[Nfbk] Another reason I support SB 87

Sun Feb 19 13:31:57 UTC 2012

John & others,

I have had an on again off again relationship with NEWSLINE. Sometimes I use
it a lot and then I'll go for a while where I don't use it at all. I like
knowing that when I do want to use it I can, because it's there. I like that
it's an option for me. Just as I'm sure many sighted people do not read the
paper every day, but rather pick it up when they get become interested. When
sighted people do get the notion to pick up a Sunday paper or check out the
sports section on a Wednesday afternoon, they know that all they have to do
is find a paper box or run up to the nearest gas station. It'll always be
there for them. Blind people, likewise, should have that same option. I know
that I don't have to use NEWSLINE every single day in order to lay claim to
it and want it to stick around. I know that whether I use it five days a
week or one day a week, it's still my best option for reading the paper -
when I want, and how I want.  So for this reason I have chosen to show my
support for the Accessible Electronic Information Act - SB 87. 

I want to elaborate here a little bit though. Last week when I went to the
Natural Resources and Energy Committee meeting in Frankfort, I wanted to be
a visible reminder that there are people out there who not only use
NEWSLINE, but rely on it as well. There were about twenty of my fellow
Federationists who shared that sentiment and joined me there. As I listened
to Senator Kerr speak about the bill to the committee, I could hear in her
voice that she really believes NEWSLINE is remarkable and very much needed
among those who cannot access a traditional print newspaper. Then I listened
to Cathy and Pamela speak about how many people benefit from NEWSLINE and
those who still have yet to experience it. They talked about the many ways
we use NEWSLINE - to keep up with current events, to research a topic, to
search for jobs, and more. Had I been an unknowing guest at the meeting I
would have been convinced with their words alone. However, after hearing
John speak, my commitment to supporting this bill increased threefold. 

John, who is a blinded Veteran himself, spoke on behalf of the countless
other men and women who may have a unique perspective about NEWSLINE. He
said that when soldiers are overseas fighting for the freedom we enjoy
daily, often their only tie to the home the miss and love is the U.S.
newspapers. It keeps them connected to their homeland. In years past many
soldiers did not survive injuries they sustained while fighting for our
country. Now though, thanks in part to improved armor technology, they are
left blind or otherwise disable, but alive. When they come home and learn to
function in their new life, NEWSLINE can and should be a part of their
recovery and future. Being able to continue reading the papers that gave
them a connection to home is important as they recover from their physical
wounds. Adjusting to their new lives and learning to do things differently
is not an easy task, having something familiar may offer a great deal of
comfort. I was fortunate to hear John speak about all this with such passion
and heartfelt emotion and it took my interest in supporting NEWSLINE to a
whole new level. I was able to see beyond myself and realize the much bigger
picture. It's not just about those of us who have been blind all our lives
having the luxury to read our local papers. It's also about the people who
lose their eyesight (or ability to hold a book) very unexpectedly having the
basic option (never mind luxury) to connect themselves to something that is
familiar. Having NEWSLINE is not just a luxury for me or you, but a basic
option for many, many people - some of whom don't even know that it exists. 

I don't mean to preach a sermon here, but something did change for me when I
heard John's testimony in Frankfort. I now feel like calling Frankfort to
urge the committee and my legislators to support this bill is not just
something that I should do when I think about it, but something that I have
to do every day to hopefully get their attention. Seriously, it takes just
thirty seconds. I spend more time than that doing much less meaningful
things. I have set an alarm on my phone that reminds me every morning to
call the Legislative Message Line. I hope some of you will consider doing
the same. If enough of us call, every day, and let them know how important
this bill truly is, they'll take notice. Isn't this kind of collective
action one of the fundamental premises upon which the National Federation of
the Blind was built?

Thank you for listening,

Melanie

From: nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
John Glisson
Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2012 8:34 PM
To: 'NFB of Kentucky Internet Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Nfbk] Contacting legislators

I called!  Smiles.  You are very correct, Melanie!!!  Please do flood the
Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Energy Members with the calls, along
with one's own personal Senator and Representative!!!  

***Senate Bill 87 is not likely to PASS and have the potential to build a
solid Accessible Electronic Information Services foundation for Kentuckians
who are unable to use conventional print and those who will inevitably come
along behind us without our very electrifying show of support through our
regular and even daily phone calls to the Legislative Research Commission
Message Line: 1-800-372-7181!!!

My message to support SB 87 has been sent to my representatives: Senator
Alice Kerr and Representative Susan Westrom!

How about yours?

If you don't know your personal reps, the individual answering the telephone
at the LRC MSG Line will be happy to look them up for you through the need
only of your address.  Please do not omit, however, sending your message
also to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee in the Senate!  This is SB
87's first hurdle!!!

This listserv is a powerful tool for our organization as well as for those
who are guests to the list.

When we post our activity here like Melanie has done, then it will inspire
others to come along and do likewise!!!

Thank you, Melanie Peskoe, for showing your support and exhorting others to
do likewise .

Join the blind of KY in making a difference in what it means to be blind and
visually impaired!!!

John g. 

From: nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Melanie Peskoe
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 11:23 AM
To: 'NFB of Kentucky Internet Mailing List'
Subject: [Nfbk] Contacting legislators

I just called the legislative message center and again left a message for
the senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee to support senate bill 87.
I also left messages for my senator, Perry Clark, and my representative,
Wade Hurt, and asked that they please encourage the committee to support the
bill. Has anyone else called today? It'd be great if we could flood their
phones with support of this bill! 

Melanie

From: nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
John Glisson
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 8:58 PM
To: 'NFB of Kentucky Internet Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Nfbk] Calling Frankfort about SB 87

Hi Melanie,

If your State Senator is not one of those sitting on the Senate Committee on
Natural Resources & Energy, you may recruit your Senator's support in
encouraging the Committee Members to pass SB 87 as well. I've had responses
from otherswho are doing this.  The Senators certainly have greater
opportunity to talk among themselves than we do with them.  John g.

From: nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Melanie Peskoe
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 2:54 PM
To: NFB of Kentucky Internet Mailing List
Subject: [Nfbk] Calling Frankfort about SB 87

Pamela and/or John -

When calling Frankfort to urge for support of the Electronic Information
Accessibility Act (SB 87) should we still have all messages sent to the
Natural Resources Committee or are there others we should include? I really
had no idea I could call every day. I'm going to start spreading the word
and asking friends and family to support this as well. Thanks for all the
effort you both give to advocate for NEWSLINE!

Melanie

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