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<H1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=c7>Imagineering Our Future</H1></TD></TR>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c9><STRONG><SPAN class=c8> Issue 18 </SPAN></STRONG></div>
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<TD align=right><STRONG><SPAN class=c8>December 31, 2009 </SPAN></STRONG></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR>
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<H2 class=c12><A name=Top></A><SPAN class=headline>In this issue:</SPAN></H2>
<BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE>
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<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Message from Executive Director" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Executive" target=_blank>Message from the Executive Director</A></LI>
<LI><A title="What's New" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#New" target=_blank>What’s New</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Education href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Education" target=_blank>Education</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Braille " href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Braille" target=_blank>Braille Initiative</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Advocacy href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Advocacy" target=_blank>Advocacy</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Straight Talk About Vision Loss" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#StraightTalk" target=_blank>Straight Talk About Vision Loss</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Access technology" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Technology" target=_blank>Technology Talk</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Jacobus tenBroek Library" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Library" target=_blank>From the Jacobus tenBroek Library</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Independence Market" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Independence" target=_blank>Independence Market</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Parent Outreach" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Parents" target=_blank>Parent Outreach</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Imagination Fund" href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Spotlight" target=_blank>Spotlight on the <EM>Imagination Fund</EM></A></LI>
<LI><A href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Events" target=_blank>NFB Calendar</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Citation href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Quote" target=_blank>Citation</A></LI></UL></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c11><br>
<IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></SPAN></SPAN></H2>
<H2><SPAN class=headline><A name=Executive></A>Message from the Executive Director</SPAN></H2></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE><SPAN class=c13><SPAN class=c11><SPAN style="COLOR: #7a007a"><EM><SPAN class=c13><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c9><STRONG>Dear friends,<br>
<br>
We have come to the end of a successful 2009 for the National Federation of the Blind. It is hard not to end the year thinking about Abraham Lincoln and Louis Braille—two tremendous historical figures who have been honored during this year that represents the two hundredth anniversary of their birth. Both emancipators in their own right, these two men are symbols of freedom and independence. <br>
<br>
Abraham Lincoln is credited as saying “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” This quote represents the spirit that Louis Braille brought to his dream of perfecting a system of reading and writing that would empower the blind to gain meaningful access to knowledge contained in the written word. It also represents the spirit of the members of the National Federation of the Blind who are dedicated to achieving first-class citizenship, equality, and opportunity for all blind people.<br>
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Despite the world’s economic struggles, an increasing rate of unemployment, and other adversity, the National Federation of the Blind had a very successful year because of our own determination to keep marching.<br>
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This year was marked by a renewed commitment to Braille literacy and the sale of over two hundred thousand United States Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars—generating funds necessary to continue improving Braille literacy instruction across America. We witnessed unprecedented activity around e-books and key victories that will give the blind access to more printed information than ever before. We were moved by young blind people learning science and engineering and marching on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. And, our imaginations were driven further when some of these youth drove the first prototype of a vehicle sparked out of the NFB’s Blind Driver Challenge.<br>
<br>
These and hundreds of other moments were the expression of the Federation’s commitment to success. Successful integration of the blind into society on terms of equality. Successful expansion of our research and training programs so that we can continue to provide leadership in advancing opportunities for the blind. Successful education of more members of the public about the capacity of blind people through your support of our mission and goals.<br>
<br>
As you close out 2009 and make your own resolutions about 2010, we wanted you to know how deeply we appreciate your unwavering resolve to <A title="Link to make a gift to NFB" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=lFOLyJd_aPfN8tBHLsH1Qg.." target=_blank>support the programs of the National Federation of the Blind</A>. Your resolution to help the blind of America achieve their hopes and dreams through the work of the Federation makes a significant contribution in every community across this country.<br>
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On behalf of all of the staff at the NFB Jernigan Institute and the members of the NFB, we want to wish you the warmest and happiest holiday season ever. We look forward to continued success in 2010 and hope that you will find personal success and greater opportunities in the coming year.</STRONG><STRONG> </STRONG></div>
</SPAN></SPAN></EM><SPAN style="COLOR: #663399"></SPAN><IMG border=0 alt="Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11057.jpg" width=200><br>
<SPAN style="COLOR: #000000"><STRONG>Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute</STRONG></SPAN></SPAN> <br>
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<H2><A name=New></A><SPAN class=headline>Featured NFB News</SPAN></H2>
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<div>Once again, Santa enlisted the help of the elves at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to hundreds of blind boys and girls this Christmas season. <br>
<br>
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, explained: “Santa approached the National Federation of the Blind a couple of years ago and asked us to be his helpers. I’m quite fond of the fellow and was delighted that we could assist him in his work. Braille literacy is the key to success and opportunity for the blind, but unfortunately too few blind children are learning it today. This program will not only be jolly good fun but will also serve an important educational purpose, as blind children will be able to practice reading Braille as they enjoy their letter from Saint Nicholas.”<br>
<br>
Hundreds of parents requested Braille letters from Santa to blind boys and girls around the country. The Braille letter was also accompanied by a print copy (for Mom and Dad to read). The NFB partnered with Santa as part of the National Federation of the Blind’s national Braille literacy campaign, the largest ever undertaken in United States history. <br>
<br>
The popular program was covered in Baltimore in the linked <A title="Link to Santa Braille letter news story" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=CXlJqtOQ3YwaCz3hecQO3A.." target=_blank>newscast video</A> and <A title="Link to Baltimore Sun Santa article" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=DB4_IqTtnQWam2YuwboTjA.." target=_blank>newspaper article</A>.<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c11> <br>
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<H2 class=c25><SPAN class=headline><A name=Education></A>Education</SPAN></H2>
<H4 class=c29>National Center for Mentoring Excellence</H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c29>For the past five years, the NFB Jernigan Institute has supported the National Center for Mentoring Excellence (NCME), a formalized mentoring pilot project funded through a demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop mentoring programs in six states. Because this is the last year of the grant’s funding, our four replication states hosted events to celebrate the completion of two years in the mentoring project. We are pleased to report that most of the states have acquired their own funding and will be continuing their programs on a local level. We would like to share with you some of the highlights from these recent events.<br>
<br>
On August 14-16, the Texas CHANGE (Connections Helping Another Navigate and Gain Excellence) Mentoring program went to a resort near Corpus Christi where the mentees learned to surf and build sand castles. The weekend culminated with mentoring pairs sharing dinner and participating <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>together </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>in closing ceremonies. <br>
<br>
On August 22 and 23, mentors and mentees in the GEMS (Georgians Empowered through Mentoring Success) Program went to a farm in Waleska, Georgia, where they did outdoor activities such as riding on four wheelers and <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>horseback</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>. The participants stretched their comfort zones when they each had to grill their own steak for dinner. <br>
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The U’nME (Utah Network for Mentoring Excellence) celebrated its two-year mentoring relationship on October 10. At the activity, the mentoring pairs enjoyed the scenic mountainous area of Payson, Utah, and the mentees were prepared to go out into the world when they were taught about creating resumes, professionalism, and blindness philosophy. The time ended with heartfelt testimonials of the mentoring relationships. <br>
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On October 16-18, the Ohio Mentoring Program hosted its completion event in Cincinnati. Mentors and mentees explored the city by going on a scavenger hunt. The weekend activities concluded with a nice dinner at the Montgomery Inn on the Ohio River and closing ceremonies. <br>
<br>
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>These programs have truly demonstrated how positive relationships with blind adult role models impact the lives of blind youth and increase their positive attitudes about blindness. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>You can learn about the continuing states’ programs on the <A title="Link to NFBJI NCME information" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=_BIj-atOsZp1xDKIDExukw.." target=_blank>National Center for Mentoring Excellence</A> page. </div>
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<H4>Braille rocks a new bulletin board</H4>
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<div>The Betsy Zaborowski Conference Room now features a fully accessible and interactive bulletin board. This board, developed by the education team, serves two purposes. It is a great way to show off what the Jernigan Institute is doing and a demonstration to teachers about how to make a bulletin board fully accessible and attractive.<br>
<br>
The theme of the bulletin board will change quarterly. This quarter the title of the bulletin board is “Braille Rocks.” The board features all the rock star Braille programs run by the Jernigan Institute. There is a working electric blue guitar in the top right hand corner of the bulletin board. Shooting out from the bottom of the guitar are three bands of colored fabric (purple, red, and green). Each band of color features a Braille program (NFB BELL program, Braille Readers Are Leaders, and Braille Pals). Throughout the black background are yellow wooden stars featuring the twenty-six letters of the alphabet in print and Braille. A large button in the middle of the board provides an audio description of additional Braille programs (Braille transcription, the Kenneth Jernigan Library, Braille books for blind children, and NFB ShareBraille). Smaller buttons scattered around the board provide interesting facts about Braille in audio format.</div>
<H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c29>The Leader Board</div>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c29>Another innovation in this year’s Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest—a Leader Board. Contestants have had the opportunity to update their reading logs throughout the contest to compete for a spot on the Leader Board. Data for the Leader Board was pulled and updated four times throughout the reading period. The contestants’ number of pages read were updated for the last time on December 23, 2009. The leaders in each category of the adult contest are as follows: beginner Lois Montgomery has read 2,016 pages, intermediate Judy Sanders has read 4,626 pages, advanced Benjamin Dallin has read 5,746 pages, expert Nicholas Wilcox has read 9,742 pages, and sighted Sheila Amato has read 547 pages. The K-12 competitors also vied for spots on the Leader Board. The students have really been reading. The last update of the Leader Board shows the following students are in the lead: Emily Wilson grades K-1 735 pages, Christian Adams grades 2-3 6,162 pages, Gabriella Welsh grades 4-5 5,964 pages, Merlyn Hileman grades 6-8 5,473 pages, and Niki White grades 9-12 4,406 pages. Congratulations to everyone who earned a spot on the <A title="Link to BRAL contest leader board" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=y_8YbOB_ob6vcVSI5HUt2w.." target=_blank>Leader Board</A> during the contest!</div>
<div class=c29> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=c29><IMG alt="Image: Rainbow section divider" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Braille></A><SPAN class=headline>Braille Initiative</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div>December 11, 2009, was the final day to purchase the <A title="Link to Braille coin information" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=eQwRCJK1ODSmcSD1z1j3Yg.." target=_blank>Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar</A> from the U.S. Mint. Any <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>of these first U.S. coins to feature readable, tactile Braille remaining</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> have been removed from sale and will be melted down. Procrastinators have a last chance <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>to purchase </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>this one-of-a-kind treasure from the <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>limited supply </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>in the <A title="Link to purchase a Braille coin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=9RSjzcxshob4kpIqGKSTrg.." target=_blank>NFB Independence Market</A>. Remember, $10 from the sale of each coin will provide much-needed funding for critical education programs for the blind <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>as part of the National Federation of the Blind’s efforts to </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>end the Braille literacy crisis in America.<br>
<br>
If you’ve purchased the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, thank you so much for showing your dedication to Braille literacy. If you’d like to do more, consider making a <A title="Link to make a matching gift" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=JDwJ8CgcyYl0QQSUUwIb2A.." target=_blank>matching gift</A> to the “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign.<br>
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A last note for you football fans, the University of Oregon and University of Montana joined the list of universities that tossed a 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar to start their football games!</div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="Image: Rainbow section divider" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2><A name=Advocacy></A><SPAN class=headline>Advocacy</SPAN></H2>
<div>The NFB’s effective advocacy was recognized by <EM>USA Today</EM> in the article “<A title="Link to USA Today quiet cars article" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=ArBeQ4NyAxo967WHBBAGcw.." target=_blank>GM working with the blind to give electric cars a little noise</A>.” It reports that General Motors will work with “one of the largest advocacy organizations for the vision-impaired to find ways for the next-generation electric cars to make enough noise that pedestrians can hear them coming.” The article continues, “GM says it’s working with the National Federation of the Blind on technology to make sure that near-silent electric cars and hybrids don’t sneak up on unsuspecting walkers or runners.” <br>
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Dr. Maurer is quoted extensively:<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11> <br>
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<div></div>
<div style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">“I’ve had probably 25 blind people in the country tell me they’ve almost been hit by these cars,” says NFB President Marc Maurer. Vehicles brushed up against some or crushed their white canes, he says.</div>
<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">Maurer says he believes electric cars of the future will need to be equipped with a forward-directed sound device that operates without interruption while the car is in motion. All electric vehicles will have to make roughly the same artificial noise, he says, so that blind people will be able to distinguish them as moving vehicles.</div>
<div> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="Image: Rainbow section divider" align=middle src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 class=c25><A name=StraightTalk></A><SPAN class=headline>Straight Talk About Vision Loss </SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c9>We invite followers of the <A title="Link to Straight Talk Web page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=IUdD81sVDDQRDFlM8BG3Qg.." target=_blank>Straight Talk About Vision Loss</A> series to view this exciting <A title="Link to Youth Slam 2009 video" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=n2yg4IdlcivZh1l34HlPag.." target=_blank>video about the 2009 NFB Youth Slam</A>. It is narrated by the blind youth who attended the five-day science academy. The film details the Youth Slam participants’ amazing work in their varied activities, including building robots and driving a car!</div>
<div class=c9> </div>
<div class=c9 align=center><IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></div>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Technology></A><SPAN class=headline>Product and Access Technology Talk</SPAN></H2>
<div class=c30>It may be the holiday season, but the NFB Jernigan Institute’s Access Technology (AT) team is as busy as ever. The team posted a series of Christmas shopping tips on the <A title="Link to AT blog" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=rELAQjLADG198R8CL8RRTA.." target=_blank>AT Blog</A>. For the <EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, the team <A title="Link to VoiceOver article" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=553qNUaJrP2wPmXDbJSatw.." target=_blank>took another look at Apple’s VoiceOver</A>, giving some new perspectives on the operating system they reviewed earlier this year. AT also presented on Web accessibility to a class of graduate students in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Baltimore.<br>
<br>
Perhaps the biggest recent event was Anne Taylor’s presentation at <A title="Link to AHG conference page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=7lsKfRRKRR0MZC7tgBAUUg.." target=_blank>Accessing Higher Ground (AHG)</A> in Westminster, Colorado. She presented with Stephanie Cupp-Weeks, <A title="Link to Blackboard's home page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=BkwZDiD9BjP9AGNvr6cTPA.." target=_blank>Blackboard</A>’s Director of User Experience, and <A title="Link to Deque home page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=c3M8RnMy3hq5mU43sNMWSQ.." target=_blank>Deque</A> CEO Preety Kumar on the work they have done on making the United States’ most prevalent online learning platform fully accessible to blind users. Anne also moderated a panel on e-book accessibility, “From Clay Tablets to the Kindle–implications of the new e-book technology,” at AHG. The other panelists were Gaeir Dietrich, HTCTU; Susan Anthes, CU-Boulder; and Zahavit Paz, LDRFA.<br>
<br>
The team has also started planning for 2010. For the first time ever, the AT team has been invited to present a half-day session at the <A title="Link to CSUN pre-conference page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Kt8iC2VYbLyKYjltdSa8Mw.." target=_blank>California State University at Northridge’s 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Pre-Conference</A>, and we are very excited to participate.<br>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="Image: Rainbow section divider" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Library></A><SPAN class=headline>From the tenBroek Library</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div dir=ltr class=c40 align=left>Documenting the life and work of Jacobus tenBroek</div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></H4>
<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div dir=ltr class=c40 align=left>During his lifetime, Jacobus tenBroek filled <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>more than thirty file cabinets with </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>his correspondence and other papers. These papers document tenBroek’s role as a leader in the NFB and the social welfare reform movement, a university professor, and a family man. After his death, his widow Hazel tenBroek added to the collection, ultimately donating it to the NFB shortly before her own death. Today, as the core collection of the Jacobus tenBroek Library, the tenBroek papers are a significant source of information about the early history of the blind civil rights movement, the evolution of social welfare, and the other social and political movements in which tenBroek participated.<br>
<br>
To make the tenBroek papers accessible to researchers, library staff members in 2005 began creating a folder-by-folder inventory of the contents of these file cabinets. This process accelerated in May 2009, when the NFB Jernigan Institute won a grant from the U.S. National Archives for basic processing of the tenBroek papers. Grant funds have been used to hire a project archivist who is working with other library staff members to complete the inventory, re-house the documents that arrived in cardboard boxes, and organize the collection for optimal usefulness. We are pleased to announce that a preliminary inventory has been completed and file folders assigned to series and subseries. <br>
<br>
When we complete work on the tenBroek papers, Federationists and other researchers will be able to explore the collection through an accessible finding aid. This document will provide information on tenBroek’s life, the topics and record types found in his papers, and how they are organized. In addition, an accessible database allowing users to search in greater detail within the collection will be available for use at the <A title="Link to JtB Library" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=MyWTrL-EwHE8zugWK_Pfaw.." target=_blank>tenBroek Library</A>. </div>
<div dir=ltr class=c40 align=left> </div>
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<H2 class=c30><A name=Independence></A><SPAN class=headline>Independence Market</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>The National Federation of the Blind publishes many materials on various blindness-related topics. Some of the articles originally published in the <EM>Braille Monitor</EM> are available as reprints in Braille and print for wider distribution. Many of our members order </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>copies of these articles from the NFB Independence Market</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11> to use in their public outreach efforts</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>Some of the articles that have been reprinted during the past few months are listed below. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<H5>Braille: </H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Braille in the Museum" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=CqhKRsk_HdRGmiFl2JER0A.." target=_blank>Braille in the Museum</A> by Geerat J. Vermeij (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, October 2009), Order Information: Item LBB92; Braille/Print </LI>
<LI><A title="Link to Teaching an Essential Skill" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=hD0yELpNkheRHaBYP0hCZw.." target=_blank>Teaching an Essential Skill: Braille</A> (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, November 2009), Order Information: Item LBT37; Braille/Print</LI>
<LI><A title="Link to Value of a Coin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NS34gFFUP-9-zLBW2EWi7A.." target=_blank>The Value of a Coin, of a Communication System, and of a Class of Human Beings</A> by Fredric K. Schroeder (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, August/September 2009), Order Information: Item LBV13; Braille/Print</LI></UL>
<H5>Diabetes:</H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Blind Diabetics Can Draw Insulin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=kslqIBybjtL9HzOThE_X9g.." target=_blank>Blind Diabetics Can Draw Insulin without Difficulty</A> by Ed Bryant (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, December 2009), Order Information: Item LBB52; Print</LI>
<LI><A title="Link to Carbohydrate Counting" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=FETpZD-NbelTRVVkRqZTxA.." target=_blank>Carbohydrate Counting and the Exchange List</A> by Anna Smith (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, October 2009), Order Information: Item LBC68; Print</LI></UL>
<H5>Education: </H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Why Do You Want to Make That Child Blind" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=7k6e3OLwTVaAabuCOuZeAQ.." target=_blank>Why Do You Want to Make That Child Blind?</A> by Carol Castellano (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, October 2009), Order Information: Item LBW51; Braille/Print</LI></UL>
<H5>NFB Jernigan Institute: </H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to From the Center of History" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=eLshGVapldegnAy3x4zfJA.." target=_blank>From the Center of History: Five Years into the Future of the NFB Jernigan Institute</A> by Mark A. Riccobono (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, August/September 2009), Order Information: Item LBF49; Braille/Print </LI></UL>
<H5>Speeches and Reports:</H5>
<UL>
<LI>2009 National Convention Banquet Speech—<A title="Link to The Value of Decision" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=suI7F1dX4X37d4pQcUGGYw.." target=_blank>The Value of Decision</A> by Marc Maurer (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, August/September 2009), Order Information: Item LAA09; Braille/2-Track Cassette/Print</LI>
<LI><A title="Link to 2009 Presidential Report" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=OAJ15KPZQrIwrwxye5NjEA.." target=_blank>2009 National Convention Presidential Report</A> by Marc Maurer (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, August/September 2009), Order Information: Item LAB09; Braille/2-Track Cassette/Print</LI></UL>
<H5>Social Security:</H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Social Security for 2010" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=q_1TjJageZuEHNBsaP5HMQ.." target=_blank>Social Security, SSI, and Medicare Facts for 2010</A> by Daniel B. Frye (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, December 2009), Order Information: Item LSS10; Braille/Print</LI></UL>
<H5>Technology:</H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Tactile Access to the iPhone" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=thXLK8TPEic7jebNE7gVRg.." target=_blank>Tactile Access to the iPhone Is Here</A> by Tony Olivero (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, November 2009), Order Information: Item LBT38; Braille/Print</LI></UL>
<H5>Brochures and Forms: </H5>
<UL>
<LI><A title="Link to Bolotin Awards" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=YpYFz81CTaz3WaJBe8YDuw.." target=_blank>The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards</A> by Gary Wunder (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, November 2009), Order Information: Item LBD44; Braille/Print</LI>
<LI><A title="Link to 2010 Convention Bulletin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Fbitbmm48dCGMrKuE7HUYA.." target=_blank>Convention Bulletin 2010</A> (<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>, December 2009), Order Information: Item LCB10; Braille/ Print</LI></UL>
<div>To order any of the materials listed above, please <A title="E-mail Independence Market" href="mailto:IndependenceMarket@nfb.org">e-mail the NFB Independence Market</A>. <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
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<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c30><A name=Parents></A><SPAN class=headline>Parent Outreach</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<TABLE style="WIDTH: 10px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10px; HEIGHT: 10px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px" class=c26 title="Distinguished Educator of Blind Children" border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Photo: Distinguished Educator of Blind Children" cellPadding=4 align=left>
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<TD><IMG alt="Distinguished Educator Children Award winner holds plaque" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11875.jpg" width=101 height=104><br>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>The <A title="Link to December 2009 Braille Monitor" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=S0bJ8YIeyEX78LodjVFmMQ.." target=_blank>December <EM>Braille Monitor</EM></A> reports that nominations are now being taken for the <A title="Link to Distinguished Educator information" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=IRsLEJ-6_ZxF7CDn_0i_6Q.." target=_blank>Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award for 2010</A>:</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<div style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>The National Federation of the Blind will recognize an outstanding teacher of blind children at our 2010 convention next July. The winner of this award will receive an expense-paid trip to the convention, a check for $1,000, an appropriate plaque, and an opportunity to make a presentation about the education of blind children to the <A title="Link to NOPBC page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=HxrFD37tSNh4yHl3srdASw.." target=_blank>National Organization of Parents of Blind Children</A> early in the convention. <br>
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Anyone who is currently teaching or counseling blind students or administering a program for blind children is eligible to receive this award. It is not necessary to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind to apply. However, the winner must attend the national convention. Teachers may be nominated by colleagues, supervisors, or friends. The letter of nomination should explain why the teacher is being recommended for this award. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>Award Chairman Cathy Jackson invites, “Help us recognize a distinguished teacher by distributing this form and encouraging teachers to submit their credentials.” </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><br>
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<H2 class=c30><A name=Spotlight></A><SPAN class=headline>Spotlight on the <EM>Imagination Fund</EM> </SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c29>Two thousand nine has been a wonderful year for the <EM>Imagination Fund</EM>. This year we educated our friends, neighbors, and coworkers about the hope that the NFB brings to us all. We raised almost $400,000 so that our affiliates and the NFB Jernigan Institute can continue carrying out groundbreaking programs and bringing much needed resources to blind Americans. We woke early and walked together in our third March for Independence through the streets of yet another city—Detroit, Michigan. <br>
<br>
Now as the new year approaches we are increasing our pace; we are no longer marching for independence, we are racing for it. What does that mean for you and me? In the new year you’ll learn the details and discover the new and exciting places our imaginations are taking us. We look forward to more success for the <EM>Imagination Fund</EM> in the coming year and to continuing to travel together toward a brighter future.<br>
<br>
The <EM><A title="Link to Imagination Fund homepage" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=QYktAy4VhMX2JdDZAJWjTw.." target=_blank>Imagination Fund</A></EM> provides support for the outreach efforts of local Federation chapters and affiliates throughout the United States as well as the research, technology, and education programs and initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute. The <EM>Imagination Fund</EM> was established January 2004 with the Grand Opening of our NFB research and training institute. </div>
<div class=c29> </div>
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<H2 class=c42><A name=Events></A><SPAN class=headline>NFB Calendar</SPAN></H2>
<div><STRONG>2009</STRONG> Year of Louis Braille’s Bicentennial, launch of the first United States coin containing readable Braille, and kickoff of the <A title="Link to literacy campaign page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=F6wR0C_vpLClMl2lTFAsIQ.." target=_blank>NFB Braille Literacy Campaign</A>. <br>
<br>
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><STRONG>January 1, 2010</STRONG> Room reservations open for <A title="Link to 2010 convention bulletin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=kBftLs3sNLoQCoNVBDabfA.." target=_blank>2010 National Convention</A>. Write directly to the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207, or call (214) 761-7500.<br>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><br>
<STRONG>January 4, 2010</STRONG> End of <A title="Link to BRAL contest info" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=4_zSwslwevSLz8Dr2dRCbA.." target=_blank>Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</A> reading period.<br>
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<STRONG>January 8, 2010</STRONG> Last day <A title="Link to Braille Reading Pals info" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=HP_rB1bIr3Dwse4AlMCuZQ.." target=_blank>Braille Reading Pals</A> prize entry forms will be accepted.<br>
<br>
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><STRONG>February 1, 2010</STRONG> Applications due for <A title="Link to NFB LAW program page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=a3rFPnYCjNb7uRrESRk4Zw.." target=_blank>NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington (LAW) Program</A>, for blind students in grades 6-9, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute and Washington, D.C. <A title="Link to apply for LAW Program" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=cR0hnKiUmbGgUnJF3W1FOA.." target=_blank>Apply online now</A>. <br>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><br>
<STRONG>February 1-4, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to 2010 Washington Seminar page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=qfxD5Ijb1ezfat3u9GGgsw.." target=_blank>NFB 2010 Washington Seminar</A>, Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.<br>
<STRONG> </STRONG><STRONG><br>
March 31, 2010</STRONG> Deadline to <A title="Link to NFB Scholarship program information" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=pHHR9hqwz_jaFCZBQmQHFw.." target=_blank>apply to win a 2010 NFB Scholarship</A>, thirty awards ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, plus a trip to the <A title="Link to 2010 convention bulletin" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=lqmZ8Tcd1wNDGnMoNuWrhQ.." target=_blank>2010 National Convention</A> for blind postsecondary scholars.<br>
<STRONG><br>
April 15-16, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to 2010 JtB Law Symposium" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=RqxYqsnxMI9PKOu49WiELQ.." target=_blank>2010 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</A>, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. <br>
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<STRONG>April 16-20, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to NFB LAW program page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=T-j8sZK8wT9cxjzQDStz5A.." target=_blank>NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington (LAW) Program</A>, for blind students in grades 6-9, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute and Washington, D.C.<br>
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<STRONG>May 1, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to The Cane Event page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=__mwiB20EZbV-XCmeilaIA.." target=_blank>The Cane Event</A>, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. <br>
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<STRONG>July 3-8, 2010</STRONG> NFB <A title="Link to 2010 National Convention flyer" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=y3wQh6XotXCM_yyPeXH9XQ.." target=_blank>National Convention</A>, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas. <br>
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<STRONG>July 28-August 1 and August 4-8, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to 2010 Junior Science Academy information" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=vjDwMsu3m_M1w98sd7P8Bg.." target=_blank>2010 NFB Junior Science Academy</A>, A STEM program for blind children in grades 3-6 offered by the NFBJI’s <A title="Link to NCBYS page" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NWFw9Ka2jljyoDSE4w-mhg.." target=_blank>National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS)</A>. See a <A title="Link to 2009 Youth Slam video" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=6HHgzHfpUvHF-QsUp3dTiQ.." target=_blank>video about the 2009 NFB Youth Slam</A> science academy for high school students. </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br>
<EM>Coming Summer 2011—NFB National Convention in Orlando, Florida!</EM></div>
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<IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></div>
<H2 class=c47><A name=Quote></A><SPAN class=headline>Citation</SPAN></H2>
<div><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><EM><SPAN style="COLOR: #800080">From all of us at the National Federation of the Blind, we thank you for your continued support and wish you a happy holiday season. Some celebrate Christmas, some celebrate Chanukah, and some have other celebrations that bring peace and happiness. I like Christmas, but I share in the joy of other celebrations as well. I find, especially at this time of the year, that small miracles occur and sometimes big ones. Though 2009 has been a challenging year, we’ve seen more exciting progress in our movement than ever before. From the first U.S. coin to feature readable, tactile Braille, to the launch of the largest Braille literacy campaign yet, to blind youth at Youth Slam being able to experience the thrill of driving for the first time—it has been a truly remarkable year for the blind of America. We could not have achieved these wonderful things without your help. <br>
<br>
We have no doubt that the next year will be just as wonderful as this one has been, and we will keep you posted on the progress made throughout 2010. We hope the coming year will bring you and your loved ones much joy and prosperity.<br>
<br>
Sincerely,</SPAN> <br>
<SPAN style="COLOR: #800080">Marc Maurer, President<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
</SPAN></EM></SPAN></STRONG></div>
<div class=c29> </div>
<div class=c29 align=center><A href="http://webmail.aol.com/30272-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Top" target=_blank>Back to Top</A> <br>
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Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute’s <EM>Imagineering Our Future</EM>.</div>
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<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0 alt="Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail " src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11505.jpg" width=100></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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<div class=c51 align=center>Support the Jernigan Institute through the <EM><A title="Information about the Imagination Fund" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=xAZH7zycnwKJQZJle_oJJg.." target=_blank>Imagination Fund</A></EM></div>
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<TABLE title="Photo: Blind young woman performing with flute" border=1 cellSpacing=2 summary="Photo: Blind young woman performing with flute" cellPadding=2 align=center>
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<TD width=10><IMG border=0 alt="Photo: Young woman playing flute" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11433.gif" width=100></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Interesting links: </H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Past episodes of Straight Talk about Vision Loss" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=z61ShaUz-8VfkXOlglqX9g.." target=_blank>Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos</A><br>
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<div class=c6 align=center><A href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=paL9Al0584jpb2uDDJR1cQ.." target=_blank>National Center for Blind Youth in Science</A><br>
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</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><A href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=275ddiKC1dGW1f4qCaF6RA.." target=_blank>Access Technology Tips</A></div>
<div class=c60 align=center><br>
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<TABLE style="WIDTH: 10%" class=c62 title="Photo: Blind youth practicing martial art" border=1 cellSpacing=2 summary="Photo: Blind youth practicing martial art" cellPadding=2 align=center>
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<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0 alt="Photo: Youth practicing martial art" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11435.gif" width=100></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><br>
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<H4 class=c63>Blogs:</H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Access Technology blog" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=PIL6lz01imkVrPMuEPuRyw.." target=_blank>Access Technology</A><br>
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<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Voice of the Nation’s Blind blog" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=O-PiNDoXz99PMsJw_h_hUg.." target=_blank>Voice of the Nation’s Blind</A></div>
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Publication archives: </H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to back issues of Voice of the Diabetic" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=CkmMWpFTMW7y3r97nbu6HQ.." target=_blank>Voice of the Diabetic</A><br>
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<div class=c6 align=center><EM><A title="Link to archive of Future Reflections magazine" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=dxZpoJ-8JyfSe_NOWZPF7w.." target=_blank>Future Reflections</A></EM><br>
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<div class=c6 align=center><EM><A title="Link to archive of the Braille Monitor" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=vnaIJUhZ_ct50f5IxiOBZw.." target=_blank>Braille Monitor</A></EM></div>
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Visit us at <A title=www.nfb.org href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=3x2jcogT4t1zdr_mVXJhig.." target=_blank>nfb.org</A></TD></TR>
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<div class=c51 align=center><IMG border=0 alt="Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10899.jpg"></div>
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Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind<br>
200 East Wells Street <EM>at Jernigan Place</EM>, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
(410) 659-9314 Fax (410) 659-5129 E-mail <A title="E-mail JerniganInstitute@nfb.org" href="mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future">JerniganInstitute@nfb.org</A><br>
<A title="Link to nfb.org" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=g8ZLGzafAqQkkld_WZkD2Q.." target=_blank>Visit us at www.nfb.org</A></div>
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<TD vAlign=center width=100 align=middle><IMG border=0 alt="Better Business Bureau logo" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11466.gif" width=50></TD>
<TD vAlign=center width=100 align=middle><A title="Visit to learn about America's top charity watchdog organization" href="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=eptaMUeUUByFeUMaAkixrA.." target=_blank><IMG border=0 alt="American Institute of Philanthropy logo" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11465.jpg" width=75></A></TD>
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<TD vAlign=center width=400 colSpan=4 align=middle>The National Federation of the Blind meets the rigorous Standards for Charity Accountability set forth by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and is Top-Rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></div>
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