From dandrews at visi.com Thu Oct 23 23:53:28 2008 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:53:28 -0500 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Server Report Message-ID: Dear NFBNET.ORG users: I am pleased to be able to tell you that we have successfully gotten the new nfbnet.org server to work and switched services over to it. There are still a few things to clean up, but most things are as they were previously, or as you would expect them to be with the new software. We still need to process the message archives to adjust some links, which have changed. Otherwise our mailing lists should function as they did before. This processing may not take place until early next week, but otherwise the lists should function normally. For you web masters, the sites are up and running. We are going to try and sync content once more tonight, to capture the changes that some of you made last weekend or earlier this week. That should happen this evening, hopefully. I will write web masters separately with new instructions. If you have any problems, or find something that doesn't work, please contact me at dandrews at visi.com Once again I thank everybody for your patience. Because of the complexity, the process was somewhat messier then we would have liked. It turns out that there was a bug in the software that IBM uses to control the RAID array for our disk drives. They characterized it as a "code issue," but it was a bug if you ask me. Once we got the firmware updated things happened as expected. Happy computing! David Andrews, SysOp and List Owner From lisa.yayla at statped.no Mon Oct 27 11:03:38 2008 From: lisa.yayla at statped.no (Lisa Yayla) Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:03:38 +0200 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Art Beyond SightTELEPHONE CONFERENCE CRASH COURSE Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lisa.yayla at statped.no Mon Oct 27 12:05:59 2008 From: lisa.yayla at statped.no (Lisa Yayla) Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:05:59 +0200 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Mopix - in-theater captions and descriptive narration Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lisa.yayla at statped.no Tue Oct 28 13:29:32 2008 From: lisa.yayla at statped.no (Lisa Yayla) Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:29:32 +0200 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Online booking for Tactile Graphics 2008 Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Fri Oct 31 23:29:24 2008 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:29:24 -0500 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Google Settlement with Authors, Publishers Will Have Positive Results for the Blind Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Public Relations Specialist National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Google Settlement with Authors, Publishers Will Have Positive Results for the Blind Terms of Proposed Settlement Agreement Will Revolutionize Blind People's Access to Books Baltimore, Maryland (October 31, 2008): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's leading advocate for access to information by the blind, announced today that the recent settlement between Google and authors and publishers over the Google Books project, if approved by the courts, will have a profound and positive impact on the ability of blind people to access the printed word. The terms of the settlement that was reached on October 28, among Google, the Authors Guild, and the Association of American Publishers, on behalf of a broad class of authors and publishers, allow Google to provide the material it offers users "in a manner that accommodates users with print disabilities so that such users have a substantially similar user experience as users without print disabilities." A user with a print disability under the agreement is one who is "unable to read or use standard printed material due to blindness, visual disability, physical limitations, organic dysfunction, or dyslexia." Blind people, like other members of the public, will be able to search the texts of books in the Google Books database online; purchase some books in an accessible format; or access accessible books at libraries and other entities that have an institutional subscription to the Google Books database. Once the court approves the settlement, Google will work to launch these services as quickly as possible. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Access to the printed word has historically been one of the greatest challenges faced by the blind. The agreement between Google and authors and publishers will revolutionize access to books for blind Americans. Blind people will be able to search for books through the Google Books interface and purchase, borrow, or read at a public library any of the books that are available to the general public in a format that is compatible with text enlargement software, text-to-speech screen access software, and refreshable Braille devices. With 7 million books already available in the Google Books collection and many more to come, this agreement means that blind people will have more access to print books than we have ever had in human history. The blind, just like the sighted, will have a world of education, information, and entertainment literally at our fingertips. The National Federation of the Blind commends the parties to this agreement for their commitment to full and equal access to information by the blind." "Among the most monumental aspects of the settlement agreement," said Jack Bernard, assistant general counsel at the University of Michigan, "are the terms that enable Google and libraries to make works accessible to people who have print disabilities. This unprecedented opportunity to access the printed word will make it possible for blind people to engage independently with our rich written culture. Moreover, it is refreshing to find accessibility for people with disabilities explicitly included upfront, rather than begrudgingly added as an afterthought." "One of the great promises of the settlement agreement is improving access to books for the blind and for those with print disabilities," said Dan Clancy, engineering director for Google Book Search. "Google is committed to extending all of the services available under the agreement to the blind and print disability community, making it easier to access these books through screen enlargement, reader, and Braille display technologies." ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. Please visit our Web site: www.nfb.org. From lisa.yayla at statped.no Mon Nov 3 10:30:38 2008 From: lisa.yayla at statped.no (Lisa Yayla) Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:30:38 +0100 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Art Beyond Sight: Multimodal Approaches to Learning conference Message-ID: An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From David.B.Andrews at state.mn.us Mon Nov 3 18:22:39 2008 From: David.B.Andrews at state.mn.us (David B Andrews) Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:22:39 -0600 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Fwd: Make it Matter Message-ID: >>> "Kim Moccia (ADM)" 10/29/2008 10:40 AM >>> Here is an opportunity to recognize someone who makes a difference AND earn $100,000 for a deserving non-profit! Type: Foundations Agency: Reader's Digest Foundation Program: Reader's Digest Foundation "Make it matter" Eligibility: Non-profit organizations Purpose: Make it Matter" is a new initiative of the Reader's Digest Foundation. The Foundation will give away $1 million to nonprofit organizations based on inspiring stories submitted by the public. Every month for ten months, Reader's Digest will choose one individual whose story of giving back serves as an inspiration to others. For each story, the Reader's Digest Foundation will donate $100,000 to a nonprofit organization that is associated either with the story or the cause. These individuals and their stories of giving back will appear every month in the new "Make it Matter" column in Reader's Digest and on rd.com, beginning with the April issue. Name: N/A Deadline: January 01, 2009 Maximum Award: $100,000 per month Number Of Awards: 10 Period: over 10 months 4/08-1/09 More Information: Know anyone making an extraordinary contribution to your community? As announced on The Today Show, tell the Reader's Digest Foundation about them, and the story selected by RDF may be featured in Reader's Digest. Plus, RDF will give $100,000 to a deserving charity in their name. Your stories may also appear on todayshow.com or rd.com. So tell us about the good works below -- or email your story to makeitmatter at rd.com! URL: http://www.efundraising.com/Readers-Digest-Foundation.aspx?partner=grantsalert Kim Moccia Minnesota STAR Program 358 Centennial Office Bldg 658 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN 55155 651-201-2297 (direct dial) 651-282-6671 (fax) Email: kim.moccia at state.mn.us Web site: www.starprogram.state.mn.us STAR Technology Exchange STARTE reusing assistive technology! www.mnstarte.org From KZakhnini at nfb.org Fri Dec 5 01:38:00 2008 From: KZakhnini at nfb.org (Zakhnini, Karen) Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:38:00 -0600 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] NFB Youth Slam Message-ID: The National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam A 2009 STEM Leadership Academy Observe! Discover! Evolve! Launch rockets, perform astronomy, examine new technology, learn about engineering, solve crimes like on CSI, design solutions for the environment, meet new friends from all over the United States, play goal ball, watch movies, dance, make podcasts, meet blind role models, and experience many other adventures at the NFB Youth Slam! From July 26-August 1, 2009, two hundred blind and low vision high school students will stay at the University of Maryland, College Park, to be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities meant to build confidence, expand leadership and advocacy skills, and increase science literacy. Participants will also attend various social events as well as workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and advocacy. The NFB Youth Slam will culminate in an inspiring rally in Washington DC! Those interested in participating as students or mentors should complete an application by March 1, 2009. After an initial screening process, eligible students will be accepted into the program through random selection. Students and mentors need not have a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this academy. If you are interested in being a student or mentor participant or if you'd like to learn more about the NFB Youth Slam visit http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/youth_slam.asp. Send questions about the NFB Youth Slam to youthslam at nfb.org. Karen C. Zakhnini Education Project Manager Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2293 Fax: (410) 659-5129 Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity... From d.oneill at mvhm.org Fri Dec 5 20:20:30 2008 From: d.oneill at mvhm.org (Deborah O'Neill) Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 15:20:30 -0500 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum now offers tours for the visually impaired Message-ID: <6667142A-D7B2-45DD-B377-EFF2CF353B15@mvhm.org> The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum is pleased to offered Touch Collection and Verbal Description Tours of its eight beautifully furnished period rooms. We would like to know if this information can be posted on your events page or if you could please give us listing under museum offerings. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum is a historic house located on East 61 Street in Manhattan that has programs for visitors of all ages. The museum transports visitors back to the time when our 1799 building was the Mount Vernon Hotel. Objects from the Museum handling collection will be available for children to explore when the hotel was a country retreat and most New Yorkers lived south of 14th Street. The museum features 8 period rooms furnished with beautiful artifacts from the early 1800s. Using sighted guided techniques, our staff and docents will lead your clients on an exploration of life long ago through an examination of our touch collection objects and a detailed verbal description of our lovely furnishings. For more information, call 212 838-6878, ext. 26. To learn more about the museum, please visit our website at www.mvhm.org. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you! Deborah O'Neill Director of Education Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 East 61st Street New York, NY 10065 (212) 838-6878 www.mvhm.org From d.oneill at mvhm.org Fri Dec 5 20:37:14 2008 From: d.oneill at mvhm.org (Deborah O'Neill) Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 15:37:14 -0500 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] Touch and Verbal Description Tours at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum Message-ID: <1F7EB5D3-311C-4270-8027-5CDA9F333675@mvhm.org> The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum is pleased to offered Touch Collection and Verbal Description Tours of its eight beautifully furnished period rooms. We would like to know if this information can be posted on your events page or if you could please give us listing under museum offerings. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum is a historic house located on East 61 Street in Manhattan that has programs for visitors of all ages. The museum transports visitors back to the time when our 1799 building was the Mount Vernon Hotel. Objects from the Museum handling collection will be available for children to explore when the hotel was a country retreat and most New Yorkers lived south of 14th Street. The museum features 8 period rooms furnished with beautiful artifacts from the early 1800s. Using sighted guided techniques, our staff and docents will lead your clients on an exploration of life long ago through an examination of our touch collection objects and a detailed verbal description of our lovely furnishings. For more information, call 212 838-6878, ext. 26. To learn more about the museum, please visit our website at www.mvhm.org. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you! Deborah O'Neill Director of Education Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 421 East 61st Street New York, NY 10065 (212) 838-6878 www.mvhm.org From MThorpe at nfb.org Mon Dec 22 18:31:25 2008 From: MThorpe at nfb.org (Thorpe, Mary Jo) Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:31:25 -0600 Subject: [Artbeyondsightmuseums] NFB BELL Program for 2009 Message-ID: Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning 2009 NFB BELL Summer Program The NFB Jernigan Institute is pleased to announce the Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning (BELL) program in the summer of 2009. The BELL program is designed to serve as a demonstration program to help provide intensive Braille instruction to low vision children during the summer months. This pilot program will be modeled after the successful 2007 BELL Program led by the NFB of Maryland state affiliate. The NFB Jernigan Institute plans to expand this program into two additional states during the summer of 2009. Selected states will host the Institute's BELL Core team during the two weeks of their program. BELL Core Team members will facilitate a variety of fun, hands-on lessons ranging from group activities to one-on-one instruction to help teach Braille to low vision students ages four to twelve. The program will run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please visit www.nfb.org/nfb/Bell_Program_2009.asp to learn more about this exciting program. Interested in being part of the BELL Core Team? Members of this team will be responsible for creating and implementing the curriculum and various activities for the three BELL program sites. These individuals will work closely with staff members from the NFB Jernigan Institute and the state coordinators from selected states to design lesson plans and projects for the program. Selected team members will be hired as contractual summer staff for the NFB Jernigan Institute beginning in June through the middle of August 2009. Team members will also participate in the NFB Youth Slam. Qualifications We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are passionate about encouraging the next generation of blind children and eager to promote Braille literacy. Teachers of the Blind/Low Vision and those with experience teaching Braille to children are highly encouraged to apply. However, members do not have to be certified teachers to be effective participants in the NFB BELL program, but they should have experience working with young children. Benefits All aspects of the program, including transportation, room, and board will be provided by the NFB at no expense to selected team members. Team members will also receive a $3,500 stipend as payment for the summer. This program is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals to assist blind children and help to promote our efforts for Braille literacy. How to Apply Please visit the Web site to obtain an application. Applications are due by February 1, 2009. For all other questions about the NFB BELL Program, please contact: Mary Jo Thorpe, Education Programs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407, or by e-mail at mthorpe at nfb.org.