Letter to the Editor: Program Helping Deafblind Danvers Resident at Risk

To the Editor:   

The proposed 2013 state budget includes eliminating funding for services that will dramatically impact me and other deafblind citizens here in Massachusetts. As it stands, the funding for the Deaf-Blind Community Access Network (DBCAN), which is part of line item 4110-1000 under the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, is slated to be cut by $450,000.

This is incredibly distressing for us, as DBCAN is one of the most important agencies to help prevent isolation for people who are deafblind. DBCAN enables us to operate independently in the community by providing us with access to basic human activities such as transportation to work, medical appointments and church, shopping, organizing our homes, doing laundry, among many other tasks.

When we are with providers from DBCAN we are not alone. I read braille, but with the help of DBCAN providers I have access to printed materials like my mail. My providers also drive me to get essential errands done like food shopping and getting to the drug store. Without them, we would be forced to rely on family and friends – not an option for everyone – and we would lose our status as independent adults.

We are asking our lawmakers to keep the funding at the current level so that we can maintain the quality of our lives and remain independent, productive members of society who contribute to our state’s economy.

With regards,

Eleanora Albasini
eliajw@verizon.net