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The state of Georgia has scheduled the testing of the new Direct Record Electronic Systems (DRE) in the hope that this system will make voting more widely accessible to people with disabilities. DRE uses automated ballots and smart cards to record ballot choices. These systems offer portability, audio capabilities using headphones and a sip and puff mechanism. The testing, scheduled for November 6, 2001, will take place in Buena Vista, Canton, Dawson, Decatur, Hogansville, Lagrange, Lithonia, Reidsville, Rome, Statesboro, Suwanee, Thomasville, and Westpoint. If testing proves to be successful, these systems may be incorporated into polling places throughout Georgia for the next presidential election in 2004.
Center for Independent Living of North Florida has a number of exciting activities planned for all those interested in taking part in the Recreation Action Program for Adults with Disabilities. Every Wednesday from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. they offer a wheelchair tennis program at Winthrop Park. They are also planning a billiard night and self-defense training program. For more information or to express interest in additional activities, call (850) 575-9621, ext. 221.
Gulf States Theater chain, thanks to advocacy efforts by deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and visually impaired movie fans, has installed Rear Window Captioning and DVS Theatrical systems. These systems, developed by the Media Access Group, "enable children and adults with disabilities, their families and friends to attend first-run films on the day and date they debut." For theater locations or for further information, contact the Media Access Group at WGBH online.
Center for Independent Living of North Florida (CIL/NF) has recently restructured their computer program. Qualified consumers can participate in computer training. Successful completion of the training will make the participant eligible to receive a computer. To be eligible for the program, you must have been an active CIL/NF consumer for at least six months and have demonstrated financial need. Space and supplies are limited, needs will be met on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call (850) 575-9621, ext. 234.
Tennessee Technology Access Project (TTAP) is interested in learning whether or not Tennesseans with disabilities would be interested in the Alternative Financing Program (AFP). AFP, currently unavailable in Tennessee, offers individuals an opportunity to apply for low-interest loans to be used for the purchase of devices that would allow individuals to live more independently. TTAP wants to know: 1) If such a loan program were offered in Tennessee, would you apply? 2) If yes, for what types of Assistive technology devices and / or services would you most be interested in getting a loan? Please respond to Kevin Wright, the executive director of TTAP by either calling 800-732-5059 (Voice) or (615) 741-4566 (TDD) or by e-mailing ttap@mail.state.tn.us.
Speech to Speech (STS) is a new telephone service for individuals with speech disabilities being introduced by the State of Tennessee in compliance with a recent Federal Communication Commission ruling. The service will eliminate the need for a TTY (text telephone) device by allowing callers to use their own voice, voice synthesizer, or voice enhancer. Specially trained Communication Assistants will then revoice what the caller has said to the listener. STS is an excellent service for individuals with Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy or any other disability that makes it difficult to communicate via speech. This service is free of charge and is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To utilize this service in English call (800) 229-5746, in Spanish call (866) 260-9470. If you would like more information on this service, call (800) 342-8359 (Voice) or (888) 276-0677 (TTY).
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