<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv=content-type>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 8.00.6001.23532"></HEAD>
<BODY dir=auto bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Cleveland, Ohio </FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=marsha.drenth@gmail.com href="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com">Marsha
Drenth</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=nfb-db@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, October 30, 2013 3:10
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol
57, Issue 12</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>delcenia,</DIV>
<DIV>Welcome! Welcome to our list, and welcome to deafblind issues.</DIV>
<DIV>If I might ask, what part of Ohio do you live in? I know of other
deafblind persons in Ohio, they are not in the NFB, but it might be a good
opportunity to connect them, connect the two organizations. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Talk soon, <BR><BR>Marsha drenth
<DIV>Sent with my IPhone </DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR>On Oct 29, 2013, at 9:57 PM, "DELCINA M BROWN" <<A
href="mailto:delcenia@prodigy.net">delcenia@prodigy.net</A>>
wrote:<BR><BR></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE type="cite">
<DIV>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 8.00.6001.23532">
<STYLE></STYLE>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>
<P>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. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>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. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>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. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>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. </P>
<P> </P>
<P>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.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>I gladly get on board!</P>
<P>Delcenia</P>
<P> </P></FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=tracieinman@yahoo.com href="mailto:tracieinman@yahoo.com">Tracie
Inman</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=nfb-db@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, October 29, 2013 9:06
AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: [nfb-db] nfb-db Digest,
Vol 57, Issue 12</DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #fff; FONT-FAMILY: HelveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; COLOR: #000; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<DIV><SPAN><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><BR></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV> 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. </DIV>
<DIV> 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. </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT><FONT
size=2 face=Arial></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Best Wishes, </DIV>
<DIV>Tracie Inman</DIV>
<DIV>NFB Deaf-Blind Division</DIV>
<DIV>First Vice President</DIV>
<DIV><A
href="mailto:tracieinman@yahoo.com">tracieinman@yahoo.com</A></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; COLOR: rgb(0,128,255); FONT-SIZE: 18px"><FONT
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt" size=4 face="Times New Roman">
<DIV><BR><FONT size=4><BR><BR></FONT><BR><BR></DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV style="DISPLAY: block" class=yahoo_quoted><BR><BR>
<DIV
style="FONT-FAMILY: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<DIV
style="FONT-FAMILY: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT size=2 face=Arial>On Tuesday, October 29, 2013 8:08 AM,
"<A href="mailto:nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org</A>"
<<A
href="mailto:nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org</A>>
wrote:<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=y_msg_container>Send nfb-db mailing list submissions
to<BR> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR><BR>To
subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web,
visit<BR> <A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>or,
via email, send a message with subject or body 'help'
to<BR> <A href="mailto:nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-request@nfbnet.org</A><BR><BR>You
can reach the person managing the list at<BR> <A
href="mailto:nfb-db-owner@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-owner@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-owner@nfbnet.org</A><BR><BR>When
replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific<BR>than
"Re: Contents of nfb-db digest..."<BR><BR><BR>Today's
Topics:<BR><BR> 1. CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for
Deaf-Blind Persons<BR> (Marsha
Drenth)<BR> 2. Re: CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for
Deaf-Blind<BR> Persons (Scott
Davert)<BR><BR><BR>----------------------------------------------------------------------<BR><BR>Message:
1<BR>Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 10:49:53 -0400<BR>From: Marsha Drenth <<A
href="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com">marsha.drenth@gmail.com</A>><BR>To:
NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <<A
href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A>><BR>Subject:
[nfb-db] CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment for
Deaf-Blind<BR> Persons<BR>Message-ID: <<A
href="mailto:D61AC1DF-7E22-4F4C-969D-18FC3E09FE61@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:D61AC1DF-7E22-4F4C-969D-18FC3E09FE61@gmail.com">D61AC1DF-7E22-4F4C-969D-18FC3E09FE61@gmail.com</A>><BR>Content-Type:
text/plain; charset=utf-8<BR><BR>Scott, <BR>When will
you hear if you are presenting at CSUn? and if you do present, who will
you present with from the NFB? <BR>Very curious I know...<BR><BR>Marsha
drenth <BR>Sent with my IPhone <BR><BR>On Oct 27, 2013, at 6:32 PM,
Scott Davert <<A href="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com">scottdavert@gmail.com</A>>
wrote:<BR><BR>> Hi Randy.<BR>> It would seem there is not a lot of
outreach going on from what I can<BR>> tell. I have not done outreach
for NFB or ACB, but have gone to a few<BR>> places to promote it. I, of
course, took an interpreter along, because<BR>> I have the signing
vocabulary of a 6 month old. I know that HKNC plans<BR>> to send
someone to the national AFB conference in Feb, and I submitted<BR>> a
proposal to CSUN to discuss deaf-blindness and some of the<BR>>
technology used. If accepted, I will be presenting this with a
member<BR>> of the NFB. It will, of course, make mention of the ICC
program.<BR>> <BR>> All the best,<BR>> Scott<BR>> <BR>> On
10/27/13, Marsha Drenth <<A href="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com">marsha.drenth@gmail.com</A>>
wrote:<BR>>> Randy,<BR>>> Ok, just so the point is clear,
anyone from the NFB who is promoting the ICC<BR>>> program, is
Deafblind. Of course there are other organizations promoting
the<BR>>> ICC program. And yes some DB persons are not signing DB
folks. Of course<BR>>> this by no means that they aren't
DB.<BR>>> <BR>>> <BR>>> Marsha drenth<BR>>> Sent
with my IPhone<BR>>> <BR>>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 10:06 PM,
"Randy Pope" <<A href="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org"
ymailto="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org">randy.pope@aadb.org</A>>
wrote:<BR>>> <BR>>>> Marsha,<BR>>>>
<BR>>>> Sorry for overlooking the last part of your
message. I have received a<BR>>>> few report that the
people who are actually doing the promotion and<BR>>>> education
are not DeafBlind. But here is the problem in determining
if<BR>>>> these report are true. These people could be
Deafblind but cannot sign.<BR>>>> In the recent DSA conference,
the person sitting in the ICC booth, was<BR>>>> assuming hearing
blind who did not know how to sign.<BR>>>> <BR>>>>
There were a few other situation similar to this situation. See
where I?m<BR>>>> coming from?<BR>>>> <BR>>>>
Randy<BR>>>> <BR>>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:<A
href="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org</A>]
On Behalf Of Marsha<BR>>>> Drenth<BR>>>> Sent: Saturday,
October 26, 2013 8:30 PM<BR>>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division
Mailing List<BR>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Telecommunications
Equipment for Deaf-Blind Persons<BR>>>> <BR>>>> Mr.
Pope,<BR>>>> I am not a part of the NFB DB board, but the NFB DB
division has implement<BR>>>> an outreach program to educate
state affiliates on Deafblindness,<BR>>>> resources, and the
Icanconnect program. I do believe that all of those<BR>>>>
persons who are reaching out to the different states are db themselves.
Is<BR>>>> this what you mean?<BR>>>> <BR>>>>
Marsha drenth<BR>>>> Sent with my IPhone<BR>>>>
<BR>>>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 8:21 PM, "Randy Pope" <<A
href="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org"
ymailto="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org">randy.pope@aadb.org</A>>
wrote:<BR>>>> <BR>>>> Question: Are there any
DeafBlind people assisting in the NDBEDP outreach<BR>>>>
program?<BR>>>> <BR>>>> Randy<BR>>>>
<BR>>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:<A
href="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org</A>]
On Behalf Of David<BR>>>> Andrews<BR>>>> Sent: Friday,
October 25, 2013 9:16 PM<BR>>>> To: <A
href="mailto:nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org">nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>
Subject: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
Persons<BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>>
<BR>>>> <BR>>>> I have been asked to distribute the
following.<BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>>
<BR>>>> Dear David,<BR>>>> <BR>>>> I have been
charged with the outreach program for :I Can Connect" in 5<BR>>>>
states, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,<BR>>>> OKLAHOMA, WASHINGTON and
WISCONSIN<BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>>
<BR>>>> Changing what it means to be blind,<BR>>>>
Marcus Simmons, President,<BR>>>> Wayne County chapter
NFBMI<BR>>>> 28179 Brentwood<BR>>>> Southfield, MI
48076-3069<BR>>>> <A href="mailto:president@map-n.org"
ymailto="mailto:president@map-n.org">president@map-n.org</A><BR>>>>
(248) 552-8928<BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>>
<BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>> <BR>>>>
NDBEDP.pdf<BR>>>> Consumer Guide<BR>>>>
9<BR>>>> National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution
Program<BR>>>> Background<BR>>>> The Twenty-First
Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of<BR>>>> 2010
(CVAA) authorizes the<BR>>>> Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) to provide funding for local<BR>>>> programs to
distribute<BR>>>> equipment to low-income individuals who are
?deaf-blind? (see definition<BR>>>> below.) The FCC may use
up<BR>>>> to $10 million annually from the interstate
Telecommunications Relay<BR>>>> Service fund for this
purpose.<BR>>>> Pilot Program<BR>>>> In 2011, the FCC
established the National Deaf-Blind Equipment<BR>>>> Distribution
Program (NDBEDP) as a<BR>>>> pilot program. The pilot program has
been in effect since July 1, 2012,<BR>>>> and the FCC may extend
the<BR>>>> program another year. The pilot program provides
valuable information that<BR>>>> the FCC will use to
help<BR>>>> develop and implement an effective and efficient
permanent deaf-blind<BR>>>> equipment distribution
program.<BR>>>> How does the pilot program
operate?<BR>>>> The FCC selected and certified one entity in each
of the 50 states, plus<BR>>>> the District of Columbia,
Puerto<BR>>>> Rico, and the Virgin Islands, to receive FCC
support to distribute<BR>>>> equipment to low-income
individuals<BR>>>> who are deaf-blind. The FCC allocated a
minimum of $50,000 to each of the<BR>>>> 53 certified
programs,<BR>>>> plus additional funding based on the size of
each state's population. As a<BR>>>> result, states with
large<BR>>>> populations were allocated larger amounts of funding
than states with<BR>>>> small populations.<BR>>>> The
FCC also set aside $500,000 each year for the Perkins School for
the<BR>>>> Blind to coordinate outreach<BR>>>> to
promote this new equipment distribution program
nationwide.<BR>>>> Who is eligible to receive
equipment?<BR>>>> Under the CVAA, only low-income individuals who
are deaf-blind are<BR>>>> eligible to receive
equipment.<BR>>>> Applicants must provide verification of their
status as low-income and<BR>>>> deaf-blind.<BR>>>> The
CVAA requires that the term "deaf-blind" has the same meaning given
in<BR>>>> the Helen Keller National<BR>>>> Center Act.
In general, the individual must have a certain vision loss
and<BR>>>> a hearing loss that,<BR>>>> combined, cause
extreme difficulty in attaining independence in daily life<BR>>>>
activities, achieving<BR>>>> psychosocial adjustment, or
obtaining a vocation (working).<BR>>>> The FCC defines "low
income" to mean not more than 400% of the Federal<BR>>>> Poverty
Guidelines, as<BR>>>> indicated in the following
chart:<BR>>>> <BR>>>> table with 4 columns and 11
rows<BR>>>> 2013 Federal Poverty Guidelines<BR>>>>
Number of persons in family/household<BR>>>> 400% for everywhere,
except Alaska and Hawaii<BR>>>> 400% for Alaska<BR>>>>
400% for Hawaii<BR>>>> 1<BR>>>> $45,960<BR>>>>
$57,400<BR>>>> $52,920<BR>>>> 2<BR>>>>
62,040<BR>>>> 77,520<BR>>>> 71,400<BR>>>>
3<BR>>>> 78,120<BR>>>> 97,640<BR>>>>
89,880<BR>>>> 4<BR>>>> 94,200<BR>>>>
117,760<BR>>>> 108,360<BR>>>> 5<BR>>>>
110,280<BR>>>> 137,880<BR>>>> 126,840<BR>>>>
6<BR>>>> 126,360<BR>>>> 158,000<BR>>>>
145,320<BR>>>> 7<BR>>>> 142,440<BR>>>>
178,120<BR>>>> 163,800<BR>>>> 8<BR>>>>
158,520<BR>>>> 198,240<BR>>>> 182,280<BR>>>>
For each additional person, add<BR>>>> $16,080<BR>>>>
$20,120<BR>>>> $18,480<BR>>>> table end<BR>>>>
<BR>>>> Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services<BR>>>> (<A
href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm">aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm</A>)<BR>>>>
What kind of equipment can be distributed?<BR>>>> The equipment
distributed must be designed to make telecommunications<BR>>>>
(such as wireline and<BR>>>> wireless telephone communication),
advanced communications (such as<BR>>>> Internet-based
voice<BR>>>> communication, e-mail, instant messaging and
interoperable video<BR>>>> conferencing services), and
access<BR>>>> to the Internet (including information services)
accessible. The equipment<BR>>>> distributed may
be<BR>>>> hardware, software or applications, separate or in
combination, mainstream<BR>>>> or specialized.
The<BR>>>> equipment must meet the needs of the deaf-blind
individual to achieve<BR>>>> access. Certified programs
may<BR>>>> also provide equipment warranties, maintenance, and
repairs for such<BR>>>> equipment depending on<BR>>>>
available funding.<BR>>>> Besides distributing equipment, what
will the NDBEDP certified programs<BR>>>> do?<BR>>>>
Certified programs will inform their communities about this new program
to<BR>>>> distribute equipment to low-<BR>>>> income
residents in their states who are deaf-blind. They will verify
that<BR>>>> applicants are eligible to<BR>>>> receive
equipment. They will assess each applicant's
communications<BR>>>> equipment needs to select<BR>>>>
appropriate equipment to meet those needs. They may also help install
and<BR>>>> provide training for the<BR>>>> equipment
distributed.<BR>>>> How do I find the certified program that
serves my state?<BR>>>> Information about how to find the NDBEDP
certified program in your state<BR>>>> is available during the on
the<BR>>>> FCC website at<BR>>>> <A
href="http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program">www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program</A><BR>>>>
,<BR>>>> by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or
1-888-TELL-FCC<BR>>>> (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or by<BR>>>>
sending an email to<BR>>>> <A href="mailto:dro@fcc.gov."
ymailto="mailto:dro@fcc.gov.">dro@fcc.gov.</A><BR>>>> How can I
help the NDBEDP be successful?<BR>>>> list of 4
items<BR>>>> Tell people about the program.<BR>>>> Tell
the FCC how the NDBEDP helped you or someone you know.<BR>>>>
Tell the FCC how the program can be improved.<BR>>>> Tell the FCC
about new types of technologies that should be included
for<BR>>>> distribution.<BR>>>> list end<BR>>>>
You may also file an informal complaint with the FCC if you think
someone<BR>>>> has violated the NDBEDP<BR>>>> rules.
Informal complaints may be filed by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC<BR>>>>
(1-888-225-5322) voice or<BR>>>> 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232, or by writing<BR>>>>
to:<BR>>>> Federal Communications Commission<BR>>>>
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau<BR>>>> Consumer
Inquiries and Complaints Division<BR>>>> 445 12th Street,
S.W.<BR>>>> Washington, DC 20554<BR>>>> For More
Information<BR>>>> For inf<BR>>>> ormation about other
communications issues, visit the FCC?s Consumer<BR>>>> website
at<BR>>>> <A
href="http://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau">www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau</A>,<BR>>>>
or contact the FCC?s Consumer Center by<BR>>>> calling
1-888-CALL-FCC voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC TTY; faxing
1-866-418-0232;<BR>>>> or writing to the<BR>>>> address
listed above.<BR>>>> ###<BR>>>> For this or any other
consumer publication in an accessible format<BR>>>> (electronic
ASCII text, Braille, large print<BR>>>> or audio), please write
or call us at the address or phone number below,<BR>>>> or send
an email to<BR>>>> <A href="mailto:FCC504@fcc.gov."
ymailto="mailto:FCC504@fcc.gov.">FCC504@fcc.gov.</A><BR>>>> This
document is for consumer education purposes only and is not
intended<BR>>>> to affect any proceedings or<BR>>>>
cases involving this subject matter or related issues.<BR>>>>
Last Reviewed 5/2/13<BR>>>>
_______________________________________________<BR>>>> nfb-db
mailing list<BR>>>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>
<A href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>
_______________________________________________<BR>>>> nfb-db
mailing list<BR>>>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>
<A href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>
<BR>> <BR>> _______________________________________________<BR>>
nfb-db mailing list<BR>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>> <A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR><BR><BR><BR>------------------------------<BR><BR>Message:
2<BR>Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 12:25:09 -0400<BR>From: Scott Davert <<A
href="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com">scottdavert@gmail.com</A>><BR>To:
NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <<A
href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A>><BR>Subject:
Re: [nfb-db] CSUN Re: Telecommunications Equipment
for<BR> Deaf-Blind
Persons<BR>Message-ID:<BR> <<A
href="mailto:CAOHXxEY2mnUu06jvFueXPKeMvFodJX281Nzo8cNBqZdLV3ZRqg@mail.gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:CAOHXxEY2mnUu06jvFueXPKeMvFodJX281Nzo8cNBqZdLV3ZRqg@mail.gmail.com">CAOHXxEY2mnUu06jvFueXPKeMvFodJX281Nzo8cNBqZdLV3ZRqg@mail.gmail.com</A>><BR>Content-Type:
text/plain; charset=windows-1252<BR><BR>Hi Marcha.<BR>I will know next
month whether my proposal has been accepted. I would<BR>be presenting with
Amy Mason.<BR><BR>Scott<BR><BR>On 10/28/13, Marsha Drenth <<A
href="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com">marsha.drenth@gmail.com</A>>
wrote:<BR>> Scott,<BR>> When will you hear if you are presenting at
CSUn? and if you do present, who<BR>> will you present with from the
NFB?<BR>> Very curious I know...<BR>><BR>> Marsha drenth<BR>>
Sent with my IPhone<BR>><BR>> On Oct 27, 2013, at 6:32 PM, Scott
Davert <<A href="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:scottdavert@gmail.com">scottdavert@gmail.com</A>>
wrote:<BR>><BR>>> Hi Randy.<BR>>> It would seem there is
not a lot of outreach going on from what I can<BR>>> tell. I have
not done outreach for NFB or ACB, but have gone to a few<BR>>>
places to promote it. I, of course, took an interpreter along,
because<BR>>> I have the signing vocabulary of a 6 month old. I know
that HKNC plans<BR>>> to send someone to the national AFB conference
in Feb, and I submitted<BR>>> a proposal to CSUN to discuss
deaf-blindness and some of the<BR>>> technology used. If accepted, I
will be presenting this with a member<BR>>> of the NFB. It will, of
course, make mention of the ICC program.<BR>>><BR>>> All the
best,<BR>>> Scott<BR>>><BR>>> On 10/27/13, Marsha Drenth
<<A href="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com"
ymailto="mailto:marsha.drenth@gmail.com">marsha.drenth@gmail.com</A>>
wrote:<BR>>>> Randy,<BR>>>> Ok, just so the point is
clear, anyone from the NFB who is promoting the<BR>>>>
ICC<BR>>>> program, is Deafblind. Of course there are other
organizations promoting<BR>>>> the<BR>>>> ICC program.
And yes some DB persons are not signing DB folks. Of
course<BR>>>> this by no means that they aren't
DB.<BR>>>><BR>>>><BR>>>> Marsha
drenth<BR>>>> Sent with my IPhone<BR>>>><BR>>>>
On Oct 26, 2013, at 10:06 PM, "Randy Pope" <<A
href="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org"
ymailto="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org">randy.pope@aadb.org</A>>
wrote:<BR>>>><BR>>>>>
Marsha,<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> Sorry for overlooking the
last part of your message. I have received a<BR>>>>> few
report that the people who are actually doing the promotion
and<BR>>>>> education are not DeafBlind. But here is the
problem in determining if<BR>>>>> these report are true.
These people could be Deafblind but cannot sign.<BR>>>>> In
the recent DSA conference, the person sitting in the ICC booth,
was<BR>>>>> assuming hearing blind who did not know how
to sign.<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> There were a few other
situation similar to this situation. See where<BR>>>>>
I?m<BR>>>>> coming
from?<BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
Randy<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:<A
href="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org</A>]
On Behalf Of Marsha<BR>>>>> Drenth<BR>>>>> Sent:
Saturday, October 26, 2013 8:30 PM<BR>>>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind
Division Mailing List<BR>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db]
Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind<BR>>>>>
Persons<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> Mr.
Pope,<BR>>>>> I am not a part of the NFB DB board, but the NFB
DB division has<BR>>>>> implement<BR>>>>> an
outreach program to educate state affiliates on
Deafblindness,<BR>>>>> resources, and the Icanconnect program.
I do believe that all of those<BR>>>>> persons who are
reaching out to the different states are db
themselves.<BR>>>>> Is<BR>>>>> this what you
mean?<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> Marsha
drenth<BR>>>>> Sent with my
IPhone<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> On Oct 26, 2013, at 8:21
PM, "Randy Pope" <<A href="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org"
ymailto="mailto:randy.pope@aadb.org">randy.pope@aadb.org</A>>
wrote:<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> Question: Are there
any DeafBlind people assisting in the NDBEDP<BR>>>>>
outreach<BR>>>>>
program?<BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
Randy<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:<A
href="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-db-bounces@nfbnet.org</A>]
On Behalf Of David<BR>>>>> Andrews<BR>>>>> Sent:
Friday, October 25, 2013 9:16 PM<BR>>>>> To: <A
href="mailto:nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org">nfbwatlk@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>>
Subject: [nfb-db] Telecommunications Equipment for Deaf-Blind
Persons<BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
I have been asked to distribute the
following.<BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
Dear David,<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> I have been charged
with the outreach program for :I Can Connect" in 5<BR>>>>>
states, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,<BR>>>>> OKLAHOMA, WASHINGTON and
WISCONSIN<BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
Changing what it means to be blind,<BR>>>>> Marcus Simmons,
President,<BR>>>>> Wayne County chapter
NFBMI<BR>>>>> 28179 Brentwood<BR>>>>> Southfield,
MI 48076-3069<BR>>>>> <A href="mailto:president@map-n.org"
ymailto="mailto:president@map-n.org">president@map-n.org</A><BR>>>>>
(248)
552-8928<BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>><BR>>>>>
NDBEDP.pdf<BR>>>>> Consumer Guide<BR>>>>>
9<BR>>>>> National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution
Program<BR>>>>> Background<BR>>>>> The
Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act
of<BR>>>>> 2010 (CVAA) authorizes the<BR>>>>>
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide funding for
local<BR>>>>> programs to distribute<BR>>>>>
equipment to low-income individuals who are ?deaf-blind? (see
definition<BR>>>>> below.) The FCC may use
up<BR>>>>> to $10 million annually from the interstate
Telecommunications Relay<BR>>>>> Service fund for this
purpose.<BR>>>>> Pilot Program<BR>>>>> In 2011,
the FCC established the National Deaf-Blind Equipment<BR>>>>>
Distribution Program (NDBEDP) as a<BR>>>>> pilot program. The
pilot program has been in effect since July 1, 2012,<BR>>>>>
and the FCC may extend the<BR>>>>> program another year. The
pilot program provides valuable information<BR>>>>>
that<BR>>>>> the FCC will use to help<BR>>>>>
develop and implement an effective and efficient permanent
deaf-blind<BR>>>>> equipment distribution
program.<BR>>>>> How does the pilot program
operate?<BR>>>>> The FCC selected and certified one entity in
each of the 50 states, plus<BR>>>>> the District of Columbia,
Puerto<BR>>>>> Rico, and the Virgin Islands, to receive FCC
support to distribute<BR>>>>> equipment to low-income
individuals<BR>>>>> who are deaf-blind. The FCC allocated a
minimum of $50,000 to each of<BR>>>>> the<BR>>>>>
53 certified programs,<BR>>>>> plus additional funding based
on the size of each state's population. As<BR>>>>>
a<BR>>>>> result, states with large<BR>>>>>
populations were allocated larger amounts of funding than states
with<BR>>>>> small populations.<BR>>>>> The FCC
also set aside $500,000 each year for the Perkins School for
the<BR>>>>> Blind to coordinate outreach<BR>>>>>
to promote this new equipment distribution program
nationwide.<BR>>>>> Who is eligible to receive
equipment?<BR>>>>> Under the CVAA, only low-income individuals
who are deaf-blind are<BR>>>>> eligible to receive
equipment.<BR>>>>> Applicants must provide verification of
their status as low-income and<BR>>>>>
deaf-blind.<BR>>>>> The CVAA requires that the term
"deaf-blind" has the same meaning given<BR>>>>>
in<BR>>>>> the Helen Keller National<BR>>>>>
Center Act. In general, the individual must have a certain vision
loss<BR>>>>> and<BR>>>>> a hearing loss
that,<BR>>>>> combined, cause extreme difficulty in attaining
independence in daily<BR>>>>> life<BR>>>>>
activities, achieving<BR>>>>> psychosocial adjustment, or
obtaining a vocation (working).<BR>>>>> The FCC defines "low
income" to mean not more than 400% of the Federal<BR>>>>>
Poverty Guidelines, as<BR>>>>> indicated in the following
chart:<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> table with 4 columns and 11
rows<BR>>>>> 2013 Federal Poverty
Guidelines<BR>>>>> Number of persons in
family/household<BR>>>>> 400% for everywhere, except Alaska
and Hawaii<BR>>>>> 400% for Alaska<BR>>>>> 400%
for Hawaii<BR>>>>> 1<BR>>>>>
$45,960<BR>>>>> $57,400<BR>>>>>
$52,920<BR>>>>> 2<BR>>>>>
62,040<BR>>>>> 77,520<BR>>>>>
71,400<BR>>>>> 3<BR>>>>>
78,120<BR>>>>> 97,640<BR>>>>>
89,880<BR>>>>> 4<BR>>>>>
94,200<BR>>>>> 117,760<BR>>>>>
108,360<BR>>>>> 5<BR>>>>>
110,280<BR>>>>> 137,880<BR>>>>>
126,840<BR>>>>> 6<BR>>>>>
126,360<BR>>>>> 158,000<BR>>>>>
145,320<BR>>>>> 7<BR>>>>>
142,440<BR>>>>> 178,120<BR>>>>>
163,800<BR>>>>> 8<BR>>>>>
158,520<BR>>>>> 198,240<BR>>>>>
182,280<BR>>>>> For each additional person,
add<BR>>>>> $16,080<BR>>>>>
$20,120<BR>>>>> $18,480<BR>>>>> table
end<BR>>>>><BR>>>>> Source: U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services<BR>>>>> (<A
href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm">aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm</A>)<BR>>>>>
What kind of equipment can be distributed?<BR>>>>> The
equipment distributed must be designed to make
telecommunications<BR>>>>> (such as wireline
and<BR>>>>> wireless telephone communication), advanced
communications (such as<BR>>>>> Internet-based
voice<BR>>>>> communication, e-mail, instant messaging and
interoperable video<BR>>>>> conferencing services), and
access<BR>>>>> to the Internet (including information
services) accessible. The<BR>>>>>
equipment<BR>>>>> distributed may be<BR>>>>>
hardware, software or applications, separate or in
combination,<BR>>>>> mainstream<BR>>>>> or
specialized. The<BR>>>>> equipment must meet the needs of the
deaf-blind individual to achieve<BR>>>>> access. Certified
programs may<BR>>>>> also provide equipment warranties,
maintenance, and repairs for such<BR>>>>> equipment depending
on<BR>>>>> available funding.<BR>>>>> Besides
distributing equipment, what will the NDBEDP certified
programs<BR>>>>> do?<BR>>>>> Certified programs
will inform their communities about this new program<BR>>>>>
to<BR>>>>> distribute equipment to low-<BR>>>>>
income residents in their states who are deaf-blind. They will
verify<BR>>>>> that<BR>>>>> applicants are
eligible to<BR>>>>> receive equipment. They will assess each
applicant's communications<BR>>>>> equipment needs to
select<BR>>>>> appropriate equipment to meet those needs. They
may also help install<BR>>>>> and<BR>>>>> provide
training for the<BR>>>>> equipment
distributed.<BR>>>>> How do I find the certified program that
serves my state?<BR>>>>> Information about how to find the
NDBEDP certified program in your state<BR>>>>> is available
during the on the<BR>>>>> FCC website at<BR>>>>>
<A
href="http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program">www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program</A><BR>>>>>
,<BR>>>>> by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or
1-888-TELL-FCC<BR>>>>> (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or
by<BR>>>>> sending an email to<BR>>>>> <A
href="mailto:dro@fcc.gov."
ymailto="mailto:dro@fcc.gov.">dro@fcc.gov.</A><BR>>>>> How can
I help the NDBEDP be successful?<BR>>>>> list of 4
items<BR>>>>> Tell people about the
program.<BR>>>>> Tell the FCC how the NDBEDP helped you or
someone you know.<BR>>>>> Tell the FCC how the program can be
improved.<BR>>>>> Tell the FCC about new types of technologies
that should be included for<BR>>>>>
distribution.<BR>>>>> list end<BR>>>>> You may
also file an informal complaint with the FCC if you
think<BR>>>>> someone<BR>>>>> has violated the
NDBEDP<BR>>>>> rules. Informal complaints may be filed by
calling 1-888-CALL-FCC<BR>>>>> (1-888-225-5322) voice
or<BR>>>>> 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing
1-866-418-0232, or by<BR>>>>> writing<BR>>>>>
to:<BR>>>>> Federal Communications
Commission<BR>>>>> Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau<BR>>>>> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints
Division<BR>>>>> 445 12th Street, S.W.<BR>>>>>
Washington, DC 20554<BR>>>>> For More
Information<BR>>>>> For inf<BR>>>>> ormation about
other communications issues, visit the FCC?s Consumer<BR>>>>>
website at<BR>>>>> <A
href="http://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau">www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau</A>,<BR>>>>>
or contact the FCC?s Consumer Center by<BR>>>>> calling
1-888-CALL-FCC voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC TTY; faxing<BR>>>>>
1-866-418-0232;<BR>>>>> or writing to the<BR>>>>>
address listed above.<BR>>>>> ###<BR>>>>> For this
or any other consumer publication in an accessible
format<BR>>>>> (electronic ASCII text, Braille, large
print<BR>>>>> or audio), please write or call us at the
address or phone number below,<BR>>>>> or send an email
to<BR>>>>> <A href="mailto:FCC504@fcc.gov."
ymailto="mailto:FCC504@fcc.gov.">FCC504@fcc.gov.</A><BR>>>>>
This document is for consumer education purposes only and is
not<BR>>>>> intended<BR>>>>> to affect any
proceedings or<BR>>>>> cases involving this subject matter or
related issues.<BR>>>>> Last Reviewed
5/2/13<BR>>>>>
_______________________________________________<BR>>>>> nfb-db
mailing list<BR>>>>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>>
<A href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>>
_______________________________________________<BR>>>>> nfb-db
mailing list<BR>>>>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>>>
<A href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>>>><BR>>><BR>>>
_______________________________________________<BR>>> nfb-db mailing
list<BR>>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>>> <A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>><BR>>
_______________________________________________<BR>> nfb-db mailing
list<BR>> <A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR>> <A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR>><BR><BR><BR><BR>------------------------------<BR><BR>Subject:
Digest
Footer<BR><BR>_______________________________________________<BR>nfb-db
mailing list<BR><A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org"
ymailto="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org"
target=_blank>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR><BR><BR>------------------------------<BR><BR>End
of nfb-db Digest, Vol 57, Issue
12<BR>**************************************<BR><BR><BR></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV>
<P></P>
<HR>
<P></P>_______________________________________________<BR>nfb-db mailing
list<BR><A href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A><BR><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A><BR></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE type="cite">
<DIV><SPAN>_______________________________________________</SPAN><BR><SPAN>nfb-db
mailing list</SPAN><BR><SPAN><A
href="mailto:nfb-db@nfbnet.org">nfb-db@nfbnet.org</A></SPAN><BR><SPAN><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org</A></SPAN><BR></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>
<HR>
<P></P>_______________________________________________<BR>nfb-db mailing
list<BR>nfb-db@nfbnet.org<BR>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org<BR></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>