Winter, 2006 Number 10
Keeping
In-Touch
Newsletter
of the Helen Keller National Center
Beth
Jordan, Editor
Hello!
It’s been another busy
year. With HKNC, I continue to provide workshops,
advocate for consumer needs and assist individuals with the application process
to attend HKNC for evaluation and training.
My family is healthy. Our boys are 12 and 7 years old.
We have all been amazed at
the media coverage of the natural disasters that occurred this past
year...hurricanes, floods, tornados, wildfires.
Most people hope that those tragedies will never happen to them. Most victims said the same thing. To get more prepared, I have included a list
of items to develop an “emergency kit” and resources to gather more
information.
Get prepared, develop a plan,
and create a buddy system...simple steps to having a healthy and safe
2006! Sincerely,
Beth Jordan
Beth
Jordan, Regional Representative
National Information
AADB–The American Association of the Deaf-Blind Last year
was big, but 2006 appears to be even bigger for AADB. Their conference is drawing near. It will be held June 17th - 23rd
in
AADB’s publication, the Deaf-Blind American, will be
distributed through email when possible, in addition to regular and large print
and CD/disk. Additional information from
AADB will also be sent in a new monthly publication, AADB-E News in all
of these formats. To be added to the
free distribution list, send a request to info@aadb.org.
New officers were elected by
the membership. Congratulations to the
winners: Art Roehrig, president (DC); Lee Clark, vice
president (NC); Dr. Jeffrey Bohrman, treasurer (OH);
and Marilyn Fernandez-Trader, secretary (NC).
The AADB Office moved to a
new location in April, 2005. The new
contact information is
See you in DC in June!
HKNC Update Director Joe McNulty is responsible for running the
NEW! Many of you
know Bapin, the deaf-blind technology
instructor at HKNC. He is now taking
his skills “on the road.” Bapin is available to come to your community and provide
group training to learn about various types of technology used by deaf-blind
people (consultation) OR he can provide training to one or more individuals
around a particular piece of equipment (evaluation). What seems to work best is working with
others in the community for cost sharing purposes. The consultation is $300/day plus
transportation, lodging and meals. The
technology evaluation is $350/full day and $250/half day plus expenses. For more information, contact Bapin at HKNC by calling
Senior Adult Programs HKNC offers specialized skills training for deaf-blind adults all year
long. However, for senior adults, there
are two 2-wk programs specifically geared to persons over the age of 55. The first session, March 20 - 31, 2006 is for
adults whose communication is primarily using speech and their remaining
hearing. The second session, October 2 -
13, 2006 is for seniors who communicate using sign language. Learning from HKNC staff as well as other
peers is a very powerful event. The cost
is $1600 which includes tuition, room and board for the two weeks. It’s a small price to pay to learn new ways
of doing things, becoming more independent, and regaining your confidence in
everyday activities. If you have an
interest in either of these sessions, please contact me ASAP to initiate the
application process. These annual
programs are small in number to insure more individualized instruction.
NFADB–National Family Association for Deaf-Blind The theme for this year's NTAC/NFADB Parent Workshop will
be “Advocacy” to be held in July, 2006.
Check the NFADB website for dates/location to be announced in the spring
at www.NFADB.org. The NFADB Board received legislative training
from the American Foundation for the Blind in November, 2005 and will be
addressing legislative activities in the upcoming year.
Finally,
NFADB now has a member Listserv allowing members to stay in touch. Directions can be found on the website. Jacque Clifton, our NFADB Regional
Director and parent of a deaf-blind child, has started a new company, Advocate
Care Services, Inc. It provides payroll
and Medicaid billing services for people in
Note: Products, services or
activities listed in this newsletter do not imply endorsement by HKNC. They are provided for informational purposes
only.
New
Stuff This section contains a number
of new ideas, resources, products and websites.
Self
Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)
has a name change. The Board of Trustees
voted to change the name to Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Feedback about the change is good. Deaf friends share that the old name suggests
that people should keep quiet about their hearing loss (shhh!)
and that it did not represent Deaf people, only hard of hearing people. Despite the name change, the message of the
organization founded by Rocky Stone remains the same: “Hearing loss is a daily
challenge you can overcome. You
do not have to hide your hearing loss.
You do not have to face hearing loss alone.” For more information or to find a chapter
near you, contact HLAA at
Talking Household
Thermostat This nifty new gadget called the Kelvin
Talk-a-Therm will tell you the settings and can be
programmed with speech recognition to understand your voice. It was developed by Action Talking Products
(ATP) in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and will
control heating and cooling (but it does not work with a heat pump). The device can be ordered by mail, phone or
on-line for around $130 plus $11.95 shipping.
Contact ATP at
Preparing
for a Disaster Much discussion and work has been focused on
emergency preparedness since the 9-11 disaster in 2001. That work intensified with Hurricane Katrina. There are many publications and resources
that are available to assist you in developing a plan for your family and place
of work.
The
Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” certainly seems to apply here. It may seem silly or over-anxious, but each
of us should use a plastic storage bin to gather these items: 1) bottled water
(three gallons per person in small, easy-to-open bottles); 2) non-perishable
food such as canned tuna, granola bars, beef jerky, fruit cups, etc. 3) several flashlights (by the bed and around
the house); 4) first aid kit; 5) shoes under the bed (to protect feet from
broken glass); 6) fire extinguisher; 7) battery-operated radio or TV; 8)
whistle or loud bell (it’s easier than yelling to signal for help); 9) garbage
bags (for personal waste); 10) emergency health information card (contact
information, blood type, health insurance, emergency contacts, medical
conditions, and communication methods); 11) change for a pay phone, even if you
carry a cell phone; 12) mask (to cover face in smoky/dusty environment); 13)
can opener for food; and 14) extra batteries.
Additional
items may be needed to accommodate your vision and hearing loss or any other
disabilities. Some of these items might
include: 1) hearing aid batteries; 2) notepad/pen for communication; 3)
communication device and charger; 4) portable TTY; 5) portable magnifier; 6)
extra white cane; and 7) guide dog supplies (food, water, medication, copy of
service animal license, extra leash, toys/bed).
(from ilruNetwork,
October, 2005; VisionConnection’s “Your Safety
Checklist,” July 26, 2005; and Are You Ready, 1(1), September,
2005)
As
you know, federal and state governments have spent millions of dollars helping
folks get ready. Individuals with
disabilities have an even greater need to make sure they are included. There are many newsletters and websites that
have been developed. Here are some good
ones:
•
U.S. Department
of Homeland Security’s website: http://www.ready.gov
with information on preparing a kit, making a plan and being informed;
•
San Francisco Bay
Area Emergency Preparedness Coalition’s website: http://preparenow.org supporting
special needs and vulnerable populations in disaster;
•
Community
Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) Project’s publication, “Are
You Ready?” and future website (see below for contact information);
•
Emergency
Preparedness and Response for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2005
(pending legislation);
•
Check with your
local community (city office, town hall, or county office to determine what
supports are in place; see what they need to do to include your special
needs. Review this website for contact information
in your state: http://www.nod.org/EPIResources/interactive_map.html.
Finally, when considering any
type of disaster, talk with family, friends and neighbors. Find out what plans they have in place. Determine if your plans fit into theirs. Have a “buddy system” so that you can reach
each other during a disaster. It will
give all of you a sense of security and purpose.
There are hundreds of
resources being developed to aid folks during times of emergency. The Community Emergency Preparedness
Information Network (CEPIN) Project was developed with a grant from the US
Department of Homeland Security to Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing, Inc. (TDI). CEPIN develops
model community educational programs for consumers who have a hearing
loss. It also has excellent fact sheets
for natural disasters and an outstanding monthly e-newsletter titled “Are
You Ready?” to address emergency preparation. To subscribe (free) or download fact sheets,
go to www.cepintdi.org.
I Need an SSP! That’s
what many people told AADB during a national survey. An SSP is a support service provider
or someone who assists persons who have vision and hearing loss to get around
the community and assist with communication with clerks and the public. AADB membership agreed that this was their #1
need in their home communities.
Unfortunately, SSP services are provided in only 12 major cities with five
statewide programs. (For a complete
listing of SSP Programs nationally, go to HKNC’s
website at www.hknc.org). SSP services have been a “hot topic”
nationally this last year as many cities/states are trying to establish SSP
services and the National SSP Pilot Project continues to pursue federal funding
to establish three pilot sites with plans for expansion. Unfortunately, this has not been the best
time to seek federal aid. So what does
this mean for you? Establishing SSP
services requires grassroots efforts by people who are deaf-blind. With your assistance, people will sit up and
listen. Check around and see what
efforts are being done in your community or state. Get involved!
So you live in a rural community
and have never heard of the term “SSP”? What then?
Across this country, deaf-blind individuals are not waiting around for
services to find them...they are creating their own SSP team. Here’s how they are doing it. 1) Talk to friends, family, interpreters in
your town/county. Tell them your
situation. You need to get to the
pharmacy, help reading your mail, assistance when shopping for groceries, or a
ride to the barber/beauty salon. You
know your needs. 2) Then ask who can
help. Ask for volunteers, barter a
service that you can provide or offer to pay for their gas/lunch. That’s up to you to arrange. 3) Request assistance from a service provider
in your state to provide a training to your eager new SSPs
about safe guiding, communication and empowerment (remember, you make the
decisions, not the SSPs). Do you need them to know sign language? Teach sign language classes. 4) Once your system is established and you
have volunteers in place, give them praise.
Thank them often. People are eager
to help out a friend. You do not have to
wait for a formal SSP program. Establish
one for yourself!
Collaboration
between AADB and RID During the 2005 Conference of the Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Jamie Pope, AADB executive director and
Susanne Morgan, RID Deaf-Blind Special Interest Group chairperson submitted a
formal motion during the RID business meeting.
It called for a national “task force to address the imminent
communication needs of the deaf-blind community” and passed unanimously! Follow this historical movement in the AADB
website and publications. (from The Deaf-Blind
American, 44(3), Oct-Dec,05)
Helen Keller Spotted in
Labels for Literacy is a simple program that will send you labels in
Braille for household items, foods and beverages, in order to increase the
usage and understanding of Braille, providing equal access for Braille
readers. Sheets of self-stick Braille
labels can be requested at no cost by calling
Have your kids or
grandchildren taken part in the wristband craze? Cyclist, Lance Armstrong began the trend with
his bright yellow “live strong” wristbands.
Here’s one more for a worthy cause.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) has created a clear,
glow-in-the-dark band with Braille lettering that says “Our Vision Is
Clear.” The wristbands are $3.00 and
sold in packages of ten ($30.00) with free shipping/handling. Demonstrate your
support for research for diseases such as Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher syndrome. Contact FFB at
Do you want to send a
greeting card to a Braille reader? Here’s a company that will personalize all
kinds of greeting cards in Braille and print and include your name as
well. The cards are very reasonably
priced as well (far less than card store prices). Send your request to Vanduzer Braille Productions at
Travel
Aids
HKNC O&M instructor, Gene
Bourquin has created/researched a street crossing
card that efficiently helps deaf-blind travelers solicit assistance in
crossing busy intersections. For a
sample or to request more information, contact Gene at
Deaf-Blind Explorers Plan
Alaskan Cruise! Ever wanted to see this beautiful part of the
country? This group is planning an
unforgettable vacation in the summer of 2007.
Exact details will be shared this summer. For more information, see their booth at the
AADB Conference or email Lynn Jansen at deafblindtravel@aol.com.
The Ultracane
by Sound Foresight Limited is a new, electronic travel aid. It was inspired by the way bats navigate in
darkness. It models the traditional,
long white cane, but uses ultrasonic echoes to locate objects in front of and
near the shoulders/head of the person using it.
The handle appears similar to a vacuum cleaner. When used by a person who had vision and
hearing loss, he felt it provided additional feedback about the
environment. The vibration patterns felt
in the hand when nearing objects helped make up for the information he could
not see and hear. Users should be
skilled in using a long white cane, have good tactile sensitivity, and
sufficient hand and arm strength. One last requirement...money. The Ultracane is
not cheap. It sells for about
$840.00. Still interested? You can talk with your Orientation and
Mobility instructor or check the company’s website for more details at www.soundforesight.co.uk.
Deaf-Blind
Little Ones
No-Cost Infant Eye Assessments A new program called InfantSEE
was established by the American Optometric Association in partnership with The
Vision Care
Deaf-Blind
Triplets? Yes, you read it correctly. There’s a family in
Employment-Related Links Here are a
few resources to help in your job search.
JAN E-News is the quarterly newsletter of the Job Accommodation
Network–a service of the US Dept of Labor.
It provides job accommodation tools and techniques, as well as ways to
improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information, go to http://www.jan.wvu.edu/. To subscribe, send an email to subscribe@jan.wvu.edu.
Finding a job can be a
challenge and sometimes overwhelming. To
make the process more manageable, the Institute for Community Inclusion created
a “30-Day Placement Plan: A Roadmap to Employment.” Authors Condon, Gelb, and Gould walk you
through this step-by-step process. Go to
http://www.communityinclusion.org/publications
and click on ‘new publications.’ (from Monday
Morning in
Preparing the Workplace
for Everyone is an on-line resource
that provides information on developing emergency preparedness plans that
include the needs of employees with disabilities. It’s a free publication available at www.dol.gov/odep. To request a copy by mail, contact the
Department of Labor by calling
Partners in Employment is a self-study course designed to help people with developmental
disabilities find meaningful employment and jumpstart their careers. This free on-line course was developed by the
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. It includes individual lessons, exercises,
assignments and exams to test your understanding. The course takes approximately six hours but
there is no time limit for completion.
For an orientation or to take the course, go to http://www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/employment/.
Is VR a mystery? Because
Vocational Rehabilitation services are so individualized, what one person
receives is often quite different from another.
Many people expect that VR will “find a job” but many times, they
provide the resources and supports for the individual to find their own
job. Want to understand more about
VR? Check out “Getting the Most
from the Public Vocational Rehabilitation System” at this website: http://www.communityinclusion.org/publications. Click on ‘tools for inclusion.’ To order a free copy by phone, call the
Institute for Community Inclusion at
Job Leads The National Organization on Disability has put together
a listing on their website of national and regional job assistance and
recruitment agencies. This list
could provide a number of job leads and connections for anyone seeking
employment. Go to www.nod.org and click on job-related
links. You will find a variety of other
helpful resources there including “how to write a resume,” interviewing
techniques and success stories.
ADNET Systems received the
contract from the Department of Homeland Security to identify qualified individuals
with disabilities for federal jobs.
Last year, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that the
number of federal employees with severe disabilities had declined by nearly
twenty percent over the previous decade.
For specific qualifications or to seek more information, contact ADNET
by calling their Reston,
Looking for employment in
your home state? Let’s say you live in
Employment Success
Stories Previously deaf, Father Cyril Axelrod
began a new venture after losing all of his sight over a two year
period. He took aromatherapy courses
from
Mitch Shapiro has had a variety of work experiences in his life
including volunteer and president of the Long Island Affiliate of the
Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) for almost ten years. It was during that time that Mitch realized
his natural gift to motivate and inspire people. He also developed several highly successful
and creative fundraising events. In
2004, this 52-year old man with Usher syndrome 2 decided to use his talents to
create his own nonprofit organization called the Foundation for Sight &
Sound. His company is committed to
creating a world in which people with vision and hearing challenges can realize
their full potential to live lives of unlimited possibilities. He believes that everything we do is a
choice. He tells others, “Don’t give in,
don’t give up, give back.” For more
information about Mitch or his company, go to http://www.foundationforsightandsound.org.
On-Line Resources
ASL Video Dictionary Can’t quite
remember a sign or need to practice your receptive skills? Try this new fun website where you can see
thousands of signs and conversational phrases demonstrated by real people in
short video clips. There is also a QuizMe section to practice what you have learned. Other unique features include songs signed, fingerspelling practice and games. Some of the signs are regional to
Anne Sullivan Macy On-Line Museum Best known
as Helen Keller’s teacher, Anne’s achievements were far ahead of her time. Mark Twain referred to her as a “miracle
worker.” The American Foundation for the
Blind (AFB) has created a gallery of photos, letters, sound recordings and
artifacts in tribute to her life. Go to www.AFB.org/annesullivan. You
can change the size/color of the text and background to meet your vision needs
as you read through the information about Sullivan’s life.
Person Centered Planning Resources There are a
variety of on-line, self-study courses and planning tools that have been
developed. Person centered planning is a
process-oriented approach that focuses on an individual by using his/her
strengths and interests to define direction in the person’s life. Although the process requires effort, it uses
a team approach to increase the effectiveness.
Many of these tools can be used to obtain employment as well. It’s an outstanding process; one with amazing
results. Here are just a few of the web
links: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/tsal/pcp/index.html
titled, “The Person-Centered Planning Education Site” from the
Employment and Disability Institute at Cornell University; http://www.vcu.edu/rrtcweb/techlink/courses/course3/opening.html
titled “Person Centered Planning Self Study Course” from Project TechLink at the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
on Workplace Support based at Virginia Commonwealth University; and http://communityinclusion.org/publications/indexb.html
titled “More Than Just a Job: Person-Centered Career Planning”
from the Institute for Community Inclusion based at the University of
Massachusetts Boston. (from Monday Morning in
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has placed
its applications on-line for those
interested. In addition, they have a
variety of fact sheets, worksheets, and instructional materials to explain the
benefits process. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov.
For People Over the Age of 55 There’s a new
website to assist senior citizens with low vision with maintaining
independence. Articles discuss the
benefits of vision rehabilitation, frequently asked questions, and resources
for seniors who want to maintain an active and independent lifestyle. The site is very “vision-friendly” as well,
allowing you to increase the font size, reverse the polarity (white text on a
dark background to decrease glare), and hear spoken text rather than reading
it. This site was sponsored by the
Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine with contributions by
the National Eye Institute–all members of the National Institutes on
Health. Www.nihseniorhealth.gov is the
website and it is titled NIHSeniorHealth. If you are interested but don’t have a
computer, ask your kids or grandkids to help you or go to any public library
and ask for assistance. You’ll love
having the world at your fingertips!
Leadership Training Are you skilled
in “Making Your Case”? If not,
maybe you might be interested in a self-paced, interactive, learning program
that will help you effectively “tell your story” to policymakers, construct
letters/emails, conduct productive board meetings, and offer testimony. This free program was designed by the
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities for use by people
with disabilities, family members and concerned citizens. It takes only three hours to complete. It’s available on-line anytime at http://www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/makingyourcase.
Listservs There are several
new computer Listservs. Every time you send an email, everyone on the
List receives it. You can ask questions,
receive feedback and give your input to others about the group topics. The volume of email from the Listserv will
depend on how many people participate in the discussion. With most Lists, you can request a daily
digest format to reduce the volume of email.
Deaf-Blind Spice of Life Just as
spices add more flavor to foods, personal interests and life experiences make
life more exciting! This new group of
deaf-blind people shares stories, exchanges helpful tips, swap recipes and
provide support to one another. To
subscribe, send a blank email to DB-SpiceofLife-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
SSP Listserv This group is open to SSP program
coordinators, SSPs, deaf-blind individuals and other
interested people. Whereas SSP services
vary greatly across the country, topics discussed relate to development and
provision of SSP services. To join, send
a blank email to SSP-subscribe-request@tr.wou.edu.
Deaf-Blind Spousal Support Group There are
numerous support groups for persons who have vision and hearing loss. Now there’s a new one for their spouses. Learn/share experiences with other
spouses/partners. To subscribe, send a
blank email to DB-Spousal-Support-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Diabetes List A new list
has formed to discuss blindness and diabetes including topics such as diet,
healthcare, diabetes control, and assistive devices. It is sponsored by the Diabetes Action
Network, a division of the National Federation of the Blind. To subscribe, send a blank email to diabetes-talk-request@nfbnet.org. Put “subscribe” in the subject line. (from Voice of the Diabetic, 20(4), Fall, 2005)
DB Techies This existing Listserv has
“moved.” They are no longer located
under Topica.com, instead they are run under
Publications
There’s a new fact sheet for families who just learned their
child has a hearing loss (regardless of age).
Opening Doors: Technology and Communication Options for Children
with Hearing Loss was developed by the US Department of Education. This resource can be read on-line or
downloaded from their website in a variety of formats, all of which are
free. The keys are early identification
and intervention services from qualified providers. is the site
or call
“My Friend, You Are Legally Blind: A Writer’s Struggle with
Macular Degeneration” by Charles Champlin
tells of one man’s adjustment to this life-changing vision loss. A writer his entire life, Champlin
talks to readers who face this same struggle.
It can be purchased/ordered from any bookstore or on-line (list price is
$8.95) but should also be available at your local library in print, large print
or on audiotape. If it’s not available,
ask if it can be borrowed from a neighboring library.
Interested in a book about person-centered planning instead
of an on-line resource? Here’s a good
one! The authors, John O’Brien and Beth
Mount have worked in this field for years, and Beth Mount has used these
concepts with young adults who are deaf-blind.
Titled “Make A Difference: A Guidebook for Person-Centered Direct
Support,” this book is available for $37.80 plus $5.00 shipping/handling
from Inclusion Press by calling
Interpreting Strategies for Deaf-Blind Students: An
Interactive Training Tool for Educational Interpreters This manual and DVD
were designed to train interpreters to work with students who are
deaf-blind. There are eight modules,
each followed by a self-check quiz. It
was developed by Susanne Morgan, well-known interpreter/consultant and is
available for $15.00 from the
Are you a Braille reader?
The Braille Superstore’s mission is to enhance appreciation of
Braille through the wide circulation of high quality, reasonably-priced Braille
books for children and adults. They also sell gadgets in order to learn Braille
and gifts for the Braille reader in your family. It’s all available by calling
There are many E-books or books on-line that are
available free or for a minimal cost.
Some people have difficulty reading materials in regular print. E-books allow the reader to change the text
to meet personal vision needs. There are a number of websites including www.infomotions.com/alex2, www.selfknowledge.com, and www.bookrags.com/ebooks.
HEATH Electronic Newsletter The
Research: Medical, Social and
Community
Five-Year Project to Study Persons Aging with Hearing and
Vision Loss (PAHVL) “Update”
This study, now in its fourth year, has collected a great
deal of data from the 410 participants who are over the age of 55 and have both
vision and hearing loss. They have
gathered the data through surveys, informal interviews and focus groups. This process continues but some preliminary
findings can be made: 1) older adults with vision and hearing loss need more
information as they are often unaware of services, supports, resources and
funding available; 2) service providers need more information about how to
serve this population; 3) transportation is a critical concern for many
seniors; and 4) loss of independence and lack of housing options are also
issues they must address. Conferences
and workshops to provide training to service providers and consumers have been
organized. For more information, please
contact B.J. LeJeune, project director at
New Usher Gene Identified Researchers have identified a gene mutation
(called R245X) that accounts for a large portion of Usher syndrome in the
Jewish population. This finding does not
provide a cure. Instead, it aids in early
detection so children can learn alternative communication methods and life
skills. This research was a collaboration between the National Institute on Deafness
and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the Mount Sinai School of Medicine,
the Sackler School of Medicine at
Retinal Implant Scientists in
Smoking Doubles Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
(AMD) A study performed in
Prevention of AMD? A study of rheumatoid arthritis
patients in
Another Drug for AMD Lucentis, an injectable drug by Genentech,
Inc. has proven to increase visual acuity by 95% in the clinical trial with 716
patients. This is significant when
compared to the other two drugs currently on the market Macugen
(by Pfizer/Eyetech) with 70% and Visudyne
(by Novartis) with 67% stabilization/improved vision.
Genentech will now approach the FDA for approval.
These drugs are being used to treat the wet form of AMD. (from
The Wall Street Journal, pg D4, May 24, 2005)
Gene Silencing Scientists have begun clinical trials
to inject genetic material known as “double stranded RNA” into the body where
it attacks defective genes, silencing them.
Unlike other experiments which change genetic makeup, gene silencing
uses the body’s genetic material to its advantage. It shuts down malfunctioning genes causing
any disease, e.g. Alzheimer’s and AMD.
Patients with AMD at the Retinal Associates of Cleveland (
Diabetes and Your Vision Over 20 million people in the
Legislative Update
Tax Credit for Purchase of Hearing Aids To borrow a phrase from the Energizer Bunny,
“It’s still going!” Yes, the legislation
(H.R.414 and S.1060) is still pending approval in Congress. Last year it had over 50 co-sponsors and
currently it has 88 in the House and 13 in the Senate. If passed, the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax
Credit Act will provide up to a $500 tax credit per device toward the purchase
of hearing aids. It can be used on any
type of hearing aid with any professional provider, by an individual over the
age of 55 or a parent purchasing an aid for a dependent child. Stay tuned for the outcome of this
legislation. Visit the Hearing Loss
Association of America (HLAA) website for the latest information at
Assistive Technology
Hearing Aid Insurance? Did you know that you can insure
hearing aids against loss or theft with a rider on your home insurance
policy? When considering this option,
carefully examine exactly what is covered.
For example, “the dog ate it” or “it accidentally was flushed” probably
won’t meet the criteria. Go to http://www.listen-up.org/haid/ha-insurance.htm
for more information. (from DB Star, newsletter
of DB Central Michigan Services for Children and Young Adults Who Are DeafBlind, summer, 2005)
Cell Phone Accessibility New Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) regulations require that cellular service
providers and manufacturers make cell phones that can be used with hearing aids
and cochlear implants. This legislation
was effective September 16, 2005. Does
that mean that all cell phones will be compatible? Doubtful. Plus, hearing loss and hearing aids are
highly individualized. Do some research before you buy. Investigate the websites of cellular
companies that have the best coverage/service in your community. Look under “accessibility” for specific
phones, services, and downloads that are available to increase
compatibility. Then, test out cell
phones in the store with your hearing device before making a purchase. Some
types of additional services include voice recognition functionality (to
operate the phone); hearing aid/CI compatibility; TTY compatibility;
Bluetooth-enabled technology (to allow wireless, hands-free option when using a
hearing aid); large font displays; adjustable contrast screens; various ring
tones; and invoices/user guides available in large print, Braille or on
audiocassette. If you have additional
questions, contact the accessibility division within the phone companies and
consult HLAA’s website, www.hearingloss.org for additional information about cell
phone compatibility. Finally, technology
is constantly changing. Cell phone
companies and manufacturers want to serve their customers and increase their
share of the market. If they do not have
something that works for you yet, let them know. (from Hearing
Loss, by HLAA/SHHH, 26(5), Sept/Oct, 2005)
Finally, a quote worth remembering. Mitch Shapiro has hearing and vision loss
due to Usher syndrome. He is also the
CEO of the Foundation for Sight and Sound and credits his inspiration and
success to this phrase, “Your greatest weakness is your greatest strength.”
What’s Happening in Iowa
On Saturday, December 17, 2006 the Iowa Department for
the Blind (IDB) hosted training for sign language interpreters interested in
the field of Deaf-Blind Interpreting. Twenty-one registered for the
training. Director Allen Harris gave the introductory address. Betty Hansen, deaf-blind specialist, was a
primary presenter. The workshop addressed interpreting modifications needed
depending on the various vision and hearing conditions. Assistive technology used by deaf-blind
individuals was also demonstrated.
Participants heard from deaf-blind individuals about their experiences
working with sign language interpreters and were later able to converse with
them. Safe guide techniques were demonstrated and practiced. Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) CEUs were offered.
The event was sponsored by Deaf Services Commission of Iowa and
IDB. (Thanks to Betty Hansen for this
information.)
Spotlight on Carolyn Osborne of
The Deaf Services Commission of Iowa has a very
user-friendly website with a variety of resources for deaf, hard of hearing,
and deaf-blind people. Some of the items
listed include sign language classes across the state, a public list of
interpreters (to find someone in your community), Iowa audiologists (if you
need your hearing tested or hearing aid repaired), churches that have
interpreted services or deaf ministries, and free or low-cost health care. For more information go to http://www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/ds/index.html
and click on “resources” or if you don’t have access to the Internet, call
their office toll free at
What’s Happening in Kansas
The KS Deaf-Blind
Consortium has been very active this
year. A wide range of agencies and organizations
participate on the Consortium serving children and adults. They have addressed many issues through
“collaboration.” Some of the activities
included planning/coordinating workshops and training on a variety of topics,
and development of cooperative agreements between interested agencies who serve
the same population. Committee work by
the Consortium has addressed these topics: learning about emergency
notification and preparation; improving vision screening for birth-3 year olds;
expanding the technology available through the KS Telecommunication Access
Program (TAP); and educating Kansans about SSPs and
creating a pilot SSP program in the state.
The group meets bi-monthly, rotating meeting locations between
SSP
Pilot Project in
Do you wish to receive
this newsletter on audiotape rather
than in text or Braille? At the request
of several consumers, we have identified a vendor in the state of
The Kansas Assistive Technology
Cooperative (KATCO) is
a nonprofit organization that serves people with
disabilities. The purpose of KATCO is to
provide flexible loans to individuals in order to purchase assistive
technology. Many families on fixed
incomes or who have credit problems related to disabilities may qualify for low
interest loans. The types of equipment
that may be needed are as varied as the individuals who apply. Some examples include wheelchairs, hearing
aids, electronic Braille devices, computer technology and speech output
devices. KATCO offers assistance with a
combination of education, savings and low interest borrowing. For more information, see them at 625
Merchant, Suite 205 Emporia, Kansas 66801 or call toll free
Spotlight on Russell
Salmons of
The 8th Annual Deaf-Blind
Festivity has been scheduled at
What’s Happening in Missouri
Missouri Deaf-Blind
Association (MDBA) has been active in
2005 educating interpreter students about deaf-blind interpreting; working with
Paraquad (an independent living center) to develop an
SSP service; socializing with fellow members and volunteer SSPs;
and co-presenting at the statewide Interpreter Conference in
Congratulations! to Carolyn Sue Alflen who
received the Vincent Spicuzza Award for leadership
from the St. Louis Metro Round Table Representatives for the Deaf, Inc. The award was presented to Carolyn in
November, 2005 for her work to improve services for people who are deaf-blind
in the greater
SSP Services in
Spotlight on Kevin Papin of
The 8th Annual
Deaf-Blind Festivity has been scheduled at
ASL Accepted as Foreign
Language In August, 2005,
Nagel’s Low Vision
Resource Center in
What’s Happening in Nebraska
Wonderful Article about a
Deaf-Blind Child’s Experience with Cochlear Implantation Shannon Butalla
recently contributed an article about her 3-yr old son Sam and their family’s
decision for him to receive a cochlear implant.
The article reveals the emotions that go into making the decision, keen
observations made by
Congratulation to NCDHH The
Hand in Hand Deaf-Blind Peer Support Group To highlight
their activities this past year, in May, 2005, the group joined other Deaf
citizens to help the NCDHH celebrate their 25th jubilee year. The educational
jamboree held at
In June, several members of the Deaf-Blind community
advocated to the Governor's Office to have sign language interpreters available
for the Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week proclamation ceremony. As a
result of teamwork on this issue, the Governor's Office will provide
interpreters for the June, 2006 ceremony.
The Hand in Hand Group meets six times a year. Interpreters are available if scheduled in
advance. For more information about
events scheduled for 2006, contact Cheryl Poff, NCBVI’s deaf-blind project coordinator at
Nebraskans for Hearing Aid Coverage (NeHAC) is a
grassroots movement comprised of individuals and organizations representing or
serving people with hearing loss. They
are considering three areas related to hearing aids to draft legislation for
2006. These include state tax breaks for
purchase, mandatory insurance coverage, and coverage through the Relay Fund. However, they need to hear from you to learn of your experiences
and determine direction. Contact NeHAC by calling
Spotlight on Randy Swanson of
On Sept. 29, 2005, Beth Jordan, Teresa Coonts
and Cheryl Poff had an opportunity to address issues
of Deaf-Blindness at the Statewide Audiology and
Speech Language Conference held in
For More Information
If you live in Region 7, you may also contact us at:
Beth
Jordan, Regional Representative