Accessibility's In For Summer!

It's another great day on the accessibility front! Today, Representative Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Heather Wilson (R-NM) introduced "The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008" in the House of Representatives. While this bill includes measures that affect a variety of people with disabilities, we are pleased that it includes clear requirements for access to TV programs and receivers, extends access to Internet-based telecommunications technologies, and adds a new provision to clarify that text messaging must also be accessible under an existing law known as Section 255—all things that will greatly affect the lives of people with vision loss.

Today's events are the next steps in the long journey to bring about improved access to Internet-based communications devices and services, and television programs and receivers. A little over a month ago, my colleague and fellow blogger, Paul Schroeder, wrote about an important hearing that focused on the draft of this bill. I'm thrilled that we've taken another huge step toward making accessible communication devices for people living with disabilities a reality and hope we continue moving in the right direction!

For more details about the legislation, check out the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology's press release or an article that ran in today's Washington Post.

Our Friend Zoraida

Guest Blogger, Ellen Couch, AFB Information Center

I was so pleased to find out that one of AFB's Information Center volunteers, Zoraida Morrison, was featured in a recent New York Times article.

Zoraida has been a volunteer answering AFB's toll-free number a few times a week for several years now. She has helped countless callers not only with her broad knowledge of blindness and visual impairment, but also with her warmth and understanding. Just having Zoraida walk in the door—her energy, her big smile, and her fabulous hats—really brightens up the place. We in the Information Center love her and are glad that others now have a chance to meet this wonderful lady.

Check out the article in the City section of the NY Times.

ALERT! Justice Department to Propose Sweeping Revisions to ADA Regulations

Tomorrow is a big day for the disabilities community. We are expecting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue draft revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. If made final, the draft regulations would represent the most sweeping changes to federal ADA implementation and enforcement since DOJ's issuance of the original ADA regulations in 1991.

Once the proposed amendments are officially published, we hear the public will be granted an unusually short 60-day time period to offer comment on the draft regulations. The DOJ has made an unofficial advanced text available. While a thorough analysis of the proposed rules is not possible at this time, there are several areas of obvious interest to the vision loss community, including:

• Failure of the proposal to make clear the ADA's applicability to Internet-only places of public accommodation.
• Possible narrowing of the concept of service animals to those from particular species and that perform clearly identifiable tasks.
• Possible broader and better defined mandate for description of movies shown in cinemas.

As soon as we know more, we will provide readers with information regarding how to offer comment, as well as any supporting material and/or analysis that may be useful in preparing such comments. For now, visit the Public Policy section of our web site for more information.

Finally, on Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 10:00 am Eastern, the DOJ will be conducting an informational conference call to acquaint all interested parties with the scope and general features of the proposed rules, and DOJ has asked us to spread the word about this opportunity.

To join the call:
Dial: (202) 353-0879 or 1-800-521-6079 Pass Code: 3658#

June 17, 2008, Update: We have just been informed that the Department of Justice has cancelled the information conference call scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18. We will let you know when the call has been rescheduled.

Legally Blind

I always like to blog about blind or visually impaired individuals who are finding success in the workplace. Only July 14, Isaac Lidsky will start his position as a clerk for retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, reportedly becoming the Supreme Court's first visually impaired clerk. On top of starting his job with Justice O'Connor, Isaac is also heavily involved in his foundation, Hope for Vision, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of retinal degenerative diseases.

A great article ran in the Legal Times about Isaac, in which he's quoted saying, "It's critically important for people with vision loss to see that they can accomplish what they want to achieve. It's not a limitation." I applaud Isaac for pursuing his dreams and encouraging others to do the same. He's certainly ready to face the challenge that comes with being a clerk in the Supreme Court. I'm also really proud of the Supreme Court for hiring Isaac, a qualified and respected lawyer, who happens to be visually impaired. It's an encouragement to me to know the Supreme Court is making assistive technology available to Isaac so he's able to do his job the best he can.

If you're interested in learning more about the range and diversity of jobs performed by those who are blind or visually impaired, like Isaac, I recommend you visit AFB CareerConnect®. It's full of success stories and valuable information for job seekers of all ages.

Next Stop…Beijing

Guest Blogger, Marc Grossman, Accessibility Specialist, AFB Consulting

Physical fitness and exercise are an important part of my life. Just because I can't see myself in the mirror doesn't mean that I don't want to look good in my bathing trunks! One way I stay in shape is by training for and racing in triathlons. I entered my first triathlon two years ago. Though the course—consisting of a half-mile swim, sixteen-mile cycle, and three-mile run—may sound terrifying, as far as triathlons go, that one was not too bad. Unfortunately, the tandem bicycle I was riding broke down about halfway and my racing partner and I were unable to finish the race. It left me feeling really deflated, but I knew I would attempt to complete another race again.

So you can imagine the anticipation I felt yesterday as we pulled into the parking lot to get ready to race for the second time. Two years ago, it was about 50 degrees at race time and standing on the beach waiting to jump into the 68-degree water without a wetsuit was a teeth chattering experience. This year, however, race time temperatures were already nearing 80 degrees! As the race starter counted down from ten, my heart began pounding in my chest and when the horn blasted, signaling the start of the race, we made a mad dash to get out front. Matt (my racing partner) kept pushing me left and right to keep me on track to reach the buoy before we turned around to head back for the beach. My legs were still wobbly as we ran for the transition area to get ready for the bike and by the time it came for the run, the temperatures were in the 90s with no shade in sight. If it was not for the amazing fans lining the course cheering for the athletes, I might have packed it in and called it a day. Despite the conditions, Matt and I crossed the finish line in two hours and five minutes (and made a beeline for the water table!).

I would like to say thank you to the Achilles Track Club for all of their support. Thanks to my racing partner Matt, because if it were not for him, I wouldn't have made it very far at all. Finally, thank you to the staff and volunteers at New York Triathlon for putting on an amazing event and working to include athletes with disabilities in their races.