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<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT color=#0000ff size=2 face=Arial>Hi
everyone,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2 face=Arial>This
newsletter shows lots of exciting things going on through the efforts of so
many NfB members in Baltimore and across the country! Much of this is
because of the money raised through the Imagination Fund, which included our
marches for Independence. Keep in mind that our parents division, and our
legeslative activities have both benefitted immensely from grants our affiliate
has received. This year, we are not holding an actual march, or
walkathon. But members are nevertheless being asked to register
and ask friends, family and business associates to help in supporting a
cause that is so important in our lives. Money raised will
go toward our same worthwhile projects, plus some exciting new
ones. Reading this newsletter will help you explain to others how NFB
is helping to improve life for blind people throughout our nation. For
example, our hard work on the Quiet Cars bill, called the Pedestrian Safety
Enhancement Act, is something all of our acquaintances can understand and
appreciate. Please check out the item called Spotlight on the Imagination
Fund. It will tell you how to register, and how you can help our
affiliate and local chapters receive money and grants.
I truly understand that raising money isn't easy for most of us, but
through doing so, we really do reap the rewards in our own lives. Perhaps
we don't see it immediately, but little by little, the efforts of many working
for meaningful change benefits each one of us!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2 face=Arial>In the Federation
spirit,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Sherrill
O'Brien</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2 face=Arial>NFBF Imagination
Fund Representative</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Imagination Fund
Committee Member</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=990140715-03032010><FONT size=2
face=Arial></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr class=OutlookMessageHeader align=left><FONT size=2
face=Tahoma>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> Mark Riccobono
[mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org]<BR><B>Sent:</B> Monday, March 01, 2010 1:14
PM<BR><B>To:</B> sherrill.obrien@verizon.net<BR><B>Subject:</B> NFB Imagineering
Our Future: Making the world's books accessible<BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
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<P class=c6 align=center><IMG border=0
alt="Graphic Logo: NFB Jernigan Institute " align=left
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11065.jpg"
width=175 NOSEND="1"> <A
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9gwFXHaOugtpqDGyXAxErg.."><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">View this newsletter as HTML in
your browser.</SPAN></A><BR><A
title="Link to January 2010 IOF newsletter"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=koU5jOj96LNx05MqTV-BPQ.."><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">View last month’s
newsletter.</SPAN></A></P>
<H1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=c7>Imagineering Our
Future</H1></TD></TR>
<TR style="HEIGHT: 6px" vAlign=top>
<TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" width="100%">
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<TD>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c9><STRONG><SPAN
class=c8> Issue 20
</SPAN></STRONG></P></TD>
<TD align=right><STRONG><SPAN class=c8>March 1,
2010
</SPAN></STRONG></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P><FONT color=#0000ff size=2
face=Arial></FONT> </P>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c12><A
name=Top></A><SPAN class=headline>In this
issue:</SPAN></H2>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">
<UL>
<LI><A
title="Link to Message from Executive Director"
href="#Executive">Message from the Executive
Director</A>
<LI><A title="What's New" href="#New">What’s New</A>
<LI><A title=Education
href="#Education">Education</A>
<LI><A title="Braille " href="#Braille">Braille
Initiative</A>
<LI><A title=Advocacy href="#Advocacy">Advocacy</A>
<LI><A title="Straight Talk About Vision Loss"
href="#StraightTalk">Straight Talk About Vision
Loss</A>
<LI><A title="Access technology"
href="#Technology">Technology Talk</A>
<LI><A title="Jacobus tenBroek Library"
href="#Library">From the Jacobus tenBroek
Library</A>
<LI><A title="Independence Market"
href="#Independence">Independence Market</A>
<LI><A title="Parent Outreach"
href="#Parents">Parent Outreach</A>
<LI><A title="Imagination Fund"
href="#Spotlight">Spotlight on the <EM>Imagination
Fund</EM></A>
<LI><A href="#Events">NFB Calendar</A>
<LI><A title=Citation href="#Quote">Citation</A>
</LI></UL></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN class=c11><SPAN
class=c11><BR><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></SPAN></SPAN></H2>
<H2><SPAN class=headline><A name=Executive></A>Message
from the Executive Director</SPAN></H2></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN
class=c13><SPAN class=c11><SPAN
style="COLOR: #7a007a"><EM><SPAN class=c13><SPAN
class=c11>
<P class=c9><STRONG>Dear friends,<BR><BR>You may have
noticed that in the last month Baltimore took first
place in the nation for snowfall this winter. Despite
the record snowfall that shut Baltimore and
surrounding communities down, the NFB Jernigan
Institute remained open in order to continue progress
on the many important initiatives that are
underway.<BR><BR>While we have made great progress, it
might be argued that our leadership and commitment is
more important today than any time in the past. While
we have greater access to information, while more
quality training programs are available, while our
network is stronger and more vibrant, and while our
reach is broader than ever before, we stand on the
edge of an uncertain history--a history that will be
determined by our actions today. <BR><BR>The
continued expansion of digital information stores and
online services has the potential to greatly expand
access to information for the blind. These same
resources have the potential to cut us off from the
progress we have worked so hard to make--particularly
progress made over the last two decades. If we
continue in our conviction that the blind deserve
equal access, we can soon have more books than we had
ever dreamed would be available to us. If we continue
our leadership, emerging technologies in the workplace
will not shut us out and, if experience is any
indication, they will be more usable for everyone.
With our determination, the growing number of silent
electric vehicles on the streets will not be a threat
to blind and sighted pedestrians. And with our
innovation, we will engineer an interface that will
empower the blind to drive a car, and that same
technology will change how we think about access to
information. Whether it is access to the emerging
e-book revolution, improved instruction in Braille,
training for the blind leaders of the next generation,
or implementing best practices in Web site design, our
constant work to protect and provide access to
information is the key to our success in the
future.<BR><BR>As you review this month’s offerings
from the team at the National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute, remember that the promise of the
future is only available to us if we continue our
commitment to be an active part in securing the
outcomes we desire. Despite historic snowfalls in
Baltimore, the NFB Jernigan Institute continues to
push forward toward that future with strength and
determination.</STRONG></P></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 NOSEND="1"><BR><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"><STRONG>Mark A. Riccobono,
Executive Director, NFB Jernigan
Institute</STRONG></SPAN></SPAN>
<BR><BR><BR></SPAN></SPAN>
<P class=c9 align=center><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><A name=New></A><SPAN
class=headline>Featured NFB News</SPAN></H2>
<TABLE
style="WIDTH: 100px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 89px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px"
border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Photo:Google books logo"
align=left>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Graphic: Google books logo"
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12019.gif"
width=174 height=40
NOSEND="1"><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Dr. Marc
Maurer, President of the NFB, testified at a federal
hearing in New York on February 18 to support a
settlement that will allow Google to create the world's
largest digital Internet library. National Federation of
the Blind members with white canes filled the courtroom
to support Dr. Maurer's testimony that the audio
capabilities of Google's system "will give us access to
10 million books." Google wants to scan the books
and make them available online but some authors and
publishers oppose it. Google's reply is that "No
one seriously disputes that approval of the settlement
will open the virtual doors to the greatest library in
history, without costing authors a dime they now receive
or are likely to receive if the settlement is not
approved." The court has not yet made its
ruling. See coverage of the hearing in articles in
the <A title="Link to NYT Google hearing article"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=cw9cv2yPf5fRwjqjhltYFg..">New
York Times</A> and the <A
title="Link to AP coverage of Google hearing"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=lD7h7AQsyLn5PP-GoX3c1Q..">Associated
Press</A> syndicate. <BR>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c25><SPAN
class=headline><A
name=Education></A>Education</SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></H2>
<H4>2010 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington (LAW)
Program, April 16-20 </H4>
<P>It was a tough decision, but we have selected the
participants for this year's <A
title="Link to LAW program page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3hswPKQF2p7a5i18UsiF3w..">LAW</A>
program. Twenty-five middle school students (ages
12-16) from across the country have been notified that
they were chosen. We thank all of those who
applied and are pleased to report that we received
nearly one hundred applications for this first-time
program. More details to come about the exciting
plans for this event later this spring. </P>
<H4>2010 NFB Junior Science Academy, July 28-August 1
and August 4-8</H4>
<P>Preparations are heating up for this summer's <A
title="Link to Junior Science Academy page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=82IaD67bAZX7J1on55dHTg..">Junior
Science Academy</A> program. We are excited about
some of the new activities taking place this year.
Participants will be "gearing up for greatness" as they
participate in a number of hands-on activities to teach
simple principles of physics in a nonvisual way.
We are still accepting applications for this summer's
Junior Science Academy for children ages 8-12. We
also are still accepting mentor applications. If
you are interested in learning more about NFB's science
programs or in submitting a JSA student or mentor
application, please visit <A
title="Link to blindscience.org site"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=RCl1oBxhEszHYTfW21hS7w..">www.blindscience.org</A>.
</P>
<H4>NLCSD Doctoral Fellows Announcement</H4>
<P>The <A title="Link to NLCSD information"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LyBDyGKzuedc3325qCho9w..">National
Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities
(NLCSD)</A>, funded by the U.S. Department of Education,
Office of Special Education Programs, is accepting
applications to doctoral programs in the areas of
blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, and
deaf-blindness. Full tuition and a minimum of $20,000
annual living stipend will be provided to NLCSD Fellows
for up to four years of full-time on-campus study while
they earn their doctorates at one of the twenty-five
Consortium Universities. Fellowships are available to
U.S. citizens/permanent residents who must first be
accepted into a doctoral program. The first cohort will
begin Fall 2010. Applications for the first cohort must
be postmarked by March 26, 2010. Notifications will be
made to applicants by May 3, 2010. <BR><BR>The NFB is
deeply concerned that we have strong leaders in order to
continue our work to improve the education of blind
children and the programs to train teachers to work with
those children. We encourage those interested in
providing leadership in this area to consider
applying.</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P class=c29> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=c29><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Braille></A><SPAN
class=headline>Braille
Initiative</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<TABLE
style="WIDTH: 100px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 89px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px"
border=1 cellSpacing=0
summary="Photo:
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and NFB President Marc Maurer"
align=left>
<CAPTION class=photocaption><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000" class=photocaption>Secretary of
Education Arne Duncan and NFB President Marc
Maurer</SPAN></CAPTION>
<TBODY>
<TR></TR>
<TR>
<TD><IMG
alt="Photo: The U.S. Secretary of Education and NFB President"
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12017.jpg"
width=133 height=100
NOSEND="1"><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<P>Throughout the fall, the NFB collected testimony in
blind people's own voices about the power of Braille
literacy. A compilation of these personal stories
formed a book called <A
title="Link to Braille letters to President Obama book"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ylM7CgM6ICr-i65jlRbmlg.."><EM>Let
Freedom Ring: Braille Letters to President Barack
Obama</EM></A>. On February 1, 2010, U.S.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan <SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>accepted</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11> the publication on behalf of
the President at a ceremony at the United States
Department of Education. When presenting the letters, we
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>asked the Secretary to support the NFB’s goal
of doubling the number of school-age children reading
Braille</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>. Secretary
Duncan will take back to President Obama the book and
the knowledge that Braille is vital to the independence
of the blind. </P>
<P>We have identified three states for this year's <A
title="Link to BELL program page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=S3N6CZwiofPvAL7TJAcO3A.."><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11>Braille Enrichment for
Literacy and Learning Program
(</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>BELL)</A>.
Utah, Texas, and Virginia will facilitate a two-week
program this summer for elementary school children using
the curriculum developed from last summer's BELL
program. The program aims to encourage the use of
Braille by blind and low-vision children, and to foster
some of the early literacy skills for Braille
instruction. The facilitators of this program will
meet at the NFB Jernigan Institute next month for a
training seminar to help them in the development and
facilitation of their summer programs. <BR><BR>If
you’d like to help support the Braille literacy efforts
of the NFB Jernigan Institute, please consider making a
<A title="Link to make a matching gift"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=s5tVMeZKyiRjuJMUfKXLAQ..">matching
gift</A> to the “<A
title="Link to Braille Initiative page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ejnjSIiOX11f5MuX2yC9BA..">Braille
Readers are Leaders</A>” campaign.</P>
<P> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2><A name=Advocacy></A><SPAN
class=headline>Advocacy</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<H4>Washington Seminar</H4>
<P>Once a year NFB delegates visit Washington to inform
Congress about issues of importance to the blind.
Delegates to the <A title="Link to Washington Seminar"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=08gkOru6nwRbBncKEXGATA..">Washington
Seminar</A> meet with Members of Congress to make them
aware of the issues most important to blind
Americans. This year, the event took place in the
first days of February. <BR><BR></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<TABLE
style="WIDTH: 100px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 89px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px"
border=1 cellSpacing=0
summary="Photo:
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz receives plaque from NFB President Marc Maurer"
align=left>
<CAPTION class=photocaption><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"
class=photocaption>Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz
receives plaque from NFB President Marc
Maurer</SPAN></CAPTION>
<TBODY>
<TR></TR>
<TR>
<TD><IMG
alt="Photo: Congresswoman Schultz receiving plaque from Dr. Maurer"
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12018.jpg"
width=150 height=100
NOSEND="1"><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>On Wednesday, February 3, 2010, the NFB
presented the <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>Distinguished
Legislative Service
Award</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> to
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida for
her leadership in securing funding for the Digital
Talking Book program of the Library of Congress National
Library Service. Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz
is also a cosponsor of the Blind Persons Return to Work
Act and the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act.
<BR><BR>Download and read the full <A
title="Link to Legislative Agenda"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=zzcSn28Mh5qJVU1T8nOG0Q..">Legislative
Agenda of Blind Americans: Priorities for the 111th
Congress, Second Session</A> here. Fact sheets on the
three main issues give a lot more detail: <A
title="Link to pedestrian safety fact sheet"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=bXWFJPmKkLkcoO2RjDpMnQ..">Enhancing
Pedestrian Safety: Ensuring the Blind Can Continue to
Travel Safely and Independently</A>, <A
title="Link to technology bill of rights fact sheet"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=u1089x3dqBbLC8lJqJEljA..">A
Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind</A>, and <A
title="Link to work incentives fact sheet"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9I-NwwTQPhfDtS-4kb-OJg..">Removing
the Earnings Penalty: A Common Sense Work Incentive for
Blind Social Security Beneficiaries</A>. <SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN
class=c11> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>Pursuing Her
Professional
Dream</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></H4>
<P>On February 4, 2010, a federal court ruled that the
<A title="Link to NCBE Web site"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=R80rsMFbEfyUEIwAdZQwuw..">National
Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE)</A><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11> must provide individualized
testing accommodations to a blind law school graduate.
The judge found that it will cause irreparable harm not
to have the technology-based testing accommodations the
graduate requests when taking the exam to become a
member of the California Bar. <BR><BR>Dr. Marc
Maurer, President of the National Federation of the
Blind, said: “The National Federation of the Blind is
extremely pleased with the ruling in this case.
Law and equity simply do not permit the NCBE to dictate
a one-size-fits-all solution for all bar candidates with
disabilities. We hope that this ruling will cause
the NCBE to think long and hard before it denies the
requested accommodations of applicants to take its
examinations.” <BR><BR>The plaintiff said: “Tonight I
can go to sleep knowing when and how I can effectively
take the exams to fulfill my dreams.”
<BR><BR></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>N</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11>ow other individuals can
pursue their professional dreams despite high-stakes
testing providers who take a rigid approach to
disability
accommodations.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN class=c11> Read more about the NCBE’s
refusal to allow the plaintiff to use the technology
that she was accustomed to during the test and the NFB's
suit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in
this <A title="Link to NCBE press release"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=J2HjLO7YdzTjcNkUgSQ9ew..">February
press release</A>. <BR>
<BR></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider" align=middle
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c25><A name=StraightTalk></A><SPAN
class=headline>Straight Talk About Vision Loss
</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P class=c9>We invite followers of the <A
title="Link to Straight Talk Web page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=henMt96KN4758DHMoeabgA..">Straight
Talk About Vision Loss</A> Web-based video series to
join us in our Race for Independence. This is not a race
in the traditional sense. We are not content with
merely traveling by foot--our imagination is putting us
in the driver’s seat as we speed toward our goal of
first-class citizenship in society at an ever-increasing
pace! This <A
title="Link to Blind Driver promotional video"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Ng1il_lKY2fOtJotPOMXIQ..">video</A>
will tell you more about empowering the blind to do
something most believe is impossible. <BR><BR></P>
<P class=c9> </P>
<P class=c9 align=center><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Technology></A><SPAN
class=headline>Product and Access Technology
Talk</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P class=c30>The Access Technology team of the Jernigan
Institute has some very exciting news--Target received
the Gold level <A
title="Link to nonvisual Web accessibility certification"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=u-dIOCOzbSgs3WXeWqrpHQ..">NFB
nonvisual accessibility certification</A> for its Web
site <A title="Link to Target.com Web site"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=E-K_TihyNPOmUy3bJFQYlA..">target.com</A>.
The increasing acceptance of the certification with
online retailers bodes well for blind and low-vision
shoppers.<BR><BR>During the annual Washington Seminar
last month, the team co-hosted a booth with Blackboard
to showcase <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>to students
attending Washington Seminar
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>the improvements
Blackboard has made to <A
title="Link to Blackboard Learn platform page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FhRQySMGbXtZ4UP1AvimSQ..">Blackboard
Learn.<BR></A><BR>The AT team worked with <A
title="Link to Towson University site"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5wJ2h6krQQ7Wgrt49p-gVg..">Towson
University</A> on how blind technology users take
advantage of groupware applications to keep track of
tasks, meetings, and other appointments. Towson
interviewed five National Center for the Blind staff
members to get an understanding of how applications such
as Microsoft Outlook are used for group collaboration
and to identify problems that blind users encounter when
using groupware applications.<BR><BR>After consulting
the <A title="Link to Access Technology blog"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JbIiTTFvqkwYrJyV2-GZHA..">Access
Technology blog</A> readers, the team locked in the last
session for the technology day at National Convention in
Dallas this summer. The day will consist of one long
morning session and two shorter afternoon sessions. The
first session of the day will be devoted to the
increasing number of fully accessible Apple devices. The
first afternoon session will take a look at Blackboard
Learn and the great strides it has seen in enhancing
accessibility in its latest release. At our readers’
behest, the day’s final topic will be eBooks. The Access
Technology team will examine the rapidly expanding
market of digital books and the devices used to access
them.<BR><BR>Finally, the team also conducted a low
vision demonstration at the North Oaks retirement
community, thereby increasing awareness in the area of
the NFB’s activities in low
vision.</P></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11><BR></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Library></A><SPAN
class=headline>From the tenBroek Library</SPAN></H2>BIG
NEWS!! We’re pleased to announce the public launch
of our online library catalog. There is now a link
from the <A title="Link to JtB Library page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=rvnlxmxtQRt63E4AfBc7sQ..">library’s
Web page</A>, or you can surf directly to the <A
title="Link to online catalog"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3qb7x42kSVbRAd7FU4VFRw..">catalog</A>.<BR><BR>When
you visit the library catalog, please be sure to read
the information on its home page, and you may want to
take a look at the “<A
title="Link to online catalog FAQs"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=H15Pd5YVpE0Vl7aOC9bLdg..">link
to FAQs</A>” for answers to some frequently asked
questions. If you have any questions or comments
of your own, please click on “<A
title="Link to contact with catalog questions"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JhnXuf5Xrpz5ufD6MVSBHQ..">questions
about this catalog</A>.” This will bring up a form
you can use to let tenBroek Library staff know of your
questions or concerns. We promise prompt replies
to all questions, comments, or criticisms.<BR><BR>Last
September we announced a contest to <A
title="Link to name online library catalog contest"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=-u9QH7SM83-V3zK-LAWB9A..">choose
a name for the catalog</A>. In honor of the
launch, we’ve extended the deadline for entries to April
15 (an easy date to remember for deadlines).
This is the first general purpose library catalog
developed with the collaboration of blind access
technology experts. It deserves a fitting
name. Let us know what you think it should be!
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P dir=ltr class=c40 align=left> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-TOP: 0pt; BORDER-RIGHT: 0pt"
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Independence></A><SPAN
class=headline>Independence
Market</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The NFB Independence Market
carries products that enhance the independence of a
blind or visually impaired individual. Our new
product offerings include the following:<BR><BR><A
title="Link to Wilson recorder"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=j8ApcZxjT_Ara6ObL7I8Jw..">Wilson
One-Hour Digital Voice Recorder</A> This unit has
the capacity to record fifteen messages up to four
minutes in length. Easy three-button operation: record,
play/stop, and delete. Buttons are easy to feel and beep
tones give audio feedback during operation. Measures 2 x
3 x 1/2 inches and features a belt clip. Requires two
AAA batteries (included).<BR><BR><A
title="Link to penfriend"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=z89p6o8kElATw5w7YBHzhw..">PenFriend
Voice Labeling System</A> A tool for labeling
household items. Records voice labels of varying lengths
and associates them with stick-on labels. Has 1 gigabyte
of internal memory (seventy hours of recording time).
Features volume control, external speaker, and headphone
jack. Includes 127 re-recordable labels and 2 AAA
batteries.<BR><BR>These products would be especially
helpful to someone who is not able to use Braille to
label various items or jot down short notes. For
further information, please contact the Independence
Market staff by e-mail at <A
title="Link to e-mail Independence Market"
href="mailto:IndependenceMarket@nfb.org">IndependenceMarket@nfb.org</A>
or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN
class=c27><SPAN
class=c11> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN
class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN
class=c11>
<P class=MsoNormal> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c30><A
name=Parents></A><SPAN class=headline>Parent
Outreach</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<TABLE
style="WIDTH: 75px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 104px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px"
border=1 cellSpacing=0
summary="Photo:Youth Slammer rides mechanical bull"
align=left>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG
alt="Photo: A pre-reader, her pal, and her dad"
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12015.gif"
width=100 height=131
NOSEND="1"><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<H4>Braille Reading Pals Club--A Pre-Literacy Program
for Blind and Low-Vision Children </H4>
<P>Registration is now open! <A
title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=qRlHb_pkIVh-Tj_W04Ukwg..">The
Braille Reading Pals Club</A> is an NFB Jernigan
Institute early literacy program that encourages parents
to read daily with their blind or low-vision child (ages
infant to seven). Participating club members will
receive: a print-Braille book, a plush reading pal, a
monthly parent e-newsletter promoting tips for early
Braille literacy, quarterly Braille activity sheets for
young children, Braille birthday cards for child
participants, access to a network of resources devoted
to serving parents of blind children, an electronic
reading log to track the time read with children each
day, and a free subscription to <EM>Future
Reflections</EM>, a publication for parents of blind
children. This program will introduce young children and
their families to Braille. The Braille Reading Pals Club
will help parents promote early literacy skills, a love
of reading, and a positive attitude about Braille
through daily reading with their blind children. The
Braille Reading Pals Club is co-sponsored by the
National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
(NOPBC). To learn more about this new, exciting
program, or to <A
title="Link to register for Braille Reading Pals Club"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=BNezap4l1tVJJ8GpJ-T3nQ..">register</A>,
please visit <A
title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=rLR82AANFAC3jzAK9Lrq3g..">www.nfb.org/readingpals</A>.</P>
<H4>New Addition to the 2010 NFB Youth Track at National
Convention </H4>
<P>We are pleased to announce an addition to our <A
title="Link to youth outreach education initiatives "
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LwI2r3wQJsYs4Q84N_wV3w..">Youth
Outreach</A> education initiatives. This summer at
the NFB convention in Dallas, Texas, there will be
Junior Youth Track activities for youth ages 11-14,
timed to coincide with the main convention week and
activities of the National Organization of Parents of
Blind Children. Additionally, we will continue our
facilitation of the NFB Youth Track for high school
students ages 14-18. A more complete listing of
activities during the week will be available in future
<EM>Braille Monitor</EM>s or in the convention agenda
when it becomes available. Please contact Mary Jo
T. Hartle, Jernigan Institute Director of Education, at
(410) 659-9314, extension 2407, for more information.
</P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><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></SPAN><SPAN class=c11>
<P class=MsoNormal align=center><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></P>
<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>
<P></P>
<TABLE
style="WIDTH: 143px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 75px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px"
border=1 cellSpacing=0
summary="Race for Independence Logo" align=left>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Race for Independence Logo"
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11983.jpg"
width=129 height=50
NOSEND="1"><BR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><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>
<P class=c29>"Hundreds have already made the commitment
to support the 2010 Race for Independence. But we need
you. We must make workplace technology and home
appliances accessible to the blind now! Sign up at <A
title="Link to RaceforIndependence.org"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ufh2rTjRRgzNXJ9L997Z5w..">www.raceforindependence.org</A>
or call (410) 659-9314, extension
2371.<BR> <BR>"During 2010, we are building a
nonvisual interface that can be installed in an
automobile. If we can do it with a car, we can do
it with anything. Come on, let's race toward tomorrow
together!"<BR> <BR>--Parnell Diggs, Chairman,
<EM>Imagination Fund</EM><BR><BR>The <EM><A
title="Link to Imagination Fund homepage"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3yfbYbwIHhzhrn1GqqgsdQ..">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. </P>
<P class=c29> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG
alt="Image: Rainbow section divider"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 height=4 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c42><A name=Events></A><SPAN
class=headline>NFB Calendar</SPAN></H2>
<P><STRONG>Now Open:</STRONG><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> </STRONG> Room
reservations for <A
title="Link to National Convention page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=qiHGMxUBR5g7spXGWCogiw..">2010
National Convention</A>. Write directly to the
Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas,
Texas 75207, or call (214) 761-7500.
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR><BR><STRONG>Now
Open:</STRONG> Nominations for the 2010 <A
title="Link to Bolotin Awards"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=wkq5yArsFhelqUaKGZx8zA..">Dr.
Jacob Bolotin Award Program</A>. Please visit the <A
title="Link to apply for 2010 Bolotin Awards"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=TrKgJb1XOCdxZQ7-KLj4tA..">Application
Information and Materials</A> page to submit a
nomination or letter of
recommendation.<BR><BR><STRONG>March 1, 2010</STRONG>
Pre-registration begins for <A
title="Link to 2010 National Convention page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=7U1laTUY5u4-rBt0ukAiGw..">2010
National Convention</A>. <BR><BR><STRONG>March 22,
2010</STRONG> <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> </STRONG>
<A
title="Link to register for Braille Reading Pals Club"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=wHNpWrEOBA6QjBVfAQTUVw..">Registration</A>
deadline for <A
title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=U6Sqo6cEglxhYv16QOkqNg..">Braille
Reading Pals Club</A> to guarantee the receipt of your
print-Braille book and plush reading
pal.<BR><BR><STRONG>March 31, 2010</STRONG>
Deadline to <A
title="Link to NFB Scholarship program information"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5d0Hmc409-k2OlO0-lz55A..">apply
for a 2010 NFB Scholarship</A>, thirty awards ranging
from $3,000 to $12,000, plus a trip to the <A
title="Link to 2010 National Convention page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=P4obnVpfWsLelDSeaJtbBA..">2010
National Convention</A>, for blind postsecondary
scholars.<BR><BR><STRONG>March 31, 2010</STRONG>
Final day to submit nominations online for the 2010 <A
title="Link
to Bolotin Awards"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3NDS4mslUuxJuQM3xmDiag..">Dr.
Jacob Bolotin Award Program</A>. <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>Please visit the <A
title="Link to apply for 2010
Bolotin Awards"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Kc-tAGFMToyrXWQiutyaig..">Application
Information and Materials</A> page for more information.
<BR><BR></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><STRONG>April
1, 2010</STRONG> Program year begins for <A
title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ZByFjaHZFn1DvQw-tAh97g..">Braille
Reading Pals Club</A>, A Pre-Literacy Program for Blind
and Low-Vision Children, Sponsored by the National
Federation of the Blind and the National Organization of
Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)<BR><STRONG><BR>April
15-16, 2010</STRONG> <A
title="Link to 2010 JtB Law Symposium"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0zMsuSJp1CUL7tIqUu0BkQ..">2010
Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</A>, National
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.
<BR><BR><STRONG>April 16-20, 2010</STRONG> <A
title="Link to NFB LAW program page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0nKjK5QYbww92czkVYtDJg..">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><BR><STRONG>April 30, 2010</STRONG>
Deadline for <A
title="Link to Onkyo Braille Essay Contest information"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Lu2ssFZt2tWJLLJ-Tgqfvw..">Onkyo
Braille Essay Contest</A>, administered by the NFB for
the North America-Caribbean Region of the World Blind
Union.<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> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR><STRONG><BR>May
1, 2010</STRONG> <A
title="Link to The Cane Event page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LinodlNMsWKBgQsPN-bfGA..">The
Cane Event</A>, National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute.
</P></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<P></P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #993366"><STRONG><EM>Our annual fundraiser
features casino games, live entertainment, heavy hors
d’oeuvres, drinks, dancing, and more! The proceeds
from the evening benefit our </EM>Imagination Fund<EM>,
supporting programs at the NFB Jernigan Institute and in
our state affiliates. For more information or to
become a <A
title="Link to Cane Event sponsorship opportunities"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=7vcMgEw4paTzVIINCvKVfA..">sponsor</A>
of The Cane Event, e-mail <A
title="Link to e-mail Karen Zakhnini"
href="mailto:kzakhnini@nfb.org">Karen Zakhnini</A> or
call (410) 659-9314, ext. 2297. <SPAN
style="COLOR: #008080"><SPAN
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff">Ticket information
coming soon.</SPAN></SPAN></EM></STRONG></SPAN></P>
<P><STRONG><BR>June 10-12, 2010</STRONG> <A
title="Link to Research in the Rockies page"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=beeM3Yq0Nhxrh5aLZ3rQew..">Research
in the Rockies</A> international seminar devoted to
Braille reading and writing, Denver, Colorado. For
more information, please contact <A
title="Judy Chwalow's e-mail
address"
href="mailto:jchwalow@nfb.org">Dr. Judith Chwalow</A>,
NFB Jernigan Institute Director of
Research.<BR><BR><STRONG>July 3-8, 2010</STRONG>
NFB <A title="Link to 2010 National Convention flyer"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=A5isntcUrUv58iPZHlMXfg..">National
Convention</A>, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas.
</P>
<P style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: #339966"><EM><SPAN
style="COLOR: #993366">The annual meeting of the NFB and
the largest gathering of the blind in the country,
drawing approximately three thousand blind people from
all across the United States. Become a <A
title="Link to convention sponsorship opportunities"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=DaJere0lX6RYUiUv-bfCNQ..">convention
sponsor</A> or exhibitor</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #993366">--contact <A
title="Link to e-mail Karen Zakhnini"
href="mailto:kzakhnini@nfb.org">Karen Zakhnini</A>,
(410) 659-9314, ext.
2297.</SPAN></EM></SPAN></STRONG></P>
<P><STRONG><BR>July 28-August 1 and August 4-8,
2010</STRONG> <A
title="Link to 2010 Junior Science Academy information"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=rkBqG4qLBVR5GAxezX-b6w..">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.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=E8gcD04i2C6g5DS9Qci0-Q..">National
Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS)</A>. See
a <A title="Link to 2009 Youth Slam video"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=vyNBOapehdWp8xzRK0vqAA..">video
about the 2009 NFB Youth Slam</A> science academy for
high school students. </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><BR><EM>Coming Summer
2011—NFB National Convention in Orlando,
Florida!</EM></P>
<P align=center><BR><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=450 NOSEND="1"></P>
<H2 class=c47><A name=Quote></A><SPAN
class=headline>Citation</SPAN></H2>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><EM><SPAN
style="COLOR: #800080"> </SPAN></EM></SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #993366"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><EM>Dear </EM>New York Times
Magazine<EM> Editor:<BR><BR>The article “<A
title="Link to NYT Listening to Braille article"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VJhr62fDZa49PGc88Ixoeg..">Listening
to Braille</A>” in the January 3 issue of the magazine
highlighted one of the most serious misconceptions faced
by blind Americans: the idea that technology is a
replacement for Braille literacy. No one would seriously
argue that sighted children should learn exclusively by
means of the spoken word, yet this is exactly the
argument propounded by Laura J. Sloate and some others
in the article who falsely believe that Braille has
outlived its usefulness. The National Federation of the
Blind, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of
blind people, believes that all blind children must be
given the opportunity to learn Braille for the same
reason that sighted children must learn print: so that
they are able to read and communicate using the written
word. Braille is the key to literacy for the blind, and
proper Braille instruction is essential if blind
children are to receive an equal
education.<BR><BR>Sincerely,<BR>Marc Maurer,
President<BR>National Federation of the
Blind</EM></SPAN></SPAN></STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><EM><STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: #800080"> </SPAN></STRONG></EM></SPAN></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG> --"<A
title="Link to Listening to Braille in Monitor"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=qDbngElz48sNXQufoJUs2w..">Listening
to Braille</A>," <A
title="Link to February 2010 Braille Monitor"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ymtYH3Ro69uIcNIACqTsYw..">February
2010</A></STRONG></SPAN><A
title="Link to February 2010 Braille Monitor"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VEKoUlJ9GY_grK99GhVgNg.."><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG><EM> Braille
Monitor</EM> </STRONG></SPAN></A>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: #800080"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"><BR></SPAN></SPAN></STRONG></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #000000"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: #800080"><BR></SPAN></STRONG></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=c29 align=center><A href="#Top">Back to Top</A>
<BR><BR>Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan
Institute’s <EM>Imagineering Our Future</EM>.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal> </P>
<P> </P></TD>
<TD vAlign=top width="25%">
<H4 class=c54> </H4>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 10%" class=c55
title="Photo: Mentor leads hikers along a trail"
border=1 cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Mentor leads hikers along a trail"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<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 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P> </P>
<P> </P>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 10%" class=c55
title="Photo: Group on white water raft" border=1
cellSpacing=2 summary="Photo: Group on white water raft"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Group on white water raft"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11455.jpg"
width=100 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=c51 align=center>Support the Jernigan Institute
through the <EM><A
title="Information about the Imagination Fund"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WbydDO_BrIgYiOx3fbVkEA..">Imagination
Fund</A></EM></P>
<H4 class=c58><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></H4>
<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>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width=10><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Young woman playing flute"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11433.gif"
width=100 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<H4><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>Interesting links: </H4>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
title="Link to Past episodes of Straight Talk about Vision Loss"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=r9I53KL805M22L1gLwvjvg..">Archive
of Straight Talk about Vision Loss
videos</A><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=4C5SRdvmfGhIHDmmR9aMBQ..">National
Center for Blind Youth in Science</A><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=K-culFHyTtWXCfscoc4qpQ..">Access
Technology Tips</A></P>
<P class=c60 align=center><BR><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c61> </P>
<H4>
<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>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Youth practicing martial art"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11435.gif"
width=100
NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></H4>
<H4 class=c63>Blogs:</H4>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
title="Link to Access Technology blog"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=wr3tUpQgCfnvEdn3L5y6_g..">Access
Technology</A><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
title="Link to Voice of the Nation’s Blind blog"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=BonCyLQaR8tyv_rjmZo0fA..">Voice
of the Nation’s Blind</A></P>
<H4 class=c64><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></H4>
<P class=c6> </P>
<TABLE title="Photo: Senior couple" border=1
cellSpacing=2 summary="Photo: Senior couple"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width=10><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Senior couple"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11083.gif"
width=100 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR>
<H4 class=c51><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>Publication archives:
</H4>
<P class=c6 align=center><A
title="Link to back issues of Voice of the Diabetic"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mWaxxysrHcokd7t64b2PTg..">Voice
of the Diabetic</A><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c6 align=center><EM><A
title="Link to archive of Future Reflections magazine"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=w029XemAFh25-Y6gq2ziEQ..">Future
Reflections</A></EM><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c6 align=center><EM><A
title="Link to archive of the Braille Monitor"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=alt1YiAZ04ckmV1LHIc4ng..">Braille
Monitor</A></EM></P>
<P class=c66> </P>
<P class=c51><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c51> </P>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 10%" class=c67
title="Photo: Mom and son take a moment to hug" border=1
cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Mom and son take a moment to hug"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10767.jpg"
width=100 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=c6> </P>
<P class=c51> </P>
<P class=c51 align=center><IMG border=0
alt="Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind"
align=right
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11075.gif"
width=125 NOSEND="1"></P>
<P class=c6
align=center><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
<P class=c51><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
<TABLE title="Photo: Blind little girl with cane"
border=1 cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Blind little girl with cane"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width=10>
<P class=c51><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Blind little girl with cane"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11079.gif"
width=100 height=142
NOSEND="1"></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<P class=c6><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 5%" class=c69
title="Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book" border=1
cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="5%"><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10623.jpg"
width=100
NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<TABLE
title="Photo: Blind girl examining constellations model"
border=1 cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Blind girl examining constellations model"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width=10><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11081.gif"
width=100
NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 5%" class=c70
title="Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe" border=1
cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="10%"><IMG border=0
alt="Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10621.jpg"
width=100
NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 5%" class=c71
title="Photo: Teens carry March for Independence banner"
border=1 cellSpacing=2
summary="Photo: Teens carry March for Independence banner"
cellPadding=2 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="5%"><IMG border=0
alt="Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11187.jpg"
width=100 NOSEND="1"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR>Visit
us at <A title=www.nfb.org
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=b_Sa4i7lyd-PQJL6dWofeA..">nfb.org</A></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD colSpan=2>
<P class=c61> </P>
<P class=c51 align=center><IMG border=0
alt="Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10899.jpg"
NOSEND="1"></P>
<P class=c6> </P>
<P align=center><IMG border=0 alt=""
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif"
width=620 height=4 NOSEND="1"><BR><BR>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.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=oEMMY2WYug813KGRKl_FeQ..">Visit
us at www.nfb.org</A></P>
<DIV class="PoweredByConvio c72">
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=4
align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=center width=100 align=middle> </TD>
<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 NOSEND="1"></TD>
<TD vAlign=center width=100 align=middle><A
title="Visit to learn about America's top charity watchdog organization"
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=gO8jRsfh5687xZSVBlm_bw.."><IMG
border=0
alt="American Institute of Philanthropy logo"
src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11465.jpg"
width=75 NOSEND="1"></A></TD>
<TD vAlign=center width=100
align=middle> </TD></TR>
<TR>
<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>
<DIV class="PoweredByConvio c72" align=center><BR><A
href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3iMVq2u1YYIJYRhAYq0v-A..">Forward
this newsletter.</A><BR>If this issue was forwarded to
you and you’d like to subscribe, please e-mail <A
title="E-mail JerniganInstitute@nfb.org"
href="mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future">JerniganInstitute@nfb.org</A>.</DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><IMG
src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/PixelServer?j=bLrM1PM_wuiajoCc8O65_A.."
width=1 height=1 NOSEND="1"> </P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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