Spring 2000 Table of Contents
Versión Español de este artículo (Spanish Version)

Bits and Pieces

Do you have used hearing aids or eyeglasses? Usually, any place that sells glasses will accept old glasses (frames and lenses intact) and recycle them to people in need. Hearing aids may be sent to Starkey Hearing Foundation/Fund, 4248 Park Glen Road, Minneapolis, MN 55416 to be given to people who need hearing aids but can't afford them. Hearing aids may also be sent to Oye Amigo, Inc, Janet Kruegger, PO Box 5133, Austin, TX 78763. These hearing aids get recycled in Mexico and Central America.
The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is an independent group of statewide advocacy organizations working for progressive public policy on behalf of Texans with disabilities. They have a new website, www.dpctexas.org . Included on the website are sections for DPC's legislative platform, summaries of proposed legislation and appropriations issues. In addition, in the top right-hand corner of the website homepage you can gain access to the "Action Alert" page. This will be used to give timely information regarding issues the DPC feels require immediate action. This will be an important site as we enter a new legislative year.
Kids as Self-Advocates (KASA) is a club for teens that want to be heard on issues relating to disabilities. KASA is made up of teens and young adults with special healthcare needs, as well as their friends and siblings, speaking on their own behalf. Membership is free. For more information, contact Julie Keys, KASA/Family Voices, 900 N. Franklin, Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 642-2745. KASA has a web page that is part of the Family Voices website, http://www.ichp.edu/mchb/fv/kasa.html.
Specialized Telecommunications Devices Assistance Program, authorized during the 1999 Texas Legislature, requires the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH) to provide assistance to persons with disabilities to acquire a telecommunications access device or service suitable to meet their basic needs. TCDHH will receive applications, determine eligibility, and issue vouchers for the devices or services to eligible individuals. For more information, contact TCDHH at (512) 407-3250 (voice) or (512) 407-3251 (TTY).
Web-Braille, a new service of the National Library Service (NLS) is ready for use. Grade 2 braille books are available to be downloaded or for online use by eligible individuals, libraries, and schools with braille embossers, refreshable braille displays, and other braille-aware devices. To retrieve Web-Braille files, you can use whatever braille equipment and browser you find most comfortable. Web-Braille contains 2,672 books and is growing. To get a user ID for Web-Braille, contact the library that handles your braille magazine subscriptions. (In Texas, that is the Texas State Library, contact them at (800) 252-9605). You will be asked to select a password and provide an e-mail address. Questions? Contact Judy Dixon at jdix@loc.gov or (202) 707-0722.
A new law gives non-English speaking parents of students with disabilities the right to have important information in their native language. From the amended Texas Education Code:

"If the child's parent is unable to speak English, the (school) district shall:

Provide the parent with a written or audio taped copy of the child's IEP translated into Spanish if Spanish is the parent's native language; or
If the parent's native language is a language other than Spanish, make a good faith effort to provide the parent with a written or audio taped copy of the child's individualized education program translated into the parent's native language."

Parents may be interested in What a Good IDEA! The Manual for Parents and Students about Special Education Services in Texas. The manual was updated to include the final regulations from the 1997 reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To order a copy, contact either The ARC of Texas at (800) 252-9729 or Advocacy, Inc. at (800) 252-9108. Copies cost $10 and are available in Spanish as well as English. English audio taped copies are also available. Copies are available free of cost from Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (formerly known as Texas Commision for the Blind) by contacting your child's BVICP Caseworker.
Go to http://www.freedomforum.org/newsstand/reports/telability/printdir.asp if you want to download the 1999-2000 edition of America's Telability Media. This 320-page book describes resources concerning access to mass media for persons with disabilities.
Go to http://www.worksupport.com. Your gateway to information, resources, and services regarding the employment of people with disabilities. This site features updates in the following areas: accommodations, bridge to employment, disability management, law and policy, supported employment, workforce diversity, and workforce training.
The Deaf-Blind Theatre Access project has a manual for making theatre accessible to the deafblind. The purpose of this manual is described as follows: "Too often, entertainment is out of reach for people who are deaf and blind (deafblind). The challenges of communication and mobility can keep deafblind people at home, isolated. Yet, with specially trained interpreters, close-up seating, and an opportunity to experience sets, costumes, and props through touch, deafblind people can experience the magic of theatre."
Go to http://www.dac.neu.edu/nuiep/tap/. to view the manual or call the Interpreter Education Project for New England at Northeastern University at (617) 373-2463 (voice) or (617) 373-4302 (TTY).
A new book from Pro-ED is entitled, Finding Wheels: A Curriculum for Non-drivers with Visual Impairments for Gaining Control of Transportation Needs. The authors, Anne Corn and Penny Rosenblum, were inspired to write this book based on the memories of being visually impaired teens who were not learning to drive at the time their peers were. They have written a book that helps teach strategies to a person with visual impairments to be a successful non-driver and maximize independence. The book cost $34.00 and may be ordered from Pro-Ed at (512) 451-3246 or online at www.proedinc.com.

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Last Revision: July 22, 2004