[nfbmi-talk] appropriate modes of communications

[joe harcz Comcast]

Colleagues,

This is related to the thread about basic access to information throughout the entire process with a VR agency including ones own records, such as those from BSBP. It comes from the definitions part of the Rehabilitation Act, Title I regulations. Of course there are also provisions of all state and local government entities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act for this too as well as those in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The latter two rise to the level of civil rights granted to individuals who are blind or otherwise disabled.

But the bottom line here is that which is routinely given to sighted customers of a VR agency must be given routinely, affirmatively and in a timely manner to those who are blind. It is a matter of equality and equity under law.

Joe Harcz

Section:
    (5) Appropriate modes of communication means specialized aids and 
supports that enable an individual with a disability to comprehend and 
respond to information that is being communicated. Appropriate modes of 
communication include, but are not limited to, the use of interpreters, 
open and closed captioned videos, specialized telecommunications 
services and audio recordings, Brailled and large print materials, 
materials in electronic formats, augmentative communication devices, 
graphic presentations, and simple language materials.

(Authority: Section 12(c) of the Act; 29 U.S.C. 709(c))