The Gay and Lesbian Community Center has received a grant from the Three Rivers Community Fund to fund the purchase of a TTY, or teletypewriter, machine for the hearing-impaired and equipment to record gay and lesbian publications on tape for the visually-impaired.
GLCC board member Deborah Aaron wrote the grant request for the center. She told Out the GLCC sought the funds because it “recognized the need to reach out to the hearing- and visually-impaired members of the community.”
The TTY line has already been installed, and an orientation was held in August to teach GLCC volunteers how to use the equipment. Aaron has invited hearing-impaired members of the community to call the GLCC—even if they don’t need information—so volunteers can get practice using the TTY machine. The TTY line uses the same phone number as the regular GLCC line: (412) 422-0114.
Out will be among the first publications to be put on tape by the GLCC for the visually-impaired, but Aaron stated that once the program is up and running the service may be expanded to include more publications. The tapes will be provided as a free service; once an individual registers for the service, tapes will be sent to them automatically on a regular basis. GLCC board chair Jim Fischerkeller said volunteers are needed to read publications for the recordings.
The Three Rivers Community Fund promotes social, racial and economic justice for all citizens in the region by supporting the work of grassroots organizations actively promoting social change. The grant to the GLCC provided approximately $1,800 for the purchase of the TTY equipment.
To volunteer as a reader, or to register to receive the publications on tape, contact Deborah Aaron at (412) 648-8272 or by e-mail at deboraha@glccpgh.org