Finding Described TV Just Got Much Easier!

The landmark Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) has begun a revolution in mainstream telecommunications and video technology accessibility. Among its many groundbreaking achievements, the CVAA mandates several of the most popular television networks to make some of their prime-time and children’s programs accessible to viewers with vision loss by adding video description. To help celebrate and promote this achievement, AFB has implemented a Described TV Listings page on their website, an online guide where visitors can determine which shows will be described as well as when they air.

Video description (sometimes called “audio description” or simply “description”) makes television programs and movies accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. Short verbal descriptions of action or key visual scenes in a program, such as setting, costumes, and facial expressions, are provided to add context. The descriptions are inserted into pauses within a program’s dialog.

Since July 1, 2012, the networks required to each provide approximately four hours of video description per week include ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, USA, the Disney Channel, TNT, Nickelodeon, and TBS. This expanded array of choices is a much-fought-for complement to the current rich menu of described programming that PBS has offered for many years.

AFB’s Described TV Listings initiative makes it easier to find which shows are described, allowing people with vision loss to enjoy their favorite shows alongside their sighted peers.

To learn which programs are being described and when they will air in your area, and to learn more about how to access them on your television, visit:
http://www.afb.org/tv

Abby Anderson and the Disney Princess

Abby Anderson, aged six, used to throw her hearing aids onto the floor out of frustration because she needed new ear molds so that they could fit and work properly.   Her mother Michelle, a pediatric nurse, understood her child’s frustration because she is hearing impaired, as well.  Even with all of her knowledge and connections, Michelle couldn’t find an appropriate provider for her daughter because, while Medicaid covered the initial cost of the aids, no Medicaid dispenser is   available locally to provide the necessary upgrades and continuous follow along required for children with significant hearing loss. Michelle was told that she might have to go as far away as Cooperstown to get new hearing aids for her child.

Fortunately, Michelle heard about AURORA’s new Children’s Hearing Aid Program (CHAP). The program was launched with funds from a private donor and a grant through the Gifford Foundation.   It is delivered through a partnership between AURORA of CNY, Inc. and Hear2 Learn Inc. that provides low-cost hearing aids and follow-up support for families who qualify financially.

 Michelle applied and her family qualified for the service. She describes her experience and the impact of the program on Abby: 

 “It’s been wonderful!  Abby never takes them out, she loves wearing them. We went to Disney and a Crunch game and she wore them the whole time.  She is proud of them and they are like a fashion statement.  She’s talking a lot more.”

Speaking about the support she has received   Michelle commended both the audiologist and AURORA’s Social Worker, Frieda Heckman saying:  “there has been good communication between the school and the audiologist, everything is compatible with the FM equipment at school and they are also thrilled.

 “It’s been a really smooth process, all around.” ~Michelle Anderson, Abby’s mom

“Dedicated, hardworking, reliable,”… that’s the description given by Kelly Kiggins, Executive Director of The Hearth on James for her two newest workers, Demetrius Stevens and Michelle McClean.  She was able to bring them on board through a partnership with AURORA’s Employment Services and a work force development initiative provided through the New York State Commission for the Blind known as Work Experience Training (WET).  The initiative offers paid employment training for workers on a vocational track toward employment.

The Hearth on James provides enriched housing through apartment living for 70 seniors.   It offers a warm and family-like environment that is secure, assuring the dignity and independence of all who live there.   Demetrius and Michelle joined the staff as members of the kitchen and housekeeping departments, respectively and according to Kiggins, “fit in with the team very well.”  As a result, Demetrius has been hired as a dishwasher and Michelle is still waiting for an opening in housekeeping.   Both say that they love their jobs and look forward to going to work every day.  

Creative partnerships like these are important because of the comparatively high rates of unemployment and underemployment for workers who are blind or visually impaired.  As Lise Mayo, AURORA’s Placement Coordinator explains, “the ideal goal is to find employment that is a good fit for both the employer and the job seeker.”  When she and Amy Carreno, Senior Counselor at the Commission for the Blind, approached The Hearth they were greeted with “openness and a willingness to work with both Demetrius and Michelle.”  Reflecting on the process of working with The Hearth, Lise relates that it is a fitting name because hearth means fireplace, which reflects the warmth and welcome of home. And that is exactly how both workers describe their jobs saying “It feels like family…just like home.”

A local chapter of the Glaucoma Foundation meets at AURORA on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.  The group discusses the latest in treatment, management and research as well as provides a forum for personal sharing among members.  For more information or to join the group contact local chapter president,  Mark Lesselroth at :  315.455.7404 or mark@brennerbd.com

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Each screening takes approximately 15 minutes; appointments can be scheduled by calling Aurora at 422-7263.

Vision screening is a non-medical test that evaluates a person’s visual acuity and checks for color-blindness, field-of-vision defects and other conditions. If the screening reveals a possible problem, a visit to a physician is recommended.

“People should call early so they can schedule a screening that’s most convenient for them,” said David DeFrancis,Aurora’s outreach director.

Aurora, the only non-profit that works exclusively with people in Central New York who are deaf, blind, visually impaired or hard of hearing, is a United Way agency of Central New York and Oswego and Cayuga counties.

Beginners ASL (Part I) – is for those students that have completed the Beginner ASL (Part I) or it’s equivalent (Permission of Instructor)
Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. beginning 
September 23, 2013 – November 11, 2013  
          
Intermediate ASL (Part II) – is designed for the beginning student
Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. beginning 
September 24, 2013 – November 12, 2013                          

Conversational ASL (Part III) – is for those students that have completed the Intermediate ASL (Part 2) or it’s equivalent (Permission of Instructor)  Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. beginning September 25, 2013 – November 13, 2013                   

Pre-registration is required for all classes.  No walk-ins will be accepted.  The fee for these eight week courses is $100.00 which includes all instructional materials.  Payment is due at the time of registration.  The class requires a minimum enrollment of 8 students and a maximum of 15 students.  Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis. 

If you would like to register or have any questions, please contact AURORA at 422-7263 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m.

As one of the largest non-profit interpreter referral agencies in Syracuse, NY MCIRS is at the forefront of the disability rights movement. We believe to live independently you need resources. Our Deaf services program coupled with our Interpreter Referral Service are the resources to make it happen.

Per Diem Interpreters are needed to work in environments such as medical, employment, legal, educational/post-secondary, meetings, emergency situations, high profile assignments, performance and other events as needed.  Independent interpreter contractors must have an understanding of Deaf culture and the ability to interpret under diverse conditions with sensitivity and professionalism.  The prospective interpreter is required to hold professional liability insurance.

Certified, Pre-Certified and non-certified Interpreters and graduates of ITP’s are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates may forward resumes to: mrussell@auroraofcny.org

The Hearing Loss Association of America will be holding their next information and support meeting on Saturday, December 8^th 2012.  The meeting will be held at the North Syracuse Community Center 2^nd Flr. on Church St. in North Syracuse at Noon.  All are welcome and are asked to bring a dish to pass.

This meeting is a valuable resource for those with questions or issues regarding hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Any questions please contact David DeFrancis at Aurora – 422-7263 or ddefrancis@auroraofcny.org.