JFActivist

TV Worth Watching: PBS Premieres Fred Fay Documentary Tonight

From AAPD (10.27.2011):

Tonight PBS will air the documentary “Lives Worth Living” about disability rights champion Fred Fay.   This is TV worth watching.  In an era when so much TV programming features people who are famous for being famous, we have a rare chance to learn about someone who moved mountains. 

Who was Fred Fay?  He was an architect of the disability rights movement.  He was a founder of the Justice for All web network.  He was an organizer, an innovator, and an inventor.  Working from a motorized bed he designed with three computer screens in reach, Fred Fay connected people to ideas and to each other.  Over the course of decades, he knocked down barriers for people with disabilities and helped change our landscape to be more accessible. 

Watch “Lives Worth Living” with your friends, family, congregation, classmates, or neighbors.  Launch a conversation-- what makes our lives worth living, and what would it take to fulfill our enormous potential as Fred did?  What can we invent?  Whom can we touch with our own gifts? 

For broadcast information visit:

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/lives-worth-living/film.html

Netflix Violates ADA, National Association of the Deaf Files Suit

via The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (6.16.11):

National Association of the Deaf Files Disability Civil Rights Lawsuit against Netflix

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Plaintiffs Charge that Netflix Violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by Not Providing Equal Access to its “Watch Instantly” Streaming Content

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the nation’s premier civil rights organization of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, announced the filing of a major federal lawsuit against Netflix today in U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, Western Division in Springfield, MA (Case No. 3:11-cv-30168). The lawsuit charges the entertainment giant with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide closed captioning for most of its “Watch Instantly” movies and television streamed on the Internet. 

The New York Times has described Netflix as the “only major player in the online-only video subscription business.” Netflix has over 60% of the streamed video services market share. 

An estimated 36 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing. The deaf and hard of hearing community has repeatedly expressed concerns—via letterspeetitionsbllogsanssoociamedia—to Netflix about its failure to provide equal access to “Watch Instantly.” 

“We have tried for years to persuade Netflix to do the right thing and provide equal access to all content across all platforms. They chose not to serve our community on an equal basis; we must have equal access to the biggest provider of streamed entertainment. As Netflix itself acknowledges, streamed video is the future and we must not be left out,” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins...

>>>To See the Full Press Release...

What additional advocacy steps do you think our community should take to place pressure on Netflix? Share your thoughts in comments below.

National Library Service Offers Accessible Materials

via The Library of Congress (6.3.11):

That All May Read . . .

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)

The Library of Congress' NLS runs a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail. The library also has a special music collection for people who are blind. Check your eligibility and find the closest library to sign up.

>>>For More Info...

Autism Self-Advocates' Movie Showing One Day Only

From Coalition of People of dis- Abilities of NYS- CPANYS (5.5.11):

Support a New Movie About Autism on May 12^th

100 Cities. One Night For Autism.
May 12th, 2011 at 7:30pm

On Thursday, May 12th, The Arc is proud to co-host the nationwide screening of a new film, Wretches & Jabberers, which follows two men with autism who embark on a global journey to change attitudes about disability, intelligence and communication. Self-advocates Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette's travels are chronicled by Academy Award-winning director Gerardine Wurzburg, and we don’t want you to miss an opportunity to see it!

To meet the demand to see the film after its initial screenings in April, a nationwide theatrical screening event was born – “100 CITIES. ONE NIGHT FOR AUTISM.” On Thursday, May 12th at 7:30pm, Wretches & Jabberers will be playing in 100 cities - probably one in your backyard - all to raise awareness about autism. To find out where this film is playing near you, to purchase advance tickets, or for more information, visit www.wretchesandjabberers.org

White House and DOJ Report Progress in Disability Rights Advocacy

From AAPD (4.29.11):

White House Monthly Disability Briefings

By Jenifer Simpson, Government Affairs, AAPD

On Thursday April 28, AAPD participated again in the monthly disability outreach call that is conducted by Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. These briefings focus on recent Administration leadership efforts and include key speakers working on disability policy and are open to anyone in the disability community, but are not press briefings. This call included some updates about the White House website in addition to presentations from Michael Strautmanis, who is Chief of Staff to  Valerie Jarrett (who is Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison) and by Mazen Basrawi, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice.

White House website upgrades: Kareem Dale mentioned first that there have been upgrades to the “Disabilities” link on the White House home page, including links to recent Presidential position statements, such as on the budget, international issues, etc.  There is also a new online form for questions on disability and related policy. Online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/disability-issues-contact  Dale said that he receives about 100 email inquiries a day but that all of them will be answered.

 
Photo of Michael Strautmanis

National Autism Month: Strautmanis spoke first and talked about the establishment of April as Autism Awareness Month and a presidential global initiative to expand autism awareness, research and education worldwide. He said that about one percent of children in the U.S. have autism spectrum disorders, including his own 14 year old son.  He emphasized the need for changes in dealing with autism, saying that the federal process has to involve intergovernmental coordination of the various agencies to look at causes, treatments and prevention. See WH Press Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/25/meeting-needs-people-autism

  Photo includes Mazen Basrawi in foreground

ADA Enforcement: Mazen Basrawi spoke next about the critical steps forward that DOJ is taking to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act.  He noted that his background included being an attorney as the Disability Rights center in California and working on the ADA Title III case that the National Federation of the Blind brought against Target for inaccessible websites.  Basrawi focused on recent DOJ efforts under Titles II and III, saying they had settled and reached agreements in 25 cases in 17 states over the past two years. He talked about the successes in their Project Civic Access, reporting that they had entered into agreements with 27 counties, cities or states for non-discrimination under Title II. He also mentioned the commitments reached under ADA Title III with the Hilton Hotels, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Quiktrip gas/stores and with movie theaters. He also mentioned the recent settlements made with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to make the online law school application process accessible to blind applicants as well as the agreements with five universities that schools cannot use inaccessible technology. Basrawi encouraged call listeners to let DOJ know about any concerns or complaints they may have with barriers to access.

 Baswari reported that DOJ had received over 1,000 comments and oral testimonies in response to their July 2010 Advanced Notices of Rulemakings involving

Accessibility of Web Information and Services Provided by Entities Covered by the ADA, Movie Captioning and Video Description, Accessibility of Next Gen 911, and about Equipment and Furniture. However, he did not specify when any NPRMs or final rules would be issued.

Advocacy Steps

1.      Read DOJ April 26 notice about ADA Settlement to Make Law School Application Processes Accessible to Blind Applicants http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/April/11-crt-519.html

2.      Read latest agreements reached under Project Civic Access and other ADA cases at http://www.ada.gov/new.htm

3.      If you are not already signed up for notices about the monthly White House disability briefings, send email to sfeuerstein@who.eop.gov and in the email provide your name, the name of your organization, your title, your email address and phone number and then you will be added to distribution list.

4.      For more on the Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), go to website at http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/  or send Email to info@autisticadvocacy.org

For further information on how AAPD works with the Administration, please contact policy@aapd.com

FCC Seeks Comment on Technology Access Bill

From AAPD (3.23.11):

Current FCC Open Rulemakings on Implementation of 21^st Century Comm & Video Accessibility Act

1.  Video Description: FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Video description is audio narrated description of televised programs during natural pauses.  Comments due Apr 18, 2011 and Reply Comments due May 17, 2011. Below are the URLs for this NPRM in Word, PDF and text formats:

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0311/FCC-11-36A1.doc

Link to Video Description NPRM pdf: http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0311/FCC-11-36A1.pdf

Link to Video Description NPRM in text: http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0311/FCC-11-36A1.txt

2. “Advanced communications.” FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on advanced communications services and products to be accessible by people with disabilities.  Advanced communications services are defined as (1) interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service; (2) non-interconnected VoIP service; (3) electronic messaging service; and (4) interoperable video conferencing service.  This includes, for example, text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and video communications. The NPRM also addresses web browser accessibility for people who are blind or visually impaired on their mobile phones, and other topics. Comments due Mar 14, 2011 and reply comments due April 13, 2011. Below are the URLS for this NPRM in Word, PDF and text format:

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0303/FCC-11-37A1.doc

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0303/FCC-11-37A1.pdf

http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0303/FCC-11-37A1.txt

3. NEXT GEN 911: FCC Emergency Access Advisory Committee (EAAC) requests people with disabilities to take a national on-line survey by April 24, to determine the most effective and efficient technologies and methods by which persons with disabilities may access Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency services systems. This is the technology used at 911 Public Service Answering Points (PSAPs). Among other things, the survey asks about accessing 911 services via video, text, and voice.  Survey results will be used by the EAAC to develop recommendations for FCC draft rules to ensure that people with disabilities can access NG 9-1-1 services.  Survey available in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) video. Link to the survey in English and ASL is at http://fcc.eaac.sgizmo.com/s3  Link to the survey in Spanish at http://fcc.eaac-es.sgizmo.com/s3

Action steps:

1. Advocates are encouraged to comment into the FCC dockets in these rulemakings to ensure strong final rules. Instructions for filing comments are inside the NPRMs. The website for filing Comments electronically at the FCC is at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=dmkia  If you have difficulty filing comments electronically, the FCC has a helpline at  202-418-0193 or via email to ecfshelp@fcc.gov
2. Please circulate information about these rulemakings and encourage others to comment.

 

Glee Rocks the AAPD Gala

 

From the JFA Moderator

Glee Rocks the AAPD Gala

The 2011 AAPD Image Award was received by the Cast and Creative Team of Fox's Television show Glee.  In attendance at the Gala was recurring cast member Lauren Potter, an actress with Down Syndrome who portrays the character Becky Jackson, cheerleader and assistant to Sue Sylvester.  In her acceptance speech, Potter spoke out against the pervasive bullying of people with disabilities and directed the audience to join her campaign at  www.AbilityPath.org.  Honored by the award, the principle cast sent the above acceptance video.  The evening concluded with a live performance by a local Glee club that includes young people with and without disabilities.  After the program and dinner finished, Fox sponsored the first ever after-party for Gala attendees to watch that evening's broadcast of Glee with Lauren. 

Links to coverage of GLEE at the AAPD Gala in a number of news and media outlets are posted below:

Washington Post Scene: 'Honoring the Disabled' at the AAPD Gala

MyFoxDC: 'Glee' Honored at American Association of People With Disabilities Awards Gala

The Hill: American Association of People with Disabilities Awards Gala

MyFoxDC: Glee Honored by American Association of People with Disabilities

BizNow:  AAPD Gala

 Washington Examiner: 'Glee's' Potter talks boys at AAPD Gala

K Street Kate: http://www.kstreetkate.net/

VSA Founder, Jean Kennedy Smith, Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

From VSA (11.18.10):

VSA Founder Jean Kennedy Smith Named Recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom

Yesterday, President Barack Obama named Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is the country’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made great contributions to U.S. security or world peace, or made other cultural or significant accomplishments. President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony in early 2011.

“Ambassador Smith is a pioneer,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA. “Because of her work, students of all abilities today have opportunities to express themselves and learn through the arts. Doors are open for artists with disabilities, and their work is being celebrated for its quality.  

“On behalf of VSA, our advisory board of directors, artists, and the seven million people touched each year through our work, we congratulate Ambassador Smith on this well-deserved honor.”

Ambassador Smith founded VSA in 1974. For 46 years, she has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, which provides grants to promote awareness and advocacy in the field of intellectual disabilities. Her book, Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists, written in collaboration with George Plimpton, was published by Random House in April 1993. President Clinton named Smith U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, where she played a pivotal role in the peace process from 1993 to 1998. Ambassador Smith is the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center.

 

About VSA

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is changing perceptions about people with disabilities around the world. Each year, 7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, which cover all artistic genres. VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.vsarts.org.

Horrifying Video Description on October 31

From AAPD (10.29.10):

by Jenifer Simpson,

Listen to Horrifying Video Description October 31, 2010

This Sunday, October 31 is Halloween 2010!  If you’ve never heard a movie audio described before, celebrate the holiday by listening to American Council of the Blind (ACB) Radio when it streams online, via web-based radio station, the full movie Night of the Living Dead (George Romero's original 1968 film) with complete audio description.

Tune in at 8:00 pm EDT at www.acbradio.org/world for the film with all of the classic film's spooky horror described in full by the  American Council of the Blind's Audio Description Project.  This was produced by ACB in collaboration with VITAC, a captioning & video description company. The described horror film  is also available for free on VITAC's website at VITAC.COM - Night of the Living Dead  and on VITAC's YouTube channel VITAC - You Tube - Night of the Living Dead 
 
Notice provided  by Joel Snyder, President, Audio Description Associates, LLC,  "The Visual Made Verbal"  ™, 6502 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD  20912. Email jsnyder@audiodescribe.com, tel  301 920-0218; Cell:  301 452-1898;   Fax: 408 445-0079. For more information about audio description, please visit http://www.audiodescribe.com/  or contact American Council of the Blind at Tel  202 467-5083. website www.acb.org/adp.

AMC Theaters Air Disability Employment Awareness Clip

From The Campaign for Disability Employment (10.5.10):

 
Now Showing! Campaign for Disability Employment’s “I Can” PSA Premiers on the Big Screen in AMC Movie Theaters

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is collaborating with AMC Entertainment to bring the “I Can” public service announcement (PSA) to select movie theaters nationwide, thanks to the efforts of one of the CDE’s founding partners, the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN).  The “I Can” PSA features seven people with disabilities sharing what they can do on the job when given the opportunity and reminds everyone that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.  “I Can” has aired nearly 20,000 times on national television and cable stations and more than 20,000 times on national radio stations.  The video, radio and print versions of the PSA have earned a combined estimated $8.2 million in donated media time.

This important collaboration with AMC Entertainment, will enable the CDE to reach moviegoers with the “What can YOU do?” message and remind everyone that people with disabilities want to work and that their talents and abilities benefit America’s businesses and economy.  

To locate a theater in your area, visit amctheatres.com.   To find tools and resources to foster a work environment that is inclusive of the talents and skills of qualified people with disabilities, visit whatcanyoudocampaign.org.
 
The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is a collaborative effort among leading disability and business organizations that seek to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities.  The CDE partners include:
• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD);
• National Business and Disability Council (NBDC);
• National Council of La Raza (NCLR);
• National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC);
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM);
• Special Olympics (SO); and
• U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN).