[Gabs] GABS Connecting the Dots Newsletter, Summer and Back to School Edition!

[Mary Fernandez]

Hello All!
I hope you are all doing well!
Below you will find the Georgia Association of Blind Students official
newsletter, Connecting the Dots.
Thanks to Ms. Nikki Jackson who works so hard to put this newsletter
together. And thanks to all who contributed!
Enjoy

On B.L.A.S.T.

NFB Conducts Successful Protests
Across the Nation
(www.nfb.org)

The National Federation of the Blind conducted over twenty
informational protests across the United States to raise awareness
about the practice of paying wages below the federal minimum wage to
Americans with disabilities.  The protests were held on the
twenty-first anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the
primary district office locations of United States senators serving on
the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (the
HELP Committee).  The HELP Committee is currently considering
legislation—the Workforce Investment Act—which would reauthorize the
payment of subminimum wages to disabled workers.

Lakeisha Holmes, A student at Valdosta State University, had the
oppourtunity to participate in this historic event, while working as a
Braille instructor at the Colorado Center for the Blind’s Summer
Enrichment Program. Here is her experience in her own words:

“Equal Rights, Equal Pay, We Want Equal Wages Today!”
On the early morning of Tuesday July 26, 2011, blind and sighted
individuals from across the state of Colorado caught buses to downtown
Denver to participate in a protest that could possibly change the
lives of blind individuals across the country. We were all fighting
for the equal wages of blind working individuals. The protest started
around 10:00 AM in front of Senator Bennett's office. We all held
signs reading "Do you believe in equality or Exploitation?” As we held
our picket signs, we chanted "Equal rights, equal pay. We want equal
rights today." This was an amazing experience for me. I had never
participated in a protest before and to know I was doing it for an
amazing cause made me excited. We chanted and marched nearly two
hours. After our vocal efforts, we were hoping that a representative
would come and address the crowd. Unfortunately, we were not granted
this request. However, this did not discourage us and we knew our
efforts did not go in vain.  I am grateful to have been a part of such
an amazing event. I am also glad that I got to have this experience
alongside my wonderful Colorado Center for the Blind Summer Enrichment
students! I hope they had a great experience as I did! Because of our
protesting, the bill to vote on subminimum wages for blind individuals
was delayed and wouldn't be signed for another full month. That made
everyone involved realize that they did something amazing. Thanks to
the Colorado Center for the Blind for allowing me a chance to take
part of such an unforgettable movement.

The Opportunity Of a Lifetime
By
Mary Fernandez
	
“Oh Mary, who do you know at the White House?” At hearing those words,
my whole body perked up. Just moments ago, my biceps had been
screaming at me.  They were not used to carrying twenty pound boxes
across campus, But as I heard the question coming from a post office
worker who was peaking at my mail, I immediately forgot the pain.
Dying to know what exactly that little envelope from the White House
contained, I ran to my apartment across campus. I made it in record
time and thankfully one of my roommates was sitting in the living
room. I breathlessly greeted her and started to hand her the envelope.
Seeing the address, she did not even wait for me to ask if she could
please read it. Excitedly, she tore it open and began to read:
“The President and Mrs. Obama cordially request the pleasure of your
company at the Cinco de Mayo celebration being held at the White
House.”
After much screaming and squeaking, I began to plan for the big day.
	 Amidst my finals and moving out of college for the summer, I also
had to figure out the all-important problem of what one wore to a
gathering with the President of the United States, and who did one
take? That next weekend found me shopping for a dress I would change
the day before the event to another dress that I had fallen in love
with, but decided to leave in the store at the last minute. The shoes
and the jewelry were picked out. The makeup bag was replenished with
all the right shades to make me look stunning that night and my date
was chosen. Finally May 5th came along. My stomach was filled with
butterfly as I got dressed. Thanks to the nerves, my usually rock
steady hand when applying mascara was not so steady, which slowed me
down some, But finally I was all primped and ready to go.
	After going through three security points, we began to walk along the
perimeter of the Southwest lawn of the White House. We finally arrived
at the East entrance and were welcomed by the staff who gave us
further directions. The feeling of the White house was of complete
elegance. Nothing was overstated. There was no golden tapestry, but
rather quiet tones, natural plants and beautiful marble floors. We
proceeded to the upstairs of the East Wing. And as we entered, Marines
dressed in Mariachi regalia played Mexican music. As we walked further
into this space, we were greeted by even more staff and were offered
drinks. Yes, the White House has a full bar. After grabbing some
bubbly, we continued to explore.
	Most of the East Wing was opened to guests. That meant we were able
to see the Blue, Yellow, Green and Red rooms. Many of these rooms were
favored by one President or another. My favorite was the Red Room,
which is where the First Lady holds her social gatherings. There was
some beautiful furniture and I took pictures sitting on some of the
First Lady’s couches. The event was being held in the East Room, which
is where the President, just the week before, had delivered his
remarks on the Bin Laden capture and death. We also got the chance to
see the State Dining Room, which is just a big dining room with many
tables.
	After chatting with the Marines stationed at each room, my companion
and I found out that the President would be doing a rope line.
Basically, anyone standing closest to the rope, which would separate
the audience from where he would be standing during his remarks, would
get to shake his hand. Armed with this information, we proceeded to
the East Room and stood right by the rope before the crowd got any
bigger. Soon, everyone began to gather in the East Room and although
it was only about 300 people, we were standing shoulder to shoulder.
At last, the President came out and immediately, cameras began going
off from every person in the audience. Not about to be outdone, I
talked the lady NEX to me into taking some shots of the President and
the First Lady.
	After the President was done speaking, the rope was let down and the
crowd began to surge to the next rope up, which would be where the
President and Mrs. Obama would be meeting us. I immediately grabbed my
date’s hand and did my Jersey girl thing and began to push through the
crowd to get my spot. Fortunately, most people realized what I was
doing and that I had a cane so they gently steered me in the right
direction. Finally, I felt the beautiful velvet rope in front of me
and with it the certitude that I would be meeting the President of the
United States. While we waited, the Secret Service agent closest to us
explained that President Obama and his wife would not be able to stand
and take pictures with us so if we wanted more pictures to take them
as they came down the rope line.	Finally, I could hear Michelle
Obama’s voice right next to me. I’m extremely proud of how cool and
composed I remained, despite the fact that I was meeting the first
lady of the United States. As she stood in front of me, she grabbed my
hand, but someone else was trying to talk to her. She quickly ended
the conversation and gave me a hug! I told her how wonderful I thought
she was and how I admired her sense of style and the elegant way she
carried herself. She thanked me and expressed her appreciation for
attending the event followed by a hug. I realize she said the same
thing to pretty much everyone there that night, but I was okay with
that. Michelle Obama had hugged me, Mary Fernandez!
	The President came next. My date had a few words for him that he had
always wanted to tell the President. Obama bestowed a man hug on him
and then moved to me. I must admit, the first thing that struck me was
that his hands were kind of small, and that his wife was almost as
tall as he was. Although, I had managed to be somewhat coherent with
his wife, all I could say was, “Mr. President, I just want to tell you
that we love you.” He said, “Awl. I love you too.” And while still
holding my right hand, he reached up and touched my curls! Yes, he
touched my hair!
	After I had recuperated sufficiently, we grabbed a few Hors d'oeuvres
and soon it was time to go. As we walked out into the perfect DC
night, and stood in front of the East Portico of the White House for a
last picture, I knew that as long as I lived I would never forget the
night that Michelle Obama hugged me and Barack Obama touched my hair.

DID YOU KNOW???

Did You Know:
Bernard Morin, born 1931, was a French mathematician who is now
retired. He has been blind since age 6, but his blindness did not
prevent him from having a successful career in mathematics. Morin was
a member of the group that first exhibited an eversion of the sphere,
i.e. a homotopy (topological metamorphosis) which starts with a sphere
and ends with the same sphere but turned inside-out. He also
discovered the Morin surface, which is a half-way model for the sphere
eversion, and used it to prove a lower bound on the number of steps
needed to turn a sphere inside out.

Did You Know:
Erik Weihenmayer - born September 23, 1968 - is the first blind person
to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on May 25, 2001. Erik was born
with a disease called retinoschisis and became totally blind by the
age of 13. He has also completed the Seven Summits in September 2002.
Erik is also an acrobatic skydiver, long distance biker, marathon
runner, skier, mountaineer, ice climber, and rock climber. In 2004, he
led an expedition in Tibet called Climbing Blind project, including
blind teens from the Braille Without Borders school for blind at
Lhasa, Tibet.

Who’s Hot???
Name: Shaquanteay Mack
Age: 23
Hometown: Sandersville, Georgia
Why She’s Hot: Shaquantaey, the creator of Connecting The Dots, is the
first person from Georgia to attend Blind Incorporated, a NFB training
center located in Minneapolis,  Minnesota. After completing her
training, she was selected to serve as a summer counselor for Blind
Inc’s summer enrichment program. Since returning to Georgia,
Shaquantaey is attending the university of Georgia, where she is
working towards her MBA. Shaquantaey is not only striving to make a
difference in her own life, but she gives back in the efforts to make
a difference in the lives of others. For that Ms. Mack, we commend
you.

Now That’s Hot!!!

Eight Great Apps For The iPhone
http://assistivetechnology.about.com/od/ATCAT6/a/Top-Iphone-Apps-For-The-Blind-And-Visually-Impaired.htm

Apple TV commercials are so visually stunning they make the company's
advancements in assistive technology all the more impressive. Products
such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch are becomingly increasingly
accessible to blind and visually impaired people.
With screen-access technology (VoiceOver) and a magnification program
(Zoom) built into its iOS mobile operating system, users can enlarge
the screen for easier viewing or drag a finger over it to hear app
names and onscreen content read aloud.
Here are 8 popular apps designed to help blind and visually impaired
people use their mobile devices. All of these work on the iPhone (3GS
and up); iPod touch (3rd generation and up); and the iPad 2.
1. LookTel Money Reader
The LookTel Money Reader ($1.99) recognizes US currency in standard
denominations ($1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills) enabling
blind and visually impaired people to quickly identify and count
bills. Point the iPhone camera at any US bill and LookTel's object
recognition technology via VoiceOver tells users the denomination in
real time. Best to organize bills before hitting the nightclub; the
app doesn't work as well in low light.
2. SayText
SayText (free), developed by Norfello Oy, scans text within any image,
such as a medical form or restaurant menu, and reads it aloud. Center
the document under the iPhone camera and double-tap the "Take Picture"
button. Then raise it slowly: a beep indicates that the entire
document is in the phone's frame. The app's Optical Character
Recognition utility then scans the text. Tap the screen for status
updates. Once scanned, swipe right on the screen to hear the document.
3. Color Identifier
GreenGar Studios' Color Identifier ($1.99) uses the iPhone camera to
identify and speak color names aloud. Shades identified are specific
to the point of annoyance (Paris Daisy, Moon Mist) for some users. The
company makes a free app called Color ID Free that sticks to basic
colors. Blind people will never wear mix-matched socks or the wrong
shirt again. An interesting offshoot is using the app to distinguish
shades of sky, enabling one to experience sunsets or gauge possible
weather changes.
4. TalkingTag LV
TalkingTag(tm) LV ($9.99) from TalkingTag enables blind people to
label everyday items with special coded stickers. Users scan each
sticker with the iPhone camera and record and replay via VoiceOver up
to a 1-minute audio message identifying what's being labeled. The app
is ideal for organizing a DVD collection, locating boxes during a
move, or picking the right jelly jar from the refrigerator. Stickers
can be erased and recorded over.
5. RFB&D Audio
The RFB&D app ($19.99) provides access to Learning Ally's library of
more than 65,000 audiobooks is considered the best source for K-12 and
college-level textbooks. Users can download and play on all iOS
devices. A Learning Ally membership is required and is free to those
with print disabilities, including visual impairments and dyslexia.
Readers navigate DAISY books by page number and chapter, can adjust
playback speed, and place electronic bookmarks throughout the text.
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic became Learning Ally in April 2011.
6. Navigon MobileNavigator North America
NAVIGON's MobileNavigator North America ($44.99) transforms the iPhone
into a fully functional mobile navigation system that uses the latest
NAVTEQ map material. The app offers text-to-speech voice guidance,
enhanced pedestrian navigation, a turn-by-turn RouteList, location
sharing via email, and a Take Me Home function. It also provides
direct access and navigation to iPhone address book contacts.
Navigation is automatically resumed after an incoming phone call.
7. Talking Calculator
This easy-to-read app calculator ($0.99) speaks button names, numbers,
and answers aloud through a customizable built-in directory that lets
users record their own voice. Button names are spoken as your finger
moves over the screen. Double tapping activates enters buttons. The
calculator also has a high-contrast display mode to enhance
visibility. Developer Adam Croser also makes the Talking Scientific
Calculator app.
8. iBlink Radio
Serotek Corporation's iBlink Radio was the first application promoting
the digital lifestyle among the visually impaired, providing access to
community web radio stations with formats spanning every genre. The
iBlink network also offers radio reading services (USA Today, the New
York Times, among hundreds), and podcasts covering assistive
technology, independent living, travel, and more. The app's latest
player toolbars simplifies navigation.

F.Y.I. (For Your Information)

October 2011: Meet the Blind Month
(www.nfb.org)

Meet the Blind Month is our nationwide campaign to increase awareness
of and support for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). During
the entire month of October, affiliates and chapters throughout the
country will be joining forces to spread the message that the NFB is
the voice of the nation’s blind and that blind people are the best
resource for learning about vision loss, blindness, and
rehabilitation.
The CTD Newsteam encourages you to get involved. Find a local chapter
in your city and get out into the community to help shatter the
misconceptions about blindness. Whether it be passing literature out
to the public or taking the time out to read books to children at the
local library, get out and do your part!


38TH Annual NFB of Georgia State Convention
(www.nfbga.org)

The National Federation of the Blind of Georgia would like to invite
you to our Thirty-Eighth Annual State Convention. Our theme is: “Let’s
Go, Let’s Grow, Let’s Glow.” This year, our State Convention will be
held on Friday, October 7 thru Sunday, October 9, at the Macon
Marriott City Hotel | 240 Coliseum Drive | Macon, GA 31217. The State
Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia is the
largest gathering of the blind in the state. Approximately 200 blind
people, family members, friends, and blindness service providers come
together for a weekend of seminars, presentations, workshops, and
general discussions on training, technology, and strategies for
improving the quality of life of blind people. The following is just a
sample of the topics and activities:

* NFB-NEWSLINE® New Features and Enhancements
* Braille Literacy Initiatives
* Georgians Empowered Through Mentoring Success
* Braille Enrichment through Literacy and Non-visual Learning
* NFB Youth Slam
* Parents of blind Children Seminar
* Blind Students Luncheon
* Updates on State Education and Rehabilitation Programs
For more information call the office at 1-866-316-3242. It promises to
be an exciting and educational weekend.

Bline Tech Support.. What is it?

       Meet Neil McCullough. A guy from the northern part of Ireland
who went against the mad dash of IPopularity and got himself a Droid.
At first, there was a lot of controversy on how accessible the Droid
was as compared to the IPhone. And that was how the idea was born.
       Together with a group of friends, Neil thought to himself,
“What if I could prove it? What if I could compare, and contrast the
two?” So he and his wife started a comparison on the things in which
the two devices were similar, and demonstrating the differences. That
was how the first podcast came to be. And, because of the nature of
the ideas, the demonstrations of the products, this collection of
podcasts began to grow.
Now, it is a creative, and very demonstrative website: Blind Tech
Support. Their podcasts range from further comparisons of IPhones to
Droids, but to other things such as how to use certain aps on both
devices. They even cover a range of topics involving screen readers:
Jaws, NVDA, and WindowEyes.
       This website is still growing, however, and they could use the
ideas any of us are willing to give. Even visiting their website just
to promote them is a big help. Any ideas are welcome, just post a
comment on the new boards that are now appearing. Blind Tech Support
is a great, interactive user’s guide for anyone learning any of these
2 phones, or using new programs with screen readers. These are just
regular guys, who don’t know, who don’t even pretend to know,
everything there is to know about these things. But the things they do
know, they share with the hope that we will take what they have to
offer and pass it along.
       So, if you have a moment, go check out www.blindtechsupport.net
Follow then on twitter at, @Blindtechsupport. Like their page on
facebook at  http://facebook.com/blindtechsupport/. But overall, happy
learnings!!

Ruth With The Truth

Dear Ruth,

I am sixteen years old and I have never been shopping on my own. I
live with my grandmother and she believes that since I am blind, I
can’t pick out my own clothes. I love my grandmother, but her idea of
style is tops with ruffles and long skirts that sweep the floor.
Yuck!!! I have gotten ideas from my friends on how to shop as a blind
person and I am constantly reading the online fashion blogs to keep up
with the latest trends. How do I convince my grandmother that I am
able to do my own shopping? Please help!!!

Sincerely,

Granny Skirts and Ruffled Shirts

Dear Granny Skirts,

Firstly, you should try talking to your grandmother about the
situation. Try explaining to her that blind people use alternative
techniques to do their shopping. If possible, show her the fashion
blogs and how the trends are always changing. Most importantly, you
should show your grandmother that you can shop independently the next
time you two go out to the store. Talk is one thing, but action is
another! Hopefully, she will see that you are very capable of
selecting your own clothes. I am sure she will give you this freedom
sooner than later and maybe you could show her a fashion thing or two.
Good luck!

Ruth

Upcoming Events

October 7-9 				NFBGA State Convention
October 23 				GABS Teleconference
October 31 				Happy Holloween!!!
November 24 				Happy Thanksgiving!!!
November 27 				GABS Teleconference

Letter From the Editor


Dear Connecting the Dots Readers:

The CTD news team would like to thank you for taking the time out to
read our division’s newsletter. This newsletter was designed not only
to provide you with a variety of information, but also to give you,
the reader, am opportunity to speak out and express yourself. If you
enjoyed the newsletter, spread the word. If you weren’t quite
satisfied and you would like to contribute a submission or you just
had a question, contact us at ctdnewsteam at gmail.com. Remember,
Connecting the Dots was not only created for the students, but by the
students so we hope to hear from you guys. Look out for the release of
the next issue sometime in December. Peace and Blessings…

  To
















-- 
Mary Fernandez
President: Georgia Association of Blind Students
Emory University 2012
P.O. Box 123056
Atlanta Ga.
30322
Phone: 732-857-7004

"It's not worth doing something unless someone, somewhere, would much
rather you weren't doing it."
Terry
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