HOT-LINE TO DEAF-BLINDThe American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults publishes Hot-Line to Deaf-Blind, a free, weekly Braille newspaper for deaf-blind people. It was first published in November of 1964. It is a summary of the most current news stories. Since deaf-blind people do not have access to the newspaper or to radio or television, this news summary is very important. In the rush to do ordinary daily tasks, friends and relatives often neglect to inform deaf-blind individuals about current events. This seems like a small thing, but it is not. It can lead to misunderstandings and to an increased sense of isolation. One example illustrates the point. One deaf-blind woman did not know that America had a space program until Apollo XI landed on the moon. Naturally, she thought the person who casually mentioned the moon walk to her was either crazy or making a bad joke at her expense. When one can both see and hear, little thought is given to knowing the basic happenings in the world. It is nearly inconceivable to imagine not knowing, for instance, that a major earthquake has taken place in California, or that America is at war. Here is how a Hot-Line reader puts it: “Just a few lines to let you know how grateful I am, as a deaf-blind reader of Hot-Line, for the prompt bulletin about the earthquake. Even if we have no personal friends involved, we deaf-blind all like to know as soon as possible what is going on, and those living alone, as I do, are often the last to find out. My sister did mention it to me yesterday, but requiring so much spelling, she didn't go into detail. Coming on the heels of Hugo as it has, makes me feel that Armageddon is surely at hand. I do feel for all involved.” And, from another reader on the Persian Gulf War: “This is a long overdue thank you to all who make Hot-Line to Deaf-Blind possible. I've been a reader since it first started, and it is getting better and better all the time. For us who can neither see to read the papers nor hear the news on radio and TV, this little newsletter means more to us deaf-blind than you folks can ever imagine. Lately you are going into great detail to let us read about the big crisis in the Middle East. Please keep Hot-Line coming. It means so much.” And, finally, from a brand new reader, on Hurricane Andrew: “I have just last month started receiving your newspaper for the deaf-blind, “HOTLINE.” On Saturday, August 29, 1992, I read about Hurricane Andrew hitting the Florida coast on August 24. Now that's getting the news to us really fast. It is more up-to-date than anything in Braille I have gotten. Please show this letter to the editor, because he does such a good job of picking out the most important events to tell about, which would really be a challenge. Thank you for all of your services to the blind and deaf-blind. Things for the deaf-blind in Braille are really hard to come by.” Until 1992 Hot-Line to Deaf-Blind was published only every two weeks. During the Gulf War our readers were so anxious to know what was happening that we produced an edition each week. At the end of the War we were urged to continue the weekly service, and we have done so. It is not hard to see why the Hot-Line to Deaf-Blind is deeply appreciated by so many deaf-blind people. The Hot-Line to Deaf-Blind is distributed world-wide, but is limited to the deaf-blind and to institutions serving the deaf-blind. The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults is committed to helping deaf-blind people get the information they need to take part in society. |