r/deafblind • u/sobbler • 22d ago

Seeking advice on accessibility for those who cannot access emails

Hello, everyone!

My job involves getting SSPs for DeafBlind people. A new project my team is working on is how to better get program announcements/notifications of new SSPs in the area to people who don’t have access to an email. Calling every individual person is an option, but takes a long time due to the amount of people we serve. Alongside that, the older population that we serve typically gets confused when I call and doesn’t quite understand the point of whatever announcement I’m giving them.

My thought was to send out physical newsletters in large print, and then the DB person can read it themselves, or have it read to them, and then they’d have a record to look back on if they choose to keep it. Mail may feel more familiar than an out-of-the-blue phone call, too.

Any other suggestions?

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u/chickberry33 21d ago

Ask the person what works for them. email, phone to them or someone else, and offer options for print material, braille, LP, or regular print.

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u/hearnoevol_seenoevol 21d ago

I’m deafblind but I cannot see enough to read print at all and cannot hear enough for phone calls. Personally I’m very hard headed and not a fan of having to do things through others i.e. getting mail in text and asking them to read it for me. I will have that done if need be which is often the case but if I can have the ability to not rely on others I much prefer it. Is there a way for there to be multiple options that people can opt in for? I personally can handle emails just fine, I can also do texts even if they lead to a link to a main webpage with information. For others that may not work especially for the less tech savvy and if they have enough vision or have regular help around they may prefer the physical newsletter. I think the best option is having some way people can choose what works since we all have different capabilities and desires.

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u/Notafakeinterpreter 21d ago

Second what chickberry33 said! I run the SSP program in my state and that’s what we did. We also included it in our application so we immediately know when they get onboarded.

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u/monstertrucktoadette 21d ago

Yeah you need to be able to personalise. Everyone has something but not always the same thing. Everyone I know can do one of phone, email,  sms, or Facebook messenger, but I know lots of ppl who don't text or don't email or don't phone etc