Volume 1, Spring 2006

HKNC SE CONNECTION

Spring has arrived and with it comes a time for new beginnings. WELCOME to the first issue of HKNC SE Connection! This newsletter has been created as a resource for the Deaf-Blind community and its’ supporters in the Southeastern region. We are hoping you will use it to find out about regional and national activities, as well as updates in technology, legislative news and other information important to you. We plan to feature an outstanding Deaf-Blind citizen in each issue in our consumer spotlight. So many of you are doing incredible things! We also invite you to share your news with us, so we can share it with others in the region. Let us know if the newsletter works for you and what other information would be helpful. Let’s partner in this effort.

The Southeast Region office of Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), located in Atlanta, is home base for two representatives, Amy Parker and Monika Werner. Amy serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. Monika serves Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Many of you know us already, and if not, we hope to meet you some time when we are traveling in your home state! As you can guess from the number of states we cover, we travel quite often. But if you call while we are out, do not be concerned. You will reach a very important member of the office team, our assistant, Tonya Cosper.

Amy Parker Monika M-Werner

ap4hknc@aol.com mw4hknc@aol.com

(AL, FL, GA, MS) (KY, NC, SC, TN)

What are some things your regional representative can do for you?

- Help you find and use existing services and resources in your local community

- Work with you for improved services when those are needed

- Consult with individuals, their families and/or agencies

- Serve as your connection to our program in Sands Point, New York. We offer excellent rehabilitation services, including short-term training in computers and adaptive technology as well as special programs for high school students and older individuals.

- INCLUDE YOU on the National Registry. More on the Registry follows

Please visit our web site at www.hknc.org or contact your Representative. We would be pleased if you got in touch!

THE REGISTRY

Helen Keller National Center is required to maintain a National Registry of persons who are deaf-blind or who have a combined vision and hearing loss that is severe enough to create problems in life activities, at home, in the community and at work. Because we are all worried about privacy these days, let us assure you, the confidential information collected is kept securely. We take this responsibility very seriously.

HOW WILL HKNC’S REGISTRY INFORMATION BE USED?

Although all personal information about individuals will be kept confidential, statistical information will be used to benefit the Deaf-Blind community

· It will be shared with adult service programs so they can better prepare to serve Deaf-Blind adults, as well as the young people when they transition to adult services.

· It will be shared with teacher, personnel and interpreter preparation programs to better prepare these professionals to work with you.

· It will be used to help with research beneficial to the Deaf-Blind community

· It will be shared with the federal and state governments as they develop priorities for program funding. If we can prove to the government that there are many people needing services, there is a better chance that Deaf-Blind services will be funded. This is especially important during these difficult economic times.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? About 10,000 people have already decided to put their names on the Registry, but we know there are many thousands more. If you have not yet done so yet, please complete a registry form today. Anyone who is deaf-blind, of any age, is eligible to be on the registry. We have included a copy of the Registry form at the back of this newsletter which you can mail back to us. Or, you can also call us and we will be happy to complete the form with you on your behalf. You can also complete a registry on-line at our website: www.hknc.org. Many people like this last option, because it is quick and convenient. If you move, or your name changes, please let us know so we can make the changes on your form. It is important to keep the information accurate. Thank you for your help! It will help us support the needs of the Deaf-Blind community as a whole!

CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT

Have you met Anindya Bhattacharyya? You may know him as Bapin! A native of India, Bapin graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) with a bachelor’s degree in political science. During his college experience, Bapin completed two ambitious internships at the Deaf-Blind Contact Center (DBCC) in Boston, Massachusetts and at the Arkansas Disability Coalition. He also had a passionate interest in technology, recognizing the potential it offered. This is where he ultimately focused his professional energies. It lead him to the Technology Center at HKNC in Sands Point, NY where he became an adaptive technology instructor in 1999 and was promoted to Supervisor of the Technology Department in 2001. In addition to teaching students with a wide range of combined vision and hearing loss to use computers, using Braille access devices, screen magnification and speech output, he evaluates and performs testing on various Windows-based applications and prototypes of new products including telecommunication devices and services. The feedback he provides to key people involved in the design and manufacture of these products contributes to make them more accessible, user-friendly and cost-efficient. As a user of these devices himself, his help is invaluable to the producers, and to the Deaf-Blind community that will ultimately need these items.

Recently, in response to an ever increasing demand for his expertise, Bapin’s position was re-defined. He is now the Technology Development and Training Specialist. He is available as a national consultant in the area of Technology and its’ uses for people who are Deaf-Blind. His travel schedule has been filled to capacity in recent months as Bapin presented at professional conferences, such as the SE Region Institute on Deafness, and consumer focused events such as the annual KADB Retreat, where he was the keynote presenter in April. In June 2006, he will again be hosting a workshop at the AADB Conference in Maryland. But Bapin is no stranger to travel. He has journeyed across the USA and to a number of other countries over the years to share his knowledge. Included among these are “Deaf-Blind Students Seek Educational Opportunities,” at the 6th Helen Keller World Conference for the Deaf-Blind in Paipa, Colombia, and “A Transition from a Life of Darkness to Light” at the first Deaf-Blind International Asia Conference in Ahmedabad, India. In 1991, he visited a summer camp for deaf-blind youth in Russia where he was asked to meet with commissioners of several agencies that worked to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Armed with a friendly smile, a backpack of technical wonders and his faithful guide dog, Dinah , Bapin is an inspiration to everyone he meets.

If you would like more information about workshops or other training opportunities that Bapin is offering, please contact your regional representative.

(Excerpts taken from 11^th Annual Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Banquet program, June 11, 2005)

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

MAGic 10.0 is scheduled for release in April/May 2006. This release will contain many exciting new features and enhancements to speech, application support, and more. The public beta version of JAWS for Windows 7.10 is now available! There is a list of all the exciting new features and significant bug fixes available in the latest version of JAWS, the world's leading screen reader. For details, see www.FreedomScientific.com.

Optelec USA bought out the Alva Company. Alva Braille displays and Alva Satellites will still be manufactured and sold. There is also a new generation of displays called the Alva A4 Glider. It is full of new features, can be connected to a PC wirelessly, has a long battery life and weighs a little more than one pound! WOW!

Quantum Technology in Rydalmere, Australia, has developed a low cost mechanical solution for writing braille called the Jot-A-Dot. This device has a regular 6 dot braille keyboard but fits into your pocket – no batteries either, it’s totally mechanical! The Jot-A-Dot weighs just over a pound (as opposed to the Perkins Brailler which weighs 11 pounds) and enables the user to instantly read what they have written without having to disassemble the unit as with the slate and stylus (one exception is the APH “Brown” slate which can be opened from the back to read the dots.) This device will cost US$340.00 and will be available in the near future.

Note: The naming of products, services or activities in this newsletter does not necessarily imply endorsement by HKNC. They are provided as information only.

REGIONAL UPDATES

KENTUCKY

The Kentucky Association of the Deaf- Blind (KADB) again hosted its annual consumer retreat at the beautiful Kentucky Leadership Center near Somerset KY April 6-9 this year. SSP’s and consumers numbered over 100! In addition to “seasoned“SSP’s the retreat enjoyed the support of ITP students from the Eastern Kentucky (EKU) program and the University of Louisville program. Special kudos also go to the Ohio ITP students who drove several hours to support the event. The key note speaker/presenter was Bapin, who is featured in the Consumer Spotlight of this edition. Although a different format had to be used this year, KADB has traditionally provided SSP training the day before each retreat began. If you are trying to increase SSP services in your state, consider cultivating a partnership with an ITP program. It is truly a win-win situation as the students benefit from the opportunity to learn from Deaf-Blind people, and the consumers enjoy access and support. And everyone has fun!

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina Deaf-Blind Associates (NCDBA) has been busy, busy! The NCDBA Annual conference was held in Asheville, NC this year. Presentations included information about emergency preparedness, consumer empowerment, and appreciating the gifts life has provided, even as you face life’s challenges. It was an inspiring couple of days. NCDBA has developed an endowment fund that can be accessed as a “fund of last resort” by consumers who reside in NC. This was the exciting outcome of a project that began almost 10 years ago. Training was provided at the conference relative to use of the Johnny Washington Endowment Fund. The funds are limited, and have use restrictions. However, interested individuals can apply for the funds, using a grant application process. In these times of increased budget constraints, this may be an option that other organizations want to consider. It takes time, commitment, patience and planning to establish an endowment, but the outcome is well worth it! If you would like to learn more about how it is done, please contact Monika Werner; she can connect you with the individuals in NC who can provide more details. Other news: an SSP database has been set up in NC. It is growing slowly but steadily. SSP’s willing to offer services submit their information and as Deaf-Blind consumers need an SSP, a coordinator helps make the match. NCDBA is also putting the final touches on plans for dual Camp Dogwood Weekend Retreats in September. Because so many people from NC wish to attend the limited spaces are reserved for residents of NC. However, if an individual is sincerely interested in establishing a similar program in their own state, an occasional exception may be made for them to come and learn about the process.

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina’s Telecommunications Distribution Equipment Program (TEDP) is administered by the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind. The office has recently moved! See the new address and contact information below. Monika recently met with the program staff and was impressed with the enthusiasm and their deep concern that the most appropriate equipment for the Deaf-Blind community in SC was included on their equipment menu. Contact the TEDP with your questions if you need telecommunications equipment.

SC TEDP

101 Executive Center Drive, Ste 120

Saluda Building

Columbia SC 29210

1-877-225-8337 Voice

1-877-889-8334 TTY

FAX 803-896-8345

www.scsdb.k12.sc.us

SCTEDP@scsdb.k12.sc.us

TENNESSEE

In Nashville efforts are still underway to move forward with the Mockingbird Community Retirement Center. All good things take time. Once completed, it will offer resources for Deaf and Deaf-Blind individuals. Stay tuned for progress notes.

In Knoxville there is big news about SSP services. Knoxville Area Center for the Deaf (KACD) has established a local program offering Deaf-Blind consumers a certain number of paid SSP services hours per month. A voucher system is being used. This is an exciting, innovative model that could conceivably be replicated in other places. If you wish to learn more about how it was done, contact Monika at the SE region office. She can put you in touch with the folks who developed the program.

As funding streams become more difficult to access, we will all have to become more creative in how we develop and fund the services that are critically important to the Deaf-Blind community. Let’s learn from each other, and share our inspirations as we create new opportunities.

ALABAMA

The Alabama Association of the Deaf-Blind (ALADB) held a social on March 25^th at E H Gentry in Talladega. For group contact information or for upcoming group events, please contact the regional office.

FLORIDA

The Florida Deaf-Blind Association recently held a meeting, May 6^th, in Pompano Beach. FDBA is a consumer controlled organization that exists to meet the needs of Deaf-Blind people in Florida. To join their listserv and stay connected, send e-mail to fldeafblind-subscribe@yahoogroups.com For those without email, please contact the SE office for officer information.

GEORGIA

The Georgia Association of the Deaf-Blind (GADB) is preparing to hold their annual Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Banquet. Due to AADB, the Banquet will be held in July this year. Contact the regional office for details on this event.

Also this year, many Deaf-Blind Georgians advocated for Senate Bill 248. This legislation was sponsored by Senator Regina Thomas “to provide for the delivery of certain services and techniques to deaf-blind individuals by an organization knowledgeable on deaf-blind issues.” Although the bill did not become law in this session, all should be encouraged by the progress made, the learning experience, and the effort and time put forth by so many!

MISSISSIPPI

Areas of Mississippi were impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita this past year. One of HKNC’s own, Mia of New York, spent a good deal of time in Mississippi locating and supporting Deaf-Blind ndividuals. The regional office sent letters and postcards to residents in the Southern part of the state and received responses ranging from needs of service to heartwarming offers of help to others who may not have fared as well. If you live in Mississippi and are still having difficulty reaching service providers, please contact our office. We have kept an updated list of resources and numbers as we have received them.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

As a result of the devastation last year caused by hurricanes and tornados, there has been heightened awareness regarding disaster supplies and preparedness. At HKNC we are encouraging people to put together a small “emergency bag” that could be kept at your bedside or other convenient location so you could grab it at a moments notice. Contact your “rep” if you would like a copy of the recommended items it should contain. Following is one example of a supply list ( printed from the newsletter of Charlotte Regional Resource Center in Charlotte, NC) that may be of help to you in preparing for a major disaster, such as a hurricane.

Water: at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food: at least enough for 3 to 7 days

- non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; snack foods

- foods for infants or the elderly

- non-electric can opener

- cooking tools/fuel

- paper plate/plastic utensils

Clothing: seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes

Blankets and Pillows

Special Items:

- for babies and/or elderly

- toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes

- First Aid Kit, medicines, prescription drugs

Flashlight and Batteries

Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash: Banks & ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important Documents: inside a waterproof container

- insurance policies

- medical records

- bank account information

- Social Security card

Tools: keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items:

- proper identification

- ample supply of food and water

- a carrier or kennel, muzzle and leash

- There is a small brochure regarding “Emergency Preparedness and your Service Animal or Pet” that ACB put together and is available. Contact our office or ACB at www.acb.org or 800-424-8666.

Being aware of severe weather and weather events is of utmost importance and your first step toward being prepared and safe.

Many websites, especially news stations, offer text message services that can alert you via email, pagers and cell phones. One example is The Weather Channel at www.weather.com. You may also sign up for emergency alerts at www.emergencyemail.org. They will send email alerts, which could be sent to pagers!

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates close captioning for all emergencies via satellite, cable and off-air newscasts. You may wish to check on portable television capabilities.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios offer optional accessories including strobe lights, bed shakers and auditory receivers and can have text display and visual/tactile alerts. A weather radio that is more accessible to Deaf-Blind individuals is in the process of being developed. More news on that to come. Emergency warnings can be sent by NOAA to 90 percent of the country’s population. Their website is www.noaa.gov .

Some areas offer Reverse 9-1-1 to process many warning notifications at once. Check with your local 9-1-1 to see if TTY’s, VRS and CapTel can be used with the Reverse 9-1-1 recorded messages.

(Some information taken from CEPIN, Volume 1, Issue 3. Fact sheets may be downloaded at www.cepintdi.org; click on National Resources)

MARK your Calendars!

Upcoming Events in 2006

June 17 – 23 American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) Conference

Towson University, Baltimore, MD

Contact: info@aadb.org or

8630 Fenton Street, Suite 1221

Silver Spring, MD 20910

301-495-4403 (V) 301-495-4402 (TTY)

June 25 – July 1 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

(A copy of the Public Service Announcement is included at the end of this newsletter.)

July 8-15 American Council of the Blind

National Convention

Jacksonville, FL

July 9-21 HKNC Two Week Summer Seminar for High School Students

Sept 10-22 HKNC Senior Adult Program I: for Persons Hard of Hearing and Blind or Visually Impaired (non sign language user)

October 1-13 HKNC Senior Adult Program II: for Persons Deaf-Blind or Deaf &Visually Impaired (sign language user)

The HKNC National Training Team (NTT) conducts numerous seminars for professionals throughout the year. Most are conducted at the Center in Sands Point, NY. Some upcoming seminars include:

- “Interpreting Techniques for the Deaf-Blind Population: Touching Lives”

- “Enhancing Services for Older Adults with Vision and Hearing Loss: The Best is Yet to Come”

- “Technology Seminar: The Magic of Technology.”

For a complete list of seminars or for more information, please contact your regional representative or email ntthknc@aol.com.

RESOURCES

NFADB The National Family Association for the Deaf-Blind is a non-profit, volunteer-based family association focusing on issues surrounding deaf-blindness. For more information or a membership application, contact your HKNC representative or go online to www.nfadb.org.

Bookshare.org Online community that allows people with visual impairments to legally share scanned books and newspapers. There are currently over 19,000 books available. Members can listen to books with screen readers (one included in price of membership), enlarge the book with screen magnification software, or read the book in Braille using refreshable Braille readers or in hard-copy. Membership fee is $50 per year along with an initial fee of $25 when you join.

NFB Newsline A free service for those who can not read regular newsprint. Over 140 newspapers and magazines available for listening by calling toll-free:

1-888-882-1629 (V). To join, complete NFB’s application form either online or by calling 1-866-504-7300 (V). NFB will send you an identification number which allows you to access the service.

Huge Print Press HPP custom enlarges any text you would like. You chose the font size you prefer and they print it and bind it in a convenient 8.5 x 11” size. For more information, go to www.hugeprint.com or call them toll free at 1-866-484-3774 (V).

Tactile Mind Press The Tactile Mind Press publishes literature by signers (deaf and non-deaf alike) in English (print), ASL (digital video), large print and braille. To subscribe, go to www.thetactilemind.com

AFB AFB has online information on Helen Keller and has recently added a feature on Anne Sullivan Macy. Check them out at www.afb.org

Sign Language www.ASLpro.com offers a vocabulary of everyday signs and religious signs in American Sign Language. There is a visual signer and quizzes to take if you are learning ASL.

ODEP The Office of Disability Employment Policy has an informational website at www.dol.gov/odep

Hearing Aids “So the World May Hear” program allows persons with low income to purchase a hearing aid for the cost of the application process ($100 for one aid or $200 for two). Instructions and applications available at www.sotheworldmayhear.org or call 1-800-648-4327 (V).

Also, the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (AHAP) has a low cost aid (a little over $100) available through partnering audiologists. Learn about their program at www.lionsear.org or call at 630-571-5466 x 615 (V).

Getting Connected Enter www.lsoft.com/catalist.html and you will go to a website where you can search for different LISTSERV - a catalog of lists! For example, if you search for “Rubella,” two listservs show up. There is also one for “Usher Syndrome” and many for “deaf-blind” in general.

Support Group If you are interested in finding out more about a new deaf-blind support group for spouses and partners of persons who are deaf-blind or hearing and visually impaired, send a blank e-mail request to DB-Spousal-Support-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Videophones Check out the following websites to get more information about free videophones: www.sorensonvrs.com or www.sorensonvrs.com/apply/index.php

Foundation Fighting Blindness Support

You can show your support for the Foundation Fighting Blindness in their mission to find treatments and cures for blinding retinal degenerative diseases by purchasing their Braille, glow in the dark, wristbands. The wristband says “Our Vision is Clear” in Braille. Check it out at http://fightblindness.org/wristbands/

HKNC Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

DEAF-BLIND INDIVIDUALS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

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Sands Point, NY…The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is the national program which provides diagnostic evaluation, short-term comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and assistance with jobs and residential placement exclusively for Americans who are deaf-blind. Local services and training are offered nationwide to these individuals, their families and professionals in the field.

Be a part of Helen Keller’s vision by participating with agencies and organizations worldwide in the Helen Keller National Center’s 2006 Deaf-Blind Awareness Campaign, JUNE 25–JULY 1, 2006. This year’s focus is ACHIEVING EXCEPTIONAL CAREERS. Since 1969, when HKNC opened its doors, much progress has been made in providing vocational rehabilitation training, leading to an increased number of career opportunities available to people who are deaf-blind. More and more companies are recognizing and benefiting from the skills and talents of these valued workers. To join this growing number of enlightened employers, contact the Helen Keller National Center at 516-944-8900, ext. 254 (voice) or E-mail: development@hknc.org

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Originally proclaimed by Congressional resolutions and Presidential signature in 1985, awareness activities and events featuring information about significant vision AND hearing loss, or deaf-blindness, now occur throughout the year, beginning in June, the month of Helen Keller’s birth date.

All citizens, health organizations, civic groups, libraries, schools and agencies are encouraged to plan state and local activities, especially during the week of June 25-July 1, 2006.

A sample proclamation, a radio public service script, and list of suggested activities, the 2006 poster and press release are available at no cost by contacting the Director of Development, Helen Keller National Center, 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY, 11050-1218 or by calling 516-944-8900, ext. 254 (Voice); 516-944-8637 (TTY); 516-767-1738 (FAX);

E-mail: development@hknc.org

If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter and did not, please provide their information below.

Name:

_____________________________________________________

Address:

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If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in the future or if you would prefer to receive it electronically, please indicate below, and mail to our office or email HKNCReg4Assist@aol.com.

□ Please do not include me in the next newsletter mailing

□ Please send me this newsletter in electronic format.

My e-mail address is: _________________________________________

If you would like to be featured in a “Consumer Spotlight” segment or if you have any comments, updates or information you would like to share, please direct correspondence to:

Helen Keller National Center

1003 Virginia Avenue, Suite 104

Atlanta, GA 30354

HKNCReg4Assist@aol.com

This newsletter will also be posted on the HKNC web site at www.hknc.com , where periodic updates will be included. We invite you to visit and read newsletters from other regions in the country for more news!

Helen Keller National Center

Southeast Regional Office

1003 Virginia Avenue, Suite 104

Atlanta, GA 30354

Helen Keller National Center Free Matter for the Blind

Southeast Regional Office & Physically Handicapped

1003 Virginia Avenue, Suite 104

Atlanta, GA 30354

Address Correction Requested