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Vol. 2, No. 5, Sept/Oct 1994 |
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Opportunities...
Support Group Formed for Teens with Disabilities
A new social support group is being organized for teenagers interested in talking about their disabilities and the challenges they present. This is a great opportunity for young people to discuss and work out problems they may be encountering in school, at home, on the job, with friends, or with parents-and to share pizza or goodies with others in the same situation! The group is for young people with disabilities aged 13 through 19. For information, contact Steve Blatchford at (302)322-5374-leave a message if he's not there.
Newsletter Available for Wheelchair Users
Wheel Life News is available from the University of Virginia Rehabilitation Engineering Center and includes information and resources specifically for wheelchair users. For a free subscription, contact:
University of Virginia
Rehabilitation Engineering Center
Box 1855
University Station
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804)296-7288 (V)
(804)982-HEAR (TDD)
New Emergency Warning Systems Designed for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Populations
When warnings of tornadoes, flooding, or hazardous material spills are issued, most of us listen for updates and advisories on the TV or radio or can hear the sirens sounding from the nearest emergency management facility. But, for people that are deaf or hearing-impaired there has been no reliable system to warn of such impending emergencies.
Now, however, with the help of advocacy agencies like the International Police Relations Council for the Deaf, there are two new emergency warning systems available. First, special yellow flags with the hand sign for "to warn" are being sold to businesses and local governments throughout all 50 states. These will be publicly displayed at the first warning of severe weather or an emergency situation so that people who are deaf and hearing-impaired will know to take cover.
Second, a pillow vibrator has been developed that would awaken deaf people from their sleep when triggered by a National Weather Service warning. During the day, the unit would activate designated lights within a home or business. For further information, contact:
Col. Rodney Jackson
The International Police Relations Council for the Deaf
1919 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20006
(513)821-0013 (V/TTD)
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities Offers No-Cost Resources
NICHCY is a free information source funded through the Office of Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. While focusing on children and youth from birth through age 22, the Center in Washington, DC offers personal responses to questions on disabilities and disability-related issues, referrals to other informational and support organizations, publications, information searches of NICHCY's databases and library, technical assistance to parent and professional groups, and materials in alternate formats and in Spanish-all at no cost! For more information, contact NICHCY at (800)695-0285 (V/TDD) or at P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013-1492.
