"Breaking Through Into the 21st Century" Campaign
Last Update:
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Email this pageThe American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) is proud to present our end of the year campaign, "Breaking Through Into the 21st Century," to support assistive technology and accessible training for deaf-blind people across the nation.
As we enter the holiday season, many people will call their families and loved ones to offer each other holiday wishes. Nothing beats the "personal" touch of reaching out to our family, friends and colleagues through the newest technology many of us now enjoy. Some deaf-blind people can call or email their families and friends.
Can't wait to help already? Donate Now!
But yet. there are many deaf-blind people who cannot just pick up a phone or turn on a videophone to call whoever they want. To make matters worse, older technology, such as the large visual display (LVD) and the famous Telebraille (a Braille TTY), has disappeared from the market, leaving deaf-blind people further behind.
Recently, a few new products have become available for deaf-blind people, such as the Deaf-Blind Communicator. Unfortunately, this is not enough. Many deaf-blind people are still calling out for more affordable technology and improvement of existing products.
Currently AADB is developing a five-year strategic plan that will lead to creating newer technology and improve existing technology. There is an estimated 1.2 million Americans who have varying degrees of hearing and vision losses. As they age, more Americans will experience both hearing and vision losses, and will need assistive technology to ensure their independence.
Technology industries, the US Congress and many federal and state agencies are just starting to take notice of deaf-blind people's technology needs, thanks to supporting organizations who have worked very hard to address our technology issues. One example is The 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act, now under consideration in Congress. This bill authorizes ten million dollars to help deaf-blind people purchase expensive telecommunication equipment, and sets aside government funds to assist deaf-blind people to have broadband access.
But our work is not done. We are still lagging behind other people in using accessible technology that will help improve our access to today's society. We need your help! Your participation in our "Breaking Through Into the 21st Century" campaign will make a major difference in the lives of deaf-blind people.
Here how you can help. Your gift of:
| $35 will - | Design and develop training materials presented in English and American Sign Language. |
| $70 will - | Help create training videos in American Sign Language which will be accessible to deaf-blind people with low vision. |
| $100 will - | Help set up workshops to train deaf-blind people to use assistive technology |
You can also support AADB's effort by giving any amount. You have quite a few options to give your donation:
- Secured Online Donation
- Phone:
- (301) 495-4403 Voice
- (301) 563-9107 videophone
- (301)495-4403 TTY
- Fax: 301-495-4404
- AIM: AADBOffice
- Or by Mail:
- AADB
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 121
Silver Spring, MD 20910
- AADB
Want to wish your family and friends happy holidays and invite others to support our "Breaking Through Into the 21st Century" campaign? Send them an eCard!
Please help us make affordable, accessible technology reachable for deaf-blind Americans. Your gift will help deaf-blind people be a part of today's society.
Thank you very much for your support!
Sincerely yours
Dan Arabie
President
