Winter 2002

Lighthouse Launches Deaf-Blind Technology Distribution Program

Thanks to an appropriation earmarked in last year's federal budget, the Seattle Lighthouse recently began a pilot program to improve technology access in the lives of people who are Deaf-Blind. "We won't come close to meeting the needs in the community," says Seattle Lighthouse Deaf-Blind Teaching and Technology Services Manager Amy Koehl. "But this program will let us show the huge need and the way access to technology changes people's lives."

Essentially, the project places specially adapted computer equipment in the homes of selected Deaf-Blind individuals and monitors the effects on their daily lives. "The first month we received over 20 applications," Amy says. "We have about $160,000 to spend on equipment. That sounds like a lot, but assistive technology is very expensive. At our first meeting to approve equipment for the first three participants, we spent $20,000." Project applicants are carefully screened. "They need to have the skills necessary for the equipment they are requesting. For example, if a person is just beginning to learn to read braille, they will not receive an $11,000 refreshable braille display for their computer until they have acquired the requisite skills," continues Amy.

Fortunately, Deaf-Blind people can gain those necessary skills in our Technology Training Center (TTC). The center, established by a previous federal appropriation, boasts five adapted training stations and two uniquely qualified instructors. Bruce Visser, Deaf-Blind due to Usher Syndrome, communicates with American Sign Language, and concentrates on teaching computer skills for independent living. Meanwhile, Di Black, also a fluent signer, focuses on teaching work-related computer skills. "Both the TTC and technology distribution program are open to both Deaf-Blind employees and Deaf-Blind members of the community at large," Amy adds. "We do give those living in western Washington priority."

Participants in the technology distribution program begin with an evaluation by TTC staff to identify training and equipment needs. "People in the program must have a practical need for the equipment, a clean and safe place for it, and be responsible for maintaining the equipment after the pilot program ends," Amy adds. "They also must commit to reporting back once a month on the ways in which they have been using their equipment and give examples of how access has affected their lives. This will give us the data we need to seek additional funding and to expand the program."

For more information about the Deaf-Blind Technology Distribution Program, contact Amy Koehl at 206-436-2213 TTY, 206-436-2106 Voice or email akoehl@seattlelh.org.

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