[nfbwatlk] FW: [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: Update on TEACH: video and more

[Mike Freeman]

From: Nfbnet-members-list [mailto:nfbnet-members-list-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of McLarney, Lauren via Nfbnet-members-list
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 2:25 PM
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: Update on TEACH: video and more

 

 
Hi team:
 
I am writing with a progress report on the TEACH Act!  This afternoon we
released a video,  <http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0> "A Lesson on the TEACH
Act," which can be found on NFB <http://www.youtube.com/nationsblind> 's
YouTube page.  It features a few recognizable NABS members, a school rep, an
industry rep, a senator, even some NCB staff, you name it!  Our hope is that
you will circulate this video to your friends, family, and networks to
spread the message about the problem of inaccessible instructional materials
and the amazing solution that is the TEACH Act.  This problem hits home for
many of you, especially those of you in high school or higher ed, and yet so
many people have no idea what it is like for blind college students or why
this problem exists in the first place.  We tried to answer those questions
in the video, and used a fun style to sell our solution and inspire others
to help.  We are also experimenting with different forms of video
description, so here is a short description of "A Lesson on the TEACH Act":
 
Beginning segment:  LM is sitting in the auditorium.  First, four random
people from the street give their perception of technology and the impact it
has had on students with disabilities.  Next, four blind students describe
their reality over video conferencing software.  During introductions,
cartoon sun rays in different colors swirl behind their head.   
 
Second segment:  LM discusses the TEACH Act.  Towards the end, a ticker runs
along the bottom length of the screen repeating
"guidelines!...guidelines!...guidelines!" followed by a flashing ticker that
reads "no mandates!" and another that reads "no new requirement!" 
 
Third segment: A clip of Lucy France from the University of Montana
addressing the 2014 NFB National Convention about the need for more
information, and Allan Adler in the Association of American Publishers
conference room discussing the importance of guidelines.
 
Fourth segment: LM narrates checking items off of a checklist.  Pictures of
six senators spiral onto the screen.  At the end, LM asks: "Since when have
these two ever seen eye-to-eye on anything?" and a giant red question mark
appears on the screen.  The checklist is displayed and bipartisan support is
checked.  A list of groups that endorse the bill is read, while those names
fall from the sky into a pile at the bottom of the screen.  LM says: "That's
pretty much everyone," and a giant red explanation point appears on the
screen.  The checklist reappears and endorsements is checked.  The AIM
Commission Report cover page is displayed, and then recommendation #1 is
read aloud while the words are highlighted.  LM says: "Not just any
recommendation, recommendation #1," and a giant red #1 appears on the
screen. The checklist reappears and data is checked.  Finally, a screenshot
of the Change.org petition is displayed and the number of signatures is
circled.  LM says: "That's a lot of people," and a giant red WOW appears on
the screen.  The checklist reappears for a final time and public support is
checked.
 
Fifth segment: LM makes a call to action.  Blind students describe why they
want Congress to pass the TEACH Act.  Senator Warren appears.  She is seated
at a table, filmed from the side, and seems to be in front of an audience
speaking into a microphone.   
 
Right now is a critical time:  students just got back to school, Congress
just got back to session, and the higher education lobby just came out
against our initiative. This video is part of the momentum, so view, share,
and TEACH!  
 
Speaking of momentum, did you catch President Riccobono's blog post about
ACE's opposition to the bill?  It summarizes ACE's position, NFB's reaction,
and our hope for common ground.  You can find it at http://bit.ly/1uAjI2X.
And did you catch Kyle Shachmut's op-ed that ran in the online version of
the Boston Globe?  The NFB of MA President calls out the presidents of
institutions of higher education in MA that serve on ACE's board.  You can
read that at http://bit.ly/1tsYVh8.  Even better, NABS has started a Twitter
frenzy.  Join them and tweet @ACEducation about President Riccobono's blog
post or Kyle's op-ed, or express your outrage with something short like,
"@ACEducation, why do you oppose accessibility guidelines? Equal access for
blind students." If you're super busy, simply retweet a blind student like
Sarah Patnaude (@Sarah2346) who said: "@ACEducation @AASCU: why make it
harder for blind students by opposing #accessibility guidelines? #TEACHAct
http://ow.ly/3qfxnC."  We have heard through the grapevine that we have
gotten ACE's attention - let's keep the TEACH Act on their radar!   
 
Let's keep making noise,
Lauren
 
Lauren McLarney
Government Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410.659.9314 ext. 2207
 

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