[Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple

Sun Sep 4 20:44:22 UTC 2011

Hi Ray,

Great idea. When you write the letter, please send it to us!

Chris

On 9/4/11, Ray Foret Jr <rforetjr at att.net> wrote:
> Steve, well said,
>
> Alright.  Here's my thinking now.  I've said on this list that I'm planning
> an open letter to Dr. Maurer expressing my concerns over this issue.  Given
> the nature of the discussion thus far, I should think that perhaps the
> prudent thing would be to address myself not only to Dr. Maurer, but perhaps
> to Apple CEO Tim Cook as well.  Also, given the nature of the discussion on
> this list regarding this topic, I would like now to propose that the open
> letter should not be authored by myself alone; rather, that it should be a
> group effort put forth partly by myself but other Apple users on this list
> and, of course, Joseph and Steve, your input also.
>
> Thoughts?
>
>
> Sincerely,
> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>
> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>
> Skype name:
> barefootedray
>
> Facebook:
> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>
>
>
> On Sep 4, 2011, at 1:39 PM, Steve Jacobson wrote:
>
>> Joseph and others,
>>
>> One of the things that has really made me feel uneasy with respect to any
>> discussions regarding Apple is how people
>> feel that Apple can do nothing wrong.  As much as people can criticize how
>> we might look at Google versus Apple,
>> people need also to look at how we look at Apple versus other companies.
>> In addition, Apple plays what appears to
>> me to be a somewhat unique role in their arena and it means that they have
>> both more power and more responsibility
>> than do other companies in terms of accessibility.  I have to say that I
>> have never been a "Condemn and deplore"
>> guy, believing that approach is more for show than for really getting
>> anything done, but I also feel that some of the
>> opposition to these resolutions are based partly on a lack of
>> understanding of a number of technical issues and
>> political realities.  Also, I
>> think there is a sort of collision between our culture and Apple's that
>> we're going to all have to work through because
>> we need to get along with Apple and I think they need to get along with us
>> as well.
>>
>> First, Joseph, your Adobe Photo Shop analogy is really a poor one.  There
>> is no reason that I can see why their menu
>> structure and help system shouldn't be accessible.  That doesn't mean they
>> have to translate pictures for me as you
>> imply.  Because I was able to use the menus on PCPaint many years ago, I
>> was able to help my sighted kids to learn
>> the basics.  Is that really so ridiculous?  Would I feel we should go to
>> the mat to get such accessibility?  Probably not,
>> but the concept isn't as unrealistic as you make it out to be.
>>
>> Some of us had some concerns about how VoiceOver worked early on and had
>> the opportunity to express those
>> concerns to Apple.  VoiceOver is more dependent upon developers following
>> rules than has been the case with
>> screen readers under Microsoft.  One of our concerns was whether there
>> would be problems getting software
>> developers for the MAC to do what was necessary.  One of the things that
>> was emphasized to us by Apple personel
>> was that Apple
>> exercises a good bit of control over applications that are sold for the
>> MAC.  In addition, there were a limited number of
>> development platforms so we didn't need to worry our little heads about
>> whether applications would be accessible.
>> This has seemed to be largely true, but it means that I tend to worry more
>> when there appears to be slippage.
>>
>> Another thing that needs to be considered is that Microsoft, Adobe, GW
>> Micro, Freedom Scientific, Google, Dell, Asus,
>> Acer, Hewlet-Packard and other companies all are pieces of the larger
>> accessibility picture in the Windows world.  I
>> would like to see Microsoft take more control over applications written
>> for Windows, but they don't have the same sort
>> of control that apple has, partly by their choice, but partly because of
>> how computers that run Windows have evolved.
>> We don't always know why something is not accessible, where the finger
>> should be pointed.  It makes it harder to
>> know whom should be condemned and deplored.  <smile>  That's not to say
>> there shouldn't be more condemning and
>> deploring if one likes that sort of thing.  Apple, on the other hand,
>> provides the hardware, the operating system, the
>> screen reader, and much of the software.  They exercise a good deal of
>> control over the development of other
>> software as well.  Apple is therefore in a position to enforce
>> accessibility in a way that nobody else can at this point.
>> Because of the
>> relatively closed nature of development for the Apple, if they don't
>> enforce it, we'll be out of luck.  The word "closed"
>> is used here not as a negative, but rather to describe how development
>> works in that environment and that there isn't
>> the same ability to get information that might make an inaccessible
>> application accessible that currently exists under
>> Windows.  Having said that, the Windows world is moving in a direction
>> that is similar to where Apple already is, so
>> how Apple handles all of this could well set the tone for what happens
>> with Windows in the years to come.  We have
>> seen cases where companies do what they need to to make things accessible
>> enough to meet regulations and then
>> the priority goes down.  We can't afford to let that happen with Apple.  I
>> think that if we were to see Adobe give an
>> award to an electronic text that could have been accessible but wasn't,
>> that we'd be every bit as unhappy.  We were
>> pretty unhappy with Google's original inaccessible books and we let them
>> know it, but you will probably recall that
>> there were some other issues involved there besides Google's efforts, and
>> there had been some effort made by
>> Google to work with us.  While Adobe and Google have certainly not been
>> perfect, they have tended to reach out to
>> us.  We had a representative from Adobe at our NFBCS meeting this year.
>>
>> Joseph, you mentioned that Apple's accessibility team was upset with both
>> of our resolutions.
>> If that is the case, I find it particularly upsetting.  If even the
>> thought of criticizing Apple gets them upset, even if it is
>> voted down, that seems extremely controlling to me.  Apple has gone beyond
>> the call of duty to do what they have to
>> make things accessible and we need to give them credit.  However, we also
>> should not forget that they could not
>> have gotten into some of the markets that are important to them without
>> making their products accessible.  Schools
>> are now buying I Pads left and right, and that couldn't have happened
>> without making them accessible because of
>> legal requirements.  They responded to this challenge in a positive and
>> even imaginative way, but it cost them money
>> and took some time.  If not for blind consumer groups such as the NFB,
>> they would not have had to spend that time
>> and money, so they probably didn't feel inclined to look favorably upon us
>> from the start.  They are much less likely to
>> talk about where they are headed in certain areas than is Microsoft, for
>> example.  Therefore, we don't always know
>> what shortcomings they plan to address already or what we should be trying
>> to call to their attention.  It means that we
>> can't be as constructive as we might be if we had more information.
>> That's what I meant by a clash in cultures, they
>> don't tend to share plans with or seek input from anyone.  <smile>
>>
>> So let's figure out how best to move ahead.  I just don't see where either
>> resolution was out of line given the uniquely
>> strong role Apple plays in software development and given its control over
>> hardware, software, operating system, and
>> screen reader.  I also think that the strong opposition to the resolutions
>> indicates that we have to take into account
>> the feelings of our membership on this in the future.  There is still a
>> sort of honeymoon with apple for many and as an
>> organization we need to reflect the will of our membership.  People need
>> to understand, though, that there is a lot that
>> is unique in this situation and that we're far more dependent upon Apple
>> to make their products accessible than we
>> are upon Microsoft, even though Microsoft certainly has power as well.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Steve Jacobson
>>
>> On Sun, 4 Sep 2011 05:46:28 -0700, T. Joseph Carter wrote:
>>
>>> Talk to me when Adobe makes Photoshop for the blind.
>>
>>> OH WAIT, that doesn't make sense.  It's a complex editing program for
>>> photographs and other graphics.  In order for it to be possible, you
>>> would have to somehow be able to invent some magical technology that
>>> allows blind people to see every shadow, every leaf, every color in
>>> all of the 16.7 million possible combinations to pixel-level
>>> accuracy.
>>
>>> The resolution demanded that Apple refuse to approve ANY APPLICATION
>>> that was not completely accessible.  This includes photo editors like
>>> Photoshop, every video game, etc., and went so far as to condemn and
>>> deplore the fact that they have not done so already!
>>
>>> If you think that the only applications that can be allowed to exist
>>> are those useful to the blind, then you seriously need to begin
>>> living on Planet Earth.  A blind person cannot use Photoshop.  They
>>> can do graphics (I have done graphics, under sleepshade, so it can be
>>> done!), but the way a blind person does them is necessarily not going
>>> to be the way a sighted person does it.  Visual vs. non-visual
>>> techniques, right?
>>
>>> You'd be amazed what you can accomplish with CSS on a website without
>>> vision, and for more complex graphics there's SVG.  SVG is kind of
>>> complicated to do because it's a pretty complex XML format for which
>>> presently no easy editor exists that we can use.  But several
>>> websites now use the very sharp Whozit graphic I made using for
>>> Oregon using the SVG vector format.  It can be done.  But not with
>>> Photoshop.
>>
>>> Joseph
>>
>>
>>> On Sat, Sep 03, 2011 at 02:57:43PM -0500, Peter Donahue wrote:
>>>> Hello Cheryl and everyone,
>>>>
>>>>   It's a shame that both Apple resolutions didn't pass. While it's true
>>>> Apple has done much to make their products usable by the blind we can't
>>>> let
>>>> the "Let's be grateful for what they've done" attitude prevent us from
>>>> pushing them to the next level. I'd like to see that resolution brought
>>>> back
>>>> next year and broadened to include other software vendors such as
>>>> Microsoft.
>>>> If we don't force software creators to build in accessibility to their
>>>> products by requiring such accessibility as an award criteria for
>>>> outstanding development of their products. If we don't and software
>>>> produced
>>>> by Apple and others becomes inaccessible to the blind we will have only
>>>> ourselves to blame by not insisting that those who reward software
>>>> creators
>>>> for outstanding development and product usage are  not required to
>>>> include
>>>> accessibility features for the blind and disabled. Again it's a crying
>>>> shame
>>>> that both Apple resolutions didn't pass. We could pay the price for this
>>>> failure in the future. I certainly hope not.
>>>>
>>>> Peter Donahue
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "cheryl echevarria" <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 11:58 AM
>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Well maybe people on this list that voted against it elaborate as to why
>>>> they voted against it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Leading the Way in Independent Travel!
>>>>
>>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>>> 631-456-5394
>>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>>>
>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Superior Travel, located in
>>>> Baldwin, NY. www.superiortravel.com
>>>>
>>>> Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise & Travel,
>>>> Inc.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Ray Foret Jr" <rforetjr at att.net>
>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 4:56 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] [Bulk] Re: a great article
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Ah yes, I have a recording of the stream of that particular days'
>>>>> events.
>>>>> I must say, that was quite an episode.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
>>>>>
>>>>> Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
>>>>>
>>>>> Skype name:
>>>>> barefootedray
>>>>>
>>>>> Facebook:
>>>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sep 2, 2011, at 3:31 PM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> An example of not all of us following like zombies, at the national
>>>>>> convention. A resolution about apple. Don't quite remember the
>>>>>> wordage,
>>>>>> but
>>>>>> it did not pass. More than half of the floor voted against it. If you
>>>>>> were
>>>>>> at the convention you would know what I am talking about.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I was one of the many who voted against the resolution. I didn't think
>>>>>> it
>>>>>> was fair, and not something the NFB needed to make an resolution for.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Others are welcome to chime in here...
>>>>>> Marsha
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>>> On
>>>>>> Behalf Of Bryan Schulz
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 10:19 PM
>>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>
>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> no point in rehashing the lost funds as they have been forgiven in the
>>>>>> midwest.
>>>>>> i was the only one to push the issue and was blasted for it. it's
>>>>>> things
>>>>>> like that which make the nfb taste bitter.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Not all of us just follow in line like zombies.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'd like to see more examples of that.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "Marsha Drenth" <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
>>>>>> To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 8:14 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This thread is very tiring, very frustrating and gets us no where. So
>>>>>>> if
>>>>>>> us
>>>>>>> NFB members never ask the tough questions, and look the other way.
>>>>>>> What
>>>>>>> was
>>>>>>> the illegal behavior your speaking of? I am pretty sure if there was
>>>>>>> any
>>>>>>> illegal behavior, we just as much any other person would ask the
>>>>>>> "tough"
>>>>>>> questions. Not all of us just follow in line like zombies.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If your so anti-NFB, why do you hang out here. Your welcome to leave
>>>>>>> any
>>>>>>> time. We would rather you go away. So our list can go back to being
>>>>>>> constructive and productive. Oh wait that is right, we are all lyres,
>>>>>>> we
>>>>>>> allow illegal behavior, and follow like zombies. You can think what
>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>> want. But this skirting around subjects does nothing. We are not
>>>>>>> going
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> change our minds about what we think.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Marsha
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>>>> On
>>>>>>> Behalf Of Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 7:07 PM
>>>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> no, i'm not accusing anyone, the event already happened.
>>>>>>> the point is don't ask tough questions unless you have thick skin.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "T. Joseph Carter" <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com>
>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:49 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I see, my mistake.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> You aren't taking pot shots at the ACB without facts to back it up.
>>>>>>>> You
>>>>>>>> are taking pot shots at the NFB without facts.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> It takes a lot of guts to come into an organization and start
>>>>>>>> accusing
>>>>>>>> its
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> members of vaguely illegal activities without offering any specifics
>>>>>>>> or
>>>>>>>> evidence.  But I'm sure doing so will get you all the consideration
>>>>>>>> you're
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> due.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> And with that, I think I'm about finished with the discussion.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Joseph - KF7QZC
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 05:36:54PM -0500, Bryan Schulz wrote:
>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> no, i'm not talking about the acb but the point still applies.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "T. Joseph Carter"
>>>>>>>>> <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:09 PM
>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I suggest if that helps you maximize your involvement with and
>>>>>>>>>> benefit
>>>>>>>>>> from an organization, you find another organization.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Perhaps though, we don't want to go down this road, or at least
>>>>>>>>>> not
>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>>>>> this fashion.  The ACB has in the past allowed its members to make
>>>>>>>>>> baseless, unsupported, and uncontested claims of illegal behavior
>>>>>>>>>> by
>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>> NFB.  It was rather off-putting, and I'd have thought so even if I
>>>>>>>>>> were
>>>>>>>>>> not a Federationist!  Indeed, it seems always to be so, in any
>>>>>>>>>> organization, whether or not I have any affiliation with anybody.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> If there's something new and recent that needs to be discussed
>>>>>>>>>> regarding
>>>>>>>>>> the ACB, we should probably do it, but in a new thread with the
>>>>>>>>>> relevant
>>>>>>>>>> details.  If it's a rehash of old wrongdoings by former officers,
>>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>>> don't
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> know how useful it would be to debate today.  It's like discussing
>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>>> questionable action taken by Janet Reno while she worked for Bill
>>>>>>>>>> Clinton. Anyone personally affected would find it relevant, but
>>>>>>>>>> society
>>>>>>>>>> as a whole wouldn't be interested today.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Sometimes the bad guys get away with it.  Usually when the good
>>>>>>>>>> guys
>>>>>>>>>> don't stand up to them until its too late.  But that takes me off
>>>>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>>>> own tangent.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Joseph - KF7QZC
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 03:53:02PM -0500, Bryan Schulz wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> there should be at least one more.
>>>>>>>>>>> #16. Don't ask tough questions even when a member does something
>>>>>>>>>>> questionable and probably illegal.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Nusbaum"
>>>>>>>>>>> <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>>>> To: "NABS list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk list"
>>>>>>>>>>> <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>; "Gary Legates" <gary.legates at comcast.net>
>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 3:02 PM
>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] a great article
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> As I try to learn more about both organizations, I have
>>>>>>>>>>>> subscribed
>>>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>>>>>> both the Braille Monitor and the Braille Forum.  The Monitor, as
>>>>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>>>>> know, is the Federation (NFB's)  publication and the Forum is
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> Council (or ACB's) publication.  I found a great article in
>>>>>>>>>>>> July's
>>>>>>>>>>>> Forum entitled "Fifteen Ways to Maximize your ACB Membership,"
>>>>>>>>>>>> giving
>>>>>>>>>>>> fifteen tips on how to take advantage of all ACB (or any
>>>>>>>>>>>> organization,
>>>>>>>>>>>> for that matter) has to offer.  I think this could also apply to
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> Federation and to NABS or any other special-interest division,
>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>>>>>>> some good advice.  To be accurate, I added "or NFB" in
>>>>>>>>>>>> parentheses
>>>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>>>>>> some parts of the article.  I have pasted the article below.
>>>>>>>>>>>> Any
>>>>>>>>>>>> thoughts on this? I promise I'm not trying to force the ACB down
>>>>>>>>>>>> your
>>>>>>>>>>>> throats; in fact, I'm a Federationist in nature, but want to
>>>>>>>>>>>> learn
>>>>>>>>>>>> about both.  Here is the article.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> 15 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ACB (or NFB) MEMBERSHIP
>>>>>>>>>>>> by Kenneth Semien Sr.
>>>>>>>>>>>> All too often, people join organizations without taking
>>>>>>>>>>>> advantage of the opportunity to truly know intricate details of
>>>>>>>>>>>> its
>>>>>>>>>>>> purpose,
>>>>>>>>>>>> mission, and operating practices.  This can very well result in
>>>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>>>>> lack
>>>>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>>>>> participation and could ultimately result in a decision to
>>>>>>>>>>>> forfeit
>>>>>>>>>>>> what
>>>>>>>>>>>> could have been the ideal vehicle to enhance your life, build
>>>>>>>>>>>> great
>>>>>>>>>>>> relationships and effectively share personal skills and
>>>>>>>>>>>> abilities
>>>>>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>>>>>> can
>>>>>>>>>>>> make an enormous difference.  In an effort to encourage you to
>>>>>>>>>>>> explore
>>>>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>>>>> meaningful efforts of ACB, I have included the tips listed below
>>>>>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>>>>>> assist
>>>>>>>>>>>> you in being all you can be and help you join with others whose
>>>>>>>>>>>> skills
>>>>>>>>>>>> complement yours.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 1.  Be inquisitive and don't hesitate to ask questions.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 2.  Become familiar with the history, mission, and purpose by
>>>>>>>>>>>> reviewing it often enough to be able to repeat it to others.  In
>>>>>>>>>>>> turn
>>>>>>>>>>>> someone may realize that this is the organization they have been
>>>>>>>>>>>> looking
>>>>>>>>>>>> for.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 3.  Make a personal commitment to identify ways to get involved.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 4.  Find out who the officers are and become acquainted with
>>>>>>>>>>>> them and their roles and responsibilities, as well as members
>>>>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>>>>> observe
>>>>>>>>>>>> actively participating in events and projects associated with
>>>>>>>>>>>> our
>>>>>>>>>>>> organization.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 5.  Make your skills and abilities known to leaders of your
>>>>>>>>>>>> chapter, affiliate, or the president of our organization.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 6.  Make every effort to participate in chapter, state affiliate
>>>>>>>>>>>> and national meetings, seminars, conferences and conventions.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 7.  Inquire about available committees you may be able to serve
>>>>>>>>>>>> on to assist the organization in achieving its goals and
>>>>>>>>>>>> objectives.
>>>>>>>>>>>> Seek
>>>>>>>>>>>> to join committees that allow you to utilize your skills and
>>>>>>>>>>>> abilities
>>>>>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>>>>>>> the most effective and efficient manner.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 8.  If you have access to the Internet, sign up for up-to-date
>>>>>>>>>>>> news and announcements from all levels of our organization.  Ask
>>>>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>>>>> president
>>>>>>>>>>>> or member to tell you how to take advantage of this option.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 9.  Listen to or read publications/newsletters distributed by
>>>>>>>>>>>> our
>>>>>>>>>>>> organization on all levels.  This is one of the best ways to
>>>>>>>>>>>> learn
>>>>>>>>>>>> about
>>>>>>>>>>>> useful resources, access inspirational stories, scholarships,
>>>>>>>>>>>> awards,
>>>>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>>>>> upcoming projects and events.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 10.  Identify special-interest groups that meet your personal
>>>>>>>>>>>> needs.  These groups provide you the opportunity to network with
>>>>>>>>>>>> others
>>>>>>>>>>>> sharing common interests, such as your prior or current
>>>>>>>>>>>> occupation,
>>>>>>>>>>>> hobbies,
>>>>>>>>>>>> health concerns and so much more.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 11.  Obtain your own copy of the constitution and bylaws to
>>>>>>>>>>>> learn
>>>>>>>>>>>> of the agreed-upon operating practices and procedures of our
>>>>>>>>>>>> organization.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 12.  Prepare for future involvement as an officer by becoming
>>>>>>>>>>>> familiar with officer titles and duties.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 13.  Participate in conference calls to build your knowledge,
>>>>>>>>>>>> such as membership focus calls, periodic Office Hours conference
>>>>>>>>>>>> calls
>>>>>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>>>>>> the ACB president, committee calls, and special-interest group
>>>>>>>>>>>> calls.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 14.  Explore the web sites of your chapter, state affiliate and
>>>>>>>>>>>> our national organization.  You may locate information on the
>>>>>>>>>>>> web
>>>>>>>>>>>> site
>>>>>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>>>>>> you didn't think of inquiring about.
>>>>>>>>>>>> 15.  Pay your annual dues faithfully and encourage others to do
>>>>>>>>>>>> the same.
>>>>>>>>>>>> The more you know and the more you become involved, the more you
>>>>>>>>>>>> will begin to know that you have joined a phenomenal
>>>>>>>>>>>> organization
>>>>>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>>>>>>> continuing to grow.  Have a great ACB (or NFB) adventure!
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Chris Nusbaum
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> "The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight.  The
>>>>>>>>>>>> real
>>>>>>>>>>>> problem is the misunderstanding and lack of education that
>>>>>>>>>>>> exists.
>>>>>>>>>>>> If
>>>>>>>>>>>> a blind person has the proper training and opportunity,
>>>>>>>>>>>> blindness
>>>>>>>>>>>> can
>>>>>>>>>>>> be reduced to a mere physical nuisance." -- Kenneth Jernigan
>>>>>>>>>>>> (President
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> of the National Federation of the Blind, 1968-1986.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Visit the I C.A.N.  Foundation online at:
>>>>>>>>>>>> www.icanfoundation.info
>>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>>> information on our foundation and how it helps blind and
>>>>>>>>>>>> visually
>>>>>>>>>>>> impaired children in MD say "I can!"
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
>>>>>>>>>>>> info
>>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40s
>>>>>> b
>>>>>>> cglobal.net
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjosep
>>>>>> h
>>>>>>> %40gmail.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbc
>>>>>> g
>>>>>>> lobal.net
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjoseph%
>>>>>> 4
>>>>>>> 0gmail.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbcglob
>>>>>>> al.net
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/marsha.drenth%40gm
>>>>>>> ail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>>> signature
>>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbcglob
>>>>>> al.net
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/marsha.drenth%40gm
>>>>>> ail.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>> signature
>>>>>> database 6428 (20110901) __________
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>> signature
>>>>>> database 6429 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>> signature
>>>>>> database 6431 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus
>>>>>> signature
>>>>>> database 6431 (20110902) __________
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> http://www.eset.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> blindtlk:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%40hotmail.com
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/pdonahue2%40satx.rr.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> blindtlk:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/carter.tjoseph%40gmail.com
>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> blindtlk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/steve.jacobson%40visi.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> blindtlk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dotkid.nusbaum%40gmail.com
>

-- 
Chris Nusbaum

"The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real
problem is the misunderstanding and lack of education that exists. If
a blind person has the proper training and opportunity, blindness can
be reduced to a mere physical nuissence." -- Kenneth Jernigan

Visit the I C.A.N. Foundation online at: www.icanfoundation.info for
information on our foundation and how it helps blind and visually
impaired children in MD say "I can!"