Summer 2007

Debbie Sommer with her interpreter Mindy Frankel and Kirk Adams attend a Public Policy Forum session.

Providing a significant opportunity for blind and Deaf-Blind individuals to get involved in government policy, The Seattle Lighthouse had a major presence at the National Industries for the Blind/National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NIB/NAEPB) Public Policy Forum this winter. President-elect Kirk Adams, Director of ECS & Government Affairs Paula Hoffman, Development Manager Melanie Wimmenauer, and Government Affairs Specialist Mark Landreneau were all in attendance, along with several members of Congress and government staff.

The Public Policy Forum included extensive information on the AbilityOne program. AbilityOne, formerly known as JWOD, is the program responsible for administering the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. This act requires federal agencies to purchase designated products and services from non-profit organizations employing people who are blind or have other disabilities. Mark Landreneau advocated for support of AbilityOne to government representatives in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Mark urged the continued support of AbilityOne and the purchase of blind-made Skilcraft products manufactured for federal customers. “This is important because Skilcraft helps blind and Deaf-Blind people find and sustain employment,” he says.

Debbie Sommer, production worker, had the opportunity to meet government officials on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. “I got to meet with several different senators from D.C.” says Debbie of her experience. “I met Senator Murray for the first time and thanked her for her support of the National SSP Pilot Proposal.” The SSP Pilot Proposal outlines a plan to train and provide Support Service Providers (SSPs) for Deaf-Blind people throughout the United States. SSPs are trained to provide assistance, guiding, access to communication, and visual information to Deaf-Blind individuals.

Debbie, who is Deaf-Blind due to Usher’s syndrome, says she was able to explain firsthand about how the Seattle Lighthouse has provided opportunities for her and others in the Deaf-Blind community. “I talked a little bit about myself and what I do as an employee at the Lighthouse, and the inequalities regarding jobs and opportunities for Deaf-Blind people in general,” she says.

The forum included several information sessions about the legislative process, grassroots strategies for educating the government, and creating opportunities for blind people through federal procurement policy.

“It really gives blind and Deaf-Blind people the chance to see how they can lobby their government and create change,” adds Mark.

Interpretation note: Both Debbie and Mark’s comments were translated from American Sign Language to English by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf-certified interpreters.

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