A Message of First-ever AADB Dinner Fundraiser from President Dan

Thursday, November 12, 2009 Dear Fellow Supporters of AADB, I’m Dan Arabie, President of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind. I would like to thank everyone for coming to AADB’s first ever Fund Raiser Dinner. AADB is deeply touched by your present and support for AADB’s advocacy in accessible technology for the deaf-blind people across the United States of America. For many years, technology has impacted greatly in the lives of the deaf, hard of hearing and others with disabilities. For the deaf-blind people, specialize assistive technology such as the large visual display (LVD) and the famous tellbraille (an braille TTY which the deaf-blind has fell in love with) have made a powerful impact for a short time, only to disappears from the market after several years which left the deaf-blind further behind once again, especially for those who have no other choices. While there are a few newer products out in the field, there are desperate calls for more and newer technology. It was only recently that the technology industries, the US Congress and many federal and state agencies are starting to take notice of the technology needs of the deaf-blind, thank to many supporting organizations such as Telecommunication for the Deaf (TDI), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), American Foundation of the Blind (AFB), Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) and many wonderful organizations who have helped AADB to make a difference in the deaf-blinds’ lives. Currently AADB is developing a five years strategic plan that will lead to newer technology, as well as making improvement with a few exist products that are now available. As you all probably know the deaf-blind population is very small, less than 1.2 millions people who have various degree of vision and hearing loss. This brings many challenges not for the manufacturers and invocators of assistive products, but for all organizations and agencies in serving the deaf-blind unmet needs. We expect the demand for these technology will continue to grow when the baby boomers reaches their golden years. Lastly, I would like to say that I’m proud of AADB, involvement with the various organizations in their advocacy. But our work is not done as we are still lagging behind with the rest of the people using accessible technology that will help improve our access to today’s society. On behalf of AADB and the deaf-blind community, I want, again, thank you to all of you for working with AADB and attending to our first Fund Raiser Dinner. Your participation in this event will make a major different in the lives of the deaf-blind community. Have a great night and enjoy your time with us. With Warm Regards, Dan Arabie

 

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