<font color='black' size='4' face='Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif'><br>
<div style="CLEAR: both"><FONT size=4></FONT><FONT size=4></FONT><br>
<FONT color=black size=4 face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
<br>
</div>
<div style="FONT-FAMILY: arial,helvetica; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">
<div id=AOLMsgPart_2_244d7a86-e987-4647-a9fe-6daba1dc189f>
<div style="FONT-FAMILY: arial,helvetica; COLOR: black; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-----Original Message-----<br>
From: Mark Riccobono <<A href="mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org">JerniganInstitute@nfb.org</A>><br>
To: <A href="mailto:bluegolfshoes@aol.com">bluegolfshoes@aol.com</A><br>
Sent: Tue, Mar 30, 2010 3:56 pm<br>
Subject: NFB Imagineering Our Future: March Madness<br>
<br>
<div id=AOLMsgPart_2_31ec7dea-43e1-4583-b2fa-fa1c4d3c1779>
<TABLE>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width=800>
<div>
<TABLE style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 714px; HEIGHT: 4741px" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="100%" colSpan=4>
<TABLE border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 685px; HEIGHT: 30px" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD colSpan=4>
<div 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> <A href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=vADr4U3hGT8JjQY_x0wzww.." target=_blank><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">View this newsletter as HTML in your browser.</SPAN></A><br>
<A title="Link to Imagineering Our Future #20" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Bc7PLNTnfsDc-fYLzemedg.." target=_blank><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 80%">View last month’s newsletter.</SPAN></A></div>
<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%">
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 675px; HEIGHT: 26px" border=0 bgColor=#ffa12d>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c9><STRONG><SPAN class=c8> Issue 21 </SPAN></STRONG></div>
</TD>
<TD align=right><STRONG><SPAN class=c8>March 30, 2010 </SPAN></STRONG></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div> </div>
<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="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/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/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#New" target=_blank>What’s New</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Education href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Education" target=_blank>Education</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Braille " href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Braille" target=_blank>Braille Initiative</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Advocacy href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/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/31226-111/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/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Technology" target=_blank>Technology Talk</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Jacobus tenBroek Library" href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/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/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Independence" target=_blank>Independence Market</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Parent Outreach" href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Parents" target=_blank>Parent Outreach</A></LI>
<LI><A title="Imagination Fund" href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/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/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Events" target=_blank>NFB Calendar</A></LI>
<LI><A title=Citation href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Quote" target=_blank>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></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>
<div class=c9><STRONG>Dear Friends,<br>
<br>
March Madness has a different meaning at the NFB Jernigan Institute. Yes, around the coffee machine there</STRONG><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><STRONG>s the usual discussion of big upsets and smack talk for favorite college teams. However, the madness here has to do with a more delicate and life changing selection process than those sixty-five teams that are picked to play for a chance at the big dance. March is filled with sorting through applications for participation in upcoming educational programs like this summer’s NFB Junior Science Academy.<br>
<br>
Why madness? We receive four times as many applicants as we have spots for participants in our programs. We know that every blind child, every parent of a blind child, and every teacher of blind students would benefit from participating in our education programs. Until we figure out a way to get enough resources to spread the programs out to every corner of this country, we have to continue going through the madness that is the selection process. The stakes are high as we see so many children and families that are desperate for the hope and opportunity that is offered in the programs of the National Federation of the Blind. A recent letter from a mom said, “We felt like we learned more at the Beginnings and Blueprints Conference than any other sources combined.” And this spring we are welcoming back blind students from the 2009 NFB Youth Slam for more training in leadership and self-advocacy. The stories of how their lives were changed because of their experience at the NFB Youth Slam and the ongoing mentorship they are receiving from blind people in their local community fuels our passion to do more.<br>
<br>
We are tired of the madness. Blind people should not have to wait or compete for hope and opportunity. That is why we continue to expand and improve our efforts. This year’s Junior Science Academy will have two sessions instead of the one we offered two years ago. This summer we are expanding our Braille enrichment program to three more states (above and beyond the two original states from last year). And, we are offering new education programs this spring and planning for new initiatives in the next year and a half.<br>
<br>
We need to do more. The pace is increasing, the urgency is building, the demand for the work of the Federation is at an all time high. We need your support in the effort. Your time, talent, and treasure all contribute to helping us expand the resource pool to accomplish our goals. I would ask that you look over this newsletter and find the place where you can contribute (put your name in that bracket and let us know). Pass this newsletter on to friends to spread the word about our work (your college buddies will turn their heads when they learn that March Madness is more than whether or not their team advanced). And get behind our team by making a <A title="Link to Team Jernigan Institute" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1kP6D4dFLm4UtqsS27YMRw.." target=_blank>contribution to Team Jernigan Institute</A> in the Race for Independence. Your support in all of these ways makes a huge difference in our effort to change what it means to be blind.<br>
<br>
When you are standing around the coffee machine talking about March Madness and tipping your hat to outstanding performances on the court, remember the work of the National Federation of the Blind. The teamwork and accomplishments of the members of the Federation are outstanding, and our teamwork is helping put more blind people in a position to compete in the big dance in more fields than ever before.</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>
<br>
<br>
</SPAN></SPAN>
<div class=c9 align=center><IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></div>
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><A name=New></A><SPAN class=headline>Featured NFB News</SPAN></H2>
<H4></H4>
<H4>2010 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</H4>
<div>The Jernigan Institute will host the 2010 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium: Equality, Difference, and the Right to Live in the World, on April 15th and 16th. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez and former Congressman Tony Coelho head the list of distinguished legal scholars, practitioners, and advocates who will discuss the concepts of equality and difference as they relate to the disabled in employment, education, medical treatment, and access to technology. This year, the symposium format has been expanded to incorporate workshops on special education advocacy and litigation strategies to provide disability rights advocates increased opportunities to collaborate and network.<br>
<br>
In addition to founding the NFB in 1940, Dr. Jacobus tenBroek was a constitutional law scholar who created the concept that civil rights should apply to disabled Americans. His seminal 1966 <EM>Law Review</EM> article<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 Right to Live in the World: The Disabled in the Law of Torts” is the foundation for the civil rights provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Jernigan Institute and the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will provide disability rights advocates a forum in which to continue Dr. tenBroek’s work toward achieving equal opportunity for all citizens to participate fully in the society in which we live.<br>
<br>
Time is short to register or get more information on the <A title="Link to Law Symposium page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=M016Tdy73DjjyOJlhtOq0Q.." target=_blank>2010 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</A>. Learn more about <A title="Link to Library page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KnYeA5XSLoCVIEKsiBFrPw.." target=_blank>Jacobus tenBroek</A> and the Jacobus tenBroek Library online. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<H4>Bolotin Award Deadline Approaches</H4>
<div>Individuals and organizations who are making significant contributions to help change what it means to be blind are encouraged to apply for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award presented by the National Federation of the Blind. Nominations and letters of support should be completed online by March 31, and winners will be notified by May 15. To be considered, nominees must live and work in the United States. The Federation will award $50,000 this year to recognize and support individuals and organizations that share and live the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind and Dr. Bolotin. For further details, to nominate an individual or organization, or to support a nomination that has already been made, go to the <A title="Link to Bolotin Award page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=E_dZ-VcSucXz1KvygsY0vA.." target=_blank>Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award page</A>.</div>
<H4>Cane Event</H4>
<div>Join us for our annual fundraiser, <A title="Link to The Cane Event information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WxUjhzskLQcTnykJ2SAyhA.." target=_blank>The Cane Event</A>, on May 1, 2010! The evening will feature casino games, a piano bar, food, drinks, music, and more! The proceeds from the event benefit our <EM>Imagination Fund</EM>, which supports programs at the NFB Jernigan Institute and in our state affiliates. <A title="Link to purchase Cane Event tickets" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=h6JOpO-yF2O1vC1lrPH3gQ.." target=_blank>Reserve your tickets</A> today! Alternatively, you could become a <A title="Link to Braille Literacy Champion form" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=c2P7_Wo7CB4ZGJql2edmaA.." target=_blank>Braille Literacy Champion</A>, which comes with two tickets, plus you<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>ll support a blind child<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s right to read by sponsoring a Braille book to be sent through our <A title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=nxWpmSZ6WwKm6-dEBPXgSg.." target=_blank>Braille Reading Pals Club</A>. <br>
<br>
When you become a <A title="Link to Cane Event sponsorship opportunities" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WhIEEKqzy7kiRxyCd8UwYQ.." target=_blank>sponsor</A> or purchase <A title="Link to purchase Cane Event tickets" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=pWEGjQUxa-KpLf6xcnGmag.." target=_blank>tickets</A>, you support us as we empower the blind across the country! Thank you to our current sponsors, including Brown, Goldstein, and Levy, LLP; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; and Market Development Group. </div>
<TABLE border=0 align=center>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Logo" align=middle src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12023.jpg" width=175 height=40></TD>
<TD> </TD>
<TD><IMG alt="Brown Goldstein Levy Logo" align=middle src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11087.gif" width=120 height=61></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD> </TD>
<TD><IMG alt="Market Development Group Logo" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11591.gif" width=115 height=49></TD>
<TD> </TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="NIB Logo" align=middle src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12022.gif" width=115 height=34></TD>
<TD> </TD>
<TD><IMG alt=" IBM Logo" align=middle src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11101.gif" width=95 height=36></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD> </TD>
<TD><IMG alt="Graphic: RSF logo" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12027.gif" width=85 height=40><br>
</TD> </TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><STRONG><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 80%"><br>
</SPAN></STRONG></SPAN>Sign up or get more information online at <A title="Link to The Cane Event information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NggwzocCIHKRP8VFFPPaSw.." target=_blank>thecaneevent.org</A> or call Karen Zakhnini at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2297. </div>
<IMG alt="" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/PixelServer?j=NIyq_vRvTswT4OmtJAfcmg.." width=1 height=1> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></div>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c25><SPAN class=headline><A name=Education></A>Education</SPAN></H2>
<H4>2010 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington DC (LAW) Program</H4>
<div>We received nearly 100 <A title="Link to LAW program page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=sMdS6bQEkS3X9iIxi8YDVQ.." target=_blank>LAW Program</A> applications from interested students and are very sorry that we cannot take more participants. Twenty-five youth from across the country have been accepted to this new program and will be coming to the NFB Jernigan Institute next month for an exciting week of advocacy and historical learning. </div>
<H4>2010 NFB Junior Science Academy</H4>
<div>This summer the NFBJI is very pleased to offer the <A title="Link to Junior Science Academy description" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=-dE5MFjAEy1EPqsWZtfMqQ.." target=_blank>Junior Science Academy</A> for the second time. The response has been overwhelming—we received over 110 applications with only thirty spots to fill between the two sessions. Selected applicants will be notified by April 1 of their status. </div>
<H4>Youth Leadership Seminars</H4>
<div>This spring, as a way to follow up with youth who participated in last summer<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s NFB Youth Slam, these participants were invited back to attend one of four weekend <A title="Link to youth leadership information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Z2sChv1jYrLRmDrBTi48ZA.." target=_blank>leadership seminars</A> at the NFB Jernigan Institute. The youth will learn more about our philosophy on blindness, they will learn how to advocate for themselves as a blind person, they will learn the importance of good blindness skills, and they will participate in confidence building experiences.</div>
<H4>Increasing Your Odds for Success</H4>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 89px; MARGIN-LEFT: 15px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px" border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Photo:Increasing Your Odds bulletin board" align=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Photo: Increasing Your Odds for Success bulletin board" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12025.jpg" width=200 height=150><br>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div>This quarter<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s NFBJI accessible bulletin board has a casino theme and focuses on the five elements for success outlined in the book <EM>Freedom for the Blind: The Secret Is Empowerment</EM>. The green background of the board and the black ribbed border mimic a poker table. The center of the board features a two-and-a-half-foot square that protrudes from the board two inches and is set on an angle. The number five side of the die is face up to the viewer. Each of the tactile circles on the front of the die feature one element for success: it is OK to be blind, mastering blindness skills, coping with public attitudes, fitting in, and giving back. The title of the board—Increasing Your Odds for Success—runs around the entire perimeter of the die (in shiny red letters) starting at nine o’clock and continuing clockwise. On either side of the die are three hands of jumbo cards (five by seven inches) turned face down. The hands feature pictures of successful blind people. The cards on the right side of the board (from top to bottom) are of the NFB Training Center directors (Julie Deden, Shawn Mayo, and Pam Allen) receiving the Jacob Bolotin Award at a national NFB convention; Dr. Maurer, President of the NFB, sitting in a circle with children at National Convention; and Mark Riccobono, Executive Director for the NFB Jernigan Institute, demonstrating how to use a chain saw. The left side of the board (from top to bottom) pictures: Mr. Omvig, author of <EM>Freedom for the Blind</EM> and blindness advocate, giving a speech; Dr. Maurer grilling with a group of young people; and Ronza Othman, a staff member for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Jesse Hartle, Government Programs Specialist for the NFB, posing for a picture with then-Senator Obama and Senator Durbin. Scattered around the hands of cards are poker chips.<br>
<br>
Attention Federationists: Have you or your child participated in one of the following National Center for Blind Youth in Science programs: Science Academy 2004, Rocket On! 2004, Science Academy 2005, Rocket On! 2005, Science Academy 2006, Rocket On! 2006, Youth Slam 2007, Jr. Science Academy 2008, or Youth Slam 2009? If so, we have a contest for you! Show us in a creative way what science means to you now. You can write a poem, essay, or original song lyrics, or create a piece of tactile art. The theme of this contest is “STEM-ulating Growth in New Fields.<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> The top ten entries will be featured on the Accessible Bulletin Board in the Betsy Zaborowski Conference Room at the NFB Jernigan Institute, the <A title="Link to blindscience.org" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=CMEr3LjhbXCrtCbexC1VSQ.." target=_blank>blindscience.org</A> Web portal, and in NFB publications. In addition, the creator of the first place entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to iTunes!<br>
<br>
To enter this STEM-ulating contest, please visit <A title="Link to blindscience.org" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=llTssU9TIwGUI25uyGdHrQ.." target=_blank>www.blindscience.org</A> and follow the <A title="Link to STEM bulletin board contest" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KNmGiMZajBX7XOd1namxdA.." target=_blank>STEM-ulating Growth in New Fields Contest</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> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> link for the rules and to fill out an <A title="Link to STEM bulletin board contest entry form" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=2AuFKz4nOw_b1DB8lzhDcQ.." target=_blank>online entry form</A>. Entries are due no later than March 31, 2010. If you have questions, please <A title="Link to e-mail Natalie Shaheen" href="mailto:Nshaheen@nfb.org">e-mail Natalie Shaheen</A> at the NFB Jernigan Institute or call (410) 659-9314, extension 2293).</div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c29> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" class=c29><IMG alt="" 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>
<div></div>
<H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div>2010 NFB Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Program</div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></H4>
<div>On March 12-14, representatives from the five BELL sites trained at the NFB Jernigan Institute in preparation for this summer<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s <A title="Link to BELL Program page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KH8yenEDf51o2r2Y2Zp3tg.." target=_blank>BELL</A> programs. Three new states will participate this year: Utah, Texas, and Virginia. Maryland and Georgia, participants in the pilot project for the NFBJI last summer, will host programs again this year. We are very pleased with all the hard work these sites are doing to help advance the effort to promote Braille literacy to young blind and low-vision children.</div>
<H4><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div>Onkyo Braille Essay Contest</div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></H4>
<div><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div>The NFB administers the Onkyo Braille Essay Contest on behalf of the North America-Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union. Essays by contest participants, in English or their native language, <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>must be </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>completely original in nature and</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>written </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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>in Braille. Entries of no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,000 words in length and submitted by April 30, 2010, are eligible for prizes ranging from $500-$2,000. For more information, including how to apply, please visit the <A title="Link to Onkyo Braille Essay Contest page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3O_iK-m-I30ZBlytErBgkA.." target=_blank>Onkyo Braille Essay Contest</A> Web page.<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=2yaGhekBwWw185-yk-Fl4w.." target=_blank>matching gift</A> to the <A title="Link to Braille Initiative page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Nr0io4WWJs_QpNYy-9M9Kw.." target=_blank>Braille Readers are Leaders Campaign</A>.</div>
<div> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="" 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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<H4>Joint Statement on Access to Books by Americans with Print Disabilities</H4>
<div><SPAN class=c22>This month, we once again got the attention of the White House. What made them notice us was a <A title="Link to Reading Rights press release" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ETwtwWuvsIICroTG8VPvqw.." target=_blank>joint statement</A> from major players that are working to make books accessible to print disabled Americans. The participating groups and their constituencies were: the </SPAN>Reading Rights Coalition, representing thirty million Americans who cannot read print due to disabilities; the Authors Guild, with a membership of eight thousand American writers; and the Association of American Publishers, whose more than three hundred members include most of the major commercial publishers in the United States as well as smaller and non-profit publishers. The statement read that <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>these groups agree to work together and through the communities they represent to ensure that when the marketplace offers alternative formats to print books, such as audio and electronic books, print-disabled consumers can access the contents of these alternative formats to the same extent as all other consumers.<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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><br>
Kareem A. Dale, special assistant to the President for disability policy, commented in his blog post <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>from the <EM>White House Blog</EM></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>, <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11><A title="Link to One Step Closer White House article" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hYQKM-KFEmQOrawpFF5HTg.." target=_blank>One Step Closer to Full Access</A></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>, on March 9: <br>
<br>
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 89px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px" border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Photo: The White House" align=left>
<CAPTION class=photocaption></CAPTION>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Photo: The White House" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12031.jpg" width=125 height=100><br>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003300"><STRONG><EM>Change. Finding common ground. These are hallmarks of this Administration. And today, we move one step closer to full access to books and materials for millions of Americans with print and other disabilities. While much work remains to be done, the community of stakeholders has taken a noteworthy and important step forward.<br>
<br>
The Reading Rights Coalition, the Authors Guild, and the Association of American Publishers have issued a joint statement stating that “the contents of books should be as accessible to individuals with print disabilities as they are to everyone else.” They further agreed to work together to reach this desired goal.</EM></STRONG></SPAN><br>
<br>
<SPAN style="COLOR: #003300"><STRONG><EM>As a person who is blind myself and thoroughly enjoys reading, I applaud these groups and organizations for coming together to bring about needed change. We look forward to continuing to work with all Americans to support access to materials for persons with print disabilities.</EM></STRONG></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><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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><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> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><SPAN style="COLOR: #000000"><IMG alt="" align=middle src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></SPAN></div>
<H2 class=c25><SPAN style="COLOR: #000000"><A name=StraightTalk></A></SPAN><SPAN class=headline><SPAN style="COLOR: #000000">S</SPAN>traight Talk About Vision Loss </SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c9>A new video has been added in the <A title="Link to Straight Talk Web page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=wskMQMx5hPzNU5uoEqksCg.." target=_blank>Straight Talk About Vision Loss</A> Web-based video series. In <A title="Link to Straight Talk about Vision Loss episode 29" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=TSPoxxcz7lTS30KvsuynDw.." target=_blank>Episode 29</A>, NFBJI<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s executive director talks with Parnell Diggs, chairman of the NFB<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s <EM>Imagination Fund</EM>, which provides support for the outreach efforts of local Federation chapters throughout the United States as well as the research, technology, and education programs and initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute. Parnell explains the Race for Independence—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! <SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>This is no traditional race</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>—<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>it</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>s</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> more about empowering the blind to do something most believe is impossible. </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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=c30>The Access Technology team has just returned from the biggest Access Technology conference in the United States, the <A title="Link to CSUN Conference site" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hcR-5Q5yX_GGqVbPIrSeUg.." target=_blank>25th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference</A>, hosted by the California State University Northridge (CSUN) in San Diego. As previously mentioned, the team hosted a record number of sessions—one pre-conference <A title="Link to blog entry from CSUN about e-books" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KpQ39ZLuFcRQje9gbStiMw.." target=_blank>workshop dealing with eBook accessibility</A> and further sessions on <A title="Link to cell phones presentation description" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=myuTIN1GUomr_8K6Ia1Plg.." target=_blank>Cell Phones and Mobile Devices</A> and <A title="Link to OCR presentation description" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=IP2SUfXLoavVMmqgArF6UQ.." target=_blank>Optical Character Recognition: Flatbed Scanner vs. Camera-Based Solutions</A>. <br>
<br>
NFB and Blackboard jointly presented <A title="Link to Blackboard Learn presentation information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KgxjM_9RWFL4wHDGwV0UtQ.." target=_blank>Nonvisual Accessibility in Blackboard Learn</A>. The NFB <A title="Link to Blackboard press release" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=x-ESJVs3xvWLu7gQc3N9tw.." target=_blank>commends</A> Blackboard<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s investments that will provide blind students with an improved and more accessible experience. The online education platform<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s improvements remove a number of accessibility barriers. The NFB has awarded its gold level <A title="Link to Nonvisual Web Certification site" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=sOK2RVaVF9fvpXl3mwBe9w.." target=_blank>Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification</A> seal to the company for enhanced access in Blackboard Learn Release 9.1. <br>
<br>
Readers of the <A title="Link to AT blog archive" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Dh1EoMzefkAoGH-8J7uSzA.." target=_blank>Access Technology Blog</A> can expect interviews, reports, and updates on new and/or exciting products from CSUN. Meanwhile, an article by Wes Majerus of our access technology team appeared in the <A title="Link to March Braille Monitor" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=iz5u4b10KaNNIgMwrSQdkQ.." target=_blank>March 2010 <EM>Braille Monitor</EM></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> “</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><A title="Link to consumer electronics tradeshow article" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=XdqkkkZK3tOHlENgzsUCPQ.." target=_blank>Leadership in Nonvisual Accessibility in Consumer Electronics: A Report on the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show</A>.”</div>
<div class=c30> </div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="" 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>
<div>More BIG NEWS from the only research library on blindness owned and controlled by the organized blind!! Last month we announced the public launch of our <A title="Link to JtB Library online catalog" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ILFT3LUPhJYebIju1pPNLg.." target=_blank>online catalog</A>.<br>
<br>
Now we are pleased and proud to announce that we have completed basic processing of the Jacobus tenBroek papers, and that a series-level <A title="Link to JtB Library finding aid" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=11tQ6hVwd0xut-wOd4nKaQ.." target=_blank>finding aid</A> is available online. If you don’t know what<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>basic processing<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> means, and you’re wondering what a “finding aid<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> is, you cannot do better than to follow the link in this paragraph. This finding aid—the result of several years’ inventory work capped by a project funded by the U.S. National Archives—is exemplary of the professionalism of the tenBroek Library, reflecting current best practices of archivists and manuscript librarians. In examining the finding aid, you’ll also gain further insight into the significance of our founding President as an activist, scholar, and administrator.<br>
<br>
We will soon open the tenBroek papers for researchers. We are confident that scholarship based on this unique collection will have a profound effect on disability studies, legal history, and every other area where Jacobus tenBroek left his mark.</div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0pt; BORDER-LEFT: 0pt; BORDER-TOP: 0pt; BORDER-RIGHT: 0pt" alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 class=c30><A name=Independence></A><SPAN class=headline>Independence Market</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 75px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 104px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px" border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Photo:Touch the Earth book" align=left>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Graphic: Touch the Earth book cover" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12026.jpg" width=125 height=162><br>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>We are pleased to announce the release of <A title="Link to Touch the Earth book sales" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_IEZrVqrtPsapp8sQehPtQ.." target=_blank><EM>Touch the Earth: A Multimedia Book About the Earth</EM><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><EM>s Biomes</EM></A>. This new large print/Braille and tactile image book created in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designed for junior high and high school students to supplement their learning about the different ecosystems of the Earth<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s continents. Copies of the book can be purchased through the NFB Independence Market by calling (410) 659-9314, extension 2216, or by visiting our <A title="Link to Independence Market sales" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=fFf7QUxMITPjLQUuGfDlCQ.." target=_blank>e-commerce site</A>. Books are $20 and include two instructional DVDs and a print/Braille tactile poster map.<br>
<br>
For further information about NFB literature, please <A title="Link to Ellen Ringlein's e-mail address" href="mailto:eringlein@nfb.org">e-mail the Independence Market</A> staff. <br>
<br>
<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" class=c30><A name=Parents></A><SPAN class=headline>Parent Outreach</SPAN></H2></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<H4>Braille Reading Pals Club—A Pre-Literacy Program for Blind and Low-Vision Children </H4>
<div>The new, improved Braille Reading Pals Club will commence on April 1. <A title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club registration" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VaQrzH6gKZuvnkNirzKWuA.." target=_blank>Online registration</A> is now open for families of blind and low-vision children ages birth to seven. Our registration is already over three hundred after being open only for a few weeks. Please <A title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club e-mail" href="mailto:braillereadingpals@nfb.org">e-mail the Braille Reading Pals Club</A> if you have questions. The <A title="Link to Braille Reading Pals Club page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1bDxFz1P7CMPYJ7qvMphjQ.." target=_blank>Braille Reading Pals Club</A> is co-sponsored by the <A title="Link to NOPBC" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=iJYq8X3pELYJMs17BVd7hQ.." target=_blank>National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)</A>.</div>
<H4>2010 NFB Youth Track at National Convention </H4>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">It<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s coming...the 2010 annual Youth Track at the <A title="Link to 2010 Convention page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MTjb8eZiR83YiHcHaSsu7A.." target=_blank>National Convention</A>, and it<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s bringing with it some new additions. We will continue to facilitate the NFB Youth Track for high school students ages 14-18, but this year we will also have a Junior Youth Track for students ages 11-14. More details and agenda information (timed to coincide with the main convention week and activities of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children) can be found in upcoming editions of the <EM>Braille Monitor</EM> and <EM>Future Reflections</EM>. <br>
<br>
For those of you who are students ages 14-18, listen up. We would like to announce that on Tuesday, July 6, the NFB Youth Track will host 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> “</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>Throw-Back<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> Party. Come dressed in your favorite digs from your favorite decade. The evening will be filled with music and dancing from across the decades as well as exciting contests. Come test your hips at the hula hoop contest, name that movie theme song, or show us your best Michael Jackson impersonation. It<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s never too early to start planning which decade you<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>ll represent.<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> </SPAN><SPAN class=c11>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center><IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450></div>
<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>
<div></div>
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 143px; CAPTION-SIDE: bottom; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 15px; HEIGHT: 75px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 15px" border=1 cellSpacing=0 summary="Parnell Diggs" align=left>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Photo: Parnell Diggs, Chairman of the Imagination Fund" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12030.jpg" width=187 height=125><br>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div 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>
<div class=c29>In establishing the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute on January 30, 2004, the nation<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s organized blind movement committed itself to pushing the boundaries of imagination and innovation in work with the blind. With its programs of research, training, and technological development, the Institute has inspired millions of people to look toward a tomorrow where the world for blind people is better than it is today.<br>
<br>
During 2010, the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is working with students and faculty at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech University<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s Mechanical Engineering Department to develop the world<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s first road-ready vehicle which can be driven by a blind person without sighted assistance. Members of the National Federation of the Blind were able to examine some of the interface technology that is being considered for this ground-breaking initiative at the annual Washington Seminar in February 2010. Using tactile information, members navigated a simulated driving course. Parnell Diggs (pictured holding the wheel of the demonstration vehicle, left) said, “The Blind Driver Challenge is important because it demonstrates that, given sufficient access to information, the average blind person can make rational, sound decisions—even behind the wheel.”<br>
<br>
This work is being made possible by the men and women who support the National Federation of the Blind <EM>Imagination Fund</EM>. You can read about the Race for Independence and the Blind Driver Challenge project in the article <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><A title="Link to What Should I Imagine article" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xKFbQHIJecYg9_ZXQwY55w.." target=_blank>What Should I Imagine</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>”</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> found in the March issue of the <EM>Braille Monitor</EM>. To get involved in this exciting campaign, please visit <A title="Link to Imagination Fund Web site" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=acAOEPsWlDB8FwOH_GlHMA.." target=_blank>www.imaginationfund.org</A> or <A title="Link to Race for Independence Web site" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=DeG0jFj7jDqnebSV7C2Zhw.." target=_blank>www.raceforindependence.org</A>. Come on: Let<SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>s race!</div>
<div class=c29> </div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><IMG alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4></div>
<H2 class=c42><A name=Events></A><SPAN class=headline>NFB Calendar</SPAN></H2>
<div><STRONG>It</STRONG><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c22><SPAN class=c28><SPAN class=c27><SPAN class=c11>’</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><STRONG>s time to prepare for the 2010 National Convention:</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> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<div 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></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<UL>
<LI><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>Make room reservations for the <A title="Link to National Convention page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NUKC6QQaIgxSfr4WnGagkw.." target=_blank>2010 National Convention</A> by writing directly to the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207, or calling (214) 761-7500. <br>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI></UL>
<UL>
<LI><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>Avoid the lines and save money when you <A title="Link to pre-register for National Convention" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=UIAgyme96E2Wsah0X4o2rA.." target=_blank>pre-register with the NFB</A>. With online conference registration by May 31st, the pre-registration fee for convention is $15 ($20 on-site), the cost of a banquet ticket is $40 ($45 on-site), and the cost of the BBQ tickets is $40 ($45 on-site). </div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI></UL>
<UL>
<LI><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>If you are interested in becoming an exhibitor, complete an <A title="Link to National Convention exhibitor application" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ovuQR_mXizBdlcT3jWOWMw.." target=_blank>online application</A> on the <A title="Link to National Convention exhibitor page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=aj7TURR1aXcCpaGYnYtKJw.." target=_blank>Exhibitor Information</A> page. </div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI></UL>
<UL>
<LI><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>Show your support of the blind across the country by becoming a <A title="Link to National Convention sponsor page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hoitVjDrMWOncWqS2qNAcg.." target=_blank>convention sponsor</A>! For more information, please 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.</div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI></UL>
<UL>
<LI><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>
<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=right>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD><IMG alt="Race for Independence Logo" src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11983.jpg" width=129 height=50><br>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Register as an Imaginator in the <A title="Link to register as an Imaginator" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0JODTKZI8FqRX2f4P4jKDg.." target=_blank>Race for Independence</A>, then achieve your fundraising goal. This will earn you the opportunity to visit the exclusive showroom for the Blind Driver Challenge vehicle in the Hilton Anatole hotel, and you can even compete for the right to serve as a beta tester </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>during the 2010 National Convention </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>of some of the technology being used in this prototype automobile.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></LI></UL>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><EM><SPAN class=c22>See you in Dallas! </SPAN></EM></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><EM><SPAN class=c22><br>
</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>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></EM><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><STRONG>March 31, 2010</STRONG> Deadline to <A title="Link to NFB Scholarship program information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=se1w3J9fmDEz3dN8Md96Gw.." target=_blank>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=5Vq2RhnU0AComzzHY_SYuw.." target=_blank>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=8wYVCV2E277VhH3VA0N6ow.." target=_blank>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=t4GLdHrKybDltiggVHPW-A.." target=_blank>Application Information and Materials</A> page for more information. </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><STRONG><br>
<br>
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=saB7BBr8jS7BouWo5NLt3Q.." target=_blank>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=pJUsUxlO47_WrxEV_mEpsw.." target=_blank>2010 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</A>, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. <STRONG><br>
<br>
April 16-20, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to NFB LAW program page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=vnsAsuo83ZEpEtAtU47l_g.." 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>
<STRONG><br>
April 30, 2010</STRONG> Deadline for <A title="Link to Onkyo Braille Essay Contest information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=cMtq7EZLVaSLbE-8zEQw2g.." target=_blank>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=1AMPOWBRyk4IZo7tNuclpg.." target=_blank>The Cane Event</A>, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. </div>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
<div></div>
<div 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, <A title="Link to purchase Cane Event tickets" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=GeAKRouOB9BWjllpH1p4HA.." target=_blank>tickets</A>, or to become a <A title="Link to Cane Event sponsorship opportunities" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xgirq7ZNA9qWq2KW5C0dvg.." target=_blank>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"> </SPAN></SPAN></EM></STRONG></SPAN></div>
<div><STRONG><br>
</STRONG><STRONG>May 31, 2010</STRONG> Deadline to <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><A title="Link to pre-register for National Convention" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=UnYY4svcMSLf2ZOfMFgxoA.." target=_blank>pre-register online</A> </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>for the <A title="Link to National Convention page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MEf64axufYWSo1vWgRQB9A.." target=_blank>2010 NFB National Convention</A>, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas.<br>
<br>
<STRONG>June 10-12, 2010</STRONG> <A title="Link to Research in the Rockies page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3EEs08tavFhqc_4ZUgIvdQ.." target=_blank>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 National Convention page" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=y2oIt9JCNPjkE5EyCdbhHg.." target=_blank>National Convention</A>, Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas. </div>
<div 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=76qplQXBB4cFhyMPEL7JRA.." target=_blank>convention sponsor</A> or <A title="Link to National Convention exhibitor information" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=DXX0OQPMvE2cTskvK13C0w.." target=_blank>exhibitor</A></SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: #993366"> </SPAN></EM></SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #800080">—</SPAN><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #339966"><EM><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></div>
<div><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=xtM5H8JEwWHhFiYpoBFBLA.." 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.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=8atGdmAnrzR1eQ0nkrizvA.." target=_blank>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=z12joc6p2mdmFt4kGCo7iA.." 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>
<div align=center><br>
<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 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>It seems to me that the point of education is not so much to teach somebody something—transferring knowledge from the informed to the uninformed—as it is to stimulate curiosity and the excitement of discovery in the minds of those being taught. A book is a dull object until the cover is opened, and some of them don’t change with that event. However, the others do, and the excitement, the thrill, and the joy that are stimulated change the people who do the opening. </EM></SPAN></SPAN></STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #000000"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><EM><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #800080"><br>
</SPAN></STRONG></EM></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG> </STRONG></SPAN>—<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG>Dr. Marc Maurer, “<A title="Link to Opening Minds article" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=14_qIgMDR1wD9WEXv1HgbQ.." target=_blank>Opening Minds with Knowledge: Intellectual Property in a Digital World</A>,</STRONG>”<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG> an address given at the Library of Congress, January 21, 2010, March 2010</STRONG></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 100%"><STRONG><EM> Braille Monitor</EM> </STRONG></SPAN>
<div 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></div>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><SPAN style="COLOR: #000000"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 120%"><STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #800080"><br>
</SPAN></STRONG></SPAN></SPAN></div>
<div class=c29 align=center><A href="http://webmail.aol.com/31226-111/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx#Top" target=_blank>Back to Top</A> <br>
<br>
Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute’s <EM>Imagineering Our Future</EM>.</div>
<div class=MsoNormal> </div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
</SPAN></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div 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=ClitHdxz1vuUvlwWPwtNgQ.." target=_blank>Imagination Fund</A></EM></div>
<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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<H4><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Interesting links: </H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Past episodes of Straight Talk about Vision Loss" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KHTPRhKAUZBl8MqySxaWQg.." target=_blank>Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos</A><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><A href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hhm_V4EQEzoMANGfllPmmQ.." target=_blank>National Center for Blind Youth in Science</A><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><A href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MYo6wrRlBj9seFnZxC-Tkw.." target=_blank>Access Technology Tips</A></div>
<div class=c60 align=center><br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c61> </div>
<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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</H4>
<H4 class=c63>Blogs:</H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Access Technology blog" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=uhSmxKnLQ9u1GaI6mJtYqw.." target=_blank>Access Technology</A><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><A title="Link to Voice of the Nation’s Blind blog" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FqyqS4jDnvuqYZ16XPrhWQ.." target=_blank>Voice of the Nation’s Blind</A></div>
<H4 class=c64><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</H4>
<div class=c6> </div>
<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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><br>
<H4 class=c51><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Publication archives: </H4>
<div class=c6 align=center><EM><A title="Link to back issues of Voice of the Diabetic" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=h5xdqigG2FbgZUHDIhCNvw.." target=_blank>Voice of the Diabetic</A></EM><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><EM><A title="Link to archive of Future Reflections magazine" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EhVyN3zHh-9TSKNXj-QTyg.." target=_blank>Future Reflections</A></EM><br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c6 align=center><EM><A title="Link to archive of the Braille Monitor" href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=gUt47SymuTjhulL24Pc8sQ.." target=_blank>Braille Monitor</A></EM></div>
<div class=c66> </div>
<div class=c51><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c51> </div>
<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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div class=c6> </div>
<div class=c51> </div>
<div 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></div>
<div class=c6 align=center><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<div class=c51><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<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>
<div 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></div>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div class=c6><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
</div>
<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></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></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></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></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><br>
Visit us at <A title=www.nfb.org href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1I9ZH7gXQDoq_2v9lKZ6Uw.." target=_blank>nfb.org</A></TD></TR>
<TR vAlign=top>
<TD colSpan=2>
<div class=c61> </div>
<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>
<div class=c6> </div>
<div align=center><IMG border=0 alt="" src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=620 height=4><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=RO2bE4Y_U1OjRQBzhhgjJA.." target=_blank>Visit us at www.nfb.org</A></div>
<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></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=H6Kg3L9GuhnAgr2wErtWbA.." 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>
<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=rS2Tu3-jhgJtKs2php5Kew.." target=_blank>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><IMG src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/PixelServer?j=yQAkSa1oRLr19P8vqBgRuQ.." width=1 height=1> </div>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<div><br>
<A href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/CO?i=e6Ba9Inp7RgW5VgVzkKgXducKE-UvXU-&cid=1061" target=_blank>Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences.</A></div>
</div>
</div>
</FONT></div>
<!-- end of AOLMsgPart_2_244d7a86-e987-4647-a9fe-6daba1dc189f --></div>
</font>