[Nfbnet-members-list] TEACH Act news: another op-ed, the video, and ACE

[McLarney, Lauren]

Hi Team

I have more news on the TEACH Act and our efforts to engage the 
higher ed lobby.  Kyle Shachmut has rocked it again with another 
op-ed, but this time in the Chronicle of Higher Education. The 
Chronicle is "the" publication in the higher education space, so this 
piece will get us invaluable exposure.  You can see the article here: 
<http://chronicle.com/article/A-New-Obstacle-for-Students/148795?cid=megamenu>http://chronicle.com/article/A-New-Obstacle-for-Students/148795?cid=megamenu. 


Also, "A Lesson on the TEACH Act" has gotten unprecedented 
viewership. Within only 5 days, we are just a few days shy of 
reaching 1,000 views.  As a reminder, you can hear Jamie, Sean, Deja, 
Gabe and every other blind student's story here: 
<http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0>http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0

Kyle's op-ed and the popularity of the TEACH Act video are just part 
of the amazing momentum we started last week.  The students blasted 
ACE on Twitter, President Riccobono's blog was passed around, the 
listservs (NFB and non-NFB alike) were buzzing about the Boston Globe 
op-ed, and the video has averaged over 150 views a day!  We heard 
through our networks that ACE had taken notice, so President 
Riccobono and the President of AAP reached out to ACE.  And yet, 
despite this good-faith effort to start a conversation and all of our 
momentum, we still have been unable to secure a meeting!  I firmly 
believed that ACE was just confused, but their empty statement and 
dismissive nature are making them look more arrogant than anything.

Let's use the op-ed and video as a springboard for a second round of 
advocacy.  Help us spread awareness about the TEACH Act by emailing 
your Member of Congress.  This is the last week they are available 
before they leave yet again for more campaign stumping!  And take 2 
minutes to put pressure on ACE by sending another Tweet. Below are 
some samples, and don't forget to use the hashtag #TEACHAct.

@ACEducation, when will we hear from you about #accessibility 
guidelines? #TEACHAct goo.gl/zAzx6w
@NFB_Voice is working on equal access for blind students. @Kyleshak 
asks, when will @ACEducation offer a solution? #TEACHAct goo.gl/zAzx6w
@Highered lobby rejects solution for blind students! @Kyleshak's 
@chronicle op-ed asks @ACEducation hard questions #TEACHAct goo.gl/zAzx6w
@ACEducation rejects #accessibility guidelines. They need a Lesson on 
the #TEACHAct <http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0>http://youtu.be/mU4MBIluhD0

Thanks for all that you do,
Lauren

Lauren McLarney
Government Affairs Specialist
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410.659.9314 ext. 2207

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the 
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise 
the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create 
obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life 
you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
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