From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri May 1 03:58:17 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:58:17 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Disappointed Message-ID: Dear all, If someone offered your student division $2,000 to carry out a project between September and November, would you take it? The amount is certainly not a fortune, but it's $2,000 more than you have now. It would give you an opportunity to elevate your outreach among the general public, recruit new members and generally put your name out there for people to understand you are serious about the business of changing what it means to be blind. Are you interested? I shared information of this grant my office was offering to youth almost two months ago. I just checked the list of last-minute applicants, and unless I am mistaken, and I hope I am, no one took me up on that post. I genuinely do not understand the apathy among my fellow students. The application was relatively simple. I offered to answer any questions people had of the application. I mean, I work for the grant maker. I should hope I know what we are looking for, and had you taken the time to talk to me, I could have told you that your proposal could have centered around Meet the Blind Month in October, that the Braille coin could have made for an excellent literacy campaign or explored any number of different ways you could have developed a compelling case for why your division deserved the money over another organization. So, there we are. Trying and failing leaves room for improvement. Not trying at all? ... I don't get it. Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4047 (20090430) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From jsorozco at gmail.com Tue May 5 02:03:20 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 22:03:20 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Disney and Coccia Awards In-Reply-To: <20090505013535.GF65205@yumi.bluecherry.net> Message-ID: <26536BABA57A460BB333A7A34DE793EF@Rufus> Hello all, We just launched a new grant program, this one by way of Disney. It's for $500, and here again we're looking for projects running between September and November. You can learn about this program and the Coccia Award, aimed at young women social entrepreneurs, by visiting the link below. I will post the information on the web site later this week. I am making the information available to all lists. I am making myself available, again, for any questions about either program. If your student division alone cannot get a project together, talk to your local chapters and/or state affiliates. Young people have to be responsible for carrying out the project, but this does not mean you cannot solicit assistance from others. If you need assistance in preparing the proposal itself, take a look at the grant first then talk to me about what where you need a hand. You've got my e-mail. You may call me at work at: 202-296-2992 X122. I cannot promise to remember to repost this information later, so if you are reading this, make a point to forward it to other people right now. $500 may not seem like much, but the publicity of being a Disney grantee can translate to the type of publicity and credibility necessary to generate funds elsewhere. You may or may not get the grant. You won't know unless you try. Do not let us down twice in a row. www.ysa.org/awards/ Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4052 (20090504) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From jsorozco at gmail.com Tue May 5 19:30:49 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 15:30:49 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Action Plan, Part 1 Message-ID: Dear all: Over the past week there has been discussion about the state of the student division. The discussion came about as a result of my urging divisions to apply for grants offered by way of my employer through its partnership with several corporations. In some cases I understand divisions did not apply on account of there not being sufficient time or training or people to design a program worthy of funding. In short, I am told student divisions are simply not ready for this level of operation. , another recent development has been the growing rumors that I am planning to seek the presidency of the national student division. The rumors were true. I did spend several months carefully weighing the pros and cons of running for the office. In the end the cons took it, and I have ultimately decided to serve you in a different capacity away from the board. That said, I will now share the plan I developed had I chosen to run for election. I offer the plan I would have exercised in my hypothetical presidency in hopes that you will take what you like from my ideas and use them to expand your own divisions. This installment of my plan focuses on the NABS board, but there is almost nothing here that cannot be applicable at the state level. The plan that follows is a practical one. I have no use for idealistic nonsense that does not give concrete ideas on how to make a division grow, but because it is a practical plan, it is also a plan that lends itself to criticism. This is the sort of plan that meets my leadership style, and so you will need to adjust the plan to serve you in your own leadership capacity. And, I fully expect you to publicly challenge those ideas you think ridiculous. This is, after all, mostly an exercise in development strategy, and no great nonprofit successfully evolves according to the notions of one single individual. Finally, my purpose in sharing this plan with you is to motivate you to aim higher. I expect there to be dialogue. At the end of my eight years with the student division I do not want to leave it with the sense that nothing at all has changed since the first day I came into the ranks. If you?re okay with these expectations, please continue reading. Otherwise, spare yourself the torture of a long-winded post and move on to more interesting reading. It was not fair of me to yell at you for not meeting my high standards without providing you a means to get the job done, and so I will try to make the reading for those of you who do follow this series of posts as beneficial as possible. Let?s begin with the structure of the national board. Each position from the president down to the fourth board member needs to have associated tasks to give people an idea of the position they are running for. Otherwise, people run for positions with only the slate to tell them where they belong. People who are not on the slate are then left to randomly run against people with no real concept of what the position involves. Again, bear in mind that this is true of any state student division board. In my hypothetical national board I would divide the eight board members into two halves. My first vice president would be in charge of strategic initiatives. Under this vice president of strategic initiatives would be the treasurer, first board member and second board member, only the title of these last two would be Director of Online Strategies and Director of Outreach. The other half would be made up of the second vice president, who would be the vice president of membership development. He or she would oversee the secretary, third board member and fourth board member. These last positions would be my Director of Advocacy and Director of Education. The purpose for giving the positions new titles is twofold. First, it helps keep the elected members focused on their responsibilities. No matter what happens in the two years of the term, no matter the activity, they will know the scope of their duty, and the general membership will know exactly who to contact with their specific questions. Second, it looks really good on the resume. Ultimately I want my board members to use their positions as a tool to learn new skills and then use those skills to impress potential employers. The National Association of Blind Students may not sound like much to people outside the NFB, but the title of vice president of strategic initiatives gives one pause. It makes one wonder just what it is you did in that position and what qualified you to hold it. There is no need for constitutional amendments unless the board is interested in solidifying the roles in the exact positions I?ve listed them in. I would recommend you maintain a certain flexibility by not committing yourself to the constitution. Now, I know I must have lost some of you in the layout of the positions, so let?s briefly examine both sides of this hypothetical board. The vice president of strategic initiatives would oversee the outreach operations of the division. It would be their responsibility to research, identify and engage new members, partners and potential sources of funding. He or she would work with the other three members of the team to create a compelling image of the organization and sell that image to our audiences. What they do specifically would depend on the arrangement agreed to by the team, but integral to this position would be the composition of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, brochures, press releases, public service announcements, etc. The following job descriptions are by no means exhaustive, but they provide a glimpse of what their tasks might look like. Proposed Duties of the Treasurer: * Co-manage registration table at all special events with the secretary to facilitate the collection of registration fees * Work with the Director of Online Strategies to create and maintain a user-friendly online payment collection system * Oversee hard fundraising projects including, but not limited to: auctions, door prizes, candy sells, Monte Carlo Night * Maintain bank statements and easily produce balances by program upon request to the board and to the membership at large Proposed Duties of the Director of Online Strategies: * Maintain NABSLink * Create and cultivate social networking presences that sync up with the main web site * Use these combined resources to work with the Director of Outreach on highlighting current and prospective partners and/or funding sources Proposed Duties of the Director of Outreach: * Create and maintain database of DSS coordinators, key legislative staff, corporations, foundations, community-based nonprofits and media outlets * Create templates to actively communicate with all of the above as necessary * Use database and other sources like Idealist to recruit volunteers for certain specialties i.e. web development * Promote upcoming events, initiatives, etc. * Facilitate communication between NABS and other NFB divisions, including but not limited to: Sports and Recreation and National Organization of Parents of Blind Children On the other side we would have membership development. This vice president would work with his or her three colleagues to take the members, partners and sponsors discovered by the strategic initiatives team and incorporate them into the fold of the division. What Strategic Initiatives finds is the job of membership development to keep. Again, the specific tasks of this vice president would depend on the dynamics of the team. It is my opinion that vice presidents should maintain a measure of flexibility to oversee his or her team and work with the president on special projects, but among other duties the vice president would oversee the development of seminar agendas, event logistics, mentorship initiatives, newsletter publication and resource development. Proposed Duties for the Secretary: * Co-manage registration table at special events with the treasurer to facilitate the collection of guest contact information * Oversee the production of Braille agendas for distribution at special events * Work with the Director of Online Strategies to create and maintain an online registration system, preferably tied to payment process * Coordinate the assignment and travel schedule of student representatives to state conventions * Provide final editorial review of all outbound communication, including online and off-line communication * Record board meeting minutes and make these available to the general membership via NABSLink * Maintain membership database Proposed Duties of the Director of Advocacy: * Liaison to NFB governmental affairs office * Use outreach database to cultivate partnerships with DSS and legislative offices * Listen to and make recommendations on cases of alleged discrimination or lack of accommodations, working with appropriate professional staff in Baltimore as necessary * Provide tip sheets and brief guides on dealing with professors, employers and other common public entities * Create and maintain repository of advocacy resources on NABSLink with the assistance of the Director of Online Strategies Proposed Duties of the Director of Education: * Liaison to Jernigan Institute * Plan and carry out monthly membership teleconferences with key topics benefiting division development * Provide resources and guidance on writing resumes and drafting cover letters as well as interview skills * Oversee the creation and implementation of resources benefiting age-appropriate audiences i.e. elementary, middle and high school * Tailor specific materials benefiting teachers of blind students * Co-manage mentoring initiatives with the president As the plan unravels we will come back to look at these roles more fully. I realize state divisions will probably not have eight members on their board. The positions above are flexible enough so that occupations can be collapsed, and even these eight members are not expected to carry out their work without assistance. We will also take a look at the nurturing of volunteers later in the plan. For now, what is important to remember is that the positions need to be balanced in such a way as to create interdependence. One half cannot function without the completed work of the other. Membership Development, for instance, cannot put on a successful seminar if Strategic Initiatives did not do a good job of promoting the event. The Director of Advocacy cannot very well run a good legislative campaign if the Director of Outreach has not developed a functional database of congressional and state legislative offices. The examples evolve from there, but try to create an atmosphere of accountability, not necessarily one of hierarchy. There is a difference. Now let?s look away from the board at the components that would help support the work of the directors. First, each board member, including the president, would be assigned to a seasoned leader in the NFB, preferably someone in the National Board of Directors. This would facilitate communication between the student division and the organization at large, but it would also provide each board member a means to gain guidance from someone with superior experience in all areas of recruitment, fundraising and general outreach. More importantly, it would provide each board member with the philosophical anchor by which to direct all of that member?s assignments. We want a vibrant division, but we want a division that is well-grounded in the organization?s fundamental principles, otherwise we run the risk of creating an independent animal. At the state level the board members could be mentored by chapter presidents and members of the affiliate board. Second, all state division student presidents would come together to form the Council of Student Presidents, chaired by a person elected by the members of this Council. This Council would meet quarterly to provide the NABS board with the framework for the board?s activities. Ultimately it is the state divisions that provide the front line of communication with local entities. It only makes sense that state divisions should have an official voice in how the board carries out its business. The Council would pass resolutions similar to those seen at the national level of the NFB and would be approved or rejected by the general membership at either Washington Seminar or at the annual business meeting at the National Convention. Passing resolutions is a practice of the NFB. We want to train future leaders, and thus it stands to reason that students should become familiar with the process of writing and submitting resolutions to be debated by fellow students. These resolutions could not run contrary to the resolutions adopted by the parent organization. They would simply crystallize the work of the board of directors in cooperation with the general membership on issues pertinent to students. At its simplest, these resolutions would give the NABS board clear goals to be accomplished within a specified length of time. It would certainly create a level of accountability to the board by the general membership. For this facet of division structure there is not a comparable arrangement at the state level unless the state division has multiple chapters across different campuses. Texas has been one division to have previously operated student chapters at three separate campuses. The idea then was to be able to officially register with the school so that the groups could benefit from fundraising, meeting space and donations from the school. Consider incorporating resolutions into your operations only if your membership is large enough and the needs of your state distinct enough to necessitate such a strategy. You will, of course, notice that I did not include the responsibilities and expectations of the president. We?ll get to that office in a future installment of my plan. It is a position that in many ways warrants its own installment. What is important to take away from this section is that you will fail miserably if your house is not organized. You do not have to run elections according to the positions I?ve listed. You may continue to run them as the standard constitutional labels, but keep in mind that you will set yourself up to attract excellent talent if the positions are defined in advance. If you apply the specialties after the election, make sure that people understand the full scope of their position. Writing job descriptions like a business may seem like overkill, but then again, what is the real difference between a business and a nonprofit? Second, do not overlook the support systems you can create for yourself with the NFB. You are not alone, and while I do not want to include any pointless clich?s in this plan, there really are people interested in helping you get your student division off the ground, inside and outside of your state, hence the benefit of mentors per board member. Something in me must care enough about you to write a hell of a long post to see you succeed. I assure you I am only one of many. Now, enough with the fluffiness. Let?s get down to the real business. To be continued... Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4054 (20090505) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From JWilson at nfb.org Tue May 5 21:08:57 2009 From: JWilson at nfb.org (Wilson, Joanne) Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 16:08:57 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Pre-registration for National Convention Message-ID: Attention Conventioneers: The early bird gets more than the worm when pre-registering for the national convention! Registering in advance will help you avoid never-ending lines, will give you more time to get involved in action-packed convention activities, and will save you some cash. Visit by May 31 to complete the easy registration process. Hope to see you in Detroit... but not in the registration lines! Joanne Wilson From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue May 5 21:30:47 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 16:30:47 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence Reeves to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Event Baltimore, Maryland (May 5, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) announced today that Martha Reeves, former lead singer of the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, will take the stage serving as a co-chair for the organization's fundraising walk-a-thon event. The third annual Motor City March for Independence will take place on the morning of July 6, 2009, as part of the National Federation of the Blind convention, which will be held in Detroit this year. Over a thousand blind people from across the nation will march to raise money to benefit blind people all over the United States and to raise awareness about the capabilities of the blind. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are truly delighted to have Ms. Reeves participate in this year's March for Independence. As an individual whose talent has significantly contributed to Detroit's musical landscape and a well-known leader in her community, she will be a valuable contributor to this very important event." Ms. Reeves said: "By developing innovative approaches in education, technology, and services, the National Federation of the Blind is making huge strides to help the world's blind achieve independence. I am thrilled to support the NFB third annual March for Independence. I am equally pleased that the NFB has chosen to support Detroit by selecting it as the location for the occasion." During Ms. Reeves's tenure with The Vandellas, the group had over a dozen hit singles including "Dancing in the Street," "Nowhere to Run," and "Jimmy Mack." Since 2005, Reeves has served as an elected councilwoman for the city of Detroit, Michigan. Martha Reeves joins Councilwoman Joanne Watson and other local Detroit luminaries who have agreed to co-chair the event. For more information about the March for Independence, including how to participate and how to sponsor a marcher, visit www.marchforindependence.org. To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org. ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves the lives of blind people through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the Voice of the Nation's Blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. From jsorozco at gmail.com Thu May 7 03:58:10 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 23:58:10 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Action Plan, Part 2 Message-ID: <9811A78B0AA646DDB3BF80D52FBA6EF6@Rufus> Dear all: In a landscape of grim statistics and dismal editorials regarding the bad economy, the hope of the unemployment rate among the blind appears equally worrisome. While NABS should not make job readiness the centerpiece of its operations, it should provide its membership one more added incentive for sticking around. To that end it is my opinion that NABS should consider hosting a job fair at Washington Seminar. In general, planning for Washington Seminar should begin in July, relatively soon after the new board has been elected. There is the obvious point that the longer you have to plan, the less likely you are to stress out the board, but for strategic purposes, the earlier the agenda is finalized, the sooner you can begin selling the event to prospective funders. Enter the Strategic Initiatives team. The team needs as much time as possible, at least four solid months, to create the type of noise befitting the country's leading blindness student organization. Actually, there is no such thing as "too soon," but four months will give this team the opportunity to shine at what they know how to do best. The team needs to be able to draft excellent marketing materials to lure the students that are not yet planning to join the division at its winter seminar, and in the case of my proposal, they need to be able to recruit the participation of organizations and companies in the fields where the membership is interested in becoming employed. There are always job fairs going on in the nation's capital, and there is no reason why an organization like NABS could not partner up with the Independent Living centers, Light House, the city's Department for Disabilities, local-area universities and the DC NFB affiliate to put together a well-organized job fair. With sufficient time, I do not see why the Washington Post could not be enticed into scheduling its routine job fairs to meet that of the Washington Seminar. If it does not, the paper could still be used to advertise the event on behalf of the division. The Benefits: 1. Hands-on practice will always be preferable to living vicariously. There is great benefit to listening to three people in a row talk about how cool their jobs are, but there is a greater impact to be enjoyed from having those people tell you how to draft your cover letter, your resume and how to polish your interview skills. Besides, I've sat next to people who wind up not listening to these speakers because they're perceived as stuck-up and full of themselves. I think they would shake off that perception if the speakers gave concrete advice on how they did things to be successful. Over time I've become a fan of breakout sessions over general group speeches. There is simply more room for personal dialogue. 2. Summer internships are not far around the corner from Washington Seminar. DC is attractive to many college students. Why not make a concerted effort to ensure that our students get a unique opportunity to compete for those positions. 3. Job prospects. Students are not students forever. Everyone is looking for a permanent job. On the surface the job fair would expose students to potential employers and give them a very real means of practicing their personal selling skills. It makes NABS look proactive in helping its members secure future employment. On a subtle level things like job readiness sets the stage for a NABS alumni network. Many students graduate, leave the division and do nothing more with the NFB because they never participated in chapter meetings. Integrating students into the larger movement is an ongoing process, but what better way to keep people around than to place these graduates in a position to help up and coming students? The thing is, there is no grounds for an alumni network if the graduates themselves were never given anything tangible in the first place. 4. Membership incentives. As I've previously mentioned, people want a reason to belong to your organization. In this case we are looking for reasons for people to want to come to Washington Seminar. You bring them in for a general session of well-chosen speakers. You showcase our esteemed NFB president. You break out to smaller groups to talk job readiness, and then you turn the crowd loose on your collection of potential employers. The crowd moves out dressed to impressed, because one of the breakout sessions will have talked about social skills and swagger. True, some of the locals may only come out to be a part of the job fair, but with carefully planted board members about the room you ensure that every new person is approached and given the pitch on why they should join the greatness that is NABS. Dedicate four or five hours to the event. Coordinate it with the National Office to ensure it can be carried out in a way that the maximum number of people can participate. Besides, you should be coordinating the event with Baltimore anyway to ensure that the success to NABS translates to success for the organization at large. Even though the meeting space is graciously provided by the NFB, there is no reason why the student division should not begin learning how to carry its own weight to help offset expenses. It would take a few years to get to a point of self-sufficiency, but things like the student annual banquet are things that could be potentially picked up by a finely cultivated sponsor. When you throw a job fair into the program, you're providing sponsors one more layer of credibility, because you show them how you've been able to partner up with a number of businesses to come out and be a part of your activities. So, from the top, the online registration process is modified to include a question about future job aspirations. The NABS board compiles the data, and with the Strategic Initiatives team working at the helm, a database is created of businesses and organizations in the fields identified by the registered membership. The task may seem daunting, but not when you have other members in the organization in various occupations. And, contacting businesses out of the blue is not altogether a bad leadership building exercise anyway. Specific offices should be targeted in the Washington DC metropolitan area with a well-written letter that is accompanied by a small but compelling packet of what NABS is and what it does. With the right amount of sponsorship, the board may very well be able to afford to feature these employers at the job fair with little or no cost to the businesses. In truth, NABS could charge a very nominal fee for businesses to participate even if sponsorship is available, money that could be used to create or revise job readiness materials for the future. I'm all for volunteer service, but I am sure that carefully budgeted stipends to the board would not raise too many complaints from the board members who are doing the hard work. But, it is important to plan and solidify the agenda early on to accommodate this venture. The agenda should be included in the pitch to businesses so that they see how they will fit into the larger scheme of the winter seminar. It tells businesses you are prepared, organized and ready to be taken seriously. Businesses do not have to send representatives to your job fair. Make them feel ignorant for not participating. By businesses I mean nonprofits, government agencies and corporations. Ideally they will have a national scope so that the student from Ohio and Oregon are just as likely to find an opportunity back home to take advantage of. Now, the database of businesses and organizations would serve two purposes. First, it would provide a springboard for the job fair idea, but second, it would set the stage for a mentoring program. I am thinking of a mentoring program where our students are mentored by current professionals in their field of interest. If the professionals happen to be blind, excellent, but my recommendation would be that the program not be tailored that way. Students need to understand they're going to be competing in a sighted world. I would encourage sighted mentors to be recruited to take on outstanding blind mentees. First, it helps create an avenue for education for the mentor. He or she will be teaching the mentee about a career while at the same time learning about blindness and what a blind person really is capable of doing in the workplace. The exceptions are, of course, in situations where the student wants to go into the blindness field, in which case it only makes sense that they speak to someone in that chosen profession. Second, the arrangement for the mentoring program sets up networking opportunities. In some cases the mentor may even be able to offer the mentee's name for vacancies in their office when the mentee has graduated. We want people employed. The mentoring program could be one more vehicle to move people further in that direction. Perhaps this mentoring idea could be integrated into the existing NFB Link program. At the very least NABS should inquire into whether or not the modules could be borrowed to create a mentoring program specifically for students. The initial work can be gleaned from the current registration process, but thinking long-term, NABS should make the investment in a web-based system that can match, track and promote both mentors and mentees. There are free CRM systems out there to accomplish this, but the right people need to be recruited by the Director of Online Strategies to help him or her shape the project in a way that works smoothly and simultaneously promotes NABS and the NFB. This is an initiative I believe the Department of Labor would find worth making a time or financial investment in. Here again the Strategic Initiatives team would need to spend time developing a case for why Labor or some other national entity would find it beneficial to contribute services or finances. Talk to the American Foundation for the Blind about how their system might be integrated into this proposal. They're going to be just as interested in a good case for why it is necessary as anyone else. Do not assume that just because an organization does work for the blind that they have to do anything with or for you. Like most everything else I've written about up to this point, these are ideas that could be integrated at the state level. Substitute the Washington Seminar with your affiliate's state convention. A convention will draw the right volume of people and lend itself to a good public relations campaign that should attract the right level of interest from businesses. If nothing else, the mentoring program could work better at the state level because creating a curriculum for the program that involves face-to-face meetings between the mentors could be more feasible, though national planning should not overlook the means to bring mentors to the National Convention to get the full depth of what the NFB stands for. In summary, the problem of unemployment among the blind needs to be addressed. No doubt the argument will be made for how such an initiative is beyond the scope of the student division. I think the argument is without foundation. There are scores of blind people who leave the division to take on a myriad of careers. The problem is that the number is not high enough. We need more students out there with a good job that is not always related to the blindness field. NABS can and should teach students how to be productive students, but college is nothing more than an academic training ground for future success in a student's chosen profession. We often tell students that there is not going to be a DSS office in their future place of employment and that they should begin to learn how to be independent. True, but there is always going to be an NFB, and if we can begin to cultivate a sense of loyalty to the NFB by way of a proactive student division that plays a major role in job readiness and job exposure, graduates will be able to thank the NFB for the success they achieve and be more likely to stick around and help younger students coming up behind them. I am of course willing to entertain arguments to the contrary. The job fair can be a part of Washington Seminar 2010. Use the success of that event to build the resources necessary to build a mentoring program that could be fully operational by 2011, and in the meantime, start putting people to work in their chosen field. Education students can work with the Director of Education to write curriculum enhancers for teachers of blind students. Business administration and marketing students can be put to work writing grant proposals, business plans and strategic plans that analyze current strategies and make projections for future improvement. Math students could be enhancing a wiki project to show teachers and students alike how it might be possible for a blind student to excel in required and specialized math and engineering courses. Journalism students ought to be heavily involved in the production and marketing of the Student Slate. Science students ought to be playing a bigger role in the planning and execution of youth Slam. Computer science and information technology students should be working with the Director of Online Strategies to push the web site forward to reach larger audiences. David Dunfy, for all his posts about the DJ Invasion, could be persuaded to host a NABS podcast? The point is, people are more likely to help you if you give them the capacity to do something they would have been doing anyway. If you can build NABS so that students use the organization to complete classroom projects, there is a win/win situation for both the student's grade and the improvement of the organization. Ambitious? Of course it's ambitious. Ambitious organizations create legacies. Mediocre organizations may as well stay home and play tiddlywinks for all the impact they will accomplish. The greater the goal, the longer the list of objectives required to achieve the goal, and the more objectives necessary to accomplish the goals, the more likely it is to learn how to use all those objectives for the benefit of other goals in the future. People should not think of how difficult it would be to put on a job fair and mentoring program. People should be thinking about how the steps involved in preparing for the job fair and mentoring program can help with the preparation of student seminars, fundraising campaigns and general membership recruitment, all of which will be addressed in future installments. To be continued... Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4054 (20090505) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From jsorozco at gmail.com Thu May 7 15:16:04 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 11:16:04 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] [nabs-l] Disney grant In-Reply-To: <584477.707.qm@web65710.mail.ac4.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <614BB141B8304ED98BE03FD6BAFF8BF6@Rufus> Jim, I'm replying to your question across all lists to address a point other divisions may have with regard to the grant opportunity. I'll give you a brief suggestion, and then, if you're not impressed, I'll provide you with alternative grant opportunities to consider. Jim wants to know what to do if his division does not engage children ages 5 to 14 when his division does not have any members in this age range. With the Disney program we are looking for ways that children can be encouraged to take on leadership roles in their communities. By "communities," we do not necessarily have to talk about the neighborhoods outside the school. We are just as interested in the planning and delivery of the project as we are in the reflection component of the project. So, as an example, pick a classroom at an elementary school. Use the month of September to come in and teach the children about what blind people do. Use Braille alphabet cards. Use Twin Vision books to read to them. If you have a guide dog user in your ranks, see if they can come out to talk about how the guide dog works, and then explain to them how that compares to the use of the cane. You can be creative in how you teach children about blindness. Just make sure that you let them know they need to pay attention, because in October you want them to pick another class so that the kids themselves can go in and talk to their peers about what blind people do to be independent, hence the children taking on the delivery phase of the project itself. Then, in November, you come in and talk about what the children learned. Perhaps the children, after doing their presentation to their peers, can write up a little journal entry to think about what they learned from the experience. This is the reflection. Talk about what they learned about blind people and how they might translate this to people with disabilities in general or even people of different nationalities. In short, it could be a means to teach children about diversity with blindness at its center. Ideally, a project like this could be carried out with an affiliate of the parent division. If not, perhaps a local chapter could get involved. In either case, it is still a means of educating the public about what blindness is and how a person overcomes it. It is certainly one more way to get out the word of your student organization. For those of you who do not like working with little children, shame on you, but here are three other opportunities to consider. These are not run out of our office, so I could only provide assistance in what I feel they might be asking for as opposed to what I know is being looked for. 1. DoSomething.org Want to make change, but lack the funds? We have tons of grants just for you, see them all. General Grants. Amount:$500 every week Deadline: Rolling Web Site: http://www.dosomething.org/programs 2. U.S. Airways The US Airways Education Foundation is seeking grant applicants for its 2009 Community Education Grant Program. The foundation will award grants of $4,000 each to nonprofit organizations located in the airline's hub and focus cities of Boston, Charlotte, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. Eligible programs include educational programs that respond to the needs of disadvantaged or disabled children, teach or enhance social responsibility, and/or enhance academic achievement for children age 18 or younger. Interested nonprofit organizations should visit the US Airways Education Foundation Web site for grant guidelines and an online application form. Web Site: http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/aboutus/corporategiving/default.aspx 3. Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Through its National Grant program, MEAF provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are working toward the full inclusion of young people with disabilities in society. Proposed projects should be national in scope and impact or model projects that can be replicated at multiple sites. Please see the web site for a complete list of Foundation priorities and guidelines. Web Site: http://www.meaf.org/how-to-apply.php Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado -----Original Message----- From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jim Reed Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 4:28 PM To: NABS mail list Subject: [nabs-l] Disney grant Joe, I read the Disney grant, and I have a question about the following: "These grants of USD500 are for children (ages 5-14) or the organizations that engage them, to implement youth-led service projects" I see two problems here: 1. My division doesnt have any members that are 5-14 (that complicates the "youth-led" stipulation. 2. My division doesn't "engage" children ages 5-14. Thoughts? Jim "Ignorance killed the cat; curiosity was framed." _______________________________________________ nabs-l mailing list nabs-l at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nabs-l: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jsorozco %40gmail.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4054 (20090505) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4054 (20090505) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com Fri May 8 00:37:49 2009 From: donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com (Donna Posont) Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 19:37:49 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Need for national convention door prizes Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: Donna Posont Subject: national convention door prizes National convention will soon be upon us. If you or your chapter, division, or state organization would be so kind as to donate a door prize it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to mail anything ahead you may send it to Donna Posont 15429 Prospect St. Dearborn, Mi 48126 or call 313-220-8140. You may bring door prizes to convention and feel free to take them to the Michigan suite. Remember, cash is always a delightful prize and it is easy to carry to Detroit and easy to carry home or use while a convention. Thanks for your kindness, Donna Posont From KBowman at nfb.org Fri May 8 16:50:55 2009 From: KBowman at nfb.org (Bowman, Kristi) Date: Fri, 08 May 2009 11:50:55 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Make A Promise - Change A Life With A Dollar Message-ID: This message is from Joanne Wilson on behalf of the Imagination Fund. Dave Hello All: NFB has relied on the generosity of our communities for as long as I can remember. The donations that we receive are integral to the work that we accomplish. It is because of this relevant truth that I am asking for your support. Since its inception in 2004, the Imagination Fund has given out well over a million dollars to support local and national outreach efforts. The money you have worked hard to raise has most definitely been used well! There are many plans for what we would like our future to look like and for how we can continue to build a future of opportunity and change what it means to be blind for younger generations. The simple reality is that in order to accomplish our goals, we must be able to pay for our programs. YOU CAN HELP! We have created a mini March for Independence campaign that offers the ability for you and the members in your chapters and affiliates to get special incentives when you participate. How the campaign works is outlined below. I urge you to READ the information below and then to REGISTER for the mini-March campaign. If you haven't raised any money yet, this campaign may be perfect for you (read below and you'll see why). Thank you very much for considering this campaign and being a part of a brighter future for all blind people. Joanne Wilson How it works: When you JOIN the Every Member, Every Friend Match Campaign you PROMISE to support the campaign with a PROMISE of a dollar a day or $30 per month for the next four months paid in flexible (options everyone can afford) automatic monthly installments deducted from your checking account or billed to your credit card. Then: YOU get just ONE OTHER PERSON to MATCH your PROMISE with the same flexible, personalized, automatic payment schedule. You get: When you make a promise and get ONE match, we'll throw in a March for Independence t-shirt! More matches will get additional March incentives! Many of us have not yet started fundraising for the March for Independence! NOW IS THE TIME! DON'T DELAY! JOIN THE CAMPAIGN NOW! I'd like MORE INFORMATION Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences. From JFreeh at nfb.org Mon May 11 13:52:40 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 08:52:40 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today National Federation of the Blind Launches Program to Sell 50,000 Coins before the Shuttle Returns KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (May 11, 2009): When the space shuttle Atlantis takes off today, it will carry two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars. This unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to contain tactile, readable Braille. At the same time, the National Federation of the Blind will launch a program to sell 50,000 of these limited edition coins to raise funds to advance Braille literacy in the United States before the shuttle returns to earth in eleven days. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?This is an exciting moment because the general public has the chance to buy a piece of history?a coin that not only represents knowledge and empowerment for blind people but that also will visit the Hubbell Space Telescope. Just as the Hubbell telescope has advanced our knowledge of the universe, purchasing the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will advance the cause of equality for the blind.? Mark Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, said: ?Blind children in America are facing a crisis?only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate. It is imperative that the general public act swiftly to reverse illiteracy among blind children. That is why we are asking everyone to purchase a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar before Atlantis returns to earth.? To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The proof silver dollar is $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar is $33.95. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org. ### From graduate56 at juno.com Fri May 15 22:27:32 2009 From: graduate56 at juno.com (Melissa Green) Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 16:27:32 -0600 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Successful Seminar at CSDB Message-ID: Thank you all who participated. Thank you to the center for the chocolate coins. They were a hit with the students. Yesterday, five members of cabs hosted a seminar at csdb. 19 students participated in three break out sessions. The sessions concerned college and social issues, Technology, and independent travel. Even though these were the topics covered. Many times the discussions went deeper than those topics. For example, in the travel group, which I was co-facilitating, we discussed being picked on in school. There were also some humorous moments as well. For example, in the social group arielle was asked how can you date someone for more than two weeks. After the break out sessions, we discussed the importnace of the national federation of the blind and both the colorado asociation of blind students and the national asociation of blind students. In the beginning of the seminar, Mr. Tutt Addressed us all. He informed the students that we were their rolemodels and that we would be coming back there to be involved with the students and to discuss their future. Mr. Tutt also stayed through out most of the seminar and observed the break out sessions. At the end of the seminar, many of the students gave us their contact information and thanked us for coming to be with them on a thursday night. We have been invited to do another seminar on September 17th and to participate in some way in their homecoming activities on the 19th. i believe that everyone in volved left the activity center in a very good mood. As well as feeling more inspired and energized. Melissa Green The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval. ____________________________________________________________ Start Email Marketing - fast, affordable, and measurable. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTEFeOPk5KINl3WhHoe6fwGp4N2XYyinhoPEgdOudjgrVtYyPRxJTa/ From jsorozco at gmail.com Wed May 20 00:05:15 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 20:05:15 -0400 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Action Plan, Part 3 Message-ID: <2F3CE7FA21414E4284A95691CD7BA70C@Rufus> Dear all, The current NABS board has done an excellent job of engaging the Affiliate Action department at the National Center. Joanne Wilson, Rosy Carranza and to a certain degree, Jason Ewell, kidding, are great people to have on your side, and there is no greater evidence of this collaboration than the leadership seminar this past March. Before Affiliate Action was born I often thought of how easier things would be if we could have a staff person dedicated to student affairs, but we have found that level of diligence and dedicated service in the great resource that is Affiliate Action. I would add two more parties to this core partnership, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and the National Division for Sports and Recreation. The former organization is a long-term strategy move. Where you find parents of blind children, you find blind children, and up to this point no student division has done anything worthwhile in the way of cultivating the very young children who will one day be counted upon to first lead NABS and then lead the organization at large. Of course, if I am wrong, by all means say so. Otherwise, remember no child is too young to be counted upon to help carry your message of equality forward to the masses. The organization I work for has seen scores of young children fulfilling major roles in projects that are of tremendous benefit to their local communities. If there was ever a point when the observation that age ain't nothin' but a number was ever more true, this would certainly be it. If you engage the parents, you engage the children. If you engage the children, you secure the future of your movement, and nothing should be more important to a leader than the preservation of his or her hard work. The second organization is a short-term benefit. By default, sports and recreation will naturally attract younger audiences. The NFB philosophy is a good philosophy, but there are times when the philosophy cannot independently attract and retain dynamic members. Therefore, you use activities people might otherwise be doing on their own to show that: 1) that there is more to the NFB than endless meetings; and 2) that the members of the NFB are just as prone to having a good time as anyone else, to effectively prove that NFB members are human first and advocates second. There are multiple reasons for why this triangle of divisions should solidify into a clearly defined coalition. You may think of others, but I can tell you that in the positive chaos that is National Convention one division ought to be able to count on the strengths of the other's members to speak to that division's target audience. For instance, at a parents' seminar the participants may find it inspiring to listen to a mother speak of how she raised her daughter to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible, but think of how much of an impact it would drive home to have a current college student speak to the parents of how her mother raised her to be independent and self-sufficient. A NABS meeting might very well be invigorated by the animated story of a blind judoka who went on to excel at a Paralympics tournament. These cross-divisional presentations occasionally happen at National Convention, but there is not much substance to this alliance beyond the sharing of speakers and the recruitment of volunteers to carry out things like the Braille Carnival. In a previous installment you may recall my mentioning membership databases. With a coalition of these three divisions you work together to build a massive database shared by all three groups. NABS collects the names of fellow students. Parents use this data to communicate with the parents of these students. Parents collect data from their children's teachers. NABS uses the contact data for these teachers to reach out to even more students. NABS collects data on DSS offices across the country based on the contributions of its students. NABS uses these DSS contacts to promote NABS events. Students themselves use these DSS contacts to learn more about a university they may be interested in attending. Sports and recreation collects data from athletic clubs, recreation centers and relevant organizations working with persons with disabilities. Both the parents and NABS use this data to build a killer state seminar with the added benefit of recreation to attract larger audiences. Were I able to draw a diagram for you via e-mail, I would show you the many different relationships that could evolve from these interconnected lines, but the point is this: You cannot get far in your advocacy efforts without a wide and interactive network, and you cannot hope for an interactive network if records are not kept of all the people you and your membership come across in a myriad of situations. The second point is that these divisions are so related in their mission that it only makes sense for there to be a presence in each other's forums, list-serves, boards and events. At minimum, there should be a liaison to the other two boards in each of these divisions so that all three divisions can maintain an open channel of communication. I understand there is not a parent division or chapter of Sports and Recreation in every state. In truth, you do not need one. You just need two individuals, on or off the board, who would be willing to work with the boards at the national levels to ensure there is an exchange of data to help strengthen the divisions all around. In my opinion, this is the only way state student divisions will generate success in creating regional seminars. I have seen several states attempt to host regional seminars, and it is my opinion that they ultimately fail because they are relying too much on other students to make the event a success. Never forget the the average college student, blind or sighted, is inherently lazy, and so to offset this discouraging factor, you need to supplement your agenda with the strengths and talents of people in other groups to lend your regional activity higher levels of credibility and appeal. Lazy students can be broken out of their lethargy. Finally, there is the development component to this proposal. We'll leave straight talk on fundraising for another time, but the more you expand the scope of an event, the larger your base for potential sponsorship and donations. I previously said Sports and Recreation would be good for short-term benefits. I believe this because although an athletic activity is witnessing the NFB philosophy in action, it is only the frosting on the cake. A goal ball tournament alone will not convince blind people that they can be all they want to be. A goal ball tournament held in conjunction with a student/parent seminar will allow participants to see both ends of the spectrum, and a goal ball tournament would also open doors for support by local businesses that may not readily understand the benefits of an educational seminar but could see the advantages of being associated with an athletic competition. People who would not have normally turned out for an educational seminar alone may very well come out to participate in the one while checking out the other. Each of the three divisions would lure three distinct target populations. Ultimately they are all working to recruit members into the larger movement. The broader your base, the wider your network, and the wider your network, the better the likelihood of establishing contacts in a myriad of industries. You never know when someone's father may work at a printing shop that could help your division print shirts at a discounted rate, etc. This type of collaboration would ultimately benefit groups at the state level. Yet, it is the type of collaboration that needs to be ignited at the national level. An example needs to be set of how the interactions would function so that state-level divisions can take their cues in planning activities and/or campaigns at a local level. Now, this is only the internal core partnership. These do not include the non-NFB entities that could equally be of benefit to the growth of your division. Delta Gamma and the Lions Club are said to possess a willingness to work with the blind population. If this is true, put them to the test. Begin at the national level. Draw up an official memorandum of understanding of how NABS and the other organization will agree to work together, and when the agreement has been established, let the benefits of that alliance trickle down to benefit the state-level student divisions. You may already be familiar with Delta Gamma's desire to work with the blind but may be at a loss as to how a sorority could help you spread word of the NFB philosophy. Who ever said anything about them playing a direct role in spreading word of the philosophy? If nothing else, they may very well prove useful in the logistics of an event such as providing transportation to people to and from an airport. You need drivers. They need volunteer hours, and while I am by no means claiming that a partnership with Delta Gamma would be that shallow, it is only one example of the mutual benefit such an arrangement would provide. A formal agreement is one more layer of validity to the student division which a corporation will look on favorably when it comes time to determine whether or not they are interested in investing in your project. The more organizations and companies with whom you can establish a formal working relationship, the more you legitimize your operations to someone who may not know a thing about the NFB and what it stands for. A core partner is one with whom you spend time cultivating a long-term relationship. Their mission and vision is similar to your own, and joining forces is nothing more than a natural occurrence in the pursuit of your individual objectives. This is why it has not been uncommon for the NFB and Kurzweil to collaborate on technological issues. These types of partnerships are different from partners of interest in that a partner of interest is specifically used to leverage influence over an issue or activity. Bank of America may become a partner of interest in that its donation to your organization is specifically geared at improving local neighborhood initiatives. They have a philosophy of philanthropy. You fit that philosophy, and ultimately it is you who serve as the vehicle to carry out Bank of America's philanthropic vision. My final word on partnerships has less to do with the establishment of alliances and more about visibility. If NABS proclaims to be the leading organization of blind students, it needs to live up to the moniker. This means going out to conferences, participating in workshops, having a presence on committees and generally inserting yourself into everything and anything that may touch on blind students. I do not know what the status may be these days, but there was at least a time when the NFB was not fond of positions taken by the AER. To be fair, members of the AER weren't exactly amused with activities going on in the NFB. In Texas, however, our student division began enjoying a decent relationship with the organization. We were invited year after year to host a workshop as part of their annual state conference, and as a result of this cordial relationship we were able to reach parents and teachers simultaneously. It did not matter to us that at the national level there were differences about accreditation. What mattered was that we could share our resources and ultimately help people at a very basic level. I understand there has been hesitation by some members of the NFB to participate in cross-disability events. This is foolish. Blindness may not be seen as a typical disability by the NFB philosophy, but the general public sees blindness as a disability. The general public is attracted to activities that are sometimes geared at all disabilities, and we are losing the opportunity to be seen at these events where blind students might be found and told about our message. I often hear about how difficult it is to find other blind students. To this sad sentiment I say you should not be afraid to spread your wings a little. Make yourself a part of some coalitions out there, and you may be surprised at how much easier it is to recruit members for your specific cause. To be honest, I think sending NABS board members to key conferences would be more advantageous than sending them to state conventions as student representatives. If you can increase the board member's educational base, promote NABS and make new contacts for the organization all at one event, your dollars will carry you a lot farther in the long run. Much of what I have written here I learned from working outside of the blindness field. I have seen partners excel and partnerships crash in various special interests, and I have carefully studied the factors that resulted in both cases. Those partnerships that are still thriving today are based on the very same fundamentals that have been a common theme in the three installations you have now read. To be continued... Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4088 (20090519) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From dandrews at visi.com Fri May 22 20:27:26 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 15:27:26 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Agenda for 2009 NFB Convention Message-ID: The National Federation of the Blind Logo 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION DETROIT, MICHIGAN JULY 3 to JULY 8 Text box Whozit THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN WELCOME YOU TO THE 69th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Marc Maurer, President National Federation of the Blind 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Mary Ellen Jernigan Executive Director for Operations and Chairwoman, Convention Organization and Activities Fred Wurtzel, President National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 1212 North Foster Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48912-3309 Detroit Marriott? at the Renaissance Center Renaissance Center (313) 568-8000 Courtyard by Marriott? 333 E. Jefferson Avenue (313) 222-7700 DETROIT MARRIOTT The 69th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind is being held in Michigan at the Detroit Marriott? at the Renaissance Center. As usual, our hotel rates are very good: singles and doubles $62, triples $66, and quads $68. In addition to the room rates, there is a 15 percent sales tax. There is no charge for children under eighteen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is required. Proof of convention registration is necessary, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Otherwise, regular hotel rates must be paid. The Detroit Marriott is a seventy-two story round hotel in the middle of a larger complex of buildings known as the Renaissance Center. The lowest level is the Motor Lobby where people arriving by taxis and automobiles enter the hotel. There are bellmen at this entrance and elevators going directly to the main lobby of the hotel, which is located on Level Three. All hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the exhibit hall are on Levels Three, Four, and Five. A bank of twelve elevators is located in the center of the hotel in a corridor oriented along the east-west axis of the building. The first six elevators at the west end of the corridor (three on each side) serve floors three through forty. The next six elevators (three on each side) serve floors three, four, five, and forty through seventy. Just beyond each end of the elevator corridor a set of escalators serves Levels Three, Four, and Five. To reach the main hotel lobby you should leave the elevator corridor heading west. The hotel restaurant (Forty-two Degrees North) and Volt (a bar which also serves an extensive array of food) can be entered from the main lobby. Many other food outlets including a large food court are located on Levels A, One, and Two in the Renaissance Center complex. The easiest way to exit the hotel proper into other parts of the Renaissance Center Complex is to use an escalator located near the Coach Insignia Restaurant elevator at the south end of Level Three of the hotel. The Detroit Marriott has a smoke-free policy. COURTYARD MARRIOTT The Courtyard Marriott is connected to Level Two of the Renaissance Center Complex by an enclosed overhead walkway. It may also be reached by leaving the Renaissance Center at Level One through the Jefferson Lobby. We are using both sleeping rooms and meeting space in the Courtyard Marriott. A group of Whozits marching together. ?MOTOR CITY? MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE: SUPPORTING OUR IMAGINATION FUND CAMPAIGN On Monday, July 6, we open the convention with our spectacular third March for Independence. Marching through downtown Detroit, we will celebrate our liberty among friends, family members, and supporters. Please gather for this fundraising and ?friend-raising? walk-a-thon and rally at 6:45 Monday morning in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott. Most of the route is along the beautiful RiverWalk promenade and culminates with a rally in Rivard Plaza. Marcher drop-in briefing sessions are on Sunday, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Let?s walk together to make the Motor City March a truly magnificent event. NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE! Our host affiliate invites you to celebrate with them by renewing old friendships and/or forming new ones on Monday, July 6, at 7:00 pm in the Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3. Entertainment by ?Nine,? a nine-piece band that will perform Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards?guaranteed to create an exciting atmosphere and stir pleasant memories. ROOKIE ROUNDUP Rookie Roundup Logo All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, July 3, in the Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. President Maurer and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week?s activities. Veteran conventioneers should urge all first-timers to attend this special event. Also, first-time rookies are invited to join an informal, fun gathering on Sunday, July 5, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the Affiliate Action Suite 6801. REGISTRATION & PREREGISTRATION Registration activities take place in the Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4; at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 5; and at other times as listed throughout the week. The fee for registration at convention is $20 per person (if you preregistered before May 31, the fee was $15), and all those attending the convention (both local and out of town people) are asked to register. Convention registration is a requirement for door prize eligibility and a number of other convention activities. We condition rates for hotel rooms on proof of registration, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Therefore, please register as soon as possible after arrival. EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET Exhibits and the NFB Independence Market are located in the Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3. The exhibit hall hours are: Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday Noon to 1:45 pm; sponsors only from 7:00-10:00 pm Tuesday Noon to 1:45 pm?Note: This is the final time that Independence Market and Literature will be open. Tuesday 7:00 to 10:00 pm?Exhibit Hall only; Independence Market and Literature closed) There is a special event for sponsor-level exhibitors only on Monday, July 6, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm (see ?Special Attention? section and agenda listing for more information). Sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE? at the NEWSLINE table, check the agenda for times to visit Room 6401 to learn about it, or call local number (313) 483-1147 to use NEWSLINE at convention. Any alterations in the general session schedule which may occur during the convention will result in conforming shifts in the exhibit schedule and will be announced in the exhibit areas. A number of affiliated NFB divisions and committees have tables. Many new electronic devices are demonstrated, as well as a special exhibit of materials and resources for the deaf-blind. MEETINGS General sessions of the convention are being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The morning sessions convene at 9:30 am on Monday, and 9:00 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The convention adjourns promptly at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8. Please note that all requests for announcements by Dr. Maurer during general sessions must be submitted in Braille. BANQUET AND BANQUET TICKET EXCHANGE The banquet is being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8. Banquet tickets purchased at convention are $40.00 (the cost was $35 if purchased before May 31) and are on sale during registration on Saturday and Sunday, and from noon to 12:30 and 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday. No banquet tickets will be available for purchase after Monday. It will be necessary to have your banquet ticket with you to attend the banquet; it will be collected at the banquet table. Arrangements should be made for reserved table assignments by taking the ticket(s) you purchase to the Banquet Exchange Table in the registration area, where you may exchange either an individual ticket or a group of tickets for reserved seating. Banquet tables seat ten people. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND DEVOTIONS On Sunday, July 5, Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., will celebrate a Roman Catholic Mass at 7:15 am in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Also on Sunday at 11:45 am services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Devotional services will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3, at 7:30 am on Tuesday, and 8:00 am on Wednesday. Please note there is no service on Monday morning. Services are nonsectarian and will end at least fifteen minutes prior to morning convention sessions. knfbReader MOBILE THE CELL PHONE THAT READS PRINT With the power of digital photography and unique cell phone software, reading print on the go wherever you are is now possible for blind people. Come and learn about this fabulous, life-changing technology in the exhibit hall and at demonstration and training sessions planned in the afternoon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and in the evening on Tuesday. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SPECIAL ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ? A Federation Information Desk will be in the registration area from Saturday morning, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, if you have questions or need assistance. The Michigan affiliate will also maintain a table near the hotel check in desk in the main lobby to provide assistance and hospitality during much of the convention. ? When you register, you will be given a badge. Please wear it at all times during the convention. ? The room number for the Presidential Suite is 7010. Someone will be on hand in the Presidential Suite throughout most of the convention to greet you and make appointments for you with the President or anyone else you wish to see. The Presidential Suite will not be open during the business sessions of the convention, the Sunday morning Board of Directors meeting, Monday morning (due to the Independence March), or the Wednesday evening banquet. Come to the Presidential Suite. You will be most welcome. ? The room number for Mary Ellen Jernigan, Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities, is 6910. Questions concerning hotel rooms, meeting rooms, banquet, scheduling, registration, and other matters dealing with convention arrangements should be referred to the Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities. ? Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB Treasurer may do so by going to the DaVinci Room, Level 4 on Monday, July 6, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, or on Tuesday, July 7, between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm. ? The Michigan Suite (Fred Wurtzel, President) is 6805. ? The Affiliate Action and Rookie Activities Suite (Joanne Wilson and Pam Allen, Coordinators) is 6801. ? We are again offering NFB Camp (child-care services) for children six weeks through ten years of age in Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 during convention sessions, most meetings, and the banquet. Preregistration and payment by June 15 were required for NFB Camp. NFB Camp is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of Main Street Montessori Association. Alison McQuillan, camp worker and teacher since 1998, is the activities director. Please note that NFB Camp provides morning and afternoon snacks, but parents are required to provide lunch for their child(ren) every day. Times listed are the opening and closing times for NFB Camp. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for all late pickups. NFB Camp hours: Friday, 7/3 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, 7/4 Closed Sunday, 7/5 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 5:30 pm Monday, 7/6 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday, 7/7 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Wednesday, 7/8 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Banquet 7/8 6:30 pm to 30 minutes after closing ? A Special Evening For Sponsor-Level Exhibitors: Again this year, the exhibit hall will reopen from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Monday, July 6, for a very special evening dedicated solely to Sponsor-Level Exhibitors listed here. Come and bring a guest to say ?thank you? to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are?Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel?, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. ? The ever-popular Showcase of Talent is back again at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, presented by the Performing Arts Division. Admission price is $5.00. If you would like to participate in the Showcase, make sure to sign up early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. ? Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no raffles or other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or at the banquet. The single exception to this rule will be that national divisions may (if they request it in advance) conduct such drawings during the convention or at the banquet. LaSalle A Room, Level 5 will be set aside at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, for all other drawings. Any group or affiliate wishing to conduct drawings at this time (or any person wishing to know the winners) may go at noon on Wednesday to the LaSalle A Room. AFFILIATED DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES, AND GROUPS The Federation carries on its business through divisions, committees, and groups. The meetings of some of these have been scheduled for particular times and are listed in the agenda. Others have not been formally scheduled but will meet at the call of their chairpersons or presidents. If you have matters that you would like to discuss with any of the following divisions, committees, or groups, you should contact: Divisions: ? Agriculture and Equestrian: Fred Chambers, President; ? Assistive Technology Trainers: Michael Barber, President; ? Classics, Antiques, and Rods or Special Interest Vehicles (CARS): Joseph B. Naulty, President; ? Deaf-Blind: Burnell Brown, President; ? Diabetes Action Network for the Blind: Michael Freeman, President; ? Human Services: Melissa Riccobono, President; ? National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith: Tom Anderson, President; ? National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs: James R. Bonerbo, President; ? National Association of Blind Lawyers: Scott LaBarre, President; ? National Association of Blind Merchants: Kevan Worley, President; ? National Association of Blind Office Professionals: Lisa Hall, President; ? National Association of Blind Piano Technicians: Don Mitchell, President; ? National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals: Melody Lindsey, President; ? National Association of Blind Students: Terri Rupp, President; ? National Association of Blind Veterans: Dwight Sayer, President; ? National Association of Guide Dog Users: Marion Gwizdala, President; ? National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB): Nadine Jacobson, President; ? National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science: Curtis Chong, President; ? National Federation of the Blind Krafters: Joyce Kane, President; ? National Federation of the Blind Seniors: Judy Sanders, President; ? National Organization of Blind Educators: Sheila Koenig, President; ? National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC): Carol Castellano, President; ? Performing Arts: Dennis Holston, President; ? Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President; ? Science and Engineering: John Miller, President; ? Sports and Recreation: Lisamaria Martinez, President; ? Travel and Tourism: Don Gillmore, President; ? Writers: Robert Leslie Newman, President. Committees: ? Ambassadors: Angela Wolf, Chairperson; ? Blind Educator of the Year Award: David Ticchi, Chairperson; ? Committee on Assistive Technology (COAT): Curtis Chong, Chairperson; ? Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety (CAPS): Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; ? Committee to Empower Underserved Populations (CEUP): Ron Brown, Chairperson; ? Cultural Exchange and International Program: Diane McGeorge, Chairperson; ? Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Joyce Scanlan, Chairperson; ? Employment: Buna Dahal, Chairperson; ? Imagination Fund: Kevan Worley, Chairperson; ? Jacobus tenBroek Award: Ramona Walhof, Chairperson; ? Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Tami Jones, Chairperson; ? Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chairperson; ? Library Services: David Hyde, Chairperson; ? Loan Fund: Donald C. Capps, Chairperson; ? Membership: Ron Gardner, Chairperson; ? Newel Perry Award: Allen Harris, Chairperson; ? Newsletter Publications: Norma Crosby, Chairperson; ? NFB-NEWSLINE? Program Steering: David DeNotaris, Chairperson; ? PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chairperson; ? Planned Giving: John Halverson, Chairperson; ? Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology: Gary Wunder, Chairperson; ? Public Relations: Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; ? Research and Development: Curtis Chong, Chairperson; ? Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chairperson; ? Scholarship: Anil Lewis, Chairperson; ? Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chairperson; ? Spanish Translation: Norman Gardner, Chairperson; ? White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Alpidio Rol?n, Chairperson. Groups: ? Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink, Chairperson; ? Blind Parents: Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; ? Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin, Co-Chairpersons; ? Educators of Blind Children: Gail Wagner, Chairperson; ? Geordi's Engineers: Lorraine Rovig, Chairperson; ? Legislative Initiatives Discussion: Don Burns, Coordinator; ? Living History: Michael Freholm, Chairperson; ? NFB Ham Radio: D. Curtis Willoughby, Chairperson; ? NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chairperson; ? NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairpersons; ? Orientation and Mobility: Edward C. Bell, Chairperson; ? Professionals in Blindness Education: Heather Field, Chairperson; ? Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chairperson. CONVENTION AGENDA Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009 7:30 - 8:45 am?HAM RADIO GROUP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Raphael Room, Level 4 Discuss hotel frequencies and architectural features and distributing special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and Spanish-speaking attendees. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 7:45 am - 6:30 pm?THE FUTURE IS OURS AND THEIRS Parent, Rehabilitation, and Orientation & Mobility Joint Conference for Families and Rehabilitation Professionals (7:45 - 8:45 am?Registration and coffee; 12:00 to 2:00 pm?NBPCB Awards Luncheon, Ambassador Three Ballroom) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 NOPBC Fees: Adults $30; Youth (13-18) $20; Children (5-12) $10 NABRP Fees (includes lunch): Students $75; Professionals $100 Note: Conference admission included with either registration above. Sponsors: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC); National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (NABRP); and the Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at the Louisiana Tech University. Chairpersons: Carol Castellano and Edward Bell 8:00 am - 4:30 pm?PROFESSIONALS IN BLINDNESS EDUCATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Heather Field, Chairperson 8:30 am?NFB CAMP: IT?S MORE THAN CHILD?S PLAY (CHILD CARE) Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 Please see ?Special Attention? section of agenda for further information. (Preregistration by June 15 was required.) 8:30 - 11:30 am?WHAT?S NEW IN JAWS 10 AND MAGic 11, AND A FIRST LOOK AT JAWS 11?FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, for an exciting and informative session covering all of the new details surrounding JAWS and MAGic development. This will also be the first look at JAWS 11 scheduled for public beta in August and includes a demo of Windows 7. Bring questions! Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 8:30 am - 5:00 pm?IBTC?S ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 am?Mobile productivity on cell phones. 10:30 am - noon?Create DAISY books from your desktop. 1:30 - 3:00 pm?Web 2.0 features with screen access software. 3:30 - 5:00 pm?Lesser-known names in screen access software. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon?GW MICRO: BRAILLE SENSE PLUS AND VOICE SENSE?Registration $10; Refreshments provided. Nicolet A Room, Level 5 The Braille Sense Plus is the lightest note taker with a 32-cell Braille display, and the Voice Sense is the smallest note taker. Learn about the features of GW note takers including the GW Sense Navigation GPS. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm?NFB YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 14-18) Sponsored by NFB Jernigan Institute; Mary Jo Thorpe, Coordinator Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 9:00 - 10:15 am?PARENTS-REHAB SEMINAR Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott 10:30 am - 12:00 noon?ALL ABOUT ME Help shape the future of youth outreach for the NFB. 2:00 - 3:00 pm?BACK & BICEPS, CHEST & TRICEPS Learn the ?ropes? about working out in a gym. 3:30 - 5:00 pm?ME AND YOUTUBE An interactive YouTube activity for teens. 9:00 am - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 9:00-11:00 am, 2:00-6:00 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 11:30 am -1:30 pm?Affiliate presidents? gathering. Learn about NFB- NEWSLINE Online and how to promote NEWSLINE. 6:30 - 8:00 pm?Exhibit for parents and their blind children (ages 10+). Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 10:00 am - 5:00 pm?EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE SEMINAR Richard B Room, Level 5 10:00 am?Registration; 10:30 am?Seminar begins Key strategies for job hunting: How? Where? What? Remember, innovation and authenticity produce abundant opportunities. Gain the secrets of obtaining and maintaining employment. Buna Dahal, Chairperson 10:15 am - 12:00 noon?NOPBC BRAILLE CARNIVAL (ages 5-13) Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm?PAC MATE, BEYOND NOTE TAKING?FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Jonathan Mosen as we explore the power of PAC Mate Omni, from beaming your KNFB Reader Mobile documents to be read in Braille, to watching TV right from your PAC Mate Omni. See our new StreetTalk VIP GPS solution in action. 1:00 - 3:00 pm?WRITERS DIVISION WORKSHOP ($5.00 fee) Room 6405, 60th floor Visit with a published author. Robert Leslie Newman, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?SWIM CLINIC; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Pool, Courtyard Marriott Annie Sawicki, part of the AdapTap team (that designed an award-winning device by blind swimmers), is conducting a swimming workshop. Take a break with a cool dip in the pool. Lisamaria Martinez, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND USER GROUPS LaSalle A and B Rooms, Level 5 Sessions: 1:00 Breeze; 2:00 BrailleNote; 3:00 Stream; 4:00 Mobile Devices Join HumanWare and other users to learn about recent updates and share product tips. Ask questions and give us your suggestions for your favorite HumanWare product. Door Prizes for every session! 1:30 - 2:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 2:00 - 3:30 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS One-Two Buckle My Shoe, Three-Four Out the Door Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Developmental timelines from preschool through elementary. Instructors: Debbi Head, Heather Field, Annee Hartzell Show Me the Technology: Middle School/High School Renoir Room, Level 4 What is needed, how to work with the school to get it, and what to do when all else fails. Instructors: Dr. Matt Maurer and Al Lovati Literacy for All Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Large print? Braille? Both? How to tell what is best for your child. Great Expectations: Mobility Instruction and Blind Children with Additional Disabilities Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott High expectations, real life goals, and how to achieve them in the area of independent travel. Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC TRIP TO PENRICKTON CENTER Meeting place to be announced Parents of children with significant multiple disabilities can visit this center which uses the Active Learning techniques of Lilli Nielsen. 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (Note to parents: Volunteers will accompany the children from one workshop to the other.) Not-so-mad Scientists: Hands-on Chemistry Experiments: Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Andrew Greenberg, Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, and Dr. Lillian Rankel 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, Cont?d. Tactile Drawings and Representations: Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Ann Cunningham and Debbie Kent Stein 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:00 - 5:00 pm?GW MICRO: WINDOW-EYES TRAINING (Registration $10; Refreshments provided) Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Explore the power of Window-Eyes with advanced scripting support, Office 2007, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Come to see the best support for the Internet in a screen reader. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 2:00 - 7:00 pm?KRAFTERS KORNER Richard A Room, Level 5 Meet some talented Federation crafters and purchase their beautiful hand-made items for sale. Joyce Kane, Krafters Division President 3:00 - 4:30 pm?MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE (Workshop One; Workshop Two is on Saturday at 4:00 pm) Brul? A Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. 3:00 - 4:45 pm? knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLIND ENTREPRENEURS Brul? B Room, Level 5 James R. Bonerbo, President Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 3:30 - 4:50 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS Access for Everyone Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott Learn how blind and low-vision children of all abilities can access education and information in school and in the world. Instructor: Dr. Denise Robinson Braille Music for Dummies Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Just enough to stay one step ahead of the kids. Instructors: Jennifer Dunnam and Kyle Conley Spaghetti, Meatballs, and Birthday Parties Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Manners, cafeterias, games, playgrounds, and friends (Pre-K and Elementary) Instructors: Debbi Head and Emily Gibbs Bring Me to the Mall?Text Me Later Renoir Room, Level 4 Manners, food courts, and friends (middle and high school) Instructors: Eric Guillory and Deja Powell 5:00 - 6:30 pm?PARENTS AND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS JOINT CONFERENCE RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS BUSINESS MEETING Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 6:00 pm?Registration; 7:00 pm?Meeting begins Topics: airline emergency procedures and evacuation; creating and growing state associations of guide dog users; and protecting the rights of guide dog users through advocacy and education. Marion Gwizdala, President Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm?Registration; 7:00 pm?Meeting begins Featuring a hands-on Braille proofreading workshop. Guest speaker is from Seedlings Braille Books for Children. Lisa Hall, President 7:30 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC FAMILY HOSPITALITY NIGHT Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in, relax, and chat in an informal atmosphere. 8:00 - 10:00 pm?NFB LIONS GROUP Room 6405, 60th floor NFB members who are also Lions are urged to meet to share ideas and experiences. Co-Chairpersons: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota 8:00 - 10:00 pm?ROOKIE ROUNDUP RECEPTION?GAINING INSIGHT FOR FIRST-TIMERS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 First-time conventioneers, don't miss this event! President Maurer and former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions. Coordinator: Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind and President of the NFB of Louisiana 8:00 pm - midnight?KARAOKE NIGHT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. You'll have a great time. Braille song lists available. Hosted by BLIND, Incorporated 9:00 - 10:00 pm?NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Angela Wolf, Chairperson Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 9:00 am - 5:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 9:00 am 5:00 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm?WHAT?S NEW WITH NFB-NEWSLINE? Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Presentational seminar about the world?s largest audible newspaper service for the blind and visually impaired. Topics cover newest online initiatives and improvements to the service. 1:00 - 5:00 pm?EXPLORING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN MOBILE REFRESHABLE BRAILLE AND TACTILE GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGIES Richard A Room, Level 5 1:00-2:00?ALVA Braille Controller: more than just a Braille display. 2:00-3:00?Talking Tactile Tablet: exploring tactile images, interactive games. 3:00-4:00?Reading On the Go!: read books, texts, etc. using a cell phone. 4:00-5:00?Mobile Geo: a new GPS solution for accessible cell phones. Larry Lewis, President, Flying Blind, Inc. 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION?SECTIONS ONE AND TWO Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Participants must have preregistered. Exam Sections Three and Four are on Sunday, July 5 (see agenda listing). Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:30 pm?RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Renaissance Cartier Ballroom, Level 4 Sharon Maneki, Chairperson 1:30 - 2:45 pm? knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Braille Beats Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Kids get into Braille music in a fun way. Instructor: Kyle Conely 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 You Want to Move It, Move It Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Judo expert Lisamaria Martinez and friends get you moving! 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:30 - 4:30 pm?TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION Raphael Room, Level 4 Don Gillmore, President 3:00 - 4:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 3:30-6:00 pm and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:30-8:00 pm?Gathering for professionals in the field of work with the blind for an evening of presentations and possibilities. 4:00 - 5:30 pm?MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 4:00 - 6:00 pm?SPANISH SEMINAR Brul? B Room, Level 5 Conducted entirely in Spanish. Learn about the Federation, hear from some of our leaders, and network with other Hispanic members. Facilitators: Rosy Carranza and A.Z. Martinez 4:30 - 5:30 pm?WAL-MART AND NFB JERNIGAN INSTITUTE: FUTURE INNOVATIONS FORUM Brul? A Room, Level 5 Join a town hall meeting on Equal Access at the Pharmacy Counter. Discuss emerging issues, best practices, and preferences as a blind or low-vision consumer. Influence future work through the NFB Jernigan Institute to encourage innovative Pharmacy practices and take the opportunity for the world's largest retailer to hear your voice. 4:30 - 6:00 pm?TWELFTH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL?National Association of Blind Lawyers; Scott LaBarre, President Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. Federation lawyers are pitted against each other reenacting an old Federation case with the audience serving as the jury. 6:00 - 7:30 pm?NEWSLETTER PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DaVinci Room, Level 4 Covering state newsletters, formatting a good publication, and publishing in accessible formats. Norma Crosby, Chairperson 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 pm?Registration ($5.00) & Meet-and-Greet; 7:00 pm?Meeting Happy 42nd birthday to NABS! Remember to bring your contact information on a Brailled index card for registration. Terri Rupp, President 6:45 - 7:45 pm?IMAGINATION FUND TRAINING MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Kevan Worley, Facilitator Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NFB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS SEMINAR Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this seminar about state financial programs, financial data, and planning the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. Topics include: 990s, state charitable registrations, end-of-year preparations, and other issues. Facilitators: Bridgid Burke and Charlie Brown 7:00 - 8:30 pm?PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION Richard A Room, Level 5 Ivan Weich, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND RODS (CARS) DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 Joseph B. Naulty, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm??KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE,? NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND PIANO TECHNICIANS SEMINAR Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how to have a career in piano tuning and repair; it can enhance your independence. Don Mitchell, President 7:30 - 9:30 pm?MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 The more we educate, the more we grow. Ron Gardner, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm?BLIND PARENTS GROUP Brul? B Room, Level 5 Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:00 pm?WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Alpidio Rol?n, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:30 pm?WEBMASTERS WORKSHOP Greco Room, Level 4 A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division Webmasters. Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Webmasters Group Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY SERVICES Duluth A Room, Level 5 David Hyde, Chairperson 9:00 - 10:00 pm?SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Norman Gardner, Chairperson Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009 7:15 - 8:15 am?ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., Celebrant 8:00 am - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 8:00-11:00 am, 1:30-5:30 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:00-7:00 pm?Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology Committee gathering. Learn about NFB-NEWSLINE?s revolutionary new online initiatives. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 8:30 am 5:00 pm? EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 9:00 11:30 am?NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to all) Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 11:45 am - 12:45 pm?THE DIVISION FOR ME?NFB YOUTH TRACK Greco Room, Level 4 A meet-and-greet with NFB division representatives. Coordinator: Mary Jo Thorpe. Co-sponsored by NOPBC and NFB Jernigan Institute. 11:45 am - 1:15 pm?CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm?ROOKIE ROUNDUP GATHERING Affiliate Action Suite 6801 Attention rookies! Participate in a gathering of fun for first-time conventioneers. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have your convention questions answered by experienced Federationists. Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:30 - 4:00 pm?DIABETES ACTION NETWORK FOR THE BLIND Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Keynote speaker is Ann S. Williams, PhD, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator with much experience with diabetic issues. Mike Freeman, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS Richard A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address ongoing struggles to gain equal access to Web sites, employment, legal texts and exams. Scott LaBarre, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE LaSalle B Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Discuss recent releases, concerns of information technology professionals, and other topics. Curtis Chong, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm??OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION??National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith Cadillac A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins; Tom Anderson, President 12:30 5:00 pm?REVOLUTIONIZING RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS MEETING Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:30 pm ? Meeting begins Those involved in the Randolph-Sheppard program or who operate a similar business discuss protection of the priority and the creation of new business opportunities and outreach. Kevan Worley, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Wear your sweats and come ready for hands-on presentations in yoga and much more! Lisamaria Martinez, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:45 - 4:30 pm?MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG ADVENTURE! (Ages 9-14) Meet (and return) at back of Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Hang out as a group and have fun exploring with blind mentors Michael Freholm and Garrick Scott. 1:00 - 3:00 pm?BLIND PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS GROUP Duluth A Room, Level 5 Elizabeth Campbell, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm?CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Diane McGeorge, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm??GRABBING HEADLINES FOR YOUR AFFILIATE? SEMINAR?PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Topics: locating press contacts; drafting press releases; developing relationships with reporters and editors; working effectively with the media. Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; Seminar conducted by Chris Danielsen and Jessica Freeh, NFB Public Relations 1:00 - 3:00 pm?NOPBC DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING: MAKING THEIR FUTURE DREAMS COME TRUE Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Carol Castellano, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION DaVinci Room, Level 4 Unveiling the ?Music of the Movement? album. Hear from an artist recruiter about a media company paving the way for blind audio professionals. Dennis Holston, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?WRITERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Renoir Room, Level 4 Robert Leslie Newman, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:00 - 4:30 pm?NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS Brul? B Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 1:30 pm ? Meeting begins Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms; meeting in groups specific to grade level and content areas of interest to create a network of mentors. Sheila Koenig, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?AUTO SHOW (CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES) Location to be announced. Joe Naulty, CARS Division President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION?SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR Cascade C and D Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Participants must have preregistered. Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS Brul? A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 2:00 pm ? Meeting begins Network, share mutual interests, find placement strategies, and examine and discuss concerns and current issues. Melody Lindsey, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm??SENIORS IN CHARGE? NFB SENIORS DIVISION MEETING & (SOMEWHAT) SILENT AUCTION Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Find out ways to spread our message of hope to newly blind seniors. We?re also having our popular not-so-silent auction. Judy Sanders, President 1:00 - 6:00 pm?HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION SEMINAR AND BUSINESS MEETING Nicolet A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 2:00 pm ? Meeting begins; 5:00 pm ? Networking Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and music or dance therapists meeting to network and ask questions. Melissa Riccobono, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:30 - 4:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Session One: 1:30 - 2:45 pm; Session Two: 3:00 - 4:45 pm Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 4:30 pm?NOPBC PARENT POWER WORKSHOP Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Parent leaders from around the country share their experiences. Moderator: Barbara Mathews 3:15 - 4:45 pm?MEET THE BLIND MONTH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS SEMINAR: PLANS AND ACTION EQUAL SUCCESS Duluth B Room, Level 5 October is ?Meet the Blind Month.? Find out about events that are entertaining and fun and encouraging chapters to try new types of fundraising and meet-and-greet events. Jerry Lazarus, NFB Jernigan Institute 5:00 - 6:30 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS RECEPTION Richard B Room, Level 5 For NABL members and seminar participants to promote networking and fellowship within our membership. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Scott LaBarre, President 5:00 - 7:00 pm?BRAILLE BOOK FLEA MARKET Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Happy Birthday, Louis Braille! Browse tables of new and used Braille and print/Braille books. UPS volunteers will ship the books to your home free of charge. Donations requested to support the Braille Readers are Leaders program. Cake and snacks for browsers. Cosponsored by NOPBC and NAPUB. Coordinator: Peggy Chong 5:00 - 8:00 pm?JUDO WORKSHOP; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Join USA Judo and paralympian bronze medal winner Greg DeWall to learn about judo from people involved in the sport. See you on the mat! Lisamaria Martinez, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 5:30 - 7:00 pm?KURZWEIL 1000 USERS? MEETING Richard A Room, Level 5 Join the Kurzweil 1000 Users? Contingent! Meet with Steve Baum, Vice President of Engineering, and share some Kurzweil 1000 experiences. Kurzweil 1000 is our state-of-the-art, text-to-speech and life navigation software for blind and visually impaired readers. 5:30 - 7:30 pm?AGRICULTURE AND EQUESTRIAN DIVISION Duluth A Room, Level 5 Fred Chambers, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm?BACK TO BASICS: FOUNDATIONS IN MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Topics: running a purposeful chapter meeting, community projects and chapter fundraising, and weaving Federation philosophy into local meetings. NFB Affiliate Action Team 6:00 - 10:00 pm?DEAF BLIND DIVISION Nicolet B Room, Level 5 6:00 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Burnell Brown, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS SEMINAR 6:00 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Brul? A Room, Level 5 Topics: Islam, the Koran, and guide dogs; Training Centers and Guide Dogs: a panel discussion; and massage for dogs. You can also ?test drive? a guide dog! Marion Gwizdala, President 6:30 - 9:00 pm?ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Note-taking devices to recommend to clients and what to do about students who are seemingly ?unteachable.? Michael Barber, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 6:30 - 9:30 pm?SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DIVISION Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott 6:30 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins John Miller, President 7:00 - 8:30 pm?LIVING HISTORY GROUP Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history. Michael Freholm, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm??SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS? a play by Jerry Whittle (Admission: $5.00; Second Performance is at 9:00 pm) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind?s summer training program for blind children. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?COMMITTEE TO EMPOWER UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Ron Brown, Chairperson 7:00 - 9:00 pm?FEDERATION RE-GENERATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Do you need to rejuvenate and kick-start your affiliate with fresh ideas? Re-generate! Get a new generation involved. Join the NFB Jernigan Institute Education Team to learn more about program possibilities. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Cadillac A Room, Level 5 Unveiling new craft initiatives, including plans for a new Web site and information on our Monday night nationwide chats. Joyce Kane, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF BRAILLE (NAPUB) SEMINAR Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Celebrating Louis Braille?s 200th birthday! Receive information about the commemorative Louis Braille silver dollar, the NFB Share Braille Web site project, and more. Nadine Jacobson, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Guest speakers; reviewing access technology; unveiling the 2009 NABV pin. Pay dues and receive an NABV-3 shirt. Dwight Sayer, President 7:00 - 10:00 pm?MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE MARCHER DROP-IN BRIEFINGS (THREE SEPARATE SESSIONS) Brul? B Room, Level 5 Session One: 7:00-8:00 pm; Session Two 8:00-9:00 pm; Session Three 9:00-10:00 pm. Drop in anytime and help us lead the 2009 March for Independence. Facilitator: Kevan Worley 7:30 - 9:00 pm?DADS? NIGHT OUT Contact Brad Weatherd for location All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Sponsored by the NOPBC 7:30 - 9:00 pm?NFB IN JUDAISM MEETING Room 6405, 60th Floor David Stayer, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION, EVALUATION, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY; Gary Wunder, Chairperson Greco Room, Level 4 8:00 - 9:30 pm?MAKING BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Make Braille books at home that will inspire your child to read and explore. Sponsored by NOPBC. Instructors: Carlton Walker and Krystal Guillory 9:00 - 10:30 pm??SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS,? a play by Jerry Whittle (Second Performance) Admission: $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind?s summer training program for blind children. 9:30 - 10:30 pm?FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray A group of Whozits marching together. MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 6:45 am?MOTOR CITY MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE RALLY! Please gather in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott for a 7:00 am start. NOTE: Because of the March for Independence, there are no registration, devotions, Independence Market and Literature, or Exhibit Hall activities on Monday morning. ************************************************** OPENING GENERAL SESSION 9:30 am INVOCATION 9:35 am WELCOMING CEREMONIES 9:55 am CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED Dwight Sayer, President, National Association of Blind Veterans, National Federation of the Blind; Winter Gardens, Florida 10:05 am ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE 11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); FINAL BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40)?Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm?NFB CHAPTER PRESIDENTS MEETING AFFILIATE ACTION SUITE 6801 Informal gathering for NFB chapter presidents only to discuss issues of interest to Federationists at the grassroots level. Chapter presidents attending this convention should not miss this important meeting. Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 12:15 - 2:00 pm?LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI LUNCHEON Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Contact: Pam Allen, Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm PRESIDENTIAL REPORT, Marc Maurer 3:00 pm POLICIES TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSION, SAFETY, AND PRODUCTIVITY The Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of Congress, 15th Congressional District; Michigan 3:20 pm PROMOTING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: A PRIORITY FOR MANUFACTURERS The Honorable Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; McLean, Virginia 3:40 pm THE JOURNEY OF BRAILLE: FROM THE HANDS OF THE CREATOR TO EARTH ORBIT 4:00 pm THE VALUE OF A COIN, OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND OF A CLASS OF HUMAN BEINGS Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Research Professor, San Diego State University; Vienna, Virginia 4:25 pm PROVIDING THE FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS: BRAILLE BOOKS Brian A. McDonald, President, National Braille Press; Boston, Massachusetts 4:40 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 5:30 - 6:30 pm?NOMINATING COMMITTEE; Sharon Maneki, Chairperson Cadillac A Room, Level 5 6:00 - 8:00 pm?AFB INTRODUCES ACCESSIBLE WALKING DIRECTIONS AND NEW CareerConnect FEATURES Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 The American Foundation for the Blind?s reception introduces Mapquest Accessible Walking Directions and new CareerConnect offerings. Be the first to try a free on-line directions service. Join up as a CareerConnect leader or mentor. We look forward to reconnecting with old friends. 6:00 - 9:00 pm?INDOOR ROWING; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline A and B Rooms, Courtyard Marriott Row your way into fitness and maintain a healthy lifestyle using an accessible rowing machine. Prizes plus plenty of fun! Lisamaria Martinez, President 6:30 - 8:00 pm?GUITAR SEMINAR LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Learn about the guitar; get advice from a professional musician, Cameron Strife; $5 donation. Presented by the NFB Performing Arts Division 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATION Room 6401, 60th floor Drop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS: IEPs: Evals, Goals, Strategies, the Law Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Carlton Walker The Science of Getting in on Science Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, Dr. Lillian Rankel Mental Mapping: Using Environmental Sounds and Clues Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Daniel Kish Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm?BOOKSHARE AT NFB MEMBER PARTY LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Enjoy snacks and refreshments while meeting the Bookshare staff. This is your opportunity to talk with us and share your ideas; we?re here to listen. Plan to have fun with contests, drawings, and interacting with your fellow members. We look forward to seeing you. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS: THE INITIATIVE FOR CHANGE Duluth B Room, Level 5 One representative from each affiliate should attend this session. Help to ensure Braille literacy for all by learning about the exciting developments and discuss strategies for promoting Louis Braille bicentennial coins. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?MOVING LEGISLATION ON THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Each affiliate should send one representative. Learn the best methods of increasing support for our legislative priorities. Changing lives through laws is our business. Led by Jesse Hartle, NFB Strategic Initiatives Staff 7:00 - 10:00 pm?A SPECIAL EVENING FOR SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 The exhibit hall reopens for an evening dedicated solely to sponsor-level exhibitors. Come and bring a guest to say ?thank you? to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are?Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel?, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. 7:00 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC CHILDREN?S ACTIVITY (ages 5-13) A UNIVERSALLY FUN TIME Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in and explore the universe with Noreen Grice; volunteers led by Michael Freholm Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - midnight?NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3 ?There may be trouble ahead but while there?s moonlight and music and love and romance let?s face the music and dance!? Join our host affiliate to enjoy dancing or simply listening to some really good music. Entertainment provided by ?Nine,? a nine-piece band performing Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards. 7:30 - 8:30 pm?NFB YOUTH TRACK MEETINGS ME AND THE GOSSIP GIRLS (ages 14-18) Greco Room, Level 4 Girls?bring your questions and thoughts about makeup, dating, or just how to get more involved in your school. ME AND THE GUYS (ages 14-18) Renoir Room, Level 4 Guys?talk about cars, dating, school, or how to nail that perfect job to make a little extra money. 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON AUTOMOBILE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (CAPS); Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson Nicolet A Room, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS Pro to Pro to Parent to Para?Learn How Your Child?s ?Team? Can Work Together Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Denise Robinson and Gail Wagner Taking the Headaches Out of Adapting in Math Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Eric and Krystal Guillory Summer Jobs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Volunteering Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Jan Bailey Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 7:30 - 8:15 am?DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:00 8:30 am?REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am FINANCIAL REPORT 10:00 am ELECTIONS 10:30 am EXPANDING ACCESS TO DIGITAL INFORMATION FOR THE BLIND Gilles Pepin, Chief Executive Officer, HumanWare; Drummondville, Canada 10:50 am A BLIND ATHLETE IN THE PARALYMPICS Tyler Merren, 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Member, Men?s Goalball; Kalamazoo, Michigan 11:05 am DEVELOPMENTS AT THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES, PERKINS Steven M. Rothstein, President, Perkins School for the Blind; Watertown, Massachusetts 11:25 am THE FEDERATION IN THE WORLD FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD BLIND UNION Maryanne Diamond, President, World Blind Union; Melbourne, Australia 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?(Final Time Period for Independence Market and Literature) Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REPORT John Par?, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 2:35 pm REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS 5:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 6:00 - 10:00 pm?IT WASN'T ME, A MURDER MYSTERY AT THE CLUB Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Play along as guests at a dance club while private investigators try to solve a murder. Early arrivers are assigned a character role to play for the evening. Latecomers won't be able to play along but are welcome to watch the game and enjoy the experience. Presented by NFB Youth Track. 6:30 - 9:00 pm?COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE Brul? A and B Rooms, Level 5 Discover how good training can change your life. Julie Deden, Director 6:30 - 9:30 pm?NOPBC CHILDREN?S ACTIVITY (Ages 5-14) WE WILL NOT LET CONVENTION ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOT Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Led by Michael Freholm Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATION Room 6401, 60th floor Stop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:15 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 7:00 - 8:30 pm?BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Duluth B Room, Level 5 Linda Mentink, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NINTH ANNUAL RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS Richard B Room, Level 5 Socialize, network, and learn more about Randolph-Sheppard and other business opportunities we can create through our work in the NFB. Kevan Worley, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?COUNCIL OF U.S. DOG GUIDE SCHOOLS (CUSDGS) RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how a dog guide can impact your life from featured speaker Michael Hingson, a World Trade Center survivor. Meet representatives from participating schools and learn about their programs. You can even schedule a ?Juno? walk for later in the week. 7:00 9:00 pm??SOCIAL SECURITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME: WHAT APPLICANTS, ADVOCATES, AND RECIPIENTS SHOULD KNOW? SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Information on Social Security and SSI benefits, including the income subsidy program for those receiving the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Presenter: Dan Frye, Attorney and Associate Editor of the Braille Monitor Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 7:00 10:00 pm?EXHIBITS ONLY (Independence Market and Literature Closed)?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 7:00 - 11:00 pm?ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT?Admission $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Register early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program in memory of Mary Ann Parks. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Division; Dennis Holston, President 7:00 - 11:00 pm?HUMANWARE LOW VISION PRODUCTS SEMINAR Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Come and learn about HumanWare?s exciting low vision products in a hands-on, interactive seminar: myReader 2 video magnifier; SmartView desktop units; portable handheld devices; and a distance viewing system. Presenter: Ed Wikdall 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LaSalle A Room, Level 5 If you have an interest in new technologies and believe that spectacular accomplishments are possible when blind people themselves are involved?then join our meeting. Curtis Chong, Chairperson 8:00 - 11:30 pm?MONTE CARLO NIGHT Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Try your luck at any of the usual card games found on a casino floor. Prizes go to the top three winners holding the most chips at the end of the evening. Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Students 8:30 - 9:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 9:30 - 10:30 pm?FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 8:00 - 8:45 am?DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:30 9:00 am?REGISTRATION ($20)?Final opportunity to register. Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am THE NEAR-PERFECT AUDIO BOOK: HOW WE DO IT Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. Mary Beth Wise, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. 9:25 am QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION 9:30 am THE DEMAND, THE CRISIS, THE SOLUTION IN EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND Edward Bell, Ph.D., Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech University; Ruston, Louisiana 9:45 am THE THEORY AND THE PRACTICE: EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL Denise M. Robinson, Ph.D., Teacher and Coordinator of Programming for Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Yakima, Washington 10:00 am WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THAT CHILD BLIND? Carol Castellano, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind; Madison, New Jersey Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 10:20 am TEACHING AN ESSENTIAL SKILL: BRAILLE Jerry Whittle, Teacher-Counselor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana April Davis, Coordinator of Summer Programs for Blind Children, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana James Mays, Industrial Arts Teacher, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana Deja Powell, Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Salt Lake City, Utah Anil Lewis, President, National Federation of the Blind of Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia Terri Rupp, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada 10:50 am FROM THE CENTER OF HISTORY: FIVE YEARS INTO THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland 11:10 am FRONTIER CAREERS FOR THE BLIND INCLUDE ENGINEERING Leigh R. Abts, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Engineering and Education, University of Maryland; College Park, Maryland 11:25 am NFB NEWSLINE: FROM PHONE TO COMPUTER TO PODCAST TO POCKET Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?HAM RADIO GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 We will consider the amendment of the division constitution that we adopted last year. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?NFB CAMP TOY SALE Marquette A Room, Level 5 Everything must go?30 to 70 percent off toys purchased for NFB Camp. 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 12:15 - 1:45 pm?EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NLS Nicolet B Room, Level 5 A question-and-answer session with Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and staff of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm SHAPING THE STANDARD FOR THE LEGAL COMMUNITY: THE NECESSITY FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR ALL Daniel Goldstein, Esq., Partner, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP; Baltimore, Maryland 2:25 pm NEGOTIATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC BOOKS: A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, A SMASHING SUCCESS Jack Bernard, Esq., Chair, Counsel for Disability Concerns, and Assistant General Counsel, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan 2:45 pm THE COMMITMENT OF MICROSOFT TO ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY Rob Sinclair, Director of Accessibility, Microsoft Corporation; Redmond, Washington Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 3:05 pm TRANSCENDING THE BARRIERS OF YESTERDAY, ANTICIPATING THE ROMANCE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW Ray Kurzweil, President and Chief Executive Officer, KNFB-Reading Technology, Inc.; Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 3:25 pm REPRESENTING THE CITY OF CHICAGO Patti Chang, Esq., Senior Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois 3:45 pm DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARD Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee, and Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Columbia, Missouri 4:15 pm THE RIGHT OF THE PEDESTRIAN TO BE SAFE IN THE WORLD Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Washington, D.C. 4:30 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 7:00 pm?BANQUET Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 INVOCATION MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Fredric K. Schroeder INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS BANQUET ADDRESS: Marc Maurer SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 10:00 pm - midnight?AFTER BANQUET PARTY Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 10:00 pm?SCIENCE FICTION MEETING All persons interested in science fiction and fantasy are welcome to join in an open discussion. Please contact Ed Meskys for room location. Whozit Thank You... The National Federation of the Blind would like to give a special thank you to VBrick Systems for donating the technology and Internet services to allow full streaming of all general sessions of the convention, the meeting of the board of directors, and the annual banquet. Through this contribution, more individuals will learn about the outstanding work that comes out of the largest gathering of the blind in the world. The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Exhibit Hall Convention Sponsors below. Their messages follow. Platinum Sponsors: HumanWare UPS Gold Sponsors: Deque Systems, Inc. Freedom Scientific Oracle Silver Sponsors: En-Vision America Intel? Wal-Mart Bronze Sponsors: Adobe Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS) IBM Independent Living Aids (ILA) Microsoft Exhibit Hall Sponsors: GW Micro J&B Medical Supply National Industries for the Blind ReadHowYouWant Roche Diagnostics David Andrews and white cane Harry. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 9169 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image003.gif Type: image/gif Size: 2798 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image005.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1023 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image007.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1671 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image009.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3152 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image010.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 715 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image011.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1222 bytes Desc: not available URL: From f.wurtzel at comcast.net Wed May 27 20:50:56 2009 From: f.wurtzel at comcast.net (Fred Wurtzel) Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 15:50:56 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Ground transportation service from the airport (DTW) to the Detroit Marriott and Courtyard Marriott hotels at the Renaissance Center and vise-versa. Message-ID: May 26, 2009 From: Mr. Fred Wurtzel, NFB of Michigan affiliate president To: NFB members attending the 2009 National Convention in Detroit RE: Ground transportation service from the airport (DTW) to the Detroit Marriott and Courtyard Marriott hotels at the Renaissance Center and vise-versa. We are pleased to share information on a service being made available to NFB members through Enjoi Transportation, prior to, during, and after our convention taking place in Detroit, from July 3rd- July 8th. Enjoi Transportation will offer a range of transportation vehicles from mini-vans to mini-buses, up to 46 passenger motor coaches. All vehicles are air-conditioned. Enjoi Transportation will provide round-trip ground transportation from Detroit Metro Airport (McNamara and North terminals) to the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center to attendees for the round-trip discounted rate of $45.00 per person. Upon arrival at Detroit Metro Airport, attendees will be met by greeters in the baggage claim sections of both terminals who will assist arrivals to the registration table(s) and then onto awaiting shuttles for transport of members and luggage to the hotel(s). Ground transportation service will be available on a 24-hour basis throughout the convention dates. Those interested in this service are encouraged to make reservations at least 48 hours before arrival; however, ground transportation will also be available to attendees upon arrival to Detroit Metro Airport. (Single direction service is also available at $22.50 per person) Reservations can be made starting immediately via phone by using the information stated below. Credit card payments will be accepted. Please note that members who make a reservation, then change their plans and do not cancel their reservation within 48 hours of their scheduled arrival will be charged a one-way trip fee, of $22.50. Please consider this opportunity to save on the cost of transportation while in Detroit. There is no regular shuttle service from the airport terminals to hotels as we have had in other cities. Airport taxi and sedan service is available, but charges are approximately $50 EACH WAY per person. If you are interested in obtaining more information or making a reservation prior to your arrival in Detroit, please contact Enjoi Transportation at one of the following numbers: 1(877) ENJOI-US, 1(877) 365-6487, (313) 758-1000, via fax at (313) 758-1001, or via email at glynn at enjoitrans.com. SPECIAL NOTE: Please be aware the neither the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) nor the NFB of Michigan is responsible for this service in any way. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Memo-Enjoi Transportation Detroit.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56832 bytes Desc: not available URL: From DFrye at nfb.org Fri May 29 19:30:56 2009 From: DFrye at nfb.org (Frye, Dan) Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 14:30:56 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] International Copyright Concerns for Blind Readers Message-ID: Colleagues: I am circulating a lengthy post regarding efforts to limit an international treaty that would allow for rules that parallel existing domestic exceptions to the copyright law for blind people to govern in an international context. Please help bring pressure on authorities by letting President Obama know that these provisions would be useful, and ask him to direct his representatives to abandon their hostile posture toward aspects of the treaty that would be helpful. You may Email your concerns to: President at whitehouse.gov The post follows: Right now, in Geneva, at the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization, history is being made. For the first time in WIPO history, the body that creates the world's copyright treaties is attempting to write a copyright treaty dedicated to protecting the interests of copyright users, not just copyright owners. At issue is a treaty to protect the rights of blind people and people with other disabilities that affect reading (people with dyslexia, people who are paralyzed or lack arms or hands for turning pages). This should be a slam dunk: who wouldn't want a harmonized system of copyright exceptions that ensure that it's possible for disabled people to get access to the written word? The USA, that's who. The Obama administration' US negotiators have joined with a rogue's gallery of rich country trade representatives to oppose protection for blind people. Other nations and regions opposing the rights of blind people include Canada and the EU. Update: Also opposing rights for disabled people: Australia, New Zealand, the Vatican and Norway. Activists at WIPO are desperate to get the word out. They're tweeting madly from the negotiation (technically called the 18th session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights) publishing editorials on the Huffington Post, etc. Here's where you come in: this has to get wide exposure, to get cast as broadly as possible, so that it will find its way into the ears of the obscure power-brokers who control national trade-negotiators. I don't often ask readers to do things like this, but please, forward this post to people you know in the US, Canada and the EU, and ask them to reblog, tweet, and spread the word, especially to government officials and activists who work on disabled rights. We know that WIPO negotiations can be overwhelmed by citizen activists -- that's how we killed the Broadcast Treaty negotiation a few years back -- and with your help, we can make history, and create a world where copyright law protects the public interest. I am attending a meeting in Geneva of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This evening the United States government, in combination with other high income countries in "Group B" is seeking to block an agreement to discuss a treaty for persons who are blind or have other reading disabilities. The proposal for a treaty is supported by a large number of civil society NGOs, the World Blind Union, the National Federation of the Blind in the US, the International DAISY Consortium, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), Bookshare.Org, and groups representing persons with reading disabilities all around the world. The main aim of the treaty is to allow the cross-border import and export of digital copies of books and other copyrighted works in formats that are accessible to persons who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or have other reading disabilities, using special devices that present text as refreshable braille, computer generated text to speech, or large type. These works, which are expensive to make, are typically created under national exceptions to copyright law that are specifically written to benefit persons with disabilities. .. The opposition from the United States and other high income countries is due to intense lobbying from a large group of publishers that oppose a "paradigm shift," where treaties would protect consumer interests, rather than expand rights for copyright owners. The Obama Administration was lobbied heavily on this issue, including meetings with high level White House officials. Assurances coming into the negotiations this week that things were going in the right direction have turned out to be false, as the United States delegation has basically read from a script written by lobbyists for publishers, extolling the virtues of market based solutions, ignoring mountains of evidence of a "book famine" and the insane legal barriers to share works. Obama Joins Group to Block Treaty for Blind and Other Reading Disabilities COPYRIGHT EXCEPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS Twitter feed for #sccr18 With Kind Regards, *********************** Daniel B. Frye, J.D. Associate Editor The Braille Monitor National Federation of the Blind Office of the President 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314 Ext. 2208 Mobile: (410) 241-7006 Fax: (410) 685-5653 Email: DFrye at nfb.org Web Address: www.nfb.org "Voice of the Nation's Blind" From dandrews at visi.com Sat May 30 16:09:11 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 11:09:11 -0500 Subject: [Ccb-alumni] Updated NFB National Convention Agenda Message-ID: Minor updates have been made to the 2009 NFB convention agenda. Please see below. In addition it was converted to text before being pasted in this e-mail message, so those of you who had e-mail problems with it previously shouldn't have them this time. If you wish to download the full Microsoft Word document, go to the link below. http://www.nfb.org/nfb/National_Convention.asp 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION DETROIT, MICHIGAN JULY 3 to JULY 8 THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN WELCOME YOU TO THE 69th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Marc Maurer, President National Federation of the Blind 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Mary Ellen Jernigan Executive Director for Operations and Chairwoman, Convention Organization and Activities Fred Wurtzel, President National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 1212 North Foster Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48912-3309 Detroit Marriott? at the Renaissance Center Renaissance Center (313) 568-8000 Courtyard by Marriott? 333 E. Jefferson Avenue (313) 222-7700 DETROIT MARRIOTT The 69th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind is being held in Michigan at the Detroit Marriott? at the Renaissance Center. As usual, our hotel rates are very good: singles and doubles $62, triples $66, and quads $68. In addition to the room rates, there is a 15 percent sales tax. There is no charge for children under eighteen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is required. Proof of convention registration is necessary, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Otherwise, regular hotel rates must be paid. The Detroit Marriott is a seventy-two story round hotel in the middle of a larger complex of buildings known as the Renaissance Center. The lowest level is the Motor Lobby where people arriving by taxis and automobiles enter the hotel. There are bellmen at this entrance and elevators going directly to the main lobby of the hotel, which is located on Level Three. All hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the exhibit hall are on Levels Three, Four, and Five. A bank of twelve elevators is located in the center of the hotel in a corridor oriented along the east-west axis of the building. The first six elevators at the west end of the corridor (three on each side) serve floors one, three, four, five, and forty through seventy. The next six elevators (three on each side) serve floors one, three, four, five, and nine through forty. Just beyond each end of the elevator corridor a set of escalators serves Levels Three, Four, and Five. To reach the main hotel lobby you should leave the elevator corridor heading west. The hotel restaurant (Forty-two Degrees North) and Volt (a bar which also serves an extensive array of food) can be entered from the main lobby. Many other food outlets including a large food court are located on Levels A, One, and Two in the Renaissance Center complex. The easiest way to exit the hotel proper into other parts of the Renaissance Center Complex is to use an escalator located near the Coach Insignia Restaurant elevator at the south end of Level Three of the hotel. The Detroit Marriott has a smoke-free policy. COURTYARD MARRIOTT The Courtyard Marriott is connected to Level Two of the Renaissance Center Complex by an enclosed overhead walkway. It may also be reached by leaving the Renaissance Center at Level One through the Jefferson Lobby. We are using both sleeping rooms and meeting space in the Courtyard Marriott. ?MOTOR CITY? MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE: SUPPORTING OUR IMAGINATION FUND CAMPAIGN On Monday, July 6, we open the convention with our spectacular third March for Independence. Marching through downtown Detroit, we will celebrate our liberty among friends, family members, and supporters. Please gather for this fundraising and ?friend-raising? walk-a-thon and rally at 6:45 Monday morning in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott. Most of the route is along the beautiful RiverWalk promenade and culminates with a rally in Rivard Plaza. Marcher drop-in briefing sessions are on Sunday, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Let?s walk together to make the Motor City March a truly magnificent event. NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE! Our host affiliate invites you to celebrate with them by renewing old friendships and/or forming new ones on Monday, July 6, at 7:00 pm in the Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3. Entertainment by ?Nine,? a nine-piece band that will perform Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards?guaranteed to create an exciting atmosphere and stir pleasant memories. ROOKIE ROUNDUP All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, July 3, in the Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. President Maurer and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week?s activities. Veteran conventioneers should urge all first-timers to attend this special event. Also, first-time rookies are invited to join an informal, fun gathering on Sunday, July 5, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the Affiliate Action Suite 6801. REGISTRATION & PREREGISTRATION Registration activities take place in the Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4; at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 5; and at other times as listed throughout the week. The fee for registration at convention is $20 per person (if you preregistered before May 31, the fee was $15), and all those attending the convention (both local and out of town people) are asked to register. Convention registration is a requirement for door prize eligibility and a number of other convention activities. We condition rates for hotel rooms on proof of registration, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Therefore, please register as soon as possible after arrival. EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET Exhibits and the NFB Independence Market are located in the Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3. The exhibit hall hours are: Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday Noon to 1:45 pm; sponsors only from 7:00-10:00 pm Tuesday Noon to 1:45 pm?Note: This is the final time that Independence Market and Literature will be open. Tuesday 7:00 to 10:00 pm?Exhibit Hall only; Independence Market and Literature closed) There is a special event for sponsor-level exhibitors only on Monday, July 6, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm (see ?Special Attention? section and agenda listing for more information). Sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE? at the NEWSLINE table, check the agenda for times to visit Room 6401 to learn about it, or call local number (313) 483-1147 to use NEWSLINE at convention. Any alterations in the general session schedule which may occur during the convention will result in conforming shifts in the exhibit schedule and will be announced in the exhibit areas. A number of affiliated NFB divisions and committees have tables. Many new electronic devices are demonstrated, as well as a special exhibit of materials and resources for the deaf-blind. MEETINGS General sessions of the convention are being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The morning sessions convene at 9:30 am on Monday, and 9:00 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The convention adjourns promptly at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8. Please note that all requests for announcements by Dr. Maurer during general sessions must be submitted in Braille. BANQUET AND BANQUET TICKET EXCHANGE The banquet is being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8. Banquet tickets purchased at convention are $40.00 (the cost was $35 if purchased before May 31) and are on sale during registration on Saturday and Sunday, and from noon to 12:30 and 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday. No banquet tickets will be available for purchase after Monday. It will be necessary to have your banquet ticket with you to attend the banquet; it will be collected at the banquet table. Arrangements should be made for reserved table assignments by taking the ticket(s) you purchase to the Banquet Exchange Table in the registration area, where you may exchange either an individual ticket or a group of tickets for reserved seating. Banquet tables seat ten people. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND DEVOTIONS On Sunday, July 5, Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., will celebrate a Roman Catholic Mass at 7:15 am in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Also on Sunday at 11:45 am services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Devotional services will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3, at 7:30 am on Tuesday, and 8:00 am on Wednesday. Please note there is no service on Monday morning. Services are nonsectarian and will end at least fifteen minutes prior to morning convention sessions. knfbReader MOBILE THE CELL PHONE THAT READS PRINT With the power of digital photography and unique cell phone software, reading print on the go wherever you are is now possible for blind people. Come and learn about this fabulous, life-changing technology in the exhibit hall and at demonstration and training sessions planned in the afternoon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and in the evening on Tuesday. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SPECIAL ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ? A Federation Information Desk will be in the registration area from Saturday morning, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, if you have questions or need assistance. The Michigan affiliate will also maintain a table near the hotel check in desk in the main lobby to provide assistance and hospitality during much of the convention. ? When you register, you will be given a badge. Please wear it at all times during the convention. ? The room number for the Presidential Suite is 7010. Someone will be on hand in the Presidential Suite throughout most of the convention to greet you and make appointments for you with the President or anyone else you wish to see. The Presidential Suite will not be open during the business sessions of the convention, the Sunday morning Board of Directors meeting, Monday morning (due to the Independence March), or the Wednesday evening banquet. Come to the Presidential Suite. You will be most welcome. ? The room number for Mary Ellen Jernigan, Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities, is 6910. Questions concerning hotel rooms, meeting rooms, banquet, scheduling, registration, and other matters dealing with convention arrangements should be referred to the Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities. ? Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB Treasurer may do so by going to the DaVinci Room, Level 4 on Monday, July 6, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, or on Tuesday, July 7, between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm. ? The Michigan Suite (Fred Wurtzel, President) is 6805. ? The Affiliate Action and Rookie Activities Suite (Joanne Wilson and Pam Allen, Coordinators) is 6801. ? We are again offering NFB Camp (child-care services) for children six weeks through ten years of age in Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 during convention sessions, most meetings, and the banquet. Preregistration and payment by June 15 were required for NFB Camp. NFB Camp is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of Main Street Montessori Association. Alison McQuillan, camp worker and teacher since 1998, is the activities director. Please note that NFB Camp provides morning and afternoon snacks, but parents are required to provide lunch for their child(ren) every day. Times listed are the opening and closing times for NFB Camp. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for all late pickups. NFB Camp hours: Friday, 7/3 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, 7/4 Closed Sunday, 7/5 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 5:30 pm Monday, 7/6 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday, 7/7 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Wednesday, 7/8 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Banquet 7/8 6:30 pm to 30 minutes after closing ? A Special Evening For Sponsor-Level Exhibitors: Again this year, the exhibit hall will reopen from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Monday, July 6, for a very special evening dedicated solely to Sponsor-Level Exhibitors listed here. Come and bring a guest to say ?thank you? to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are?Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel?, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. ? The ever-popular Showcase of Talent is back again at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, presented by the Performing Arts Division. Admission price is $5.00. If you would like to participate in the Showcase, make sure to sign up early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. ? Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no raffles or other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or at the banquet. The single exception to this rule will be that national divisions may (if they request it in advance) conduct such drawings during the convention or at the banquet. LaSalle A Room, Level 5 will be set aside at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, for all other drawings. Any group or affiliate wishing to conduct drawings at this time (or any person wishing to know the winners) may go at noon on Wednesday to the LaSalle A Room. AFFILIATED DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES, AND GROUPS The Federation carries on its business through divisions, committees, and groups. The meetings of some of these have been scheduled for particular times and are listed in the agenda. Others have not been formally scheduled but will meet at the call of their chairpersons or presidents. If you have matters that you would like to discuss with any of the following divisions, committees, or groups, you should contact: Divisions: ? Agriculture and Equestrian: Fred Chambers, President; ? Assistive Technology Trainers: Michael Barber, President; ? Classics, Antiques, and Rods or Special Interest Vehicles (CARS): Joseph B. Naulty, President; ? Deaf-Blind: Burnell Brown, President; ? Diabetes Action Network for the Blind: Michael Freeman, President; ? Human Services: Melissa Riccobono, President; ? National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith: Tom Anderson, President; ? National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs: James R. Bonerbo, President; ? National Association of Blind Lawyers: Scott LaBarre, President; ? National Association of Blind Merchants: Kevan Worley, President; ? National Association of Blind Office Professionals: Lisa Hall, President; ? National Association of Blind Piano Technicians: Don Mitchell, President; ? National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals: Melody Lindsey, President; ? National Association of Blind Students: Terri Rupp, President; ? National Association of Blind Veterans: Dwight Sayer, President; ? National Association of Guide Dog Users: Marion Gwizdala, President; ? National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB): Nadine Jacobson, President; ? National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science: Curtis Chong, President; ? National Federation of the Blind Krafters: Joyce Kane, President; ? National Federation of the Blind Seniors: Judy Sanders, President; ? National Organization of Blind Educators: Sheila Koenig, President; ? National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC): Carol Castellano, President; ? Performing Arts: Dennis Holston, President; ? Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President; ? Science and Engineering: John Miller, President; ? Sports and Recreation: Lisamaria Martinez, President; ? Travel and Tourism: Don Gillmore, President; ? Writers: Robert Leslie Newman, President. Committees: ? Ambassadors: Angela Wolf, Chairperson; ? Blind Educator of the Year Award: David Ticchi, Chairperson; ? Committee on Assistive Technology (COAT): Curtis Chong, Chairperson; ? Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety (CAPS): Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; ? Committee to Empower Underserved Populations (CEUP): Ron Brown, Chairperson; ? Cultural Exchange and International Program: Diane McGeorge, Chairperson; ? Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Joyce Scanlan, Chairperson; ? Employment: Buna Dahal, Chairperson; ? Imagination Fund: Kevan Worley, Chairperson; ? Jacobus tenBroek Award: Ramona Walhof, Chairperson; ? Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Tami Jones, Chairperson; ? Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chairperson; ? Library Services: David Hyde, Chairperson; ? Loan Fund: Donald C. Capps, Chairperson; ? Membership: Ron Gardner, Chairperson; ? Newel Perry Award: Allen Harris, Chairperson; ? Newsletter Publications: Norma Crosby, Chairperson; ? NFB-NEWSLINE? Program Steering: David DeNotaris, Chairperson; ? PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chairperson; ? Planned Giving: John Halverson, Chairperson; ? Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology: Gary Wunder, Chairperson; ? Public Relations: Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; ? Research and Development: Curtis Chong, Chairperson; ? Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chairperson; ? Scholarship: Anil Lewis, Chairperson; ? Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chairperson; ? Spanish Translation: Norman Gardner, Chairperson; ? White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Alpidio Rol?n, Chairperson. Groups: ? Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink, Chairperson; ? Blind Parents: Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; ? Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin, Co-Chairpersons; ? Educators of Blind Children: Gail Wagner, Chairperson; ? Geordi's Engineers: Lorraine Rovig, Chairperson; ? Legislative Initiatives Discussion: Don Burns, Coordinator; ? Living History: Michael Freholm, Chairperson; ? NFB Ham Radio: D. Curtis Willoughby, Chairperson; ? NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chairperson; ? NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairpersons; ? Orientation and Mobility: Edward C. Bell, Chairperson; ? Professionals in Blindness Education: Heather Field, Chairperson; ? Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chairperson. CONVENTION AGENDA FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009 7:30 - 8:45 am?HAM RADIO GROUP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Raphael Room, Level 4 Discuss hotel frequencies and architectural features and distributing special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and Spanish-speaking attendees. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 7:45 am - 6:30 pm?THE FUTURE IS OURS AND THEIRS Parent, Rehabilitation, and Orientation & Mobility Joint Conference for Families and Rehabilitation Professionals (7:45 - 8:45 am?Registration and coffee; 12:00 to 2:00 pm?NBPCB Awards Luncheon, Ambassador Three Ballroom) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 NOPBC Fees: Adults $30; Youth (13-18) $20; Children (5-12) $10 NABRP Fees (includes lunch): Students $75; Professionals $100 Note: Conference admission included with either registration above. Sponsors: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC); National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (NABRP); and the Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at the Louisiana Tech University. Chairpersons: Carol Castellano and Edward Bell 8:00 am - 4:30 pm?PROFESSIONALS IN BLINDNESS EDUCATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Heather Field, Chairperson 8:30 am?NFB CAMP: IT?S MORE THAN CHILD?S PLAY (CHILD CARE) Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 Please see ?Special Attention? section of agenda for further information. (Preregistration by June 15 was required.) 8:30 - 11:30 am?WHAT?S NEW IN JAWS 10 AND MAGic 11, AND A FIRST LOOK AT JAWS 11?FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, for an exciting and informative session covering all of the new details surrounding JAWS and MAGic development. This will also be the first look at JAWS 11 scheduled for public beta in August and includes a demo of Windows 7. Bring questions! FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 8:30 am - 5:00 pm?IBTC?S ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 am?Mobile productivity on cell phones. 10:30 am - noon?Create DAISY books from your desktop. 1:30 - 3:00 pm?Web 2.0 features with screen access software. 3:30 - 5:00 pm?Lesser-known names in screen access software. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon?GW MICRO: BRAILLE SENSE PLUS AND VOICE SENSE?Registration $10; Refreshments provided. Nicolet A Room, Level 5 The Braille Sense Plus is the lightest note taker with a 32-cell Braille display, and the Voice Sense is the smallest note taker. Learn about the features of GW note takers including the GW Sense Navigation GPS. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm?NFB YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 14-18) Sponsored by NFB Jernigan Institute; Mary Jo Thorpe, Coordinator Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 9:00 - 10:15 am?PARENTS-REHAB SEMINAR Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott 10:30 am - 12:00 noon?ALL ABOUT ME Help shape the future of youth outreach for the NFB. 2:00 - 3:00 pm?BACK & BICEPS, CHEST & TRICEPS Learn the ?ropes? about working out in a gym. 3:30 - 5:00 pm?ME AND YOUTUBE An interactive YouTube activity for teens. 9:00 am - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 9:00-11:00 am, 2:00-6:00 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 11:30 am -1:30 pm?Affiliate presidents? gathering. Learn about NFB- NEWSLINE Online and how to promote NEWSLINE. 6:30 - 8:00 pm?Exhibit for parents and their blind children (ages 10+). FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 10:00 am - 5:00 pm?EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE SEMINAR Richard B Room, Level 5 10:00 am?Registration; 10:30 am?Seminar begins Key strategies for job hunting: How? Where? What? Remember, innovation and authenticity produce abundant opportunities. Gain the secrets of obtaining and maintaining employment. Buna Dahal, Chairperson 10:15 am - 12:00 noon?NOPBC BRAILLE CARNIVAL (ages 5-13) Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm?PAC MATE, BEYOND NOTE TAKING?FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Jonathan Mosen as we explore the power of PAC Mate Omni, from beaming your KNFB Reader Mobile documents to be read in Braille, to watching TV right from your PAC Mate Omni. See our new StreetTalk VIP GPS solution in action. 1:00 - 3:00 pm?WRITERS DIVISION WORKSHOP ($5.00 fee) Room 6405, 64th floor Visit with a published author. Robert Leslie Newman, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?SWIM CLINIC; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Pool, Courtyard Marriott Annie Sawicki, part of the AdapTap team (that designed an award-winning device by blind swimmers), is conducting a swimming workshop. Take a break with a cool dip in the pool. Lisamaria Martinez, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND USER GROUPS LaSalle A and B Rooms, Level 5 Sessions: 1:00 Breeze; 2:00 BrailleNote; 3:00 Stream; 4:00 Mobile Devices Join HumanWare and other users to learn about recent updates and share product tips. Ask questions and give us your suggestions for your favorite HumanWare product. Door Prizes for every session! 1:30 - 2:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 2:00 - 3:30 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS One-Two Buckle My Shoe, Three-Four Out the Door Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Developmental timelines from preschool through elementary. Instructors: Debbi Head, Heather Field, Annee Hartzell Show Me the Technology: Middle School/High School Renoir Room, Level 4 What is needed, how to work with the school to get it, and what to do when all else fails. Instructors: Dr. Matt Maurer and Al Lovati Literacy for All Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Large print? Braille? Both? How to tell what is best for your child. Great Expectations: Mobility Instruction and Blind Children with Additional Disabilities Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott High expectations, real life goals, and how to achieve them in the area of independent travel. Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC TRIP TO PENRICKTON CENTER Meeting place to be announced Parents of children with significant multiple disabilities can visit this center which uses the Active Learning techniques of Lilli Nielsen. 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (Note to parents: Volunteers will accompany the children from one workshop to the other.) Not-so-mad Scientists: Hands-on Chemistry Experiments: Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Andrew Greenberg, Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, and Dr. Lillian Rankel 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, Cont?d. Tactile Drawings and Representations: Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Ann Cunningham and Debbie Kent Stein 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:00 - 5:00 pm?GW MICRO: WINDOW-EYES TRAINING (Registration $10; Refreshments provided) Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Explore the power of Window-Eyes with advanced scripting support, Office 2007, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Come to see the best support for the Internet in a screen reader. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 2:00 - 7:00 pm?KRAFTERS KORNER Richard A Room, Level 5 Meet some talented Federation crafters and purchase their beautiful hand-made items for sale. Joyce Kane, Krafters Division President 3:00 - 4:30 pm?MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE (Workshop One; Workshop Two is on Saturday at 4:00 pm) Brul? A Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. 3:00 - 4:45 pm? knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLIND ENTREPRENEURS Brul? B Room, Level 5 James R. Bonerbo, President FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 3:30 - 4:50 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS Access for Everyone Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott Learn how blind and low-vision children of all abilities can access education and information in school and in the world. Instructor: Dr. Denise Robinson Braille Music for Dummies Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Just enough to stay one step ahead of the kids. Instructors: Jennifer Dunnam and Kyle Conley Spaghetti, Meatballs, and Birthday Parties Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Manners, cafeterias, games, playgrounds, and friends (Pre-K and Elementary) Instructors: Debbi Head and Emily Gibbs Bring Me to the Mall?Text Me Later Renoir Room, Level 4 Manners, food courts, and friends (middle and high school) Instructors: Eric Guillory and Deja Powell 5:00 - 6:30 pm?PARENTS AND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS JOINT CONFERENCE RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS BUSINESS MEETING Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 6:00 pm?Registration; 7:00 pm?Meeting begins Topics: airline emergency procedures and evacuation; creating and growing state associations of guide dog users; and protecting the rights of guide dog users through advocacy and education. Marion Gwizdala, President FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm?Registration; 7:00 pm?Meeting begins Featuring a hands-on Braille proofreading workshop. Guest speaker is from Seedlings Braille Books for Children. Lisa Hall, President 7:30 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC FAMILY HOSPITALITY NIGHT Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in, relax, and chat in an informal atmosphere. 8:00 - 10:00 pm?NFB LIONS GROUP Room 6405, 64th floor NFB members who are also Lions are urged to meet to share ideas and experiences. Co-Chairpersons: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota 8:00 - 10:00 pm?ROOKIE ROUNDUP RECEPTION?GAINING INSIGHT FOR FIRST-TIMERS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 First-time conventioneers, don't miss this event! President Maurer and former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions. Coordinator: Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind and President of the NFB of Louisiana 8:00 pm - midnight?KARAOKE NIGHT?? Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. You'll have a great time. Braille song lists available. Hosted by BLIND, Incorporated 9:00 - 10:00 pm?NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Angela Wolf, Chairperson SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 9:00 am - 5:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 9:00 am 5:00 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm?WHAT?S NEW WITH NFB-NEWSLINE? Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Presentational seminar about the world?s largest audible newspaper service for the blind and visually impaired. Topics cover newest online initiatives and improvements to the service. 1:00 - 5:00 pm?EXPLORING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN MOBILE REFRESHABLE BRAILLE AND TACTILE GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGIES Richard A Room, Level 5 1:00-2:00?ALVA Braille Controller: more than just a Braille display. 2:00-3:00?Talking Tactile Tablet: exploring tactile images, interactive games. 3:00-4:00?Reading On the Go!: read books, texts, etc. using a cell phone. 4:00-5:00?Mobile Geo: a new GPS solution for accessible cell phones. Larry Lewis, President, Flying Blind, Inc. 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION?SECTIONS ONE AND TWO Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Participants must have preregistered. Exam Sections Three and Four are on Sunday, July 5 (see agenda listing). Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:30 pm?RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Renaissance Cartier Ballroom, Level 4 Sharon Maneki, Chairperson 1:30 - 2:45 pm? knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 2:00 - 5:00 pm?NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Braille Beats Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Kids get into Braille music in a fun way. Instructor: Kyle Conley 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 You Want to Move It, Move It Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Judo expert Lisamaria Martinez and friends get you moving! 2:00 ? 3:30 pm?For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ? 5:00 pm?For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:30 - 4:30 pm?TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION Raphael Room, Level 4 Don Gillmore, President 3:00 - 4:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 3:30-6:00 pm and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:30-8:00 pm?Gathering for professionals in the field of work with the blind for an evening of presentations and possibilities. 4:00 - 5:30 pm?MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 4:00 - 6:00 pm?SPANISH SEMINAR Brul? B Room, Level 5 Conducted entirely in Spanish. Learn about the Federation, hear from some of our leaders, and network with other Hispanic members. Facilitators: Rosy Carranza and A.Z. Martinez 4:30 - 5:30 pm?WAL-MART AND NFB JERNIGAN INSTITUTE: FUTURE INNOVATIONS FORUM Brul? A Room, Level 5 Join a town hall meeting on Equal Access at the Pharmacy Counter. Discuss emerging issues, best practices, and preferences as a blind or low-vision consumer. Influence future work through the NFB Jernigan Institute to encourage innovative Pharmacy practices and take the opportunity for the world's largest retailer to hear your voice. 4:30 - 6:00 pm?TWELFTH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL?National Association of Blind Lawyers; Scott LaBarre, President Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. Federation lawyers are pitted against each other reenacting an old Federation case with the audience serving as the jury. 6:00 - 7:30 pm?NEWSLETTER PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DaVinci Room, Level 4 Covering state newsletters, formatting a good publication, and publishing in accessible formats. Norma Crosby, Chairperson 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 pm?Registration ($5.00) & Meet-and-Greet; 7:00 pm?Meeting Happy 42nd birthday to NABS! Remember to bring your contact information on a Brailled index card for registration. Terri Rupp, President 6:45 - 7:45 pm?IMAGINATION FUND TRAINING MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Kevan Worley, Facilitator SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NFB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS SEMINAR Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this seminar about state financial programs, financial data, and planning the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. Topics include: 990s, state charitable registrations, end-of-year preparations, and other issues. Facilitators: Bridgid Burke and Charlie Brown 7:00 - 8:30 pm?PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION Richard A Room, Level 5 Ivan Weich, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND RODS (CARS) DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 Joseph B. Naulty, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm??KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE,? NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND PIANO TECHNICIANS SEMINAR Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how to have a career in piano tuning and repair; it can enhance your independence. Don Mitchell, President 7:30 - 9:30 pm?MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 The more we educate, the more we grow. Ron Gardner, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm?BLIND PARENTS GROUP Brul? B Room, Level 5 Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:00 pm?WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Alpidio Rol?n, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:30 pm?WEBMASTERS WORKSHOP Greco Room, Level 4 A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division Webmasters. Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Webmasters Group SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY SERVICES Duluth A Room, Level 5 David Hyde, Chairperson 9:00 - 10:00 pm?SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Norman Gardner, Chairperson SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009 7:15 - 8:15 am?ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., Celebrant 8:00 am - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 8:00-11:00 am, 1:30-5:30 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm?Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:00-7:00 pm?Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology Committee gathering. Learn about NFB-NEWSLINE?s revolutionary new online initiatives. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 8:30 am 5:00 pm? EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 9:00 11:30 am?NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to all) Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 11:45 am - 12:45 pm?THE DIVISION FOR ME?NFB YOUTH TRACK Greco Room, Level 4 A meet-and-greet with NFB division representatives. Coordinator: Mary Jo Thorpe. Co-sponsored by NOPBC and NFB Jernigan Institute. 11:45 am - 1:15 pm?CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm?ROOKIE ROUNDUP GATHERING Affiliate Action Suite 6801 Attention rookies! Participate in a gathering of fun for first-time conventioneers. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have your convention questions answered by experienced Federationists. SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:30 - 4:00 pm?DIABETES ACTION NETWORK FOR THE BLIND Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Keynote speaker is Ann S. Williams, PhD, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator with much experience with diabetic issues. Mike Freeman, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS Richard A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address ongoing struggles to gain equal access to Web sites, employment, legal texts and exams. Scott LaBarre, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE LaSalle B Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Discuss recent releases, concerns of information technology professionals, and other topics. Curtis Chong, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm??OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION??National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith Cadillac A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins; Tom Anderson, President 12:30 5:00 pm?REVOLUTIONIZING RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS MEETING Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:30 pm ? Meeting begins Those involved in the Randolph-Sheppard program or who operate a similar business discuss protection of the priority and the creation of new business opportunities and outreach. Kevan Worley, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm?SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott 12:30 pm ? Registration; 1:00 pm ? Meeting begins Wear your sweats and come ready for hands-on presentations in yoga and much more! Lisamaria Martinez, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:45 - 4:30 pm?MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG ADVENTURE! (Ages 9-14) Meet (and return) at back of Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Hang out as a group and have fun exploring with blind mentors Michael Freholm and Garrick Scott. 1:00 - 3:00 pm?BLIND PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS GROUP Duluth A Room, Level 5 Elizabeth Campbell, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm?CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Diane McGeorge, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm??GRABBING HEADLINES FOR YOUR AFFILIATE? SEMINAR?PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Topics: locating press contacts; drafting press releases; developing relationships with reporters and editors; working effectively with the media. Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; Seminar conducted by Chris Danielsen and Jessica Freeh, NFB Public Relations 1:00 - 3:00 pm?NOPBC DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING: MAKING THEIR FUTURE DREAMS COME TRUE Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Carol Castellano, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION DaVinci Room, Level 4 Unveiling the ?Music of the Movement? album. Hear from an artist recruiter about a media company paving the way for blind audio professionals. Dennis Holston, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm?WRITERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Renoir Room, Level 4 Robert Leslie Newman, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:00 - 4:30 pm?NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS Brul? B Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 1:30 pm ? Meeting begins Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms; meeting in groups specific to grade level and content areas of interest to create a network of mentors. Sheila Koenig, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?AUTO SHOW (CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES) Location to be announced. Joe Naulty, CARS Division President 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION?SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR Cascade C and D Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Participants must have preregistered. Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:00 - 5:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS Brul? A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 2:00 pm ? Meeting begins Network, share mutual interests, find placement strategies, and examine and discuss concerns and current issues. Melody Lindsey, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm??SENIORS IN CHARGE? NFB SENIORS DIVISION MEETING & (SOMEWHAT) SILENT AUCTION Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Find out ways to spread our message of hope to newly blind seniors. We?re also having our popular not-so-silent auction. Judy Sanders, President 1:00 - 6:00 pm?HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION SEMINAR AND BUSINESS MEETING Nicolet A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ? Registration; 2:00 pm ? Meeting begins; 5:00 pm ? Networking Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and music or dance therapists meeting to network and ask questions. Melissa Riccobono, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:30 - 4:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Session One: 1:30 - 2:45 pm; Session Two: 3:00 - 4:45 pm Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 4:30 pm?NOPBC PARENT POWER WORKSHOP Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Parent leaders from around the country share their experiences. Moderator: Barbara Mathews 3:15 - 4:45 pm?MEET THE BLIND MONTH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS SEMINAR: PLANS AND ACTION EQUAL SUCCESS Duluth B Room, Level 5 October is ?Meet the Blind Month.? Find out about events that are entertaining and fun and encouraging chapters to try new types of fundraising and meet-and-greet events. Jerry Lazarus, NFB Jernigan Institute 5:00 - 6:30 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS RECEPTION Richard B Room, Level 5 For NABL members and seminar participants to promote networking and fellowship within our membership. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Scott LaBarre, President 5:00 - 7:00 pm?BRAILLE BOOK FLEA MARKET Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Happy Birthday, Louis Braille! Browse tables of new and used Braille and print/Braille books. UPS volunteers will ship the books to your home free of charge. Donations requested to support the Braille Readers are Leaders program. Cake and snacks for browsers. Cosponsored by NOPBC and NAPUB. Coordinator: Peggy Chong 5:00 - 8:00 pm?JUDO WORKSHOP; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Join USA Judo and paralympian bronze medal winner Greg DeWall to learn about judo from people involved in the sport. See you on the mat! Lisamaria Martinez, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 5:30 - 7:00 pm?KURZWEIL 1000 USERS? MEETING Richard A Room, Level 5 Join the Kurzweil 1000 Users? Contingent! Meet with Steve Baum, Vice President of Engineering, and share some Kurzweil 1000 experiences. Kurzweil 1000 is our state-of-the-art, text-to-speech and life navigation software for blind and visually impaired readers. 5:30 - 7:30 pm?AGRICULTURE AND EQUESTRIAN DIVISION Duluth A Room, Level 5 Fred Chambers, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm?BACK TO BASICS: FOUNDATIONS IN MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Topics: running a purposeful chapter meeting, community projects and chapter fundraising, and weaving Federation philosophy into local meetings. NFB Affiliate Action Team 6:00 - 10:00 pm?DEAF BLIND DIVISION Nicolet B Room, Level 5 6:00 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Burnell Brown, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS SEMINAR 6:00 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Brul? A Room, Level 5 Topics: Islam, the Koran, and guide dogs; Training Centers and Guide Dogs: a panel discussion; and massage for dogs. You can also ?test drive? a guide dog! Marion Gwizdala, President 6:30 - 9:00 pm?ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins Note-taking devices to recommend to clients and what to do about students who are seemingly ?unteachable.? Michael Barber, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 6:30 - 9:30 pm?SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DIVISION Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott 6:30 pm ? Registration; 7:00 pm ? Meeting begins John Miller, President 7:00 - 8:30 pm?LIVING HISTORY GROUP Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history. Michael Freholm, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm??SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS? a play by Jerry Whittle (Admission: $5.00; Second Performance is at 9:00 pm) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind?s summer training program for blind children. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?COMMITTEE TO EMPOWER UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Ron Brown, Chairperson 7:00 - 9:00 pm?FEDERATION RE-GENERATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Do you need to rejuvenate and kick-start your affiliate with fresh ideas? Re-generate! Get a new generation involved. Join the NFB Jernigan Institute Education Team to learn more about program possibilities. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Cadillac A Room, Level 5 Unveiling new craft initiatives, including plans for a new Web site and information on our Monday night nationwide chats. Joyce Kane, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF BRAILLE (NAPUB) SEMINAR Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Celebrating Louis Braille?s 200th birthday! Receive information about the commemorative Louis Braille silver dollar, the NFB Share Braille Web site project, and more. Nadine Jacobson, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 7:00 - 9:00 pm?NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Guest speakers; reviewing access technology; unveiling the 2009 NABV pin. Pay dues and receive an NABV-3 shirt. Dwight Sayer, President 7:00 - 10:00 pm?MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE MARCHER DROP-IN BRIEFINGS (THREE SEPARATE SESSIONS) Brul? B Room, Level 5 Session One: 7:00-8:00 pm; Session Two 8:00-9:00 pm; Session Three 9:00-10:00 pm. Drop in anytime and help us lead the 2009 March for Independence. Facilitator: Kevan Worley 7:30 - 9:00 pm?DADS? NIGHT OUT Contact Brad Weatherd for location All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Sponsored by the NOPBC 7:30 - 9:00 pm?NFB IN JUDAISM MEETING Room 6405, 64th Floor David Stayer, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION, EVALUATION, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY; Gary Wunder, Chairperson Greco Room, Level 4 8:00 - 9:30 pm?MAKING BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Make Braille books at home that will inspire your child to read and explore. Sponsored by NOPBC. Instructors: Carlton Walker and Krystal Guillory 9:00 - 10:30 pm??SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS,? a play by Jerry Whittle (Second Performance) Admission: $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind?s summer training program for blind children. 9:30 - 10:30 pm?FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 6:45 am?MOTOR CITY MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE RALLY! Please gather in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott for a 7:00 am start. NOTE: Because of the March for Independence, there are no registration, devotions, Independence Market and Literature, or Exhibit Hall activities on Monday morning. OPENING GENERAL SESSION 9:30 am INVOCATION 9:35 am WELCOMING CEREMONIES 9:55 am CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED Dwight Sayer, President, National Association of Blind Veterans, National Federation of the Blind; Winter Gardens, Florida 10:05 am ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE 11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20); FINAL BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40)?Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 12:15 - 2:00 pm?LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI LUNCHEON Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Contact: Pam Allen, Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm PRESIDENTIAL REPORT, Marc Maurer 3:00 pm POLICIES TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSION, SAFETY, AND PRODUCTIVITY The Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of Congress, 15th Congressional District; Michigan 3:20 pm PROMOTING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: A PRIORITY FOR MANUFACTURERS The Honorable Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; McLean, Virginia 3:40 pm THE JOURNEY OF BRAILLE: FROM THE HANDS OF THE CREATOR TO EARTH ORBIT 4:00 pm THE VALUE OF A COIN, OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND OF A CLASS OF HUMAN BEINGS Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Research Professor, San Diego State University; Vienna, Virginia 4:25 pm PROVIDING THE FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS: BRAILLE BOOKS Brian A. McDonald, President, National Braille Press; Boston, Massachusetts 4:40 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 5:30 - 6:30 pm?NOMINATING COMMITTEE; Sharon Maneki, Chairperson Cadillac A Room, Level 5 6:00 - 8:00 pm?AFB INTRODUCES ACCESSIBLE WALKING DIRECTIONS AND NEW CareerConnect FEATURES Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 The American Foundation for the Blind?s reception introduces Mapquest Accessible Walking Directions and new CareerConnect offerings. Be the first to try a free online directions service. Join up as a CareerConnect leader or mentor. We look forward to reconnecting with old friends. 6:00 - 9:00 pm?INDOOR ROWING; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline A and B Rooms, Courtyard Marriott Row your way into fitness and maintain a healthy lifestyle using an accessible rowing machine. Prizes plus plenty of fun! Lisamaria Martinez, President 6:30 - 8:00 pm?GUITAR SEMINAR LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Learn about the guitar; get advice from a professional musician, Cameron Strife; $5 donation. Presented by the NFB Performing Arts Division 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATION Room 6401, 64th floor Drop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS: IEPs: Evals, Goals, Strategies, the Law Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Carlton Walker The Science of Getting in on Science Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, Dr. Lillian Rankel Mental Mapping: Using Environmental Sounds and Clues Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Daniel Kish MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm?BOOKSHARE AT NFB MEMBER PARTY LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Enjoy snacks and refreshments while meeting the Bookshare staff. This is your opportunity to talk with us and share your ideas; we?re here to listen. Plan to have fun with contests, drawings, and interacting with your fellow members. We look forward to seeing you. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS: THE INITIATIVE FOR CHANGE Duluth B Room, Level 5 One representative from each affiliate should attend this session. Help to ensure Braille literacy for all by learning about the exciting developments and discuss strategies for promoting Louis Braille bicentennial coins. 7:00 - 9:00 pm?MOVING LEGISLATION ON THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Each affiliate should send one representative. Learn the best methods of increasing support for our legislative priorities. Changing lives through laws is our business. Led by Jesse Hartle, NFB Strategic Initiatives Staff 7:00 - 10:00 pm?A SPECIAL EVENING FOR SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 The exhibit hall reopens for an evening dedicated solely to sponsor-level exhibitors. Come and bring a guest to say ?thank you? to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are?Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel?, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. 7:00 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC CHILDREN?S ACTIVITY (ages 5-13) A UNIVERSALLY FUN TIME Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in and explore the universe with Noreen Grice; volunteers led by Michael Freholm MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - midnight?NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3 ? ?There may be trouble ahead but while there?s moonlight and music and love and romance let?s face the music and dance!?? Join our host affiliate to enjoy dancing or simply listening to some really good music. Entertainment provided by ?Nine,? a nine-piece band performing Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards. 7:30 - 8:30 pm?NFB YOUTH TRACK MEETINGS ME AND THE GOSSIP GIRLS (ages 14-18) Greco Room, Level 4 Girls?bring your questions and thoughts about makeup, dating, or just how to get more involved in your school. ME AND THE GUYS (ages 14-18) Renoir Room, Level 4 Guys?talk about cars, dating, school, or how to nail that perfect job to make a little extra money. 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON AUTOMOBILE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (CAPS); Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson Nicolet A Room, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 pm?NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS Pro to Pro to Parent to Para?Learn How Your Child?s ?Team? Can Work Together Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Denise Robinson and Gail Wagner Taking the Headaches Out of Adapting in Math Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Eric and Krystal Guillory Summer Jobs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Volunteering Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Jan Bailey TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 7:30 - 8:15 am?DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:00 8:30 am?REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am FINANCIAL REPORT 10:00 am ELECTIONS 10:30 am EXPANDING ACCESS TO DIGITAL INFORMATION FOR THE BLIND Gilles Pepin, Chief Executive Officer, HumanWare; Drummondville, Canada 10:50 am A BLIND ATHLETE IN THE PARALYMPICS Tyler Merren, 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Member, Men?s Goalball; Kalamazoo, Michigan 11:05 am DEVELOPMENTS AT THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES, PERKINS Steven M. Rothstein, President, Perkins School for the Blind; Watertown, Massachusetts 11:25 am THE FEDERATION IN THE WORLD FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD BLIND UNION Maryanne Diamond, President, World Blind Union; Melbourne, Australia 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm?REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm?EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE?(Final Time Period for Independence Market and Literature) Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REPORT John Par?, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 2:35 pm REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS 5:00 pm ADJOURN 6:00 - 10:00 pm?IT WASN'T ME, A MURDER MYSTERY AT THE CLUB Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Play along as guests at a dance club while private investigators try to solve a murder. Early arrivers are assigned a character role to play for the evening. Latecomers won't be able to play along but are welcome to watch the game and enjoy the experience. Presented by NFB Youth Track. 6:30 - 9:00 pm?COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE Brul? A and B Rooms, Level 5 Discover how good training can change your life. Julie Deden, Director 6:30 - 9:30 pm?NOPBC CHILDREN?S ACTIVITY (Ages 5-14) WE WILL NOT LET CONVENTION ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOT Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Led by Michael Freholm TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm?NFB-NEWSLINE? PRESENTATION Room 6401, 64th floor Stop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:15 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 7:00 - 8:30 pm?BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Duluth B Room, Level 5 Linda Mentink, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm?NINTH ANNUAL RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS Richard B Room, Level 5 Socialize, network, and learn more about Randolph-Sheppard and other business opportunities we can create through our work in the NFB. Kevan Worley, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm?COUNCIL OF U.S. DOG GUIDE SCHOOLS (CUSDGS) RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how a dog guide can impact your life from featured speaker Michael Hingson, a World Trade Center survivor. Meet representatives from participating schools and learn about their programs. You can even schedule a ?Juno? walk for later in the week. 7:00 9:00 pm??SOCIAL SECURITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME: WHAT APPLICANTS, ADVOCATES, AND RECIPIENTS SHOULD KNOW? SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Information on Social Security and SSI benefits, including the income subsidy program for those receiving the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Presenter: Dan Frye, Attorney and Associate Editor of the Braille Monitor TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 7:00 10:00 pm?EXHIBITS ONLY (Independence Market and Literature Closed)?Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 7:00 - 11:00 pm?ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT?Admission $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Register early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program in memory of Mary Ann Parks. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Division; Dennis Holston, President 7:00 - 11:00 pm?HUMANWARE LOW VISION PRODUCTS SEMINAR Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Come and learn about HumanWare?s exciting low vision products in a hands-on, interactive seminar: myReader 2 video magnifier; SmartView desktop units; portable handheld devices; and a distance viewing system. Presenter: Ed Wikdall 8:00 - 10:00 pm?COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LaSalle A Room, Level 5 If you have an interest in new technologies and believe that spectacular accomplishments are possible when blind people themselves are involved?then join our meeting. Curtis Chong, Chairperson 8:00 - 11:30 pm?MONTE CARLO NIGHT Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Try your luck at any of the usual card games found on a casino floor. Prizes go to the top three winners holding the most chips at the end of the evening. Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Students 8:30 - 9:45 pm?knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print?it?s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 9:30 - 10:30 pm?FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 8:00 - 8:45 am?DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:30 9:00 am?REGISTRATION ($20)?Final opportunity to register. Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am THE NEAR-PERFECT AUDIO BOOK: HOW WE DO IT Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. Mary Beth Wise, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. 9:25 am QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION 9:30 am THE DEMAND, THE CRISIS, THE SOLUTION IN EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND Edward Bell, Ph.D., Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech University; Ruston, Louisiana 9:45 am THE THEORY AND THE PRACTICE: EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL Denise M. Robinson, Ph.D., Teacher and Coordinator of Programming for Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Yakima, Washington 10:00 am WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THAT CHILD BLIND? Carol Castellano, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind; Madison, New Jersey WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 10:20 am TEACHING AN ESSENTIAL SKILL: BRAILLE Jerry Whittle, Teacher-Counselor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana April Davis, Coordinator of Summer Programs for Blind Children, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana James Mays, Industrial Arts Teacher, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana Deja Powell, Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Salt Lake City, Utah Anil Lewis, President, National Federation of the Blind of Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia Terri Rupp, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada 10:50 am FROM THE CENTER OF HISTORY: FIVE YEARS INTO THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland 11:10 am FRONTIER CAREERS FOR THE BLIND INCLUDE ENGINEERING Leigh R. Abts, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Engineering and Education, University of Maryland; College Park, Maryland 11:25 am NFB NEWSLINE: FROM PHONE TO COMPUTER TO PODCAST TO POCKET Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?HAM RADIO GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 We will consider the amendment of the division constitution that we adopted last year. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?NFB CAMP TOY SALE Marquette A Room, Level 5 Everything must go?30 to 70 percent off toys purchased for NFB Camp. 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm?RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 12:15 - 1:45 pm?EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NLS Nicolet B Room, Level 5 A question-and-answer session with Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and staff of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm SHAPING THE STANDARD FOR THE LEGAL COMMUNITY: THE NECESSITY FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR ALL Daniel Goldstein, Esq., Partner, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP; Baltimore, Maryland 2:25 pm NEGOTIATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC BOOKS: A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, A SMASHING SUCCESS Jack Bernard, Esq., Chair, Counsel for Disability Concerns, and Assistant General Counsel, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan 2:45 pm THE COMMITMENT OF MICROSOFT TO ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY Rob Sinclair, Director of Accessibility, Microsoft Corporation; Redound, Washington WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 3:05 pm TRANSCENDING THE BARRIERS OF YESTERDAY, ANTICIPATING THE ROMANCE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW Ray Kurzweil, President and Chief Executive Officer, KNFB-Reading Technology, Inc.; Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 3:25 pm REPRESENTING THE CITY OF CHICAGO Patti Chang, Esq., Senior Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois 3:45 pm DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARD Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee, and Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Columbia, Missouri 4:15 pm THE RIGHT OF THE PEDESTRIAN TO BE SAFE IN THE WORLD Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Washington, D.C. 4:30 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN 7:00 pm?BANQUET Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 INVOCATION MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Fredric K. Schroeder INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS BANQUET ADDRESS: Marc Maurer SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 10:00 pm - midnight?AFTER BANQUET PARTY Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 10:00 pm?SCIENCE FICTION MEETING All persons interested in science fiction and fantasy are welcome to join in an open discussion. Please contact Ed Meskys for room location. Thank You... The National Federation of the Blind would like to give a special thank you to VBrick Systems for donating the technology and Internet services to allow full streaming of all general sessions of the convention, the meeting of the board of directors, and the annual banquet. Through this contribution, more individuals will learn about the outstanding work that comes out of the largest gathering of the blind in the world. The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Exhibit Hall Convention Sponsors below. Their messages follow. Platinum Sponsors: HumanWare UPS Gold Sponsors: Deque Systems, Inc. Freedom Scientific Oracle Silver Sponsors: En-Vision America Intel? Wal-Mart Bronze Sponsors: Adobe Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS) IBM Independent Living Aids (ILA) Microsoft Exhibit Hall Sponsors: GW Micro J&B Medical Supply National Industries for the Blind ReadHowYouWant Roche Diagnostics