that the President of the Alaska
> affiliate is Deaf-Blind. So climb abaord the NFB DB Express and
> lets get chugging along on this exciting adventure raising
> awareness of Deaf-Blind issues, ICC, and the need for SSP's. All
> are welcome aboard.
>
> Best Wishes,
> Tracie Inman
> NFB Deaf-Blind Division
> First Vice President
> tracieinman at yahoo.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 8:08 AM, "nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org"
> <nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Send nfb-db mailing list submissions to
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of nfb-db digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind Persons
> (Marsha Drenth)
> 2. Re: CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
> Persons (Scott Davert)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 10:49:53 -0400
> From: Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com
> <mailto:marsha.drenth at gmail.com>>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>>
> Subject: [nfb-db] CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
> Persons
> Message-ID: <D61AC1DF-7E22-4F4C-969D-18FC3E09FE61 at gmail.com
> <mailto:D61AC1DF-7E22-4F4C-969D-18FC3E09FE61 at gmail.com>>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Scott,
> When will you hear if you are presenting at CSUn? and if you do
> present, who will you present with from the NFB?
> Very curious I know...
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
>
> On Oct 27, 2013, at 6:32 PM, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com
> <mailto:scottdavert at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> > Hi Randy.
> > It would seem there is not a lot of outreach going on from what
> I can
> > tell. I have not done outreach for NFB or ACB, but have gone to
> a few
> > places to promote it. I, of course, took an interpreter along,
> because
> > I have the signing vocabulary of a 6 month old. I know that HKNC
> plans
> > to send someone to the national AFB conference in Feb, and I
> submitted
> > a proposal to CSUN to discuss deaf-blindness and some of the
> > technology used. If accepted, I will be presenting this with a
> member
> > of the NFB. It will, of course, make mention of the ICC program.
> >
> > All the best,
> > Scott
> >
> > On 10/27/13, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com
> <mailto:marsha.drenth at gmail.com>> wrote:
> >> Randy,
> >> Ok, just so the point is clear, anyone from the NFB who is
> promoting the ICC
> >> program, is Deafblind. Of course there are other organizations
> promoting the
> >> ICC program. And yes some DB persons are not signing DB folks.
> Of course
> >> this by no means that they aren't DB.
> >>
> >>
> >> Marsha drenth
> >> Sent with my IPhone
> >>
> >> On Oct 26, 2013, at 10:06 PM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org
> <mailto:randy.pope at aadb.org>> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Marsha,
> >>>
> >>> Sorry for overlooking the last part of your message. I have
> received a
> >>> few report that the people who are actually doing the
> promotion and
> >>> education are not DeafBlind. But here is the problem in
> determining if
> >>> these report are true. These people could be Deafblind but
> cannot sign.
> >>> In the recent DSA conference, the person sitting in the ICC
> booth, was
> >>> assuming hearing blind who did not know how to sign.
> >>>
> >>> There were a few other situation similar to this situation.
> See where I?m
> >>> coming from?
> >>>
> >>> Randy
> >>>
> >>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org>] On Behalf Of Marsha
> >>> Drenth
> >>> Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2013 8:30 PM
> >>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> >>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for
> Deaf-Blind Persons
> >>>
> >>> Mr. Pope,
> >>> I am not a part of the NFB DB board, but the NFB DB division
> has implement
> >>> an outreach program to educate state affiliates on Deafblindness,
> >>> resources, and the Icanconnect program. I do believe that all
> of those
> >>> persons who are reaching out to the different states are db
> themselves. Is
> >>> this what you mean?
> >>>
> >>> Marsha drenth
> >>> Sent with my IPhone
> >>>
> >>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 8:21 PM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org
> <mailto:randy.pope at aadb.org>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Question: Are there any DeafBlind people assisting in the
> NDBEDP outreach
> >>> program?
> >>>
> >>> Randy
> >>>
> >>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org>] On Behalf Of David
> >>> Andrews
> >>> Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 9:16 PM
> >>> To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Subject: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
> Persons
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I have been asked to distribute the following.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Dear David,
> >>>
> >>> I have been charged with the outreach program for :I Can
> Connect" in 5
> >>> states, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,
> >>> OKLAHOMA, WASHINGTON and WISCONSIN
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Changing what it means to be blind,
> >>> Marcus Simmons, President,
> >>> Wayne County chapter NFBMI
> >>> 28179 Brentwood
> >>> Southfield, MI 48076-3069
> >>> president at map-n.org <mailto:president at map-n.org>
> >>> (248) 552-8928
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> NDBEDP.pdf
> >>> Consumer Guide
> >>> 9
> >>> National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
> >>> Background
> >>> The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video
> Accessibility Act of
> >>> 2010 (CVAA) authorizes the
> >>> Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide funding for
> local
> >>> programs to distribute
> >>> equipment to low-income individuals who are ?deaf-blind? (see
> definition
> >>> below.) The FCC may use up
> >>> to $10 million annually from the interstate Telecommunications
> Relay
> >>> Service fund for this purpose.
> >>> Pilot Program
> >>> In 2011, the FCC established the National Deaf-Blind Equipment
> >>> Distribution Program (NDBEDP) as a
> >>> pilot program. The pilot program has been in effect since July
> 1, 2012,
> >>> and the FCC may extend the
> >>> program another year. The pilot program provides valuable
> information that
> >>> the FCC will use to help
> >>> develop and implement an effective and efficient permanent
> deaf-blind
> >>> equipment distribution program.
> >>> How does the pilot program operate?
> >>> The FCC selected and certified one entity in each of the 50
> states, plus
> >>> the District of Columbia, Puerto
> >>> Rico, and the Virgin Islands, to receive FCC support to distribute
> >>> equipment to low-income individuals
> >>> who are deaf-blind. The FCC allocated a minimum of $50,000 to
> each of the
> >>> 53 certified programs,
> >>> plus additional funding based on the size of each state's
> population. As a
> >>> result, states with large
> >>> populations were allocated larger amounts of funding than
> states with
> >>> small populations.
> >>> The FCC also set aside $500,000 each year for the Perkins
> School for the
> >>> Blind to coordinate outreach
> >>> to promote this new equipment distribution program nationwide.
> >>> Who is eligible to receive equipment?
> >>> Under the CVAA, only low-income individuals who are deaf-blind are
> >>> eligible to receive equipment.
> >>> Applicants must provide verification of their status as
> low-income and
> >>> deaf-blind.
> >>> The CVAA requires that the term "deaf-blind" has the same
> meaning given in
> >>> the Helen Keller National
> >>> Center Act. In general, the individual must have a certain
> vision loss and
> >>> a hearing loss that,
> >>> combined, cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence
> in daily life
> >>> activities, achieving
> >>> psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation (working).
> >>> The FCC defines "low income" to mean not more than 400% of the
> Federal
> >>> Poverty Guidelines, as
> >>> indicated in the following chart:
> >>>
> >>> table with 4 columns and 11 rows
> >>> 2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines
> >>> Number of persons in family/household
> >>> 400% for everywhere, except Alaska and Hawaii
> >>> 400% for Alaska
> >>> 400% for Hawaii
> >>> 1
> >>> $45,960
> >>> $57,400
> >>> $52,920
> >>> 2
> >>> 62,040
> >>> 77,520
> >>> 71,400
> >>> 3
> >>> 78,120
> >>> 97,640
> >>> 89,880
> >>> 4
> >>> 94,200
> >>> 117,760
> >>> 108,360
> >>> 5
> >>> 110,280
> >>> 137,880
> >>> 126,840
> >>> 6
> >>> 126,360
> >>> 158,000
> >>> 145,320
> >>> 7
> >>> 142,440
> >>> 178,120
> >>> 163,800
> >>> 8
> >>> 158,520
> >>> 198,240
> >>> 182,280
> >>> For each additional person, add
> >>> $16,080
> >>> $20,120
> >>> $18,480
> >>> table end
> >>>
> >>> Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
> >>> (aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm)
> >>> What kind of equipment can be distributed?
> >>> The equipment distributed must be designed to make
> telecommunications
> >>> (such as wireline and
> >>> wireless telephone communication), advanced communications
> (such as
> >>> Internet-based voice
> >>> communication, e-mail, instant messaging and interoperable video
> >>> conferencing services), and access
> >>> to the Internet (including information services) accessible.
> The equipment
> >>> distributed may be
> >>> hardware, software or applications, separate or in
> combination, mainstream
> >>> or specialized. The
> >>> equipment must meet the needs of the deaf-blind individual to
> achieve
> >>> access. Certified programs may
> >>> also provide equipment warranties, maintenance, and repairs
> for such
> >>> equipment depending on
> >>> available funding.
> >>> Besides distributing equipment, what will the NDBEDP certified
> programs
> >>> do?
> >>> Certified programs will inform their communities about this
> new program to
> >>> distribute equipment to low-
> >>> income residents in their states who are deaf-blind. They will
> verify that
> >>> applicants are eligible to
> >>> receive equipment. They will assess each applicant's
> communications
> >>> equipment needs to select
> >>> appropriate equipment to meet those needs. They may also help
> install and
> >>> provide training for the
> >>> equipment distributed.
> >>> How do I find the certified program that serves my state?
> >>> Information about how to find the NDBEDP certified program in
> your state
> >>> is available during the on the
> >>> FCC website at
> >>>
> www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program
> >>> ,
> >>> by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC
> >>> (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or by
> >>> sending an email to
> >>> dro at fcc.gov. <mailto:dro at fcc.gov.>
> >>> How can I help the NDBEDP be successful?
> >>> list of 4 items
> >>> Tell people about the program.
> >>> Tell the FCC how the NDBEDP helped you or someone you know.
> >>> Tell the FCC how the program can be improved.
> >>> Tell the FCC about new types of technologies that should be
> included for
> >>> distribution.
> >>> list end
> >>> You may also file an informal complaint with the FCC if you
> think someone
> >>> has violated the NDBEDP
> >>> rules. Informal complaints may be filed by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC
> >>> (1-888-225-5322) voice or
> >>> 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232, or
> by writing
> >>> to:
> >>> Federal Communications Commission
> >>> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> >>> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
> >>> 445 12th Street, S.W.
> >>> Washington, DC 20554
> >>> For More Information
> >>> For inf
> >>> ormation about other communications issues, visit the FCC?s
> Consumer
> >>> website at
> >>> www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau,
> >>> or contact the FCC?s Consumer Center by
> >>> calling 1-888-CALL-FCC voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC TTY; faxing
> 1-866-418-0232;
> >>> or writing to the
> >>> address listed above.
> >>> ###
> >>> For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible format
> >>> (electronic ASCII text, Braille, large print
> >>> or audio), please write or call us at the address or phone
> number below,
> >>> or send an email to
> >>> FCC504 at fcc.gov. <mailto:FCC504 at fcc.gov.>
> >>> This document is for consumer education purposes only and is
> not intended
> >>> to affect any proceedings or
> >>> cases involving this subject matter or related issues.
> >>> Last Reviewed 5/2/13
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >>
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > nfb-db mailing list
> > nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 12:25:09 -0400
> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com
> <mailto:scottdavert at gmail.com>>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for
> Deaf-Blind Persons
> Message-ID:
> <CAOHXxEY2mnUu06jvFueXPKeMvFodJX281Nzo8cNBqZdLV3ZRqg at mail.gmail.com <mailto:CAOHXxEY2mnUu06jvFueXPKeMvFodJX281Nzo8cNBqZdLV3ZRqg at mail.gmail.com>>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> Hi Marcha.
> I will know next month whether my proposal has been accepted. I would
> be presenting with Amy Mason.
>
> Scott
>
> On 10/28/13, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com
> <mailto:marsha.drenth at gmail.com>> wrote:
> > Scott,
> > When will you hear if you are presenting at CSUn? and if you do
> present, who
> > will you present with from the NFB?
> > Very curious I know...
> >
> > Marsha drenth
> > Sent with my IPhone
> >
> > On Oct 27, 2013, at 6:32 PM, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com
> <mailto:scottdavert at gmail.com>> wrote:
> >
> >> Hi Randy.
> >> It would seem there is not a lot of outreach going on from what
> I can
> >> tell. I have not done outreach for NFB or ACB, but have gone to
> a few
> >> places to promote it. I, of course, took an interpreter along,
> because
> >> I have the signing vocabulary of a 6 month old. I know that
> HKNC plans
> >> to send someone to the national AFB conference in Feb, and I
> submitted
> >> a proposal to CSUN to discuss deaf-blindness and some of the
> >> technology used. If accepted, I will be presenting this with a
> member
> >> of the NFB. It will, of course, make mention of the ICC program.
> >>
> >> All the best,
> >> Scott
> >>
> >> On 10/27/13, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com
> <mailto:marsha.drenth at gmail.com>> wrote:
> >>> Randy,
> >>> Ok, just so the point is clear, anyone from the NFB who is
> promoting the
> >>> ICC
> >>> program, is Deafblind. Of course there are other organizations
> promoting
> >>> the
> >>> ICC program. And yes some DB persons are not signing DB folks.
> Of course
> >>> this by no means that they aren't DB.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Marsha drenth
> >>> Sent with my IPhone
> >>>
> >>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 10:06 PM, "Randy Pope"
> <randy.pope at aadb.org <mailto:randy.pope at aadb.org>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> Marsha,
> >>>>
> >>>> Sorry for overlooking the last part of your message. I have
> received a
> >>>> few report that the people who are actually doing the
> promotion and
> >>>> education are not DeafBlind. But here is the problem in
> determining if
> >>>> these report are true. These people could be Deafblind but
> cannot sign.
> >>>> In the recent DSA conference, the person sitting in the ICC
> booth, was
> >>>> assuming hearing blind who did not know how to sign.
> >>>>
> >>>> There were a few other situation similar to this situation.
> See where
> >>>> I?m
> >>>> coming from?
> >>>>
> >>>> Randy
> >>>>
> >>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org>] On Behalf Of Marsha
> >>>> Drenth
> >>>> Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2013 8:30 PM
> >>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> >>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
> >>>> Persons
> >>>>
> >>>> Mr. Pope,
> >>>> I am not a part of the NFB DB board, but the NFB DB division has
> >>>> implement
> >>>> an outreach program to educate state affiliates on Deafblindness,
> >>>> resources, and the Icanconnect program. I do believe that all
> of those
> >>>> persons who are reaching out to the different states are db
> themselves.
> >>>> Is
> >>>> this what you mean?
> >>>>
> >>>> Marsha drenth
> >>>> Sent with my IPhone
> >>>>
> >>>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 8:21 PM, "Randy Pope"
> <randy.pope at aadb.org <mailto:randy.pope at aadb.org>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> Question: Are there any DeafBlind people assisting in the NDBEDP
> >>>> outreach
> >>>> program?
> >>>>
> >>>> Randy
> >>>>
> >>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org
> <mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org>] On Behalf Of David
> >>>> Andrews
> >>>> Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 9:16 PM
> >>>> To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> Subject: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
> Persons
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> I have been asked to distribute the following.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Dear David,
> >>>>
> >>>> I have been charged with the outreach program for :I Can
> Connect" in 5
> >>>> states, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,
> >>>> OKLAHOMA, WASHINGTON and WISCONSIN
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Changing what it means to be blind,
> >>>> Marcus Simmons, President,
> >>>> Wayne County chapter NFBMI
> >>>> 28179 Brentwood
> >>>> Southfield, MI 48076-3069
> >>>> president at map-n.org <mailto:president at map-n.org>
> >>>> (248) 552-8928
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> NDBEDP.pdf
> >>>> Consumer Guide
> >>>> 9
> >>>> National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
> >>>> Background
> >>>> The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video
> Accessibility Act of
> >>>> 2010 (CVAA) authorizes the
> >>>> Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide funding
> for local
> >>>> programs to distribute
> >>>> equipment to low-income individuals who are ?deaf-blind? (see
> definition
> >>>> below.) The FCC may use up
> >>>> to $10 million annually from the interstate
> Telecommunications Relay
> >>>> Service fund for this purpose.
> >>>> Pilot Program
> >>>> In 2011, the FCC established the National Deaf-Blind Equipment
> >>>> Distribution Program (NDBEDP) as a
> >>>> pilot program. The pilot program has been in effect since
> July 1, 2012,
> >>>> and the FCC may extend the
> >>>> program another year. The pilot program provides valuable
> information
> >>>> that
> >>>> the FCC will use to help
> >>>> develop and implement an effective and efficient permanent
> deaf-blind
> >>>> equipment distribution program.
> >>>> How does the pilot program operate?
> >>>> The FCC selected and certified one entity in each of the 50
> states, plus
> >>>> the District of Columbia, Puerto
> >>>> Rico, and the Virgin Islands, to receive FCC support to
> distribute
> >>>> equipment to low-income individuals
> >>>> who are deaf-blind. The FCC allocated a minimum of $50,000 to
> each of
> >>>> the
> >>>> 53 certified programs,
> >>>> plus additional funding based on the size of each state's
> population. As
> >>>> a
> >>>> result, states with large
> >>>> populations were allocated larger amounts of funding than
> states with
> >>>> small populations.
> >>>> The FCC also set aside $500,000 each year for the Perkins
> School for the
> >>>> Blind to coordinate outreach
> >>>> to promote this new equipment distribution program nationwide.
> >>>> Who is eligible to receive equipment?
> >>>> Under the CVAA, only low-income individuals who are
> deaf-blind are
> >>>> eligible to receive equipment.
> >>>> Applicants must provide verification of their status as
> low-income and
> >>>> deaf-blind.
> >>>> The CVAA requires that the term "deaf-blind" has the same
> meaning given
> >>>> in
> >>>> the Helen Keller National
> >>>> Center Act. In general, the individual must have a certain
> vision loss
> >>>> and
> >>>> a hearing loss that,
> >>>> combined, cause extreme difficulty in attaining independence
> in daily
> >>>> life
> >>>> activities, achieving
> >>>> psychosocial adjustment, or obtaining a vocation (working).
> >>>> The FCC defines "low income" to mean not more than 400% of
> the Federal
> >>>> Poverty Guidelines, as
> >>>> indicated in the following chart:
> >>>>
> >>>> table with 4 columns and 11 rows
> >>>> 2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines
> >>>> Number of persons in family/household
> >>>> 400% for everywhere, except Alaska and Hawaii
> >>>> 400% for Alaska
> >>>> 400% for Hawaii
> >>>> 1
> >>>> $45,960
> >>>> $57,400
> >>>> $52,920
> >>>> 2
> >>>> 62,040
> >>>> 77,520
> >>>> 71,400
> >>>> 3
> >>>> 78,120
> >>>> 97,640
> >>>> 89,880
> >>>> 4
> >>>> 94,200
> >>>> 117,760
> >>>> 108,360
> >>>> 5
> >>>> 110,280
> >>>> 137,880
> >>>> 126,840
> >>>> 6
> >>>> 126,360
> >>>> 158,000
> >>>> 145,320
> >>>> 7
> >>>> 142,440
> >>>> 178,120
> >>>> 163,800
> >>>> 8
> >>>> 158,520
> >>>> 198,240
> >>>> 182,280
> >>>> For each additional person, add
> >>>> $16,080
> >>>> $20,120
> >>>> $18,480
> >>>> table end
> >>>>
> >>>> Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
> >>>> (aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm)
> >>>> What kind of equipment can be distributed?
> >>>> The equipment distributed must be designed to make
> telecommunications
> >>>> (such as wireline and
> >>>> wireless telephone communication), advanced communications
> (such as
> >>>> Internet-based voice
> >>>> communication, e-mail, instant messaging and interoperable video
> >>>> conferencing services), and access
> >>>> to the Internet (including information services) accessible. The
> >>>> equipment
> >>>> distributed may be
> >>>> hardware, software or applications, separate or in combination,
> >>>> mainstream
> >>>> or specialized. The
> >>>> equipment must meet the needs of the deaf-blind individual to
> achieve
> >>>> access. Certified programs may
> >>>> also provide equipment warranties, maintenance, and repairs
> for such
> >>>> equipment depending on
> >>>> available funding.
> >>>> Besides distributing equipment, what will the NDBEDP
> certified programs
> >>>> do?
> >>>> Certified programs will inform their communities about this
> new program
> >>>> to
> >>>> distribute equipment to low-
> >>>> income residents in their states who are deaf-blind. They
> will verify
> >>>> that
> >>>> applicants are eligible to
> >>>> receive equipment. They will assess each applicant's
> communications
> >>>> equipment needs to select
> >>>> appropriate equipment to meet those needs. They may also help
> install
> >>>> and
> >>>> provide training for the
> >>>> equipment distributed.
> >>>> How do I find the certified program that serves my state?
> >>>> Information about how to find the NDBEDP certified program in
> your state
> >>>> is available during the on the
> >>>> FCC website at
> >>>>
> www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program
> >>>> ,
> >>>> by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or
> 1-888-TELL-FCC
> >>>> (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or by
> >>>> sending an email to
> >>>> dro at fcc.gov. <mailto:dro at fcc.gov.>
> >>>> How can I help the NDBEDP be successful?
> >>>> list of 4 items
> >>>> Tell people about the program.
> >>>> Tell the FCC how the NDBEDP helped you or someone you know.
> >>>> Tell the FCC how the program can be improved.
> >>>> Tell the FCC about new types of technologies that should be
> included for
> >>>> distribution.
> >>>> list end
> >>>> You may also file an informal complaint with the FCC if you think
> >>>> someone
> >>>> has violated the NDBEDP
> >>>> rules. Informal complaints may be filed by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC
> >>>> (1-888-225-5322) voice or
> >>>> 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232, or by
> >>>> writing
> >>>> to:
> >>>> Federal Communications Commission
> >>>> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> >>>> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
> >>>> 445 12th Street, S.W.
> >>>> Washington, DC 20554
> >>>> For More Information
> >>>> For inf
> >>>> ormation about other communications issues, visit the FCC?s
> Consumer
> >>>> website at
> >>>> www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau,
> >>>> or contact the FCC?s Consumer Center by
> >>>> calling 1-888-CALL-FCC voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC TTY; faxing
> >>>> 1-866-418-0232;
> >>>> or writing to the
> >>>> address listed above.
> >>>> ###
> >>>> For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible
> format
> >>>> (electronic ASCII text, Braille, large print
> >>>> or audio), please write or call us at the address or phone
> number below,
> >>>> or send an email to
> >>>> FCC504 at fcc.gov. <mailto:FCC504 at fcc.gov.>
> >>>> This document is for consumer education purposes only and is not
> >>>> intended
> >>>> to affect any proceedings or
> >>>> cases involving this subject matter or related issues.
> >>>> Last Reviewed 5/2/13
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> nfb-db mailing list
> >>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> >>>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> nfb-db mailing list
> >> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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> > nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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