KABVI NEWS - Volume 47, Spring 2004

TANTILIZING TIDBITS

Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities: In August 2002, the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office), established a toll free telephone number that consumers who experience disability-related air travel problems may use to obtain information and assistance. The aviation consumer disability toll-free hotline, which is staffed from 7 am to 11 pm local time in Washington, D.C., seven days a week, provides general information to consumers about the rights of air travelers with disabilities and assists air travelers in resolving time-sensitive disability-related issues that need to be addressed in real time. Unfortunately, many members of the public are still not aware of the existence of the hotline and as a result the hotline is not being fully utilized.

To increase awareness of the existence of the hotline and in response to a disability rights advocate's suggestion, the Department has produced and has available business cards with the toll-free hotline number, which can be easily carried by air travelers who are disabled. The Department has also begun enclosing this hotline business card, which is in print form on one side and has Braille superimposed on the back, with the letters we send to passengers with disabilities advising them of the outcome of the office's investigation of their disability-related complaints about air travel.

At this time, the Enforcement Office would like to provide your respective organizations an opportunity to obtain up to 50 hard copies of the card with the Departmental logo for distribution to your members. If you are interested in receiving hard copies of the hotline business card, please contact the hotline, at 1-800-455-9880 to obtain assistance.

The Enforcement Office is committed to improving the quality of air transportation for people with disabilities and believes that with your help the toll-free hotline can be a major factor in accomplishing this goal. - Samuel Podberesky, Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings

Mobile Phone Organizer Unveiled for Visually Impaired: The Netherlands operation of California-based ALVA Access Group, known As ALVA B.V., launched an integrated cell phone and personal organizer. ALVA specializes in assisted information technology for the blind and Visually impaired. Its MPO 5500h phone and personal organizer puts resources, such as people, data, and documents, at the user's fingertips in one small, durable device that can be carried in a pocket, book bag, or briefcase, and can be accessed using Braille or speech. The device offers all the key features traditional cellular phone and PDA users have come to expect, with additional features incorporated for the blind and visually impaired. (Source: PR NewsWire)

Parent/Family Weekend; Increasing Outcomes for Learners With a Visual Impairment and Significant Support Needs (birth through 21) and to their service providers. March 26-28, 2004. Housing, Meals, Presentations, and Child Care provided at No Cost.

CONTACTS: For Registration Information - Gaye Letts, Public Service Administrator, Kansas State School for the Blind; 1100 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102. Phone: 1-800-572-5463 ext. 306. E-mail: GLetts@kssb.net.

For Program Information - Anne S. Nielsen, Ph.D. Statewide VI Support Project Coordinator, Kansas State School for the Blind, 140 Bethany Drive, Manhattan, KS 66503-3010. Phone: 913-620-3045. Fax/phone: 785-539-6761. E-mail: anielsen@ksu.edu.

For additional downloadable brochures refer to the KSSB website at www.kssb.net.

KATCO Provides Financial Assistance: The Kansas Assistive Technology Cooperative (KATCO) is a consumer run financial loan guarantee program established to allow people with disabilities, or members of their families, to borrow money to purchase assistive technology or home modifications. KATCO guarantees loans through the statewide MidAmerican Credit Union. The program is highly individualized. People of all income levels and credit histories are considered. for complete information about KATCO, phone 1-800-526-3648 or contact Chuck Bender at (620) 626-6355. Visit their website at www.katco.net.