MECHANICSBURG – According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, approximately 90,000 Pennsylvanians are blind or visually impaired. The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind (PAB) has identified the need for a more efficient means to communicate with, and provide support to, visually impaired people across the Commonwealth.
Telecommunications has great potential to enhance both the quality of life of the residents of Pennsylvania and the vitality of its businesses. Many people who are blind or visually impaired often cannot access this resource either because of age, rural location or income level.
More importantly, emergency preparedness information is vital before and during a time of crisis and it is imperative that those individuals who are blind or visually impaired receive real-time communication in the event of an emergency.
In partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (a public development organization), PAB has created a survey to directly measure who has, or would like to, utilize broadband technology. “This survey will help us to accurately determine locations of the highest level of need in Pennsylvania,” says Elaine Welch, President/CEO of PAB.
In addition, PAB has partnered with the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley to conduct 15 Outreach Programs to educate and survey the community on current broadband connectivity and appropriate emergency preparedness management.
By completing the survey, you will provide PAB with the information to help overcome the challenges of connectivity that many people are facing in a time where telecommunications is becoming essential for living an independent life. PAB’s goal is to provide the blind and visually impaired community with the resources they need to live independently in their homes and to live product lives.
Visit www.pablind.org to complete the survey online or to see how you can participate in a Broadband Outreach Program in your local community.