[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12
DELCINA M BROWN
delcenia at prodigy.net
Wed Oct 30 10:52:49 UTC 2013
Thanks, do you have contact information for her?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sheila Leigland" <sleigland at bresnan.net>
To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: [nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12
> 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
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>>
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>>
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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
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > 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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>>
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>> End of nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue 12
>> **************************************
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