[Athen] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: Update on TEACH: video and more

[Thompson, Rachel]

FYI

Dr. Rachel S. Thompson
Director, Emerging Technology
Center for Instructional Technology
University of Alabama

Begin forwarded message:

From: "McLarney, Lauren via Nfbnet-members-list" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>>
Date: September 9, 2014, 4:25:26 PM CDT
To: "nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>>
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] FW: Update on TEACH: video and more
Reply-To: "McLarney, Lauren" <LMcLarney at nfb.org<mailto:LMcLarney at nfb.org>>


Hi team:

I am writing with a progress report on the TEACH Act!  This afternoon we released a video, “A Lesson on the TEACH Act,”<http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0> which can be found on NFB’s YouTube page<http://www.youtube.com/nationsblind>.  It features a few recognizable NABS members, a school rep, an industry rep, a senator, even some NCB staff, you name it!  Our hope is that you will circulate this video to your friends, family, and networks to spread the message about the problem of inaccessible instructional materials and the amazing solution that is the TEACH Act.  This problem hits home for many of you, especially those of you in high school or higher ed, and yet so many people have no idea what it is like for blind college students or why this problem exists in the first place.  We tried to answer those questions in the video, and used a fun style to sell our solution and inspire others to help.  We are also experimenting with different forms of video description, so here is a short description of “A Lesson on the TEACH Act”:

Beginning segment:  LM is sitting in the auditorium.  First, four random people from the street give their perception of technology and the impact it has had on students with disabilities.  Next, four blind students describe their reality over video conferencing software.  During introductions, cartoon sun rays in different colors swirl behind their head.

Second segment:  LM discusses the TEACH Act.  Towards the end, a ticker runs along the bottom length of the screen repeating “guidelines!...guidelines!...guidelines!” followed by a flashing ticker that reads “no mandates!” and another that reads “no new requirement!”

Third segment: A clip of Lucy France from the University of Montana addressing the 2014 NFB National Convention about the need for more information, and Allan Adler in the Association of American Publishers conference room discussing the importance of guidelines.

Fourth segment: LM narrates checking items off of a checklist.  Pictures of six senators spiral onto the screen.  At the end, LM asks: “Since when have these two ever seen eye-to-eye on anything?” and a giant red question mark appears on the screen.  The checklist is displayed and bipartisan support is checked.  A list of groups that endorse the bill is read, while those names fall from the sky into a pile at the bottom of the screen.  LM says: “That’s pretty much everyone,” and a giant red explanation point appears on the screen.  The checklist reappears and endorsements is checked.  The AIM Commission Report cover page is displayed, and then recommendation #1 is read aloud while the words are highlighted.  LM says: “Not just any recommendation, recommendation #1,” and a giant red #1 appears on the screen. The checklist reappears and data is checked.  Finally, a screenshot of the Change.org<http://Change.org> petition is displayed and the number of signatures is circled.  LM says: “That’s a lot of people,” and a giant red WOW appears on the screen.  The checklist reappears for a final time and public support is checked.

Fifth segment: LM makes a call to action.  Blind students describe why they want Congress to pass the TEACH Act.  Senator Warren appears.  She is seated at a table, filmed from the side, and seems to be in front of an audience speaking into a microphone.

Right now is a critical time:  students just got back to school, Congress just got back to session, and the higher education lobby just came out against our initiative. This video is part of the momentum, so view, share, and TEACH!

Speaking of momentum, did you catch President Riccobono’s blog post about ACE’s opposition to the bill?  It summarizes ACE’s position, NFB’s reaction, and our hope for common ground.  You can find it at http://bit.ly/1uAjI2X.  And did you catch Kyle Shachmut’s op-ed that ran in the online version of the Boston Globe?  The NFB of MA President calls out the presidents of institutions of higher education in MA that serve on ACE’s board.  You can read that at http://bit.ly/1tsYVh8.  Even better, NABS has started a Twitter frenzy.  Join them and tweet @ACEducation about President Riccobono’s blog post or Kyle’s op-ed, or express your outrage with something short like, “@ACEducation, why do you oppose accessibility guidelines? Equal access for blind students.” If you’re super busy, simply retweet a blind student like Sarah Patnaude (@Sarah2346) who said: “@ACEducation @AASCU: why make it harder for blind students by opposing #accessibility guidelines? #TEACHAct http://ow.ly/3qfxnC.”  We have heard through the grapevine that we have gotten ACE’s attention - let’s keep the TEACH Act on their radar!

Let’s keep making noise,
Lauren

Lauren McLarney
Government Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410.659.9314 ext. 2207

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