Showing posts with label American Association of the Deaf-Blind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American Association of the Deaf-Blind. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
AADB Alert --
If you cannot view this message, please visit our website. | |
July 2, 2010 Dear Kathy, H.R. 3101 Takes a Step Forward and Leaves People who are Deaf-Blind BehindOn June 30, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet considered the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act" (H.R. 3101). Rick Boucher (D-VA), chairman of the Subcommittee, offered an "Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute" (a new H.R. 3101) which replaced the original bill. The new H.R. 3101 is missing an important provision funding for specialized communications equipment needed by people who are deaf-blind, such as refreshable Braille devices. That funding, up to $10 million per year, was not included in the new H.R. 3101. The Subcommittee voted favorably on the new H.R. 3101. The bill will be considered next by the full Committee on Energy and Commerce. Possible funding sources, for up to $10 million per year, include the Universal Service Fund and the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service Fund. These funds were created to ensure that all Americans have access to the nation's communications network. Deaf-blind people cannot afford to buy expensive equipment to help them access the phone and Internet. For example, the Deaf-Blind Communicator, which enables deaf-blind people to make telephone calls, access the Internet and communicate with other people who otherwise could not communicate with them, costs $8,000 alone. Although a few states have equipment distribution programs, most do not distribute equipment that meets the needs of people who are deaf-blind. A secure and consistent source of funding is needed to assure that the communication needs of this small, discrete, and un-served population are met. This community does not have the political presence to ensure annual appropriations from Congress. By restoring Section 105(b) to H.R. 3101, you will ensure that approximately 70,000 deaf-blind people get the specialized equipment needed for them to have telecommunications services, Internet access, and advanced communications. Act today!Contact House Energy and Commerce Committee members and tell them you want Section 105 (b) back in H.R. 3101. Here's what you can do:
Call them today! Or deaf-blind people will be further, further and further behind! House Energy and Commerce Committee (in alphabetical order by State)Parker Griffith (R-AL-5)
Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA-14)
George Radanovich (R-CA-19)
Henry Waxman, Chair (D-CA-30)
Mary Bono Mack (R-CA-45)
Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT-5)
Cliff Stearns (R-FL-6)
John Shimkus (R-IL-19)
Baron P. Hill (D-IN-9)
Charlie Melancon (D-LA-3)
Bart Stupak (D-MI-1)
Fred Upton (R-MI-6)
Mike Rogers (R-MI-8)
Roy Blunt, Deputy Ranking Member (R-MO-7)
Lee Terry (R-NE-2)
G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-1)
Robert E. Latta (R-OH-5)
Zachary T. Space (D-OH-18)
Bart Gordon (D-TN-6)
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-7)
Joe Barton, Ranking Member (R-TX-6)
Rick Boucher (D-VA-9)
Peter Welch (D-VT-AL)
Thank you for your support! | |
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American Association of the Deaf-Blind © 2010 All rights reserved. | |
Friday, May 14, 2010
Teen Leads Fight to Save Helen keller House
Teen Leads Fight to Save Helen Keller House
Submitted by Ray on May 12, 2010 — Leave a Comment
Teen Leads Fight to Save Helen Keller House
By GREG CERGOL
NBC New York
Updated 6:30 PM EDT, Tue, May 11, 2010
SourceLink:
http://deaftimes.com/usa-l/teen-leads-fight-to-save-helen-keller-house/
Ian Toy has been walking past the crumbling Southold home on his way to
the beach for much of his young life.
"It really is a beautiful home," said the 13-year-old of the boarded up
Bavarian Tudor-style structure built in the 1920's.
From the building's sagging roof and the gaping hole in its back, it's
clear the young architecture buff is focused not on the home's decaying
present but rather on its storied past.
"My mom told me Helen Keller once lived there," said the eighth grader.
Local historians say the deaf and blind woman, once described as the
"first lady of courage," spent the summer of 1936 in the Southold
home with her long time teacher, Ann Sullivan. It was their last summer
together. Sullivan died in the fall of that same year.
The home remained in private hands until the 1960's when Suffolk County
took ownership. It has been under the Suffolk's watch, said county
legislator Edward Romaine, that the home fell to "wreck and ruin."
It is scheduled for demolition this summer.
That's where young Mr. Toy came in.
Last month, after learning of Keller's connection to the home, Toy
sheepishly asked his mother if he could try to save the home.
"He said, mom, I've been thinking about it for a couple of weeks; but, I
didn't know what you would think," remembered mom Claire Kennedy.
"I was all over it," said Kennedy,"I said, 'Ian- go for it!'"
Toy responded by setting up a "Save the Helen Keller House" Facebook
page that now has over 1200 friends. He also drew up an on line
petition, now signed by more than seven hundred people. And Toy began
e-mailing anyone connected to Keller or the home, even soliciting a
response of support from Keller's great niece.
Tuesday, Toy took his effort a step farther. He addressed the Suffolk
County legislature, urging lawmakers to stop the demolition and restore
the home.
"How do we want to be remembered? asked Toy of the legislators. "I want
to be remembered as someone who took care of my community and
contributed to preserving our past."
"From the mouths of babes, so to speak, comes the wisdom we should have
been listening to all along," said Romaine afterward. "Save your
history."
Romaine is now working to find upwards of four hundred thousand dollars
in county funds to rebuild the home. In addition, the town of Southold
may add the Keller home to its landmark preservation list, according to
Toy.
"I would like it to be a museum for the deaf and blind," said the teen,
as he stared out at the ruins he believes is the finest house on his
street.
Ms. Kathy's email
Visual Impairments Specialist
Westminster E S
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://mskathy.proboards30.com
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Submitted by Ray on May 12, 2010 — Leave a Comment
Teen Leads Fight to Save Helen Keller House
By GREG CERGOL
NBC New York
Updated 6:30 PM EDT, Tue, May 11, 2010
SourceLink:
http://deaftimes.com/usa-l/teen-leads-fight-to-save-helen-keller-house/
Ian Toy has been walking past the crumbling Southold home on his way to
the beach for much of his young life.
"It really is a beautiful home," said the 13-year-old of the boarded up
Bavarian Tudor-style structure built in the 1920's.
From the building's sagging roof and the gaping hole in its back, it's
clear the young architecture buff is focused not on the home's decaying
present but rather on its storied past.
"My mom told me Helen Keller once lived there," said the eighth grader.
Local historians say the deaf and blind woman, once described as the
"first lady of courage," spent the summer of 1936 in the Southold
home with her long time teacher, Ann Sullivan. It was their last summer
together. Sullivan died in the fall of that same year.
The home remained in private hands until the 1960's when Suffolk County
took ownership. It has been under the Suffolk's watch, said county
legislator Edward Romaine, that the home fell to "wreck and ruin."
It is scheduled for demolition this summer.
That's where young Mr. Toy came in.
Last month, after learning of Keller's connection to the home, Toy
sheepishly asked his mother if he could try to save the home.
"He said, mom, I've been thinking about it for a couple of weeks; but, I
didn't know what you would think," remembered mom Claire Kennedy.
"I was all over it," said Kennedy,"I said, 'Ian- go for it!'"
Toy responded by setting up a "Save the Helen Keller House" Facebook
page that now has over 1200 friends. He also drew up an on line
petition, now signed by more than seven hundred people. And Toy began
e-mailing anyone connected to Keller or the home, even soliciting a
response of support from Keller's great niece.
Tuesday, Toy took his effort a step farther. He addressed the Suffolk
County legislature, urging lawmakers to stop the demolition and restore
the home.
"How do we want to be remembered? asked Toy of the legislators. "I want
to be remembered as someone who took care of my community and
contributed to preserving our past."
"From the mouths of babes, so to speak, comes the wisdom we should have
been listening to all along," said Romaine afterward. "Save your
history."
Romaine is now working to find upwards of four hundred thousand dollars
in county funds to rebuild the home. In addition, the town of Southold
may add the Keller home to its landmark preservation list, according to
Toy.
"I would like it to be a museum for the deaf and blind," said the teen,
as he stared out at the ruins he believes is the finest house on his
street.
Ms. Kathy's email
Visual Impairments Specialist
Westminster E S
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://mskathy.proboards30.com
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Check out the American Association of the Deaf-Blind website!
A message from kathy
American Association ofthe Blind web site.
Please visit American Association of the Deaf-Blind today!
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.aadb.org/information/ssp/ssp_stories/ssp_eleanora_albasini.html?s_oo=btICZ5N7noGCJsFF0VBbUw..
American Association ofthe Blind web site.
Please visit American Association of the Deaf-Blind today!
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.aadb.org/information/ssp/ssp_stories/ssp_eleanora_albasini.html?s_oo=btICZ5N7noGCJsFF0VBbUw..
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