News
December 3, 2010
Technology for Blind Users to be Featured on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on Sunday, December 5 (8-9pm, EST)
The Media Access Group at WGBH encourages all those interested in inclusive technology for people who are blind or have low vision to tune into "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" this Sunday evening, December 5 (8-9pm, EST). While we can't provide any specific information on what will be seen and heard (it would spoil the surprise!), the episode promises to create much greater awareness of the services and products now available for people who have limited or no sight.
Full episodes of the program are available on the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Web site after the original broadcast.
Here is the information the production company has released in advance about this episode:
The "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team has selected the Anderson Family in Cleveland, Ohio. The family of four answered the call to action when they inspired the community to heighten their awareness of the obstacles facing the disabled in their community. Diving headlong into their work, Andre and Jasmine have dedicated their time to supporting and counseling the disabled by connecting them with resources to help them live and lead more independent lives. The Andersons have proven to be the definitive role models as they themselves lost their sight 4 years ago.
Empowered by their own obstacles, Andre and Jasmine have never let anything slow them down. Together they have teamed to complete grad school, run a center for people with disabilities, created a support group, and all while balancing life at home with their 2 boys (one of whom is hearing impaired). Despite having lost their sight after their sons, Jasison and Jahzion were born, Andre and Jasmine have rallied back and have embraced their reality. While they continue to empower their community, the family has hit a rough patch. Their home is falling apart around them and it has become complicated and hazardous for them to live in especially in the face of how their needs continue to grow.
On September 29th the Andersons will have some changes in sight when Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Tracy Huston, and Xzibit deliver a “Smart House” in just 7 days. Local builders Marous Brothers Construction and community volunteers will rebuild the structure and give them the key to live above and beyond their wildest dreams. The Andersons will vacation in Crested Butte, Colorado.
About "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
The Emmy-award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," now in its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.About the Media Access Group at WGBH
The Media Access Group at WGBH, which includes a Services division and a research and development division--the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media--has pioneered and delivered captioned and described media for nearly four decades to people in their homes, classrooms, at work and in the community. And the Media Access Group continues to develop new solutions to access challenges as technology, and the way we all consume media, evolve. Members of the group's collective staff represent the leading experts in their fields and their success is exemplified by a history of accomplishments and continuous growth, the integration of innovative products and services into society at large, and the enthusiastic support of the audiences served, including 36 million people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision. More information about the Media Access Group at WGBH can be found at: http://access.wgbh.org.Contact:
Mary Watkinsmary_watkins@wgbh.org
617 300-3700