American Association of the Deaf-Blind

A New Beginning

A Petition to Bring Back the
Deaf-Blind Technology in HR 3101
(Easy to Read)

Posted: July 7, 2010

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Deaf-Blind Young Adults in Action
Pleasanton, California 94588

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

July 6, 2010

On June 30, 2010, the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and The Internet met to “mark-up” or make last minute changes to H.R. 3101. H.R. 3101 moved ahead. It may soon be passed.

We, members of the deaf-blind community and its supporters, want to thank the House for making sure that everyone with disabilities has equal access to 21st century communications like the telephone or Internet. But we are very disappointed to learn that Section 105 (b) was taken out of H.R. 3101. Section 105 (b) would provide funding up to $10 million to help deaf-blind people get equipment they badly need to use the Internet, make telephone calls, and send emails or Instant Messages to each other. Because Section 105 (b) has been taken out, this means deaf-blind Americans will be left behind and many will not be able to use the Internet or phone even though other Americans with disabilities can take advantage of the Internet.

Deaf-blind Americans need very, very expensive equipment to use the Internet, computers, and phone communications. If the House takes out Section 105 (b) entirely, many deaf-blind people will be completely left out of any part of H.R. 3101.

Technology is a very important part of American society. But deaf-blind people cannot fully participate in American society and live productive lives without technology. Many deaf-blind Americans cannot afford technology that many sighted and hearing people can get very easily. For example, the Deaf-Blind Communicator is the only mobile device that provides TTY and other types of telephone communication. The Deaf-Blind Communicator costs $8,000 alone. A mobile device like the iPhone costs anywhere between $100 and $600, but it isn’t accessible to many deaf-blind people.

Because the deaf-blind community is small, we believe it should not cost very much to provide money to develop and distribute assistive technology to deaf-blind people, and teach them how to use it. We think Congress can use the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund to help pay for equipment for deaf-blind people. This way, we can make sure that deaf-blind people can also participate in and contribute to society.

Around 70,000 deaf-blind people can use a very limited number of technology. The technology are usually provided by a few states or nonprofit organizations that do not always have funding available for costly equipment needed by deaf-blind people. Also, many businesses who make assistive technology do not often make products for deaf-blind people because they are concerned that the technology is too expensive to make. Businesses are also concerned that not many deaf-blind people can afford to buy the technology. Section 105(B) of H.R. 3101 may be able to help manufacturers make more new and better products for deaf-blind people. Section 105 (b) may also help our nation’s economy by creating some new jobs. This way, deaf-blind people can have access to 21st century communications. They can live independent and productive lives.

If Congress can make sure that deaf-blind people have equal access to 21st century technologies that enable them to participate in every part of American life, America would become a model of equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The same technologies used by deaf-blind people can also benefit blind people, such as veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and aging Americans who might lose some or all of their vision. If Congress can give money to make it easier to develop and distribute 21st century technologies for people who are deaf-blind, our country can enhance the lives of deaf-blind people and people with disabilities in general all over the world. We urge Congress to make sure that deaf-blind people are not left out of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.

I am signing this petition along with other deaf-blind Americans. I urge Congress not to forget about deaf-blind people in America. I want action now, please! Please restore Section 105(B) of H.R. 3101 and make sure deaf-blind people have the same opportunities in 21st century America as everybody else!

Mussie Gebre – Pleasanton, CA

Signature

You have two options:

Like paying for an $8,000 device to make phone calls?

Congress just removed Section 105 (b) from the bill, called 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009. This section would give up to $10,000,000 in funding to help deaf-blind people purchase expensive technology equipment to make phone calls, access the Internet, and have access to telecommunications.

Demand that Congress put Section 105 (b) back to HR 3101!

Help the deaf-blind community by by signing this petition...