Hello All,
The American Council of the Blind is collaborating with Global Perspectives, an IQVIA business, which specializes in recruiting patients for scientific studies. They are launching a new non-interventional study on Geographic Atrophy (advanced dry AMD).
The purpose of this study is to understand patients’ views and preferences related to treatments for advanced dry AMD (age-related macular degeneration), also known as geographic atrophy (GA), including some that are in development. No treatments will be administered in this study; we are only interested in opinions. In order to ensure people with advanced dry AMD can participate, a virtual moderator will complete the survey on behalf of participants. The moderator will screen share to show the survey with a large font size, which can be increased, or they can read study materials aloud.
As compensation for your time, you would receive $75 if you are eligible and complete the 40-minute online survey.
If possible, you are encouraged to provide confirmation of diagnosis (e.g., letter from your physician, proof of treatment for GA, or any other documentation confirming you have GA), for which we will provide an additional $50. You can still participate if you do not have a confirmation of diagnosis. We have a letter that you can use to collect this confirmation of diagnosis from your physician.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with advanced dry AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and are interested in participating or would like more information about the study, please send an email to bryan.pownall@iqvia.com.
Please let the research team know that you have been referred by the American Council of the Blind for this study as we are collaborating on this project.
Bryan Pownall, Global Perspectives
Scott Thornhill, American Council of the Blind
Sharon Lovering, Editor, American Council of the Blind
225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660
Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 467-5081
Learn more about us at www.acb.org
Capital Area Guide Dog Users (CAGDU)
Below is a recap of information provided at last night’s Capital Area Guide Dog Users (CAGDU) meeting relative to the on-going problem of driver refusals to transport blind individuals with their guide dogs. Please distribute widely.
Ride share companies have an obligation under Title III of the ADA not to discriminate against people with disabilities traveling with their guide dogs.
Rideshare companies providing transport under contract with paratransit companies have an additional obligation under Title II not to discriminate.
Paratransit entities are funded by state and local governments. Paratransit entities, along with entities with whom they contract, such as taxi and ride sharing services, have an greater obligation under ADA Title II, not to discriminate against persons with disabilities using guide dogs (service animals).
** If, in the past few months, you scheduled with paratransit and a paratransit driver or UBER driver or taxi driver or whatever then refused to transport you with your guide dog, please send an email to:Advocacy@acb.org.
Please include the following information:
Your name, address, email address, and phone number; the name of the paratransit service, phone number and email address. For example, in this area it is WMATA Metro Access.
· What type of vehicle (a van, an UBER, a taxi) did paratransit send?
· date and approximate time you & your guide dog were denied transport
· What the driver said, if anything
· What happened next?
· How were you further disadvantaged? e.g. did you miss an appointment?
Your email need not be long. Just send the facts.
Time is of the essence. If in doubt, send your summary to advocacy@acb.org .
ACB is pursuing enforcement under Title II of the ADA.
Carry On!
Sue Crawford
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