From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Mon Apr 1 20:13:25 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2024 20:13:25 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights: Vacancy Announcement Posting for General Attorney, GS-0905-11 FPL-13 and Equal Opportunity Specialist, GS-0360-11 FPL 12 - Various Locations (Remote Eligible) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Below are the links for OCR USAJOBS vacancy announcements for the General Attorney, GS-0905-11, FPL-13, and Equal Opportunity Specialist, GS-0360-11, FPL-12 in Various Locations (Remote Eligible). OCR-HQ-2024-0022 General Attorney (Civil Rights), GS-0905-11 FPL-13 (REMOTE ELIGIBLE) Open Period: 4/1/2024 - 4/10/2024 (200 applicant limit) Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Location: Remote reporting to Various Locations Series/Grade: GS-0905-11 Who May Apply: Open to US Citizens OCR-HQ-2024-0023 (MP) Equal Opportunity Specialist, GS-0360-11 FPL 12 (REMOTE ELIGIBLE) Open Period: 4/1/2024 - 4/10/2024 (50 applicant limit) Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Series/Grade: GS-0360-11 Location: Remote reporting to Various Locations Who May Apply: Current federal civilian employees in the competitive service on permanent career or career-conditional appointments; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current federal employees eligible under Interchange Agreements; and Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities (Schedule A, etc.). If you do not meet one of these categories, you may apply under the concurrently advertised vacancy announcement OCR-HQ-2024-0024, which is open to all United States Citizens. OCR-HQ-2023-0024 (DE) Equal Opportunity Specialist, GS-0360-11 FPL-12 (REMOTE ELIGIBLE) Open Period: 4/1/2024 - 4/10/2024 (50 applicant limit) Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Series/Grade: GS-0360-11 Location: Remote reporting to Various Locations Who May Apply: Open to US citizens. If you are a current or former federal employee or are eligible under a special hiring authority (VEOA, Schedule A, etc.), you may be eligible to apply under the concurrently advertised merit promotion vacancy announcement OCR-HQ-2024-0023. From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue Apr 2 16:28:14 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2024 16:28:14 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] =?windows-1252?q?Resume_Request=3A_Current_Attorney_P?= =?windows-1252?q?ositions_=96_U=2ES=2E_Department_of_Education=2C_Office_?= =?windows-1252?q?for_Civil_Rights_various_regions?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Notification of Entry Level Attorney Vacancies: The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is currently soliciting resumes to fill various entry-level Attorney vacancies. OCR accepts resumes from eligible individuals who may be considered for a noncompetitive appointment to an Attorney position via the following excepted hiring authorities: 1) Schedule A Persons with Disabilities appointments (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)); 2) Veterans’ Recruitment Appointments; 3) Excepted Hiring Authority for Attorneys (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(d)); and 4) Former Peace Corps and AmeriCorps Appointees (22 U.S.C. § 2506), respectively. OCR’s current entry-level attorney openings are for General Attorney, GS-0905-11 (Full Promotion Potential GS-905-13) Remote-Eligible positions within the regional enforcement offices. OCR’s regional enforcement offices that are currently seeking to fill entry-level General Attorney vacancies are located in Boston, MA; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC. The General Attorneys make civil rights compliance determinations and ensure that complaints and proactive enforcement activities are processed in accordance with regulations, policies, and case law and conform to established case-processing procedures. The grade level qualifications for OCR attorney positions are outlined in the attachment. Interested and qualified applicants should submit their resume and optional cover letter to ocrjobs at ed.gov for this position by April 10th, 2024. Selected candidates will have a report no later than September 23, 2024. New employees to the federal government will only be considered for the GS-905-11/Step 1. Interested persons should indicate the position and OCR regional enforcement office from among the regional office locations listed above for which they want to be considered, and their veteran’s status, if applicable, within the optional cover letter or body of the email. OCR will keep resumes on file for 365 days following the date of receipt. Applicants will be contacted to confirm their continued interest as vacancies occur. If contacted for an interview, a writing sample, official transcript, and a list of references will be required during later stages in the selection process. Attorney vacancies are also announced via www.usajobs.gov, the Federal government’s official employment site. Candidates are encouraged to routinely check USAJobs for current OCR vacancy announcements. Please share this announcement with other organizations and individuals who may be interested in employment with OCR. Please note that OCRJobs at ed.gov is not staffed to respond to questions. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: OCR grade level qualifications for Attorney positions.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 96188 bytes Desc: OCR grade level qualifications for Attorney positions.pdf URL: From glnorman15 at hotmail.com Tue Apr 2 17:58:07 2024 From: glnorman15 at hotmail.com (GL Norman) Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2024 17:58:07 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] See Tonight Panel RA UB L. Message-ID: Hello Colleagues: See as tonight at 6 P.M. virtually. I am recovering from the flu and flying morrow. So, I will co-speak virtually. ************ So, you want to be Atticus Finch and have Disabilities: Reflections on the Path to the “Bar Join Zoom Meetinghttps://ubalt.zoom.us/j/93635698127Meeting ID: 936 3569 8127Passcode: AccommDiscussion on how to seek Law School and Bar Exam Accommodations and other tips on your mental wellbeing w Join Zoom Meeting https://ubalt.zoom.us/j/93635698127 Meeting ID: 936 3569 8127 Passcode: Accomm Discussion on how to seek Law School and Bar Exam Accommodations and other tips on your mental well being while navigating your journey on becoming a lawyer. Co-hosted: MSBA YLS Wellness Committee Diversity & Equity and Inclusion Committee Open Meeting Committee Bar Association of Baltimore City Moderator: Richard Shermanski. Esq. Speakers: Lisa Caplan MSBA Director, Lawyer Assistance Program Raymond Hein Director of Character & Fitness, State Board of Law Examiners Gary Norman, Esq, LLM When Tuesday Apr 2, 2024 ⋅ 6pm – 8pm (Eastern Time - New York) Location University of Baltimore School of Law, 1401 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA View map Guests afrantzis at umaryland.edu aholiday at tnsfamilylaw.com anamika.moore at saul.com arappole at gmail.com ashley.fellona at saul.com brownannice at gmail.com cadams at powell-llc.com candice.miller at frosttaxlaw.com chris.s.jennison at gmail.com christian.noble at mdcourts.gov dania.ayoubi at maryland.gov daniel.moore at saul.com danielmmoore.esq at gmail.com egreene at kg-law.com eleni at vanrodenlaw.com ernesto.villasenor at ubalt.edu gary.a.damico at gmail.com gennahoy at outlook.com grasonwiggins at yahoo.com gregory.waterworth at saul.com hburch at washco-md.net helen.egata at ubalt.edu jackiefoxesq at gmail.com jasmine.england-caesar at baltimorecity.gov jprobinson at gdldlaw.com jsadri at eslawgroup.com ksmith at silvermanthompson.com kvossler at burrlawfirm.com kyle.b.anthony at gmail.com letam.duson at gmail.com llake at gfrlaw.com md199esquire at gmail.com meganmicco2 at gmail.com megtippett at gmail.com r.a.kikani at gmail.com rshermanski86 at gmail.com rsood13 at gmail.com sacropper94 at comcast.com sasse.william at gmail.com slucas at gfrlaw.com stsao at bsglaw.com tscott at kg-law.com tyler at thespencerlawgroup.com william.kiniryiii at dlapiper.com zuhair.riaz at us.dlapiper.com acheema6271 at gmail.com adamandiafrantzis at gmail.com cam.taylor-canner at ubalt.edu devon.carter at ubalt.edu glnorman15 at hotmail.com jburkemiller at gmail.com karlama96 at gmail.com Lisa Caplan oduncan821 at gmail.com ransomeyphra at yahoo.com raymond.hein at mdcourts.gov View all guest info Reply for glnorman15 at hotmail.com Yes No Maybe More options Invitation from Google Calendar You are receiving this email because you are an attendee on the event. To stop receiving future updates for this event, decline this event. Forwarding this invitation could allow any recipient to send a response to the organizer, be added to the guest list, invite others regardless of their own invitation status, or modify your RSVP. Learn more From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri Apr 5 18:51:44 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 18:51:44 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights: Vacancy Announcement Posting for the Supervisory General Attorney, GS-0905-15 and Supervisory EOS, GS-0360-15 (PM-Seattle) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Below are the links for OCR USAJOBS vacancy announcements for the Supervisory General Attorney (PM), GS-0905-15, FPL-15, and Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist (PM), GS-0360-15, FPL-15 in Seattle Washington. OCR-HQ-2024-0020 Supervisory General Attorney (PM) (Civil Rights), GS-0905-15 FPL 15 Open Period: 4/3/2024 - 4/12/2024 Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Location: Telework Eligible Series/Grade: GS-0905-15 FLP 15 Who May Apply: Open to US Citizens OCR-HQ-2024-0018 (MP) Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist (PM), GS-0360-15 FPL 15 Open Period: 4/3/2024 - 4/12/2024 Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Series/Grade: GS-0360-15 FPL 15 Location: Telework Eligible Who May Apply: Current federal civilian employees in the competitive service on permanent career or career-conditional appointments; Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current federal employees eligible under Interchange Agreements; and Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities (Schedule A, etc.). If you do not meet one of these categories, you may apply under the concurrently advertised vacancy announcement OCR-HQ-2024-0025, which is open to all United States Citizens. OCR-HQ-2024-0025 (DE) Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist (PM), GS-0360-15 FPL 15 Open Period: 4/3/2024 - 4/12/2024 Department/Organization: Department of Education/Office for Civil Rights Series/Grade: GS-0360-15 FPL 15 Location: Telework Eligible Who May Apply: Open to US citizens. If you are a current or former federal employee or are eligible under a special hiring authority (VEOA, Schedule A, etc.), you may be eligible to apply under the concurrently advertised merit promotion vacancy announcement OCR-HQ-2024-0018. From nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu Fri Apr 5 21:14:25 2024 From: nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu (Nikki Singh) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 17:14:25 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Questions Regarding Blindness and Accessibility in Law School & the Legal Profession In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Lots of good suggestions here. Using a human reader is sometimes the best way to access information, whether it is in print, a photograph, or a video. Many attorneys use the services of paralegals or litigation assistants. Law firm partners use associates, and judges have law clerks. A screen reader and a good document conversion software are going to be integral to reviewing voluminous records and other materials. You may also use a paralegal to handle some document review as needed. Sincerely, Nikki On Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 12:03 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: > Thanks Syed! I am indeed a JAWS and VoiceOver user. I have been exploring > various apps that can potentially help with navigating inaccessible > documents, such as scanned PDFs or other PDFs that are inaccessible with > JAWS. I’ve heard that VoiceDream is great for this. I’m also looking into > apps such as Seeing AI or potentially even AIRA to assist with visuals and > images. If you have any additional suggestions or recommendations, I’d love > to learn about them! > > Thanks! > > Regards, > Natasha > > > On Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 2:38 PM Syed Rizvi wrote: > > > Hi Natasha, > > > > > > > > Congrats on beginning your legal journey! > > > > > > > > I am a blind law school student and will try my best to answer your > > questions. > > > > > > > > Regarding your second question, how do you currently do the bulk of your > > reading? Many blind lawyers employ the use of a screen reading software, > > such as Job Access With Speech, to quickly and accurately read through > > large amounts of text. I think acquiring this skill would also be helpful > > for law school and not only for work. You can potentially receive > training > > in how to use such software from your state’s vocational rehabilitation > > agency. I’m happy to jump on a call to show you how I use this tool. > > > > > > > > Regarding your first and last questions, I wondered about the same > > potential barriers in my own career. While there are ever growing > > technological solutions to such visual barriers, sometimes the easiest > path > > is the low tech one. It is common for sighted attorneys to employ the > > services of paralegals and professional assistants. Blind attorneys, like > > their sighted counterparts, also receive assistance in their work from > such > > support staff. However, the type of assistance they may receive from > their > > support staff for particular tasks may differ. It is most important for > you > > to do your job efficiently. If that entails asking your support staff to > > provide you with a description of an image or check for a signature on a > > printed page, then that is a perfectly acceptable solution that does not > > hinder your own independence. > > > > > > > > I am happy to connect and discuss further if you would like. > > > > > > > > Best of luck! > > > > -Syed > > > > > > > > On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 10:46 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < > > blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: > > > >> Hello All, > >> > >> I will be starting law school in the fall and have a few specific > >> questions > >> regarding blindness and accessibility in law school and the legal > >> profession as a whole. > >> > >> First, I was wondering whether anyone on this mailing list who is a > >> prosecutor, defense attorney or judge would be willing to speak with me > >> about navigating accessibility within their work. As someone interested > in > >> pursuing criminal law, I understand that viewing photographic images and > >> videos are often part of the job when it comes to reviewing evidence. I > >> would like to know how blind attorneys and judges are best able to > >> overcome > >> this kind of accessibility barrier and still maintain independence in > >> their > >> line of work? > >> > >> Second, what is the best software application that can be used to review > >> annd navigate through electronic documents that are hundreds of pages > >> long? > >> > >> Finally, what is the best approach to take when given inaccessible > >> documents, such as inaccessible scanned PDFs or handwritten files? > >> > >> My goal is to have the solutions for the above barriers planned out > prior > >> to starting law school so that i can better focus on coursework, clinics > >> and professional training without having to feel “stuck” because of > >> inaccessibility. Essentially, I want to have a plan I can immediately > >> follow to prevent these problems from arising in the first place. > >> > >> I am grateful for any and all insight and help. Thank you all so much. > >> > >> Warm Regards, > >> Natasha > >> > > _______________________________________________ > >> BlindLaw mailing list > >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > >> BlindLaw: > >> > >> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/syedrizvinfb%40gmail.com > >> > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40aya.yale.edu > From nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu Fri Apr 5 21:49:43 2024 From: nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu (Nikki Singh) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 17:49:43 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Selecting a Law School & Textbooks In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Natasha, On selecting a law school, I have said this already on the list, so apologies for those who know my position on the matter. I think you should attend the best law school you can. Rank definitely matters. Whether it should or not is another question entirely and admittedly presents some less than flattering traits about the legal profession. A higher ranked school does make the path easier for entering certain lines of work, including federal judge clerkships, big law, and federal government. These same schools also tend to have large budgets, meaning decently resourced disability offices that will play an important role in getting/scanning in textbooks, paying for readers, and hammering out accommodations. On that last point, you should still go out and advocate for yourself with each law school professor you have, acknowledging that some are going to be better than others. I understand money can be a concern. The higher ranked schools tend to be large institutions with large endowments. You should be able to get scholarships and financial aid. There is also nothing wrong in taking out a loan. Many people work at a large firm for a few years to gain basic experience and the hefty income to pay down the student loan. Please do not attend a school that does not rank within an acceptable degree of what you determine is important to you, that has dubious accreditation, or that otherwise stands out from peer institutions for strange or problematic ways. I do not believe you should attend a school because of a clinic. Most law schools have perfectly wonderful clinics. Rather, the focus should beon learning how to think like a lawyer. The practice or clinic experience can and often comes later. You should focus on a clinic more if and when you decide to pursue an LLM in trial advocacy. Briefly on textbooks, whatever strategies you used in college should still apply in law school. I had the school scan in my materials, and at the start of the semester, when the books were in progress of getting scanned, I asked one of the law librarians to scan in the first few chapters to hold me over. Make good friends with your law library and its staff! That applies during school and any place you work, assuming you have a law library there. In addition, I understand that West actually does have a bunch of legal instructional material in electronic form already. The same may be true for Lexis; I am just less familiar with Lexis. I will also note that Bookshare’s selections of law books is kind of dated and limited. Bookshare is a great resource for grade school and college. However, its technical offerings for advanced degree programs or even working professionals needs improvement. For example, I recently completed a trial advocacy seminar at my job, and Bookshare had none of the books that the course used, cited, or excerpted. To be fair, you may not have to worry about this, since I am going after highly specific and technical materials at this point. Sincerely, Nikki On Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 8:03 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: > Hi All, > > I reaching out with two questions. > > First, I am strugling to decide which law school I should attend come fall. > On one hand, I have been offered admission to Liberty University School of > Law. This was a school that I applied to because of a particular clinic it > offered that was of interest to me. I was offered a fairly significant > scholarship as well. However, my research shows me that the ranking of this > school is questionable, nor does it appear to be incredibly reputable. Has > anyone attended this school or know of anyone who has? On the other hand, > I’ve been admitted to Tier 2 schools, one of which is of particular > interest to me. I am waiting to receive information regarding scholarships > for this particular school. My gut feeling is to go with the school that > has the highest ranking, even if the school does not offer me as much of a > scholarship. I am also feeling stuck because a school in Washington DC that > I was hoping to be admitted to has waitlisted me. I cannot help but think > about the possibility that this school might admit me after I accept > another’s office. I was hoping to attend law school in Washington DC > because of the fact that so many government agencies would be right there > for externships, clerkships, etc. > > How do I ensure that the decision I make is the right one? Does ranking > truly matter? if so, will I be doing myself a disservice my attending a > Tier 2 school instead of a Tier 1 school? How should a prospective student > who is still debating upon which area of law they want to practice go about > choosing a la school? > > My second question is in regards to accessing law school textbooks. What is > the best way to acquire law school textbooks in an accessible format? > Throughout college, I was often able to retrieve accessible PDF copies of > textbooks online or have the accessibility support office assist in > retrieving accessible PDF copies directly from the publishers. Occassional > y I was able to find textbooks on Bookshare. What is my best et for law > school? > > I apologize for all the questions. I am so thankful for the insight anyone > is willing or able to offer. > > Thank you so much! > > Warm Regards, > Natasha > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40aya.yale.edu > From laurenbishop96 at icloud.com Fri Apr 5 23:38:41 2024 From: laurenbishop96 at icloud.com (Lauren Bishop) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 19:38:41 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Questions Regarding Blindness and Accessibility in Law School & the Legal Profession In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello, I just graduated law school and I’m currently working as a certified legal intern in a prosecutors office while I wait for our results. My answers to your questions are below. In law school, I used jaws and I had a braille display that I would use in class. A friend introduced me to this software called Q read. It is developed by a blind person, and it handles big law school textbook like a dream! It’s approximately $30, and it is the best $30 you’ll ever spend. You can do all kinds of things with your books and even place bookmarks and notes in the book that you can find. Highly recommend. With regards to visual evidence, it is perfectly acceptable to have a sided person described the evidence to you. You would need this accommodation and a lot of different legal fields, so there’s no reason to fret about asking it. I highly recommend doing two things if you’re going to pursue prosecution or any field that involves a lot of court room practice. They are: left parent one right parent take some course in trial advocacy or do the mock trial team; and left parent to right parent a law school clinic. Trial advocacy allowed me to use trial and error to determine how I was going to navigate the courtroom and read my notes and testimonies. School clinic to further troubleshoot and use trial and error to determine how I would do things in a real world setting. It also gave me practice dealing with sided employees that didn’t have a clue about how blind people did anything, which was tremendous preparation for the workforce. It also , afforded me a financial advantage that my appears waiting for results aren’t always experiencing. I would say that accessibility is going to depend a lot on where you go to school and where you go to work. I went to school with a dedicated disability service office, and it was in a lot of ways, very helpful. They reached out to the publishers of my textbooks on my behalf, and I received accessible PDF copies of my textbooks. They , also arranged my accommodated final exams, helped me advocate when I was having problems with professors, and even employed a student to act as my reader working in a prosecution clinic. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 5, 2024, at 5:15 PM, Nikki Singh via BlindLaw wrote: > > Lots of good suggestions here. > > > > Using a human reader is sometimes the best way to access information, > whether it is in print, a photograph, or a video. Many attorneys use the > services of paralegals or litigation assistants. Law firm partners use > associates, and judges have law clerks. > > > > A screen reader and a good document conversion software are going to be > integral to reviewing voluminous records and other materials. You may also > use a paralegal to handle some document review as needed. > > > Sincerely, > > Nikki > >> On Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 12:03 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: >> >> Thanks Syed! I am indeed a JAWS and VoiceOver user. I have been exploring >> various apps that can potentially help with navigating inaccessible >> documents, such as scanned PDFs or other PDFs that are inaccessible with >> JAWS. I’ve heard that VoiceDream is great for this. I’m also looking into >> apps such as Seeing AI or potentially even AIRA to assist with visuals and >> images. If you have any additional suggestions or recommendations, I’d love >> to learn about them! >> >> Thanks! >> >> Regards, >> Natasha >> >> >>> On Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 2:38 PM Syed Rizvi wrote: >>> >>> Hi Natasha, >>> >>> >>> >>> Congrats on beginning your legal journey! >>> >>> >>> >>> I am a blind law school student and will try my best to answer your >>> questions. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regarding your second question, how do you currently do the bulk of your >>> reading? Many blind lawyers employ the use of a screen reading software, >>> such as Job Access With Speech, to quickly and accurately read through >>> large amounts of text. I think acquiring this skill would also be helpful >>> for law school and not only for work. You can potentially receive >> training >>> in how to use such software from your state’s vocational rehabilitation >>> agency. I’m happy to jump on a call to show you how I use this tool. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regarding your first and last questions, I wondered about the same >>> potential barriers in my own career. While there are ever growing >>> technological solutions to such visual barriers, sometimes the easiest >> path >>> is the low tech one. It is common for sighted attorneys to employ the >>> services of paralegals and professional assistants. Blind attorneys, like >>> their sighted counterparts, also receive assistance in their work from >> such >>> support staff. However, the type of assistance they may receive from >> their >>> support staff for particular tasks may differ. It is most important for >> you >>> to do your job efficiently. If that entails asking your support staff to >>> provide you with a description of an image or check for a signature on a >>> printed page, then that is a perfectly acceptable solution that does not >>> hinder your own independence. >>> >>> >>> >>> I am happy to connect and discuss further if you would like. >>> >>> >>> >>> Best of luck! >>> >>> -Syed >>> >>> >>> >>> On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 10:46 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Hello All, >>>> >>>> I will be starting law school in the fall and have a few specific >>>> questions >>>> regarding blindness and accessibility in law school and the legal >>>> profession as a whole. >>>> >>>> First, I was wondering whether anyone on this mailing list who is a >>>> prosecutor, defense attorney or judge would be willing to speak with me >>>> about navigating accessibility within their work. As someone interested >> in >>>> pursuing criminal law, I understand that viewing photographic images and >>>> videos are often part of the job when it comes to reviewing evidence. I >>>> would like to know how blind attorneys and judges are best able to >>>> overcome >>>> this kind of accessibility barrier and still maintain independence in >>>> their >>>> line of work? >>>> >>>> Second, what is the best software application that can be used to review >>>> annd navigate through electronic documents that are hundreds of pages >>>> long? >>>> >>>> Finally, what is the best approach to take when given inaccessible >>>> documents, such as inaccessible scanned PDFs or handwritten files? >>>> >>>> My goal is to have the solutions for the above barriers planned out >> prior >>>> to starting law school so that i can better focus on coursework, clinics >>>> and professional training without having to feel “stuck” because of >>>> inaccessibility. Essentially, I want to have a plan I can immediately >>>> follow to prevent these problems from arising in the first place. >>>> >>>> I am grateful for any and all insight and help. Thank you all so much. >>>> >>>> Warm Regards, >>>> Natasha >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>>> BlindLaw mailing list >>>> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>>> BlindLaw: >>>> >>>> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/syedrizvinfb%40gmail.com >>>> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> BlindLaw: >> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40aya.yale.edu >> > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/laurenbishop96%40iclo From BrianUnitt at holsteinlaw.com Sat Apr 6 00:55:34 2024 From: BrianUnitt at holsteinlaw.com (Brian Unitt) Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2024 00:55:34 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Questions Regarding Blindness and Accessibility in Law School & the Legal Profession In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I agree completely about QRead. For straight reading of PDFs especially large files, it can't be beat. Brian Brian C. Unitt Certified Specialist in Appellate Law By the State Bar of California Law Office of Brian C. Unitt 6185 Magnolia Ave, PMB 40 Riverside, CA 92506 P: 951-682-7030 E: brianunitt at holsteinlaw.com Visit my Website NOTICE:  This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain attorney/client information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply email or by telephone and immediately delete this communication and all its attachments. Confidentiality Disclaimer This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the author's intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please delete all copies, both electronic and printed, and contact the author immediately. -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 4:39 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Lauren Bishop Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Questions Regarding Blindness and Accessibility in Law School & the Legal Profession Hello, I just graduated law school and I’m currently working as a certified legal intern in a prosecutors office while I wait for our results. My answers to your questions are below. In law school, I used jaws and I had a braille display that I would use in class. A friend introduced me to this software called Q read. It is developed by a blind person, and it handles big law school textbook like a dream! It’s approximately $30, and it is the best $30 you’ll ever spend. You can do all kinds of things with your books and even place bookmarks and notes in the book that you can find. Highly recommend. With regards to visual evidence, it is perfectly acceptable to have a sided person described the evidence to you. You would need this accommodation and a lot of different legal fields, so there’s no reason to fret about asking it. I highly recommend doing two things if you’re going to pursue prosecution or any field that involves a lot of court room practice. They are: left parent one right parent take some course in trial advocacy or do the mock trial team; and left parent to right parent a law school clinic. Trial advocacy allowed me to use trial and error to determine how I was going to navigate the courtroom and read my notes and testimonies. School clinic to further troubleshoot and use trial and error to determine how I would do things in a real world setting. It also gave me practice dealing with sided employees that didn’t have a clue about how blind people did anything, which was tremendous preparation for the workforce. It also , afforded me a financial advantage that my appears waiting for results aren’t always experiencing. I would say that accessibility is going to depend a lot on where you go to school and where you go to work. I went to school with a dedicated disability service office, and it was in a lot of ways, very helpful. They reached out to the publishers of my textbooks on my behalf, and I received accessible PDF copies of my textbooks. They , also arranged my accommodated final exams, helped me advocate when I was having problems with professors, and even employed a student to act as my reader working in a prosecution clinic. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 5, 2024, at 5:15 PM, Nikki Singh via BlindLaw wrote: > > Lots of good suggestions here. > > > > Using a human reader is sometimes the best way to access information, > whether it is in print, a photograph, or a video. Many attorneys use > the services of paralegals or litigation assistants. Law firm partners > use associates, and judges have law clerks. > > > > A screen reader and a good document conversion software are going to > be integral to reviewing voluminous records and other materials. You > may also use a paralegal to handle some document review as needed. > > > Sincerely, > > Nikki > >> On Sat, Mar 16, 2024 at 12:03 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < >> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: >> >> Thanks Syed! I am indeed a JAWS and VoiceOver user. I have been >> exploring various apps that can potentially help with navigating >> inaccessible documents, such as scanned PDFs or other PDFs that are >> inaccessible with JAWS. I’ve heard that VoiceDream is great for this. >> I’m also looking into apps such as Seeing AI or potentially even AIRA >> to assist with visuals and images. If you have any additional >> suggestions or recommendations, I’d love to learn about them! >> >> Thanks! >> >> Regards, >> Natasha >> >> >>> On Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 2:38 PM Syed Rizvi wrote: >>> >>> Hi Natasha, >>> >>> >>> >>> Congrats on beginning your legal journey! >>> >>> >>> >>> I am a blind law school student and will try my best to answer your >>> questions. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regarding your second question, how do you currently do the bulk of >>> your reading? Many blind lawyers employ the use of a screen reading >>> software, such as Job Access With Speech, to quickly and accurately >>> read through large amounts of text. I think acquiring this skill >>> would also be helpful for law school and not only for work. You can >>> potentially receive >> training >>> in how to use such software from your state’s vocational >>> rehabilitation agency. I’m happy to jump on a call to show you how I use this tool. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regarding your first and last questions, I wondered about the same >>> potential barriers in my own career. While there are ever growing >>> technological solutions to such visual barriers, sometimes the >>> easiest >> path >>> is the low tech one. It is common for sighted attorneys to employ >>> the services of paralegals and professional assistants. Blind >>> attorneys, like their sighted counterparts, also receive assistance >>> in their work from >> such >>> support staff. However, the type of assistance they may receive from >> their >>> support staff for particular tasks may differ. It is most important >>> for >> you >>> to do your job efficiently. If that entails asking your support >>> staff to provide you with a description of an image or check for a >>> signature on a printed page, then that is a perfectly acceptable >>> solution that does not hinder your own independence. >>> >>> >>> >>> I am happy to connect and discuss further if you would like. >>> >>> >>> >>> Best of luck! >>> >>> -Syed >>> >>> >>> >>> On Thu, Jan 18, 2024 at 10:46 AM Natasha Ishaq via BlindLaw < >>> blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Hello All, >>>> >>>> I will be starting law school in the fall and have a few specific >>>> questions regarding blindness and accessibility in law school and >>>> the legal profession as a whole. >>>> >>>> First, I was wondering whether anyone on this mailing list who is a >>>> prosecutor, defense attorney or judge would be willing to speak >>>> with me about navigating accessibility within their work. As >>>> someone interested >> in >>>> pursuing criminal law, I understand that viewing photographic >>>> images and videos are often part of the job when it comes to >>>> reviewing evidence. I would like to know how blind attorneys and >>>> judges are best able to overcome this kind of accessibility barrier >>>> and still maintain independence in their line of work? >>>> >>>> Second, what is the best software application that can be used to >>>> review annd navigate through electronic documents that are hundreds >>>> of pages long? >>>> >>>> Finally, what is the best approach to take when given inaccessible >>>> documents, such as inaccessible scanned PDFs or handwritten files? >>>> >>>> My goal is to have the solutions for the above barriers planned out >> prior >>>> to starting law school so that i can better focus on coursework, >>>> clinics and professional training without having to feel “stuck” >>>> because of inaccessibility. Essentially, I want to have a plan I >>>> can immediately follow to prevent these problems from arising in the first place. >>>> >>>> I am grateful for any and all insight and help. Thank you all so much. >>>> >>>> Warm Regards, >>>> Natasha >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>>> BlindLaw mailing list >>>> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info >>>> for >>>> BlindLaw: >>>> >>>> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/syedrizvinfb%40 >> gmail.com >>>> >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> BlindLaw: >> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40a >> ya.yale.edu >> > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/laurenbishop96%4 > 0iclo _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/brianunitt%40holsteinlaw.com From oduncan821 at gmail.com Sat Apr 6 03:52:51 2024 From: oduncan821 at gmail.com (omar duncan) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 20:52:51 -0700 Subject: [blindLaw] (no subject) Message-ID: Dear colleagues (legal professionals and aspiring legal professionals), I have something critical for our career prep success to share among that I am taking this week to share with you all. As some of us may know, a key aspect of lsat prep (and other standardized tests but especially the LSAT) hinges on completing many, countless practice tests and prep tests consisting of test questions from previous years and administrations. Unfortunately, a lot of us in this community rely on text to speech programs like jaws and zoomtext to achieve necessary outcomes and elevate our situation to a state I like to call, “level playing field.” Further, these practice test questions on myriad prep platforms and other databases are not accessible with text to speech programs because, for lack of a better way to put it, nonsense arbitrary doctrines are cited to prevent us from equal access to material and bringing about an equitable atmosphere for visually impaired peoples and others with print disabilities such as dyslexia and other predicaments that preclude equal access. They hide behind the cover of pathetic covers like intellectual property and other arbitrary frivolities and grounds to deny us equal access—as if there is any difference as these tests are already widely available and public and tests of the past. We are basically dealing with a conflict of epic proportions between two core bodies of law—to be exact, those would be disability law and Americans with Disability act (1) and intellectual property and proprietary access laws (2). It is essential Godzilla versus King Kong type of stuff. Nevertheless, I want to get my colleagues views on the prospects of drafting legal actions that would seek to abolish such rules that prevent text to speech capability on the grounds of the above-intellectual property and other exclusionary considerations Given these circumstances and my extensive knowledge of the legal system, it is worth considering escalating this issue before courts of law to reconcile this inherent conflict—akin to a knife lodged against the body. We need to consider that the fight may be lengthy given the lag of the legal system. It might be tough. We must never lose sight of the fact that The benefits of efficiency from being able to utilize text to speech more freely in such an important area of test prep that puts us at equal footing with other test takers is all the reason to embark on this worthy journey. It will tremendously benefit ALL visually impaired test takers regardless of their level of impairment and other non visually disabled people that are print disabled and have other issues. This necessary, positive development will pave the way for many people that follow in our foot steps and will put them at an equal footing to be able to praise their dream like us. I encourage you all to remember The visually impaired plaintiff that sued on legitimate grounds like the above to remove logic games as will be happening after this June with the LSAT. It was long, time consuming but he was victorious and paved the way for a positive future for all of us going forward. Taking everything into account I have stated, I am asking if this is something that we can embark on and an organization take legal actions on these grounds to advocate for this position like the national federation of the blind or national association of blind lawyers or even sue individually. Any insight and commentary on moving forward with such necessary action affects positively and benefits all of us and I appreciate any feedback on what we are able to do in this arena going forward. This is something we have tremendous legal, backing based on the existing legal framework of laws to be able to pursue a meaningful way. I hope we can take out our swords and guns and cannons and move forward on this journey with a level of intensity in energy that will allow us to achieve this We need to come up with a solution that involves allowing us to use text to speech with our softwares without allowing search and copy and paste features and the other stuff that they allege as supposedly undermining their so called pathetic intellectual property. Let’s move forward with this and see where we stand and where we are going with this. Thanks for everyone’s attention and consideration, and I appreciate any feedback and further discussion and being able to discuss this further let’s move forward into the future with good results God willing. Reasons are straight up, ridiculous, pathetic and completely a foul to the various statutes in place that protect our communities from discrimination. Even if they are true, like I said, we need to find the balance that reconcile the conflict and provide an adequate solution. Ha ha I know my thought process and methodology must be lawyery After all, all of us are going into this business and traits to be able to solve complex problems, such as this one, if y’all know what I mean ha ha lol. Best, From oduncan821 at gmail.com Sat Apr 6 04:09:32 2024 From: oduncan821 at gmail.com (omar duncan) Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2024 21:09:32 -0700 Subject: [blindLaw] Taking legal action to use text to speech with lsat prep questions and materials to facilitate equal access in test prep with other able body students Message-ID: Revision further below: I’m sending the same email as above that I sent earlier, except I forgot to provide a subject in the email above. The subject is very important for understanding the purpose of the email and I want to allow you everyone to understand: I further want to indicate that I will be long done with my test preparation by the time any of this stuff for to theoretically be adjudicated and does not personally affect me. I’m just passionate about helping others have an equal opportunity and want to call us all of our resources And fight this important fight fiercely. We gotta get our big guns and take them to the blinding light of Justice and Make these discriminatory little bastards wish they had not clung on to such erroneous grounds to inhibit our progress as disabled Americans. Excuse the vociferous language but the facts are the facts and we must aggressively push forward for a just future like our righteous predecessors before us. Best, ———————————————————- “ Dear colleagues (legal professionals and aspiring legal professionals), I have something critical for our career prep success to share among that I am taking this week to share with you all. As some of us may know, a key aspect of lsat prep (and other standardized tests but especially the LSAT) hinges on completing many, countless practice tests and prep tests consisting of test questions from previous years and administrations. Unfortunately, a lot of us in this community rely on text to speech programs like jaws and zoomtext to achieve necessary outcomes and elevate our situation to a state I like to call, “level playing field.” Further, these practice test questions on myriad prep platforms and other databases are not accessible with text to speech programs because, for lack of a better way to put it, nonsense arbitrary doctrines are cited to prevent us from equal access to material and bringing about an equitable atmosphere for visually impaired peoples and others with print disabilities such as dyslexia and other predicaments that preclude equal access. They hide behind the cover of pathetic covers like intellectual property and other arbitrary frivolities and grounds to deny us equal access—as if there is any difference as these tests are already widely available and public and tests of the past. We are basically dealing with a conflict of epic proportions between two core bodies of law—to be exact, those would be disability law and Americans with Disability act (1) and intellectual property and proprietary access laws (2). It is essential Godzilla versus King Kong type of stuff. Nevertheless, I want to get my colleagues views on the prospects of drafting legal actions that would seek to abolish such rules that prevent text to speech capability on the grounds of the above-intellectual property and other exclusionary considerations Given these circumstances and my extensive knowledge of the legal system, it is worth considering escalating this issue before courts of law to reconcile this inherent conflict—akin to a knife lodged against the body. We need to consider that the fight may be lengthy given the lag of the legal system. It might be tough. We must never lose sight of the fact that The benefits of efficiency from being able to utilize text to speech more freely in such an important area of test prep that puts us at equal footing with other test takers is all the reason to embark on this worthy journey. It will tremendously benefit ALL visually impaired test takers regardless of their level of impairment and other non visually disabled people that are print disabled and have other issues. This necessary, positive development will pave the way for many people that follow in our foot steps and will put them at an equal footing to be able to praise their dream like us. I encourage you all to remember The visually impaired plaintiff that sued on legitimate grounds like the above to remove logic games as will be happening after this June with the LSAT. It was long, time consuming but he was victorious and paved the way for a positive future for all of us going forward. Taking everything into account I have stated, I am asking if this is something that we can embark on and an organization take legal actions on these grounds to advocate for this position like the national federation of the blind or national association of blind lawyers or even sue individually. Any insight and commentary on moving forward with such necessary action affects positively and benefits all of us and I appreciate any feedback on what we are able to do in this arena going forward. This is something we have tremendous legal, backing based on the existing legal framework of laws to be able to pursue a meaningful way. I hope we can take out our swords and guns and cannons and move forward on this journey with a level of intensity in energy that will allow us to achieve this We need to come up with a solution that involves allowing us to use text to speech with our softwares without allowing search and copy and paste features and the other stuff that they allege as supposedly undermining their so called pathetic intellectual property. Let’s move forward with this and see where we stand and where we are going with this. Thanks for everyone’s attention and consideration, and I appreciate any feedback and further discussion and being able to discuss this further let’s move forward into the future with good results God willing. Reasons are straight up, ridiculous, pathetic and completely a foul to the various statutes in place that protect our communities from discrimination. Even if they are true, like I said, we need to find the balance that reconcile the conflict and provide an adequate solution. Ha ha I know my thought process and methodology must be lawyery After all, all of us are going into this business and line of work or trade to be able to solve complex problems, such as this one, if y’all know what I mean ha ha lol. “, __________________________ “ From sanho817 at gmail.com Sat Apr 6 06:23:52 2024 From: sanho817 at gmail.com (Sanho Steele-Louchart) Date: Sat, 6 Apr 2024 02:23:52 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Taking legal action to use text to speech with lsat prep questions and materials to facilitate equal access in test prep with other able body students In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <88855F8B-8CB3-4961-8686-04AC5ABEA357@gmail.com> Omar: A number of procedural and logistical questions come up. Let me know if you'd be interested in speaking briefly off-list. Sanho > On Apr 6, 2024, at 12:11 AM, omar duncan via BlindLaw wrote: > > Revision further below: > > > I’m sending the same email as above that I sent earlier, except I forgot to > provide a subject in the email above. > > The subject is very important for understanding the purpose of the email > and I want to allow you everyone to understand: > > > I further want to indicate that I will be long done with my test > preparation by the time any of this stuff for to theoretically be > adjudicated and does not personally affect me. > > I’m just passionate about helping others have an equal opportunity and want > to call us all of our resources And fight this important fight fiercely. > > > > > We gotta get our big guns and take them to the blinding light of Justice > and Make these discriminatory little bastards wish they had not clung on to > such erroneous grounds to inhibit our progress as disabled Americans. > > > Excuse the vociferous language but the facts are the facts and we must > aggressively push forward for a just future like our righteous predecessors > before us. > > > Best, > > > ———————————————————- > > > “ > > Dear colleagues (legal professionals and aspiring legal professionals), I > have something critical for our career prep success to share among that I > am taking this week to share with you all. > > As some of us may know, a key aspect of lsat prep (and other standardized > tests but especially the LSAT) hinges on completing many, countless > practice tests and prep tests consisting of test questions from previous > years and administrations. > > Unfortunately, a lot of us in this community rely on text to speech > programs like jaws and zoomtext to achieve necessary outcomes and elevate > our situation to a state I like to call, “level playing field.” Further, > these practice test questions on myriad prep platforms and other databases > are not accessible with text to speech programs because, for lack of a > better way to put it, nonsense arbitrary doctrines are cited to prevent us > from equal access to material and bringing about an equitable atmosphere > for visually impaired peoples and others with print disabilities such as > dyslexia and other predicaments that preclude equal access. > > They hide behind the cover of pathetic covers like intellectual property > and other arbitrary frivolities and grounds to deny us equal access—as if > there is any difference as these tests are already widely available and > public and tests of the past. > > > We are basically dealing with a conflict of epic proportions between two > core bodies of law—to be exact, those would be disability law and Americans > with Disability act (1) and intellectual property and proprietary access > laws (2). It is essential Godzilla versus King Kong type of stuff. > Nevertheless, I want to get my colleagues views on the prospects of > drafting legal actions that would seek to abolish such rules that prevent > text to speech capability on the grounds of the above-intellectual property > and other exclusionary considerations Given these circumstances and my > extensive knowledge of the legal system, it is worth considering escalating > this issue before courts of law to reconcile this inherent conflict—akin to > a knife lodged against the body. We need to consider that the fight may be > lengthy given the lag of the legal system. It might be tough. We must never > lose sight of the fact that The benefits of efficiency from being able to > utilize text to speech more freely in such an important area of test prep > that puts us at equal footing with other test takers is all the reason to > embark on this worthy journey. It will tremendously benefit ALL visually > impaired test takers regardless of their level of impairment and other non > visually disabled people that are print disabled and have other issues. > This necessary, positive development will pave the way for many people that > follow in our foot steps and will put them at an equal footing to be able > to praise their dream like us. I encourage you all to remember The visually > impaired plaintiff that sued on legitimate grounds like the above to remove > logic games as will be happening after this June with the LSAT. It was > long, time consuming but he was victorious and paved the way for a positive > future for all of us going forward. > > Taking everything into account I have stated, I am asking if this is > something that we can embark on and an organization take legal actions on > these grounds to advocate for this position like the national federation of > the blind or national association of blind lawyers or even sue > individually. > > Any insight and commentary on moving forward with such necessary action > affects positively and benefits all of us and I appreciate any feedback on > what we are able to do in this arena going forward. > > > This is something we have tremendous legal, backing based on the existing > legal framework of laws to be able to pursue a meaningful way. I hope we > can take out our swords and guns and cannons and move forward on this > journey with a level of intensity in energy that will allow us to achieve > this > > > > > We need to come up with a solution that involves allowing us to use text to > speech with our softwares without allowing search and copy and paste > features and the other stuff that they allege as supposedly undermining > their so called pathetic > intellectual property. > > > > Let’s move forward with this and see where we stand and where we are going > with this. > > Thanks for everyone’s attention and consideration, and I appreciate any > feedback and further discussion and being able to discuss this further > let’s move forward into the future with good results God willing. > > Reasons are straight up, ridiculous, pathetic and completely a foul to the > various statutes in place that protect our communities from discrimination. > Even if they are true, like I said, we need to find the balance that > reconcile the conflict and provide an adequate solution. > > Ha ha I know my thought process and methodology must be lawyery > > > After all, all of us are going into this business and line of work or > trade to be able to > solve complex problems, such as this one, if y’all know what I mean ha ha > lol. > > “, > __________________________ > “ > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail.com From laurenbishop96 at icloud.com Sun Apr 7 17:09:04 2024 From: laurenbishop96 at icloud.com (Lauren Bishop) Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2024 13:09:04 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe Message-ID: Hello All, I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. Sent from my iPhone From christophergbell at comcast.net Sun Apr 7 17:35:53 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2024 13:35:53 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <084d01da8912$119672a0$34c357e0$@comcast.net> Your concern is a legitimate one. I think the bar would have to provide the device we would use to mark the answers, in order to ensure that it did not contain data and that it did not provide internet access. Even with such an accommodation, there is still the risk that we, rather than a scribe, will hit the wrong box or enter the wrong letter. There is no foolproof way to ensure that the answer we intend is always the chosen answer. I took my first Bar exam in Florida in 1977. Since I could have no connection or relationship with the scribe, I chose a high school senior to read me the questions and mark the answer. Upon reading the very first fact pattern and question, he opined that it was an interesting question, as if he would know! I said, very loudly, "Shut Up!!" That was his last comment.... -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: Lauren Bishop Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe Hello All, I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net From laurenbishop96 at icloud.com Sun Apr 7 18:23:56 2024 From: laurenbishop96 at icloud.com (Lauren Bishop) Date: Sun, 7 Apr 2024 14:23:56 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe In-Reply-To: <084d01da8912$119672a0$34c357e0$@comcast.net> References: <084d01da8912$119672a0$34c357e0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: They did allow me to have my own computer during the exam. There was no Wi-Fi in the place where the exam was taking place, and they even checked to make sure my Internet was turned off. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 7, 2024, at 1:36 PM, christophergbell at comcast.net wrote: > > Your concern is a legitimate one. I think the bar would have to provide the device we would use to mark the answers, in order to ensure that it did not contain data and that it did not provide internet access. Even with such an accommodation, there is still the risk that we, rather than a scribe, will hit the wrong box or enter the wrong letter. There is no foolproof way to ensure that the answer we intend is always the chosen answer. > I took my first Bar exam in Florida in 1977. Since I could have no connection or relationship with the scribe, I chose a high school senior to read me the questions and mark the answer. Upon reading the very first fact pattern and question, he opined that it was an interesting question, as if he would know! I said, very loudly, "Shut Up!!" That was his last comment.... > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw > Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: Lauren Bishop > Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe > > Hello All, > I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net > From ccmlhe at gmail.com Mon Apr 8 04:35:56 2024 From: ccmlhe at gmail.com (ccmlhe at gmail.com) Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 00:35:56 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? Message-ID: <73FEFD9A-F6C3-41F6-A764-30E58B439BCB@gmail.com> Hello. I’m not sure if this even exists, but I was wondering if someone has a recommendation for a device that I can use to take notes in meetings, a courtroom or other settings where I would have to take notes a bit more quietly and discreetly? I’m pretty fast with a slate and stylus, and comfortable with using a laptop, but I was wondering if there is a device a bit less loud than a slate and stylus or less cumbersome than a laptop? Thank you ent from my iPhone From ces2266 at columbia.edu Mon Apr 8 04:37:01 2024 From: ces2266 at columbia.edu (Caleb E. Smith) Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 00:37:01 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe In-Reply-To: References: <084d01da8912$119672a0$34c357e0$@comcast.net> Message-ID: Just to be clear, you're not being asked to fill in the scan, you just are not sure you like the idea of your answers being taken from your word doc ultimately into an answer sheet? So they would need to grade it by hand instead of in a scanned machine? I'm not sure I've heard of that being an accommodation. On Sun, Apr 7, 2024 at 2:25 PM Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw < blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: > They did allow me to have my own computer during the exam. There was no > Wi-Fi in the place where the exam was taking place, and they even checked > to make sure my Internet was turned off. > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Apr 7, 2024, at 1:36 PM, christophergbell at comcast.net wrote: > > > > Your concern is a legitimate one. I think the bar would have to > provide the device we would use to mark the answers, in order to ensure > that it did not contain data and that it did not provide internet access. > Even with such an accommodation, there is still the risk that we, rather > than a scribe, will hit the wrong box or enter the wrong letter. There is > no foolproof way to ensure that the answer we intend is always the chosen > answer. > > I took my first Bar exam in Florida in 1977. Since I could have no > connection or relationship with the scribe, I chose a high school senior to > read me the questions and mark the answer. Upon reading the very first > fact pattern and question, he opined that it was an interesting question, > as if he would know! I said, very loudly, "Shut Up!!" That was his last > comment.... > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop > via BlindLaw > > Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:09 PM > > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > > Cc: Lauren Bishop > > Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized > test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe > > > > Hello All, > > I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other > than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized > tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another > poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who > have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that > the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the > credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We > can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too > many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a > president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron > answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other > program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it > would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair > that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was > marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. > > Sent from my iPhone > > _______________________________________________ > > BlindLaw mailing list > > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net > > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/ces2266%40columbia.edu > From seyyarselen004 at gmail.com Mon Apr 8 05:50:06 2024 From: seyyarselen004 at gmail.com (Selen Seyyar) Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 08:50:06 +0300 Subject: [blindLaw] The Turkish Blind Lawyer Message-ID: Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Selen. I am from Turkey, and I will be attending the Louisiana center for the blind in June. I am a registered lawyer in Turkey. I have learned English by myself and I am still improving it. I would really like to work in the international field and have a career in the USA. I would be very happy to network with American blind people and lawyers. I am quite passionate about this, and please do not hesitate to email me if you would like to contact me. Thank you, From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Mon Apr 8 22:57:59 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2024 22:57:59 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publish-final-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities Press Release U.S. DOJ April 8, 2024 Note: Please note that this link leads to an advance copy of a rule that has been approved by the Attorney General. The official version of the rule will be published in the Federal Register. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule." "This rule affirms the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act - ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society," said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people's ability to use and benefit from public programs and services." "This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city's mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA's promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov. A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here. For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department's website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov. From ThomasDukeman at outlook.com Tue Apr 9 11:49:40 2024 From: ThomasDukeman at outlook.com (Thomas Dukeman) Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2024 11:49:40 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hello, I was wondering if the rule also extends to private entities because I noticed the information in the original message suggested that universities were impacted now by the ADA regulations regarding accessibility (if I understood the message right). so now my question is that also private universities as well or is this strictly applying ADA to public universities? Thank you for the update, Thomas Dukeman, Board Member #1, Florida Association of Blind Students ________________________________ From: BlindLaw on behalf of Nightingale, Noel via BlindLaw Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 6:57 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: Nightingale, Noel Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publish-final-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities Press Release U.S. DOJ April 8, 2024 Note: Please note that this link leads to an advance copy of a rule that has been approved by the Attorney General. The official version of the rule will be published in the Federal Register. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule." "This rule affirms the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act - ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society," said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people's ability to use and benefit from public programs and services." "This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city's mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA's promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov>. A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here. For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department's website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov. _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thomasdukeman%40outlook.com From sanho817 at gmail.com Tue Apr 9 12:36:16 2024 From: sanho817 at gmail.com (Sanho Steele-Louchart) Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2024 07:36:16 -0500 Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <40E46B20-59B7-4013-86EA-C18F4E5F76B7@gmail.com> Thomas: The rules only apply to entities covered by Title II of the ADA. That is, only entities receiving federal funds. Most private universities are solely Title III covered entities and are not beholden to these rules. The rumor is that we should be seeing the Title III NPRM in the not too distant future, though what that means is anyone's guess. Sanho > On Apr 9, 2024, at 6:50 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hello, > > I was wondering if the rule also extends to private entities because I noticed the information in the original message suggested that universities were impacted now by the ADA regulations regarding accessibility (if I understood the message right). so now my question is that also private universities as well or is this strictly applying ADA to public universities? > > Thank you for the update, > > Thomas Dukeman, > Board Member #1, Florida Association of Blind Students > ________________________________ > From: BlindLaw on behalf of Nightingale, Noel via BlindLaw > Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 6:57 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: Nightingale, Noel > Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 > > > https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publish-final-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people > Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities > Press Release > U.S. DOJ > April 8, 2024 > > Note: Please note that this link leads to an advance copy of a rule that has been approved by the Attorney General. The official version of the rule will be published in the Federal Register. > Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. > "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule." > "This rule affirms the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act - ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society," said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people's ability to use and benefit from public programs and services." > "This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." > The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city's mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. > The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA's promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov>. A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here. > For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department's website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov. > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thomasdukeman%40outlook.com > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail.com From christophergbell at comcast.net Tue Apr 9 12:48:22 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2024 08:48:22 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 In-Reply-To: <40E46B20-59B7-4013-86EA-C18F4E5F76B7@gmail.com> References: <40E46B20-59B7-4013-86EA-C18F4E5F76B7@gmail.com> Message-ID: <050d01da8a7c$3c37ab30$b4a70190$@comcast.net> All public colleges and universities are "public entities" covered by ADA Title II and will have to comply with the new web accessibility rules, regardless if they receive federal money. They all do receive federal funding so, in one sense, it does not matter but just know that the scope of Title II is not tied to the federal funding stream. Chris -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Sanho Steele-Louchart via BlindLaw Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 8:36 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Sanho Steele-Louchart Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 Thomas: The rules only apply to entities covered by Title II of the ADA. That is, only entities receiving federal funds. Most private universities are solely Title III covered entities and are not beholden to these rules. The rumor is that we should be seeing the Title III NPRM in the not too distant future, though what that means is anyone's guess. Sanho > On Apr 9, 2024, at 6:50 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hello, > > I was wondering if the rule also extends to private entities because I noticed the information in the original message suggested that universities were impacted now by the ADA regulations regarding accessibility (if I understood the message right). so now my question is that also private universities as well or is this strictly applying ADA to public universities? > > Thank you for the update, > > Thomas Dukeman, > Board Member #1, Florida Association of Blind Students > ________________________________ > From: BlindLaw on behalf of Nightingale, > Noel via BlindLaw > Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 6:57 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: Nightingale, Noel > Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to > Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - > U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 > > > https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publish-final-rule-s > trengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people > Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile > App Access for People with Disabilities Press Release U.S. DOJ April > 8, 2024 > > Note: Please note that this link leads to an advance copy of a rule that has been approved by the Attorney General. The official version of the rule will be published in the Federal Register. > Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. > "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule." > "This rule affirms the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act - ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society," said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people's ability to use and benefit from public programs and services." > "This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." > The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city's mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. > The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA's promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov>. A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here. > For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department's website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov. > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thomasdukeman%40 > outlook.com _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail > .com _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net From sanho817 at gmail.com Tue Apr 9 14:16:20 2024 From: sanho817 at gmail.com (Sanho Steele-Louchart) Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2024 09:16:20 -0500 Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 In-Reply-To: <050d01da8a7c$3c37ab30$b4a70190$@comcast.net> References: <050d01da8a7c$3c37ab30$b4a70190$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <5F1186B1-29D2-4952-B36C-0C6DB7AEFD62@gmail.com> All: Chris is correct. Apologies for dashing off an email without properly explaining myself. Title II covers all programs, services, and activities of public entities regardless of federal funding. Coverage is tied not to federal funding, but Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I was merely trying to find a shortcut to describe which entities tend to be covered. Off to have my morning coffee, Sanho > On Apr 9, 2024, at 7:48 AM, christophergbell at comcast.net wrote: > > All public colleges and universities are "public entities" covered by ADA Title II and will have to comply with the new web accessibility rules, regardless if they receive federal money. They all do receive federal funding so, in one sense, it does not matter but just know that the scope of Title II is not tied to the federal funding stream. Chris > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Sanho Steele-Louchart via BlindLaw > Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 8:36 AM > To: Blind Law Mailing List > Cc: Sanho Steele-Louchart > Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 > > Thomas: > > The rules only apply to entities covered by Title II of the ADA. That is, only entities receiving federal funds. Most private universities are solely Title III covered entities and are not beholden to these rules. The rumor is that we should be seeing the Title III NPRM in the not too distant future, though what that means is anyone's guess. > > Sanho > >> On Apr 9, 2024, at 6:50 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> I was wondering if the rule also extends to private entities because I noticed the information in the original message suggested that universities were impacted now by the ADA regulations regarding accessibility (if I understood the message right). so now my question is that also private universities as well or is this strictly applying ADA to public universities? >> >> Thank you for the update, >> >> Thomas Dukeman, >> Board Member #1, Florida Association of Blind Students >> ________________________________ >> From: BlindLaw on behalf of Nightingale, >> Noel via BlindLaw >> Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 6:57 PM >> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org >> Cc: Nightingale, Noel >> Subject: [blindLaw] Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to >> Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities - >> U.S. DOJ - April 8, 2024 >> >> >> https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-publish-final-rule-s >> trengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people >> Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile >> App Access for People with Disabilities Press Release U.S. DOJ April >> 8, 2024 >> >> Note: Please note that this link leads to an advance copy of a rule that has been approved by the Attorney General. The official version of the rule will be published in the Federal Register. >> Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Every day, people across the country use the web and mobile apps to access public programs and services, including emergency information, courts, healthcare providers, schools, voting information, parking, permit applications, tax payments, and transit updates. If these technologies are not accessible, it can be difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to access critical services. Consequently, individuals with disabilities may be excluded from accessing public services that other people routinely use. >> "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities. I want to thank the many public servants across the Department, led by the Civil Rights Division, for their tremendous work on this rule." >> "This rule affirms the Justice Department's unwavering commitment to achieving the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act - ensuring that people with disabilities can fully and equally participate in our society," said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. "The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people's ability to use and benefit from public programs and services." >> "This rule is truly historic and long overdue as it will help break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American life," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "The rule will help ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to a full range of government services including critical activities like voting, taking online courses, applying for public benefits, filing taxes and more. For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." >> The rule will provide much-needed standards for addressing a wide variety of barriers. For example, the rule will help ensure blind individuals can access information about public transportation on a city's mobile app or website, enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in university lectures online and allow individuals with manual disabilities affecting their ability to use a mouse to access web information about voter registration. Ensuring that people with disabilities can access web content and mobile apps and fully participate in public programs and services will improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities in communities throughout the country. >> The final rule mandates technical standards for state and local governments to help ensure the accessibility of their programs and services provided through the web and mobile apps. By providing clarity on how to make sure these platforms are accessible for people with disabilities, this final rule advances the ADA's promise of a more inclusive society. The final rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register's website at www.federalregister.gov>. A fact sheet detailing information about the final rule is available here. >> For further information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the department's website at www.justice.gov/crt. For inquiries regarding the ADA, please contact the department's toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or visit the ADA website at www.ada.gov. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/thomasdukeman%40 >> outlook.com _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail >> .com > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net > From montascarlos267 at gmail.com Tue Apr 9 17:26:29 2024 From: montascarlos267 at gmail.com (carlos Montas) Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2024 12:26:29 -0500 Subject: [blindLaw] Fwd: Bob Casey Letter on Accessible Senate Technology References: Message-ID: <2E7C845D-E885-427C-8C18-265EA778D3DF@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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In-Reply-To: <73FEFD9A-F6C3-41F6-A764-30E58B439BCB@gmail.com> References: <73FEFD9A-F6C3-41F6-A764-30E58B439BCB@gmail.com> Message-ID: <03b101da8b6c$178916c0$469b4440$@gmail.com> Good afternoon, I would maybe check out a Braille display with a note taking option or a Braille note taker. The Braille Note Touch is loud, but it has the touch screen that is very quiet. I am looking at the Mantis and hope to get that once I can afford it. I prefer taking notes in Braille, so I've also thought a lot about this. Hope you find something that works, Julie -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Cecilia Martinez via BlindLaw Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 12:36 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: ccmlhe at gmail.com Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? Hello. I’m not sure if this even exists, but I was wondering if someone has a recommendation for a device that I can use to take notes in meetings, a courtroom or other settings where I would have to take notes a bit more quietly and discreetly? I’m pretty fast with a slate and stylus, and comfortable with using a laptop, but I was wondering if there is a device a bit less loud than a slate and stylus or less cumbersome than a laptop? Thank you ent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com From kaybaycar at gmail.com Wed Apr 10 17:31:19 2024 From: kaybaycar at gmail.com (Julie A. Orozco) Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:31:19 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <041d01da8b6c$e64d37c0$b2e7a740$@gmail.com> Hi Lauren, I just took the bar in February. Although I did not know this was available to me, the DC bar examiners let me use an Excel spreadsheet to mark my answers. They sent me the spreadsheet over email; I downloaded it to my desktop; took the test with my Wifi off of course; then sent it back via email. It was wonderful not to have to rely on a scribe to mark the answer sheet. My proctor and I were much more comfortable with this arrangement. If you have to take the bar again (Fingers crossed you don't!), just ask for this as an accommodation. I wrote my essays in Word docs that I opened and set up myself with their instructions, but the Excel sheets they sent me to fill out. I hope this helps. Julie -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:09 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: Lauren Bishop Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe Hello All, I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com From sanho817 at gmail.com Wed Apr 10 21:05:01 2024 From: sanho817 at gmail.com (Sanho Steele-Louchart) Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:05:01 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe In-Reply-To: <041d01da8b6c$e64d37c0$b2e7a740$@gmail.com> References: <041d01da8b6c$e64d37c0$b2e7a740$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <4CFFA188-049E-40B8-9C4C-F89E346DFCAF@gmail.com> All: Similarly, I just entered mine into a Word document. NCBE had no problem with that. Sanho > On Apr 10, 2024, at 1:31 PM, Julie A. Orozco via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hi Lauren, > > I just took the bar in February. Although I did not know this was available to me, the DC bar examiners let me use an Excel spreadsheet to mark my answers. They sent me the spreadsheet over email; I downloaded it to my desktop; took the test with my Wifi off of course; then sent it back via email. It was wonderful not to have to rely on a scribe to mark the answer sheet. My proctor and I were much more comfortable with this arrangement. > > If you have to take the bar again (Fingers crossed you don't!), just ask for this as an accommodation. I wrote my essays in Word docs that I opened and set up myself with their instructions, but the Excel sheets they sent me to fill out. I hope this helps. > > Julie > > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Lauren Bishop via BlindLaw > Sent: Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:09 PM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: Lauren Bishop > Subject: [blindLaw] Alternative accommodation for having standardized test exam answer sheets marked by a scribe > > Hello All, > I was wondering if there is any precedent for in accommodation other than having a scribe markup Blind Students answer sheet on standardized tests such as the bar exam. I have thought about this a lot, and another poster on this list inspired me to ask this question. Sided students who have their answer sheets marked by a scribe can independently verify that the bubble is shaded incorrectly; Whereas, blind people only have the credible verbal assurance that our answer sheet is marked correctly. We can’t tell if the bubble has been marked dark enough or if there are too many strain marks for the Scantron machine to pick them up. Is there a president for requesting an accommodation where , there is no Scantron answers sheet, such as marking answers in Microsoft Word or some other program? I would appreciate any input on this topic. If there isn’t, it would be great if there was a way to change that. I find it grossly unfair that a blind test taker is left, wondering whether their answer sheet was marked correctly. Just a thought as I nervously await my bar results. > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail.com From sanho817 at gmail.com Wed Apr 10 21:05:54 2024 From: sanho817 at gmail.com (Sanho Steele-Louchart) Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:05:54 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? In-Reply-To: <03b101da8b6c$178916c0$469b4440$@gmail.com> References: <03b101da8b6c$178916c0$469b4440$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <2C13F4AF-F2A9-48DD-9B58-31243C397006@gmail.com> All: If I need something extremely quiet, I just use braille screen input on my iPhone. Sanho > On Apr 10, 2024, at 1:25 PM, Julie A. Orozco via BlindLaw wrote: > > Good afternoon, > > I would maybe check out a Braille display with a note taking option or a Braille note taker. The Braille Note Touch is loud, but it has the touch screen that is very quiet. I am looking at the Mantis and hope to get that once I can afford it. I prefer taking notes in Braille, so I've also thought a lot about this. > > Hope you find something that works, > > Julie > > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Cecilia Martinez via BlindLaw > Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 12:36 AM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: ccmlhe at gmail.com > Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? > > Hello. I’m not sure if this even exists, but I was wondering if someone has a recommendation for a device that I can use to take notes in meetings, a courtroom or other settings where I would have to take notes a bit more quietly and discreetly? I’m pretty fast with a slate and stylus, and comfortable with using a laptop, but I was wondering if there is a device a bit less loud than a slate and stylus or less cumbersome than a laptop? > > Thank you ent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/sanho817%40gmail.com From abin.dahal at gmail.com Thu Apr 11 13:35:57 2024 From: abin.dahal at gmail.com (Abin Dahal) Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:35:57 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Experience with D.C. Vocational Rehab for law school? Message-ID: Hello- I am currently approved for sponsorship for law school from another states' VR services. I am considering a move to D.C. but want to learn more about their VR services before I make any decisions. Does anyone have experience or knowledge about getting VR sponsorship for law school or grad school through D.C.? Best, Abin -- Abin Dahal From deepa.goraya at gmail.com Thu Apr 11 14:23:46 2024 From: deepa.goraya at gmail.com (Deepa Goraya) Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:23:46 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Experience with D.C. Vocational Rehab for law school? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6E7D9F54-A466-4B58-818E-1214F019F458@gmail.com> Hi. I have use DC rehab for Post law school vocational services. But I have not used them for law school or grad school itself. But their counselor Candice is pretty good. If you want more info, happy to speak with you off-line. You can email me at deepa.goraya at gmail.com. Deepa Deepinder K. Goraya, ESQ. Sent From My iPhone > On Apr 11, 2024, at 9:37 AM, Abin Dahal via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hello- I am currently approved for sponsorship for law school from another > states' VR services. I am considering a move to D.C. but want to learn more > about their VR services before I make any decisions. Does anyone have > experience or knowledge about getting VR sponsorship for law school or grad > school through D.C.? > > Best, > Abin > > -- > Abin Dahal > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/deepa.goraya%40gmail.com From BrianUnitt at holsteinlaw.com Thu Apr 11 21:32:22 2024 From: BrianUnitt at holsteinlaw.com (Brian Unitt) Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 21:32:22 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? In-Reply-To: <03b101da8b6c$178916c0$469b4440$@gmail.com> References: <73FEFD9A-F6C3-41F6-A764-30E58B439BCB@gmail.com> <03b101da8b6c$178916c0$469b4440$@gmail.com> Message-ID: I just got a Brailliant BI 40x when my Focus 40 Blue gave up the ghost after 8 years. The Brailliant has a very quiet Perkins keyboard and what seem to be robust text and braille editor apps. I've only had it for a couple weeks but I am very impressed so far. I mentioned in a different thread that the slate and stylus is reasonably quiet if you use legal pad paper. Brian Brian C. Unitt Certified Specialist in Appellate Law By the State Bar of California Law Office of Brian C. Unitt 6185 Magnolia Ave, PMB 40 Riverside, CA 92506 P: 951-682-7030 E: brianunitt at holsteinlaw.com Visit my Website NOTICE:  This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain attorney/client information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply email or by telephone and immediately delete this communication and all its attachments. Confidentiality Disclaimer This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the author's intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please delete all copies, both electronic and printed, and contact the author immediately. -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Julie A. Orozco via BlindLaw Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:26 AM To: 'Blind Law Mailing List' Cc: Julie A. Orozco Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? Good afternoon, I would maybe check out a Braille display with a note taking option or a Braille note taker. The Braille Note Touch is loud, but it has the touch screen that is very quiet. I am looking at the Mantis and hope to get that once I can afford it. I prefer taking notes in Braille, so I've also thought a lot about this. Hope you find something that works, Julie -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Cecilia Martinez via BlindLaw Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 12:36 AM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: ccmlhe at gmail.com Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? Hello. I’m not sure if this even exists, but I was wondering if someone has a recommendation for a device that I can use to take notes in meetings, a courtroom or other settings where I would have to take notes a bit more quietly and discreetly? I’m pretty fast with a slate and stylus, and comfortable with using a laptop, but I was wondering if there is a device a bit less loud than a slate and stylus or less cumbersome than a laptop? Thank you ent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/brianunitt%40holsteinlaw.com From maurakutnyak at gmail.com Thu Apr 11 23:34:37 2024 From: maurakutnyak at gmail.com (Maura Kutnyak) Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:34:37 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi, The thoughts that come to me are general, more in the realm of philosophy, than practical solution. At my new job as a public defender, I’m working to overcome quite a few structural and emotional barriers. Structural barriers include environmental ones such as deft, accurate navigation of the court room, and those less tangible that exist and persist within organizations. I’ve never worried about the noise that my typing creates. The court rooms in City Court are busy and that comes with a lot of background sound. I’m using a laptop to take notes. Regrettably my Braille is not speedy or accurate enough to take good notes in court. But I think a lot about the physical manipulation of my device, and whether I can optimize it by either changing up my style of movement, or changing out the device but I think it’s important to think about some hybrid of mind and matter. Toward the philosophy, or mental state angle, I think in the end I need to focus on excepting that my processes will always be different, and they will rarely feel discrete or seamless in the print and paper based system where I work. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. We will thrive as blind attorneys embracing our alternative techniques. So probably bottom line for me, the focus should be on finding techniques that work well, that are efficient, and that optimize my representation of clients. I say this, because, it is easy to want to blend in! As a person who, by default stands out, I find myself desiring some kind of camouflage. But I also love the process of embracing my colorful plumage! Thanks for reading. It was very helpful for me to write out some thoughts. Take good care. Warmly, Maura Kutnyak Esq. 716-563-9882 > On Apr 11, 2024, at 5:33 PM, Brian Unitt via BlindLaw wrote: > > I just got a Brailliant BI 40x when my Focus 40 Blue gave up the ghost after 8 years. The Brailliant has a very quiet Perkins keyboard and what seem to be robust text and braille editor apps. I've only had it for a couple weeks but I am very impressed so far. > > I mentioned in a different thread that the slate and stylus is reasonably quiet if you use legal pad paper. > > Brian > Brian C. Unitt > Certified Specialist in Appellate Law > By the State Bar of California > > Law Office of Brian C. Unitt > 6185 Magnolia Ave, PMB 40 > Riverside, CA 92506 > P: 951-682-7030 > E: brianunitt at holsteinlaw.com > Visit my Website > > NOTICE: This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain attorney/client information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply email or by telephone and immediately delete this communication and all its attachments. > > Confidentiality Disclaimer > This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. > If you are not the author's intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please delete all copies, both electronic and printed, and contact the author immediately. > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Julie A. Orozco via BlindLaw > Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 10:26 AM > To: 'Blind Law Mailing List' > Cc: Julie A. Orozco > Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? > > Good afternoon, > > I would maybe check out a Braille display with a note taking option or a Braille note taker. The Braille Note Touch is loud, but it has the touch screen that is very quiet. I am looking at the Mantis and hope to get that once I can afford it. I prefer taking notes in Braille, so I've also thought a lot about this. > > Hope you find something that works, > > Julie > > > -----Original Message----- > From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Cecilia Martinez via BlindLaw > Sent: Monday, April 8, 2024 12:36 AM > To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org > Cc: ccmlhe at gmail.com > Subject: [blindLaw] Best device for taking notes discreetly? > > Hello. I’m not sure if this even exists, but I was wondering if someone has a recommendation for a device that I can use to take notes in meetings, a courtroom or other settings where I would have to take notes a bit more quietly and discreetly? I’m pretty fast with a slate and stylus, and comfortable with using a laptop, but I was wondering if there is a device a bit less loud than a slate and stylus or less cumbersome than a laptop? > > Thank you ent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/kaybaycar%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/brianunitt%40holsteinlaw.com > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/maurakutnyak%40gmail.com From rothmanjd at gmail.com Sat Apr 13 22:56:24 2024 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (rothmanjd at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 18:56:24 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Quarterly Connection - National Association of Blind Lawyers Message-ID: <0c6f01da8df5$cfdf41f0$6f9dc5d0$@gmail.com> A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: text/calendar Size: 9008 bytes Desc: not available URL: From rosesloan920 at gmail.com Sun Apr 14 02:53:54 2024 From: rosesloan920 at gmail.com (Rose Warner) Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 20:53:54 -0600 Subject: [blindLaw] Quarterly connection: How to choose a law school - this Wednesday Message-ID: Greetings NABL - Thanks for your suggestions on topics for our Quarterly Connection. This quarter, we will be talking to three blind law students about how they decided to choose the law school they attend or transferred to. We will also talk about specific considerations for blind students. The conversation will be on Wed. April 17 at 8 ET, 7 CT, 6 MT, 5 PT. You can join the meeting on Zoom at https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98524870112. Bring your questions! All are welcome - we look forward to seeing you there! Rose and Elizabeth National Association of Blind Lawyers Sent from my iPhone From helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com Mon Apr 15 02:29:28 2024 From: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com (Helga Schreiber) Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:29:28 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Quarterly connection: How to choose a law school - this Wednesday In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1E0C52F8-24A0-4B05-AC91-64A57FCF1FA2@gmail.com> Good evening Rose and everyone. Hope you guys are doing well. This zoom meeting sounds very interesting. I will definitely attend. However, I’m planning to be retaking my LSAT exam either this August orSeptember, in order to start applying for Law school this year. So this will be really helpful! I have a school in mine, but I don’t know if anyone heard of it. so I will definitely be attending this meeting. Would it be OK if I attend even if I’m still preparing for the LSAT for this upcoming fall ? Thanks so much for reading.! Helga Schreiber Email Address: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com Sent From my iPhone 11 Pro Max > On Apr 13, 2024, at 10:55 PM, Rose Warner via BlindLaw wrote: > > Greetings NABL - > > Thanks for your suggestions on topics for our Quarterly Connection. This quarter, we will be talking to three blind law students about how they decided to choose the law school they attend or transferred to. We will also talk about specific considerations for blind students. > > The conversation will be on Wed. April 17 at 8 ET, 7 CT, 6 MT, 5 PT. You can join the meeting on Zoom at https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98524870112. Bring your questions! > > All are welcome - we look forward to seeing you there! > > Rose and Elizabeth > National Association of Blind Lawyers > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/helga.schreiber26%40gmail.com From jorgepaezfl at gmail.com Mon Apr 15 03:19:16 2024 From: jorgepaezfl at gmail.com (Jorge Paez) Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:19:16 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Question for California lawyers Message-ID: <0D76AD58-E2BC-45E2-A89F-109AA432FFB5@gmail.com> Hi all. I’m 29, totally blind and have several other disabilities. Those other disabilities, chiefly Anxiety, Bipolar and ADHD, have made it impossible for me to sit through college. However, I still have been able to succeed in technical careers and classes, having earned and practiced with a life insurance license for several years, and having also tried to and thrived at massage therapy school. I ended up dropping massage therapy when that school went belly up, and also I have eschiolosis so it wasn’t a fit for me since I wouldn’t be able to work as long hours as I would have to work in that field because of the physical tole. Anyway, one of my passions has always been the law. Jacobis Tenbrook, Dr. Jurnigan and Scott C. Labar were my heroes growing up. However like I said I couldn’t complete college so that wrote off the law for most of my life, although I did take LSAT practice tests and did well on those so I knew I had the mind for it if I got around the college issue somehow. Well as it happens I’m moving to California next week, which has a 4-year apprenticeship program to become an attorney which first came to my attention because of Kim Cardashian publicly announcing that she was going to use that program to become an attorney several years ago. That really got me interested although since I wasn’t in the state I couldn’t really take advantage of it but now I will be moving there. So I had 2 questions for the list. First, has anyone had experience with this program? I believe it is available in California, Virginia, and Washington. I feel like this would be a perfect program for me because it’s technical, it treats the study of the law directly which, first of all I’m passionate about but second of all my mind is great at focusing on a single subject like that and I would have no problem going through the study required for this. And my second question is, is there any blind attorney here would be willing to supervise me in California? I’m moving to the San Francisco area. I looked at the California info page for the program and they have no info on where to look for supervising attorneys, and although I could just call the bar I turned to this list because my lawyer heroes have always been blind and I’d love to be mentored by a blind lawyer already practicing in the field. I have no specific law I’m looking to focus in, honestly any kind of law interests me. Anyway if you can help me with either question please feel free to respond in the group or write to me privately. Thank you. Jorge From rothmanjd at gmail.com Mon Apr 15 03:25:03 2024 From: rothmanjd at gmail.com (Ronza Othman) Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2024 22:25:03 -0500 Subject: [blindLaw] Quarterly connection: How to choose a law school - this Wednesday In-Reply-To: <1E0C52F8-24A0-4B05-AC91-64A57FCF1FA2@gmail.com> References: <1E0C52F8-24A0-4B05-AC91-64A57FCF1FA2@gmail.com> Message-ID: <2E27386A-F94F-4899-8EF7-D17A3A243A64@gmail.com> Of course. All are welcome. Ronza Othman, President National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 443-426-4110 Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 14, 2024, at 9:30 PM, Helga Schreiber via BlindLaw wrote: > > Good evening Rose and everyone. Hope you guys are doing well. This zoom meeting sounds very interesting. I will definitely attend. However, I’m planning to be retaking my LSAT exam either this August orSeptember, in order to start applying for Law school this year. So this will be really helpful! I have a school in mine, but I don’t know if anyone heard of it. so I will definitely be attending this meeting. Would it be OK if I attend even if I’m still preparing for the LSAT for this upcoming fall ? Thanks so much for reading.! > Helga Schreiber > Email Address: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com > Sent From my iPhone 11 Pro Max > > > >> On Apr 13, 2024, at 10:55 PM, Rose Warner via BlindLaw wrote: >> >> Greetings NABL - >> >> Thanks for your suggestions on topics for our Quarterly Connection. This quarter, we will be talking to three blind law students about how they decided to choose the law school they attend or transferred to. We will also talk about specific considerations for blind students. >> >> The conversation will be on Wed. April 17 at 8 ET, 7 CT, 6 MT, 5 PT. You can join the meeting on Zoom at https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98524870112. Bring your questions! >> >> All are welcome - we look forward to seeing you there! >> >> Rose and Elizabeth >> National Association of Blind Lawyers >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/helga.schreiber26%40gmail.com > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/rothmanjd%40gmail.com From elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com Tue Apr 16 14:31:14 2024 From: elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com (Elizabeth Rouse) Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:31:14 -0500 Subject: [blindLaw] Quarterly connection: How to choose a law school - this Wednesday In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Good morning, everyone! This message serves as your final reminder to join us for tomorrow evening’s Quarterly Connection. We'll be discussing the how-to of choosing a law school. Please see the below message for Zoom details. We hope to see you there! Elizabeth and Rose Elizabeth Rouse, She/her/hers Board Member | National Association of Blind Lawyers (NABL) blindlawyers.net Board Member | Performing Arts Division nfb-pad.org Elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com (563) 210-1854 “If you can see yourself as an artist, and you can see that your life is your own creation, then why not create the most beautiful story for yourself?” - Miguel Ruiz On Sat, Apr 13, 2024 at 9:55 PM Rose Warner via BlindLaw < blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote: > Greetings NABL - > > Thanks for your suggestions on topics for our Quarterly Connection. This > quarter, we will be talking to three blind law students about how they > decided to choose the law school they attend or transferred to. We will > also talk about specific considerations for blind students. > > The conversation will be on Wed. April 17 at 8 ET, 7 CT, 6 MT, 5 PT. You > can join the meeting on Zoom at https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98524870112. > Bring your questions! > > All are welcome - we look forward to seeing you there! > > Rose and Elizabeth > National Association of Blind Lawyers > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/elizabethrouse.nfb%40gmail.com > From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Tue Apr 16 17:54:56 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:54:56 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online - Disability Scoop - April 15, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/04/15/feds-move-to-increase-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities-online/30830/ Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online By Shaun Heasley Disability Scoop April 15, 2024 More than 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect, federal officials are imposing first-ever rules clarifying how the law applies online. The U.S. Department of Justice said this month that it will finalize a rule outlining technical standards for websites and mobile apps under Title II of the ADA. The regulation applies to online offerings from state and local governments, which can include everything from public transportation and voter registration to emergency services, schools, health care providers and tax authorities. "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities." Many websites remain inaccessible to people with disabilities and the Justice Department has faced pressure for years to issue regulations specifying how the ADA applies online. Until now, however, the agency has only offered guidance. That has left the space wide open to litigation as more and more facets of life have shifted online, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. "So much of life today takes place on the web and on apps - it is a modern public square," said Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. "This rule is a long-awaited recognition that to achieve equal participation in society, as promised by the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must address digital discrimination and inaccessibility." The Justice Department rule stipulates that web and mobile apps should follow a standard known as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG, Version 2.1, Level AA to address accessibility for those relying on screen readers, speech recognition software, captioning for videos, visual contrast and more. The requirements apply even if a third-party creates or updates a web page or mobile app for a government entity, officials said, though some content --primarily archived and certain preexisting information - will be exempt. "It is important that state and local governments can prioritize so they can choose the most important content - like current or commonly used information - to make accessible to people with disabilities quickly," the Justice Department said. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register soon and will take effect 60 days later. At that point, state and local governments will have two or three years to come into compliance with the regulations, depending on their population. From christophergbell at comcast.net Tue Apr 16 21:03:57 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:03:57 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online - Disability Scoop - April 15, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <009d01da9041$a0962780$e1c27680$@comcast.net> Notwithstanding the continuing lack of website accessibility standards under ADA Title III, Private entities covered by §504, such as universities and colleges, may be surprised to learn that the federal courts and DOJ/ED will likely look to the Title II web accessibility standards in §504 administrative and litigation claims filed due to their inaccessible websites. Federal courts interpret §504 and ADA Title II substantive standards as the same. I don't think the absence of promulgated ADA Title III web standards will shield §504 entities from such litigation. The extent of this new obligation is significant. See the attachments regarding DOJ's Complaint and Consent Decree against UC Berkely for an example of the breadth of this obligation. -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Nightingale, Noel via BlindLaw Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 1:55 PM To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org Cc: Nightingale, Noel Subject: [blindLaw] Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online - Disability Scoop - April 15, 2024 https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/04/15/feds-move-to-increase-accessibili ty-for-people-with-disabilities-online/30830/ Feds Move To Increase Accessibility For People With Disabilities Online By Shaun Heasley Disability Scoop April 15, 2024 More than 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect, federal officials are imposing first-ever rules clarifying how the law applies online. The U.S. Department of Justice said this month that it will finalize a rule outlining technical standards for websites and mobile apps under Title II of the ADA. The regulation applies to online offerings from state and local governments, which can include everything from public transportation and voter registration to emergency services, schools, health care providers and tax authorities. "This final rule marks the Justice Department's latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs or activities because of a disability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "By issuing clear and consistent accessibility standards for state and local governments' digital content, this rule advances the ADA's promise of equal participation in society for people with disabilities." Many websites remain inaccessible to people with disabilities and the Justice Department has faced pressure for years to issue regulations specifying how the ADA applies online. Until now, however, the agency has only offered guidance. That has left the space wide open to litigation as more and more facets of life have shifted online, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. "So much of life today takes place on the web and on apps - it is a modern public square," said Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. "This rule is a long-awaited recognition that to achieve equal participation in society, as promised by the Americans with Disabilities Act, we must address digital discrimination and inaccessibility." The Justice Department rule stipulates that web and mobile apps should follow a standard known as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG, Version 2.1, Level AA to address accessibility for those relying on screen readers, speech recognition software, captioning for videos, visual contrast and more. The requirements apply even if a third-party creates or updates a web page or mobile app for a government entity, officials said, though some content --primarily archived and certain preexisting information - will be exempt. "It is important that state and local governments can prioritize so they can choose the most important content - like current or commonly used information - to make accessible to people with disabilities quickly," the Justice Department said. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register soon and will take effect 60 days later. At that point, state and local governments will have two or three years to come into compliance with the regulations, depending on their population. _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40com cast.net -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ucb_complaint_11.21.22_esigned2_0 (8).docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 143139 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ucb_consent_decree_-_11.21.22_esigned_0 (12).docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 67901 bytes Desc: not available URL: From helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com Thu Apr 18 03:49:37 2024 From: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com (Helga Schreiber) Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:49:37 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Question regarding the date of the NABL National meeting for convention Message-ID: <0B7617F1-76A4-4BF9-A46E-2492A74F12D4@gmail.com> Hello everyone. Hope everyone’s doing well. I just have a question, when will be the NABL meeting on convention? What day exactly? I’m just wondering. I’m actually considering attending this year. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you so much for your time. Helga Schreiber Email Address: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com Sent From my iPhone 11 Pro Max From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri Apr 19 18:51:12 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:51:12 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities - Press Release - ADA.gov In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://www.ada.gov/resources/protecting-voter-rights/ The Americans with Disabilities Act and Other Federal Laws Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities Press Release ADA.gov April 18, 2024 Voting is one of our nation's most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. People with intellectual or mental health disabilities have been prevented from voting because of prejudicial assumptions about their capabilities. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, such as walkers, have been unable to enter the polling place to cast their ballot because there was no ramp. People who are blind or have low vision could not cast their vote because the ballot was completely inaccessible to them. Guidance & Resources [LINK] Read this to get specific guidance about this topic. For a beginner-level introduction to a topic, view Topics [LINK] For information about the legal requirements, visit Law, Regulations & Standards [LINK] Important federal civil rights laws were enacted to combat such forms of discrimination and protect the fundamental right to vote for all Americans. This document provides guidance to states, local jurisdictions, election officials, poll workers, and voters on how the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws help ensure fairness in the voting process for people with disabilities. FEDERAL LAWS PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO VOTE The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that provides protections to people with disabilities that are similar to protections provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments ("public entities") to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The ADA's provisions apply to all aspects of voting, including voter registration, polling place site selection, election websites, and the casting of ballots, whether on Election Day or during an early voting process, and whether in-person or absentee. The ADA applies to all elections administered by state and local governments, including federal, state, and local elections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) also contains provisions relevant to the voting rights of people with disabilities. The VRA requires election officials to allow a voter who is blind or has another disability to receive assistance from a person of the voter's choice (other than the voter's employer or its agent or an officer or agent of the voter's union). The VRA also prohibits conditioning the right to vote on a citizen being able to read or write, attaining a particular level of education, or passing an interpretation "test." The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA) requires accessible polling places in federal elections for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Where no accessible location is available to serve as a polling place, voters must be provided an alternate means of voting on Election Day. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) aims, among other things, to increase the historically low registration rates of persons with disabilities. The NVRA requires all offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs that primarily serve persons with disabilities to also provide the opportunity to register to vote in federal elections. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires jurisdictions responsible for conducting federal elections to provide at least one accessible voting system for persons with disabilities at each polling place in federal elections. The accessible voting system must provide the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, that other voters receive. The remainder of this document discusses how these laws apply to common aspects of the election process. MAKING VOTER REGISTRATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL The first step in the voting process is registration. The NVRA requires all offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs that primarily serve persons with disabilities to provide the opportunity to register to vote by providing voter registration forms, assisting voters in completing the forms, and transmitting completed forms to the appropriate election official. The NVRA requires such offices to provide any citizen who wishes to register to vote the same degree of assistance with voter registration forms as it provides with regard to completing the office's own forms. The NVRA also requires that if such office provides its services to a person with a disability at the person's home, the office shall provide these voter registration services at the home as well. The Department has reached settlements with states to require state officials to ensure that voter registration opportunities are offered at all designated disability services offices in the state and to develop and implement training and tracking programs for those offices. In addition to the registration opportunities guaranteed by the NVRA, the ADA requires states to ensure that all aspects of the voter registration process are accessible to persons with disabilities. This includes the opportunity to register to vote through a state, county, or city website. The ADA also prohibits a state from categorically disqualifying individuals who have intellectual or mental health disabilities from registering to vote or from voting because of their disability or guardianship status. Further, a state may not subject groups of people with disabilities-including individuals who are under guardianship-to a higher standard than that imposed on other voters for demonstrating the capacity to vote. PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES In communities large and small, people cast their ballots in a variety of facilities that temporarily serve as polling places, such as libraries, schools, and fire stations, or churches, stores, and other private buildings. The ADA requires that public entities ensure that people with disabilities can access and use their voting facilities. The ADA's regulations and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design set out what makes a facility accessible and should be used to determine the level of accessibility at any facility being considered for use as a polling place. The Justice Department's ADA Checklist for Polling Places provides guidance to election officials for determining whether a polling place already has the basic accessibility features needed by most voters with disabilities or can be made accessible using temporary solutions. As a companion to the ADA Checklist for Polling Places, the Justice Department's publication, Ballot Drop Box Accessibility, helps election officials evaluate the accessibility of ballot drop boxes. An additional Justice Department publication, Solutions for Five Common ADA Access Problems at Polling Places, illustrates suggested temporary solutions for several common problems found at polling places. For example, if a polling place includes parking but no accessible parking spaces, election administrators can create temporary accessible parking by using traffic cones and portable signs to mark off the accessible spaces and access aisles. The Department of Justice has expanded the scope of the Election Day monitoring conducted by Civil Rights Division staff to include assessments of the physical accessibility of polling places. During federal general elections, the Department's Election Day monitors conduct accessibility surveys of hundreds of polling places in many states throughout the country. In some circumstances, when a public entity is unable to identify or create an accessible polling place for a particular voting precinct or ward, election administrators may instead use an alternative method of voting at the polling place. While absentee balloting can be offered to voters with disabilities, it cannot take the place of in-person voting for those who prefer to vote at the polls on Election Day. Any alternative method of voting must offer voters with disabilities an equally effective opportunity to cast their votes in person. For example, the only suitable polling site in a precinct might be an inaccessible building. In this rare circumstance, election administrators may provide "curbside voting" to allow persons with disabilities to vote outside the polling place or in their cars. In order to be effective, however, the curbside voting system must include: (1) signage informing voters of the possibility of voting curbside, the location of the curbside voting, and how a voter can notify the official that she is waiting curbside; (2) a location that allows the curbside voter to obtain information from candidates and others campaigning outside the polling place; (3) a method for the voter with a disability to announce her arrival at the curbside (a temporary doorbell or buzzer system would be sufficient, but not a telephone system requiring the use of a cell phone or a call ahead notification); (4) a prompt response from election officials to acknowledge their awareness of the voter; (5) timely delivery of the same information that is provided to voters inside the polling place; and (6) a portable voting system that is accessible and allows the voter to cast her ballot privately and independently. Curbside voting as an alternative to voting in person is permissible only under these limited circumstances. Under the ADA, jurisdictions must select polling sites that are or can be made accessible, so that voters with disabilities can participate in elections on the same terms and with the same level of privacy as other voters. In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Jefferson County, Kentucky, Board of Elections entered into a Settlement Agreement under the ADA concerning the accessibility of Jefferson County's polling places. The Board agreed that moving forward, it would select polling places that would be accessible on Election Day to voters with mobility and vision impairments. The Board agreed to relocate some polling places that were not accessible and to provide temporary measures at others, such as portable ramps and doorbells, to make sure that they are accessible on Election Day. The Board agreed to train its poll workers and other elections staff on the requirements of the ADA and how to use temporary measures to ensure each polling place is accessible during elections. ENSURING THAT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DO NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES State and local governments must ensure that their policies, procedures, or practices do not interfere with or prohibit people with disabilities from registering to vote or voting based on their disability. For example, an election official cannot refuse to provide an absentee ballot or voter registration form to a person with a disability because the voter resides in a nursing home. In addition, the ADA requires public entities to modify their voting policies, practices, and procedures when such modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of a voter's disability. That requirement is relaxed only if election administrators can show that the proposed modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the voting program. For example, voters who use crutches may have difficulty waiting in a long line to vote. The ADA does not require that these voters be moved to the front of the line, but the public entity should provide a chair for them while they wait. For a voter with multiple sclerosis who may be unable to tolerate extreme temperatures, providing a chair inside the polling place may be an appropriate modification. Similarly, election officials must modify a "no animals/pets" policy to allow voters with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in all areas of the polling place where the public is allowed to go. Additionally, if a jurisdiction requires voters to provide identification, the ADA requires that election officials not restrict the permissible forms of identification for voters with disabilities to ones that are not available to those voters. RIGHTS TO ASSISTANCE IN THE VOTING PROCESS The VRA requires election officials to allow voters with a disability to receive assistance from a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or its agent or an officer or agent of the voter's union. The ADA also requires that public entities modify their policies to permit voters who require assistance in voting because of their disability to receive assistance. This includes qualified voters with a disability who reside in congregate settings such as nursing homes. Voters with disabilities may receive assistance in all aspects of the voting process, including in requesting, completing, and returning a ballot, whether in person, absentee, or by mail-in ballot. For example, if a voter with a disability requires assistance to mark a ballot, the voter must be allowed to receive assistance from the person of their choosing and is not limited to assistance from an election worker. And a voter who needs assistance in placing their ballot in a mailbox or drop box because of disability must be able to receive assistance from a person of their choosing. The ADA also prohibits state and local governments from intimidating or coercing voters with disabilities (or people who aid them) in exercising their rights under the ADA. State laws that restrict people from providing assistance with voting, subject to criminal penalties, may chill assistors from aiding voters with disabilities and thus interfere with voters' rights to assistance under the ADA. In August 2022, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in in Carey v. Wisconsin Election Commission (W.D. Wisc. 2022) to explain that the VRA and ADA require the right to absentee ballot return assistance. PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE VOTING SYSTEMS AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION HAVA requires jurisdictions conducting federal elections to have a voting system (such as the actual voting machines) that is accessible, including to citizens who are blind or visually impaired, at each polling place. The accessible voting system must provide the same opportunity for access and participation, including privacy and independence, that other voters enjoy. States can satisfy this accessibility requirement through use of a direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities. In addition to HAVA, the ADA requires officials responsible for conducting all public elections to make sure that any accessible voting systems are maintained and function properly in each election, and that election officials have been adequately trained to operate them. Following the enactment of HAVA, the Department monitored the nationwide implementation of the accessible voting systems requirements and successfully resolved litigation in Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania to ensure that accessible voting systems were established in every polling place in those states. The ADA requires election officials conducting any elections at the federal, state, or local level to provide communication with voters with disabilities that is as effective as that provided to others. To ensure that voters with disabilities can fully participate in the election process, officials must provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services at each stage of the process, from providing registration and election information to registering to vote to casting a ballot. Only if providing an aid or service would result in a fundamental alteration or undue financial and administrative burdens is a jurisdiction not required to provide the aid or service. However, the jurisdiction still has an obligation to provide, if possible, another aid or service that results in effective communication. In determining the type of auxiliary aid and service to be provided, officials must give primary consideration to the request of the voter. Examples of auxiliary aids and services for people who are blind or have low vision include a qualified reader (a person who is able to read effectively, accurately, and impartially using necessary specialized vocabulary); information in large print or Braille; accessible electronic information and information technology; and audio recording of printed information. Examples of auxiliary aids and services for people who are deaf or have hearing loss include sign language interpreters, Video Remote Interpreting, captioning, and written notes. For additional information about auxiliary aids and services, see ADA Requirements: Effective Communication For example, suppose that a jurisdiction is conducting an election for mayor and city council members using a paper ballot system. A blind voter would not be able to vote a paper ballot without assistance. The ADA would require the city to provide an accessible ballot. In February 2019, the Department secured an agreement with the City of Concord, New Hampshire, to provide an accessible voting machine at each City voting or polling location in all future City elections. The requirement to provide effective communication also extends to other information related to the voting process, such as poll workers obtaining address and registration information from voters. Whatever information the public entity provides relating to the voting process must be accessible and usable by all who come to cast their ballots. For example, election officials should have pen and paper available and be prepared to write out questions at the polling place check-in table for a voter who is deaf and can communicate through written communications. For a voter who is deaf but whose primary language is American Sign Language and not English, election officials may need to provide a communication method that the voter can understand such as a sign language interpreter. The requirement to provide effective communication also extends to election and voting information provided beyond the polling place. This means, for example, that election websites must be accessible to people with disabilities so that individuals with disabilities can access the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as nondisabled individuals with substantially equivalent ease of use. In 2023, the Department found that four Texas Counties-Colorado, Runnels, Smith, and Upton-violated the ADA because the counties maintain election websites that are not accessible to people with vision or manual disabilities. The county websites provide access to voting and election information, including voter registration applications. TRAINING Prior to Election Day or the beginning of early voting, election staff and volunteers receive training so they can appropriately interact with people with disabilities. Staff and volunteers should understand the specific auxiliary aids and services that are available. They should be aware that service animals must be allowed to accompany voters inside the polling place, that accessibility features at the polling place need to be operational, that people with disabilities are allowed assistance from a person of their choice, and that other modifications may be needed to accommodate voters with disabilities. Many local disability organizations, including Centers for Independent Living and Protection and Advocacy Systems, conduct ADA and disability trainings in their communities. The Department of Justice and the National Network of ADA Centers can provide local contact information for these organizations. The Department has entered into more than thirty settlement agreements with public entities that transformed their voting programs to include accessible polling places. A key component of each settlement was training for poll workers, election officials, and election administration staff. The Americans with Disabilities Act authorizes the Department of Justice (the Department) to provide technical assistance to individuals and entities that have rights or responsibilities under the Act. This document provides informal guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA and the Department's regulations. This guidance document is not intended to be a final agency action, has no legally binding effect, and may be rescinded or modified in the Department's complete discretion, in accordance with applicable laws. The Department's guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities beyond what is required by the terms of the applicable statutes, regulations, or binding judicial precedent. From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Fri Apr 19 21:01:24 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:01:24 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities - Government Executive - April 17, 2024 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://www.govexec.com/technology/2024/04/feds-move-make-gov-websites-more-accessible-people-disabilities/395787/?oref=govexec_today_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GovExec%20Today:%20April%2017%2C%202024&utm_term=newsletter_ge_today Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities By Chris Teale Government Executive April 17, 2024 It's the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments. Government websites are often riddled with accessibility challenges for people with disabilities-everything from small text, sites that are not mobile friendly, live audio that lacks captions, forms with hard-to-follow instructions and poor color contrast. These issues make it harder for users with disabilities to access services and interact with their localities. It's a problem that has only grown more prominent in recent years as governments have moved more of their services online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. People with disabilities are increasingly struggling to access information about services as varied as voting, health and safety resources, government benefits programs and mass transit. But last week, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland looked to rectify the issue with the signing of a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is the first time federal officials have ever clarified how the 34-year-old law should be applied online. The final rule provides standards and technical requirements designed to break down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing government websites and mobile apps by requiring governments to comply with internationally recognized standards from the World Wide Web Consortium. In addition to mandating that websites be easily navigable, understandable and readable, the standards also oblige websites and apps to make pages available in landscape and portrait orientation; provide services like text captions for audio and video; add alternative text for images; and allow users to resize text. Websites must be completely usable with just a keyboard, and not be designed to provoke seizures or physical reactions. The new rules come with a hefty price tag as well. The Department of Justice estimates counties could face a bill of around $967 million nationwide just to comply with the new standards, while cities could expect to pay upwards of $2 billion. Ongoing annual average costs after implementation would be $80.6 million for counties and $252.7 million for cities. Similarly, townships, school districts and higher education institutions could also face compliance costs in the billions. The DOJ estimates it could cost state governments $275 million to get into compliance, and on average cost a state $22.6 million a year after implementation. It is unclear why the price for states is lower. Once full implementation is complete, though, the DOJ estimates it could save governments hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars each year. The agency reached those estimates due to the reduced contact time needed for some residents, and their increased ability to access services online rather than by mail, phone or in person. The effort has already garnered the support of several state leaders. In a joint October letter, the attorneys general of 11 states called the rules a "balanced approach" that will help ensure equal access to government services and activities, while also "setting forth obligations that public entities can reasonably achieve given the innovation and dynamism of websites and mobile apps." Governments with populations of 50,000 people or more will have two years to comply after the rule is published in the Federal Register. Those with fewer than 50,000 people have three years. The rule will not impact archived content, preexisting electronic documents, third-party content, any documents that are password-protected or social media posts. Garland said in a statement that the rule marks the DOJ's "latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs or activities because of a disability." The agency initially began the rulemaking process in 2010, but withdrew it at the end of 2017. "For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division said in a statement. "This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country." Outside groups have been sounding the alarm for some time about government websites and their lack of accessibility. In a 2018 report, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found that while most state government websites scored well on the time they took to load pages, they were not as mobile friendly. ITIF said common issues included content that was not configured to fit mobile screens, and links and buttons that were too small. Security features were also lacking, while only 59% passed accessibility standards. The group called DOJ's rule a "much-needed step." Daniel Castro, vice president of ITIF, said in a statement the rule is "an important step forward in creating a more inclusive digital society." He urged state and local governments to "act swiftly and without delay" to update their websites. From ccmlhe at gmail.com Sat Apr 20 04:30:31 2024 From: ccmlhe at gmail.com (ccmlhe at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:30:31 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Line numbers in Word Message-ID: <62E21E4D-196E-416F-A99A-C4F12D34A1E5@gmail.com> Hi. I was wondering if anybody knew how to look at line numbers when siding to depositions? I know that they are in the left margin of a word document, I’m just not sure how to read them with jobs. Sent from my iPhone From ccmlhe at gmail.com Sat Apr 20 04:33:09 2024 From: ccmlhe at gmail.com (ccmlhe at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:33:09 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Formatting and blue booking for law journals Message-ID: Has anybody participated in a law journal competition or been part of a law journal? If so, how did you deal with formatting and blue booking? Sent from my iPhone From derekjdittmar at gmail.com Sat Apr 20 14:56:17 2024 From: derekjdittmar at gmail.com (derek dittmar) Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 10:56:17 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Formatting and blue booking for law journals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <64CCE1CE-F0BC-42B1-AD29-B13B85CCF1F3@gmail.com> I wrote onto my law schools journal and ended up publishing my comment. Did so with a combination of accommodations and a little extra hard work. Happy to talk about it with you off list. Feel free to shoot me an email with some times that would work for a phone call. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 20, 2024, at 12:35 AM, Cecilia Martinez via BlindLaw wrote: > > Has anybody participated in a law journal competition or been part of a law journal? If so, how did you deal with formatting and blue booking? > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/derekjdittmar%40gmail.com From ThomasDukeman at outlook.com Tue Apr 23 13:24:34 2024 From: ThomasDukeman at outlook.com (Thomas Dukeman) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:24:34 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech Message-ID: Hello, I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on the documents? From teresitarios22 at gmail.com Tue Apr 23 15:34:40 2024 From: teresitarios22 at gmail.com (Teresita Rios) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:34:40 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <750C4A2F-5DE2-4C18-AE1C-C2737C85BAFA@gmail.com> I am a fan of both for everyday tasks like label reading and cooking. But both are open source, I would not put any sensitive information in front of them especially that of clients. Best, Teresita > On Apr 23, 2024, at 9:24 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hello, > > I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on the documents? > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/teresitarios22%40gmail.com From nssulca at gmail.com Tue Apr 23 15:36:49 2024 From: nssulca at gmail.com (Natalia Sulca) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:36:49 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: <750C4A2F-5DE2-4C18-AE1C-C2737C85BAFA@gmail.com> References: <750C4A2F-5DE2-4C18-AE1C-C2737C85BAFA@gmail.com> Message-ID: <16f401da9594$0ef9eed0$2cedcc70$@gmail.com> I agree with this. -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Teresita Rios via BlindLaw Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:35 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Teresita Rios Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech I am a fan of both for everyday tasks like label reading and cooking. But both are open source, I would not put any sensitive information in front of them especially that of clients. Best, Teresita > On Apr 23, 2024, at 9:24 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: > > Hello, > > I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on the documents? > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/teresitarios22%40gmail .com _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nssulca%40gmail.com From derekjdittmar at gmail.com Tue Apr 23 15:39:23 2024 From: derekjdittmar at gmail.com (derek dittmar) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:39:23 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: <750C4A2F-5DE2-4C18-AE1C-C2737C85BAFA@gmail.com> References: <750C4A2F-5DE2-4C18-AE1C-C2737C85BAFA@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1136B121-9805-4904-94F3-03AD57DAB6DD@gmail.com> This was the focus of my LL.M. I do not recommend using either software on any document or item you would not be willing to put up on a billboard. Putting client confidential information into these formats could prospectively be a violation of law, legal ethics, and your company’s policies and procedures. Treat it the same as you would putting sensitive info into chatGPT. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 23, 2024, at 11:35 AM, Teresita Rios via BlindLaw wrote: > > I am a fan of both for everyday tasks like label reading and cooking. But both are open source, I would not put any sensitive information in front of them especially that of clients. > > Best, > Teresita > > >> On Apr 23, 2024, at 9:24 AM, Thomas Dukeman via BlindLaw wrote: >> >> Hello, >> >> I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on the documents? >> _______________________________________________ >> BlindLaw mailing list >> BlindLaw at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/teresitarios22%40gmail.com > > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/derekjdittmar%40gmail.com From rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com Tue Apr 23 18:19:38 2024 From: rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com (Rahul Bajaj) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 23:49:38 +0530 Subject: [blindLaw] Joining the legal aid panel of the Delhi High Court Message-ID: Dear Members of the Blind Law Mailing List, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share some exciting news—I am in the final stages of being inducted into the Legal Aid Panel of the Delhi High Court. This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it is part of a concerted push by the court aimed at including lawyers with disabilities in its legal aid panel, thereby recognizing the valuable contributions they can make to the legal aid system. During discussions surrounding this initiative, one of the challenges highlighted was the need to convince clients that lawyers with disabilities are fully capable of effectively handling their cases. This candid acknowledgment of potential biases is both refreshing and crucial, as it underscores the importance of addressing preconceived notions and stereotypes head-on. Indeed, while the prevailing narrative may be one of equality and non-discrimination, the reality is that biases can often influence decision-making processes, including the allocation of work and assignment of responsibilities. While it may seem patronizing in one sense to suggest that one will have to convince clients about one's ability after having performed well in different challenging settings, I think it is good that they are being honest and forthright. I am also conscious of the need to ensure that we appreciate this initiative without buying into the idea of being affirmative action babies/ diversity candidates. This induction comes at a time when I am on the verge of leaving my current law firm job to go into independent practice. A fellow blind lawyer and I are in talks about setting up a law firm to generate and effectively perform paid legal work. we already do a lot of disability rights legal work through our NGO but would like to find work in conventional areas of law. I would therefore welcome any insights or reflections on: 1. making the most of this opportunity; 2. using it as a leverage to build one's own client base; and 3. priming the law firm we are planning on setting up for success. Warmly, Rahul -- -- Rahul Bajaj Rhodes Scholar (India and Linacre 2018), University of Oxford Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility From christophergbell at comcast.net Tue Apr 23 18:39:55 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:39:55 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Joining the legal aid panel of the Delhi High Court In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <122101da95ad$a9c14f30$fd43ed90$@comcast.net> Congratulation on on your appointment. You are absolutely right about the attitude of potential clients. When I was a young, legal services attorney in Florida many years ago, I would occasionally have someone come in for help who would say, "I don't want a blind lawyer; I want a real lawyer!" To which I would invariably respond, "It's me or nobody, take your pick". Outside of the legal aid context, my recommendation would be to develop an area or areas of real expertise and then take every opportunity to demonstrate your mastery in that field through involvement in bar activities and presentations, presentations to appropriate groups, etc. Perhaps you could write a column in your local newspaper highlighting a common legal problem with suggestions as to how to solve it. Also, if you have ties to a particular community, whether family, community, cultural, etc., work that connection hard, particularly in the beginning so you can get some clients in the door who will then refer their friends and relatives to you. Of course, these are activities anyone would do who is starting a law firm. It is just that, as a blind lawyer, we have to "Wow" folks to get the work. Just my two cents. Best, Chris Bell -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Rahul Bajaj via BlindLaw Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 2:20 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Rahul Bajaj Subject: [blindLaw] Joining the legal aid panel of the Delhi High Court Dear Members of the Blind Law Mailing List, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share some exciting news—I am in the final stages of being inducted into the Legal Aid Panel of the Delhi High Court. This appointment is particularly noteworthy as it is part of a concerted push by the court aimed at including lawyers with disabilities in its legal aid panel, thereby recognizing the valuable contributions they can make to the legal aid system. During discussions surrounding this initiative, one of the challenges highlighted was the need to convince clients that lawyers with disabilities are fully capable of effectively handling their cases. This candid acknowledgment of potential biases is both refreshing and crucial, as it underscores the importance of addressing preconceived notions and stereotypes head-on. Indeed, while the prevailing narrative may be one of equality and non-discrimination, the reality is that biases can often influence decision-making processes, including the allocation of work and assignment of responsibilities. While it may seem patronizing in one sense to suggest that one will have to convince clients about one's ability after having performed well in different challenging settings, I think it is good that they are being honest and forthright. I am also conscious of the need to ensure that we appreciate this initiative without buying into the idea of being affirmative action babies/ diversity candidates. This induction comes at a time when I am on the verge of leaving my current law firm job to go into independent practice. A fellow blind lawyer and I are in talks about setting up a law firm to generate and effectively perform paid legal work. we already do a lot of disability rights legal work through our NGO but would like to find work in conventional areas of law. I would therefore welcome any insights or reflections on: 1. making the most of this opportunity; 2. using it as a leverage to build one's own client base; and 3. priming the law firm we are planning on setting up for success. Warmly, Rahul -- -- Rahul Bajaj Rhodes Scholar (India and Linacre 2018), University of Oxford Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov Wed Apr 24 14:43:25 2024 From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel) Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:43:25 +0000 Subject: [blindLaw] Federal Register published DOJ's final Title II amendments re: Web & Mobile App Access In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The Federal Register announcement of the Title II amendment to address web and mobile app accessibility was posted today, with an "effective date" of June 24, 2024. The Federal Register clarifies that compliance obligations begin for large entities on April 24, 2026, and for small entities on April 24, 2027. From al.elia at aol.com Wed Apr 24 15:02:36 2024 From: al.elia at aol.com (Al Elia) Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:02:36 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You ask about two different types of softwares: Be My Eyes connects you to live volunteers. There is no client-confidentiality protection involved there. It’s AI feature shares your images with a third-party provider with no ability for you to control that third-party’s use of data. Seeing AI: This is a Microsoft product. It primarily runs on your phone, though it sends some images to Microsoft. Read the terms and conditions and see if you are comfortable using it. Other similar services/software: Aira Explorer: Uses paid agents and is a paid service similar to Be My Eyes. Aira has confidentiality provisions in some of their service contracts to allow business use by governments etc. Again, read the terms and conditions, but I suggest using this instead of Be My Eyes for any work where confidentiality/sensitivity is implicated. Just keep in mind that it can get expensive. However, it may be a reasonable accommodation from an employer, and may be more cost-effective than a traditional human reader. Lookout: Google’s Seeing AI competitor. My comments re Seeing AI apply, just replacing Microsoft with Google. I hope that is helpful. /Æ On 23 Apr 2024, at 9:24, Thomas Dukeman wrote: > Hello, > > I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on the documents? From sbadillo100 at gmail.com Wed Apr 24 15:42:14 2024 From: sbadillo100 at gmail.com (S B) Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:42:14 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] assist ibe tech Message-ID: Hello, while be my ai or seeing ai are not the best and most secure apps used to read legal documents with client's names on them, what would be the best and most secure app for this task? Thank you in advance. From christophergbell at comcast.net Thu Apr 25 20:04:45 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:04:45 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] assist ibe tech In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <006801da974b$d8e33040$8aa990c0$@comcast.net> I believe that AIRA.IO has their agents sign a confidentiality agreement but you would want to get a copy for review to ensure it is consistent with our confidentiality obligations as attorneys. Best, Chris -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of S B via BlindLaw Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 11:42 AM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: S B Subject: Re: [blindLaw] assist ibe tech Hello, while be my ai or seeing ai are not the best and most secure apps used to read legal documents with client's names on them, what would be the best and most secure app for this task? Thank you in advance. _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40com cast.net From nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu Sun Apr 28 18:38:35 2024 From: nikki.singh at aya.yale.edu (Nikki Singh) Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:38:35 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi All, I agree with all this. I will also add that use of something more robust, like Aira, may still not be possible depending on the nature of your practice. For instance, I am concerned about unauthorized disclosures in my own practice because I am routinely looking at highly sensitive financial and personally identifiable information. An unauthorized disclosure for my context is something like confidentiality on steroids and if done with intent, can carry jail time. In fact, if you are not assigned to a matter at the office, you cannot look at another attorney's materials for that other matter. Relatedly, a national security practice will have even stricter considerations about confidentiality, disclosure, and access. The only solution is going to be a human reader who has attained the same level of authorization or clearance as the blind attorney who wants to review materials subject to some heightened sensitivity or confidentiality classification. Sincerely, Nikki On Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 11:03 AM Al Elia via BlindLaw wrote: > You ask about two different types of softwares: > > Be My Eyes connects you to live volunteers. There is no > client-confidentiality protection involved there. It’s AI feature shares > your images with a third-party provider with no ability for you to control > that third-party’s use of data. > > Seeing AI: This is a Microsoft product. It primarily runs on your phone, > though it sends some images to Microsoft. Read the terms and conditions and > see if you are comfortable using it. > > Other similar services/software: > > Aira Explorer: Uses paid agents and is a paid service similar to Be My > Eyes. Aira has confidentiality provisions in some of their service > contracts to allow business use by governments etc. Again, read the terms > and conditions, but I suggest using this instead of Be My Eyes for any work > where confidentiality/sensitivity is implicated. Just keep in mind that it > can get expensive. However, it may be a reasonable accommodation from an > employer, and may be more cost-effective than a traditional human reader. > > Lookout: Google’s Seeing AI competitor. My comments re Seeing AI apply, > just replacing Microsoft with Google. > > I hope that is helpful. > > /Æ > > > On 23 Apr 2024, at 9:24, Thomas Dukeman wrote: > > > Hello, > > > > I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on > legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues with > keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the confidential info on > the documents? > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40aya.yale.edu > From christophergbell at comcast.net Sun Apr 28 19:31:13 2024 From: christophergbell at comcast.net (christophergbell at comcast.net) Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:31:13 -0400 Subject: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <0d3f01da99a2$a8988350$f9c989f0$@comcast.net> I do not disagree with your concern. However, it might be worthwhile to contact Aira.iO to see whether they have received any letter or other document from a State Bar regarding Aira's confidentiality agreement. You might also obtain a copy of Aira's confidentiality agreement and runn it by a Bar's ethics counsel to gauge their reaction. Ideally, of course, it would be best to get a letter from the ethics counsel asserting that Aira's confidentiality agreement satisfies the Bar's confidentiality requirement but they probably won't send such a letter. Best, Chris -----Original Message----- From: BlindLaw On Behalf Of Nikki Singh via BlindLaw Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2024 2:39 PM To: Blind Law Mailing List Cc: Nikki Singh Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Assisstibe Tech Hi All, I agree with all this. I will also add that use of something more robust, like Aira, may still not be possible depending on the nature of your practice. For instance, I am concerned about unauthorized disclosures in my own practice because I am routinely looking at highly sensitive financial and personally identifiable information. An unauthorized disclosure for my context is something like confidentiality on steroids and if done with intent, can carry jail time. In fact, if you are not assigned to a matter at the office, you cannot look at another attorney's materials for that other matter. Relatedly, a national security practice will have even stricter considerations about confidentiality, disclosure, and access. The only solution is going to be a human reader who has attained the same level of authorization or clearance as the blind attorney who wants to review materials subject to some heightened sensitivity or confidentiality classification. Sincerely, Nikki On Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 11:03 AM Al Elia via BlindLaw wrote: > You ask about two different types of softwares: > > Be My Eyes connects you to live volunteers. There is no > client-confidentiality protection involved there. It’s AI feature > shares your images with a third-party provider with no ability for you > to control that third-party’s use of data. > > Seeing AI: This is a Microsoft product. It primarily runs on your > phone, though it sends some images to Microsoft. Read the terms and > conditions and see if you are comfortable using it. > > Other similar services/software: > > Aira Explorer: Uses paid agents and is a paid service similar to Be My > Eyes. Aira has confidentiality provisions in some of their service > contracts to allow business use by governments etc. Again, read the > terms and conditions, but I suggest using this instead of Be My Eyes > for any work where confidentiality/sensitivity is implicated. Just > keep in mind that it can get expensive. However, it may be a > reasonable accommodation from an employer, and may be more cost-effective than a traditional human reader. > > Lookout: Google’s Seeing AI competitor. My comments re Seeing AI > apply, just replacing Microsoft with Google. > > I hope that is helpful. > > /Æ > > > On 23 Apr 2024, at 9:24, Thomas Dukeman wrote: > > > Hello, > > > > I was wondering if anyone has used either Seeing AI or Be my eyes on > legal documents with people's information on it and habe any issues > with keeping confidentiality with it not sabving any of the > confidential info on the documents? > > _______________________________________________ > BlindLaw mailing list > BlindLaw at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > BlindLaw: > > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/nikki.singh%40ay > a.yale.edu > _______________________________________________ BlindLaw mailing list BlindLaw at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindlaw_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for BlindLaw: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindlaw_nfbnet.org/christophergbell%40comcast.net From rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com Mon Apr 29 10:25:53 2024 From: rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com (Rahul Bajaj) Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:55:53 +0530 Subject: [blindLaw] Reviewing and accepting revisions in Google Docs with JAWS: relinquishing a task Message-ID: Hi All, I had rafted a pleading which the client has heavily edited in track form in Google Docs. While I am comfortable reviewing revisions in track mode in MS Word, I am not able to do this very well in Google Docs. The reasons for this are twofold. First, the keystrokes for interacting with revisions in Google Docs do not work very well in Google Docs and, second, because JAWS acts sluggishly while interacting with Google Docs. I therefore had to relinquish the task because my senior felt - and justifiably so - that me accepting the revisions in Word and then him having to transpose that in Google Docs would double the effort. Could you please help me build my capacity to better use track changes and comments in Google Docs? Specifically, could anyone who is conversant in using these features in Google Docs connect with me, please? Warmly, Rahul -- -- Rahul Bajaj Rhodes Scholar (India and Linacre 2018), University of Oxford Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility