If you are experiencing environmentally induced functional impairment from wireless technology (a.k.a. radiofrequency sickness, electrotoxicity, etc.), please take a moment to participate in the listening sessions below.  Environmentally-induced functional impairments are covered under the 2008 ADA Amendments [information attached].  

It is imperative that they hear from as many people as possible with narrow specific needs e.g. no wireless, especially WiFi, in public buildings and public spaces, especially medical facilities.  If you have time and are able to do so, please back up your story and the need for wireless-free public buildings and public spaces with research.  If not, your story and the stated accessibility barrier are sufficient. 

There are multiple ways to participate: in-person, by phone, and by email.  Please participate in the way that works best for you.  If you participate in-person or by phone, you will have a 5 minute time limit on your comment.  You will also need to register.  They ask that you please a written copy of your comments (or main points) as well, if possible.  That way there is a permanent record of your views that can be included in the final report.  

Please send a copy of those comments to your National Congressional Delegation (2 Senators and 1 Representative) Look them up at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm and http://www.house.gov/representatives/.  Ask that they stop funding wireless broadband, repeal section 704 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, give the EPA authority to establish population-based biologically-protective limits for wireless radiation, and ban WiFi from public buildings and public spaces.  They need to hear about this continually from everyone before they will act.  Only rarely do people take action on new information the first time they hear it.

Directory of Representatives · House.gov www.house.gov Directory of Representatives. Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific ...

U.S. Senate: Senators of the 114th Congress www.senate.gov Senators of the 114th Congress

Thank you for taking the time to participate.  Change will not happen without your active participation.

Best, Catherine

http://neweditions.net/meetings/nidilrr-stakeholder-listening-session

NIDILRR 2018-2023 Long-Range Plan

Stakeholder Listening Session

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) will be hosting a number of listening sessions across the country to help inform future funding priorities and strategic direction.  Mandated by Congress to develop a Long Range Plan every five years, the agency aims to continue to be responsive to the needs of key stakeholders – especially people living with disabilities.

“We fund some of the most talented and innovative researchers and technology developers in the country,” said NIDILRR Director, John Tschida.  “We need to make sure that this research and development focuses on improving the everyday lives of people with disabilities.”

NIDILRR will hold three-hour public meetings in the following locations. The meetings will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. local time.  You can attend in person, listen by phone or provide comments by email.

Note:  Please be prepared to show a government issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) and go through a security check point to access the building at each location.

Attendees should come Prepared to Answer the Following Questions:

·       What issues (barriers) make it challenging for you to be an active member of your community?

·       What improvements (name the top one or two) would make your daily life better?

·       What has changed, for better or worse, in the last five years that as affected your ability to achieve your goals?

“No subject is off limits during these conversations,” Tschida said. “People with disabilities lead diverse and complex lives. Understanding those details will help us determine how our future research and development opportunities should be focused.”

Note:  If you are planning to attend in person and would like to present comments, you will have 5 minutes to present. Please bring a written copy of your comments to the meeting so that we can maintain them as part of the record for the meeting.

NIDILRR’s Mission

NIDILRR’s mission is to generate new knowledge and to promote its effective use to (1) improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community, and to (2)  expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities.

Examples of NIDILRR project successes include:

·       Ensuring that accessibility features are incorporated into new and developing technologies, including internet browsers, computer operating systems, and mobile phones.

·       Developing the principles of universal design to ensure the built environment is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

·       Developing and growing model systems of rehabilitation to improve the functional abilities and long-term social participation outcomes of those with disabilities.

·       Supporting the maturation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) national network that provides training and technical assistance to businesses, individuals, units of government and others.

Attendance by Phone (New Phone Number)

You will be allowed to provide comments by phone and to join in the discussion. The phone line will be managed by an operator who will welcome you to the meeting and let you know when it is time for you to provide your comments or participate in the discussion.

If you require participation by CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) service, please let us know by checking the box on the registration page. A web-link to the real-time CART transcript will be emailed to you prior to the meeting date.

Provide Comments by Email

NIDILRR will accept written comments via email at [hidden email].  Please submit your comments by December 12, 2016.

Registration (only required if you plan to attend in person or listen by phone)

Register Online. You can also register by fax at 703-356-8314 or by phone at 703-356-8035 ext. 105.  Please register today!

For questions or assistance with registration, contact [hidden email], New Editions Consulting, Inc., 703-356-8035 ext. 105.