<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div><div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "> </div></div><div class="hide"> <div style="PADDING-RIGHT: 8px; PADDING-LEFT: 8px; BACKGROUND: #ffffcc; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; PADDING-TOP: 4px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #eeeeee thin solid; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,sans-serif"><a href="http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&th=1218882726c6fe65&attid=0.1&disp=attd&realattid=file0&zw"></a> </div> </div> <div style="MARGIN: 1ex"> <div><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">CONNECTING THE DOTZ</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">“EVERYDAY PEOPLE LIVING LIFE EVERYDAY”</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">ISSUE NO. 1 (01 June 2009)</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">ON BLAST</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">(Blind Leaders Advocating for the Students of Tomorrow)</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> A mark in history was made at the Days Inn Downtown Atlanta on April 11<sup>th</sup>, as the Georgia Association of Blind Students held the first annual student convention for the state of Georgia. The Georgia Association of Blind Students, also known as GABS, is Georgia’s division of the National Association of Blind Students. This organization is the student division of the National Federation of the Blind; which is composed of students at both the secondary and post-secondary level. This group of students also includes non-traditional students of all ages. The purpose of the division is to promote self-advocacy, independence, self-motivation, and a wide variety of other useful tactics. The overall goal of the Georgia Association of Blind Students is to serve as a voice for blind individuals and produce well-rounded individuals who are educated in both the classroom and the blind community. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Not only did the Georgia Association of Blind Students make their mark in history by hosting the first student convention in Georgia, but we also had one of the largest amount of members attend the event. Over forty individuals registered for the convention on April 11<sup>th</sup>; traveling from all regions in the state. There were many presenters who spoke with us and provided valuable information. Among these were, Paul Raymond-Director of Blind Services, Terri Rupp-President of the National Association of Blind Students, Kathy Segers-Programs Director for the state of Georgia, Stella Cone-Regional Director of Library Services, Sally Atwell-“Benefits Navigator”, Linda Pouge-“Advocacy History and You”, Vencer Cotton-Transitioning, and Michael Smith-Self-Defense Techniques. </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">BRIDGING THE GAP</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">This article is known as Bridging the Gap. Its sole purpose is to highlight individuals who have served the NFBGA a number of years. We will focus on individuals who have been diligent, hardworking and dedicated to the Georgia Affiliate. This month the spotlight falls on Robert Smith. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> Robert joined the organization in 1990. Since that time he has become one of the true leaders of the Blind Movement in Georgia. He is an Atlanta native. He first learned of the NFB while working for Sears. One of his duties was to encourage his co-workers to donate funds to United Way in order to financially assist organizations such as the NFB.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Robert was later diagnosed with glaucoma and was invited to attend a NFB national convention. He soon realized that this was the organization for him. He has spent the last few years as a massage therapist. He has civic involvements. He is chairman of the Elderly Disabled Access Advisory Committee (EDAC). This group deals with issues surrounding transportation and the Americans With Disabilities Act. He also serves on the Fulton County Disability Affairs Commission. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Robert currently serves as the 1<sup>st</sup> Vice President of the NFB of Georgia. He is a mentor in the GEMS program. When asked what is your fondest memory of the program he replied, “when I attended my first national convention and met so many people in so many different professions it came to me that this is an organization that will never limit you. You can become whatever you desire.”</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">BLIND VISION</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">(ARTICLE TAKEN FROM KNFB READER WEBSITE)</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> </font><font face="Times New Roman" color="#323232" size="4">The Mobile Reader Product Line from knfbReading Technologies, Inc., is a major advancement in portability and functionality of print access for the blind, the vision impaired and those with reading difficulties. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" color="#323232" size="4">The knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile software packages run on a multifunction cell phone that allow the user to read mail, receipts, handouts and many other documents wherever the user happens to be. This is a truly pocket-sized solution to reading on the go. The knfbReader Mobile software has a feature set designed for blind or low vision users. The kReader Mobile is designed for people who have difficulty reading due to learning or language problems. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" color="#323232" size="4">knfb Reading Technologies is a Joint Venture between Kurzweil Technologies and the National Federation of the Blind. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" color="#323232" size="4">The National Federation of the Blind has launched a new special low interest loan program that will apply to the knfbReader! Visit their website at: <a href="http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com/" target="_blank">http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com/</a> </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">THE GIGGLE BOX</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">A vampire bat came flapping in from the night covered in fresh blood and parked himself on the roof of the cave to get some sleep. <br>Pretty soon all the other bats smelled the blood and began hassling him about where he got it. <br> He told them to go away and let him get some sleep but they persisted until finally he gave in. <br>"OK, follow me" he said and flew out of the cave with hundreds of bats behind him. <br>Down through the valley they went, across a river and into a forest full of trees. <br> Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him. <br>"Now, do you see that tree over there?" he asked. <br>"Yes, Yes, and Yes!" the bats all screamed in frenzy. <br>"Good" said the bat, "Because I sure as heck didn't!"</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">NFB NEWSLINE</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">(ARTICLE TAKEN FROM NFB NEWSLINE WEBSITE)</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> </font><font face="Times New Roman" color="#333333" size="4">Would you like a newspaper with your morning cup of coffee? NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> added its 250th newspaper in 2007 AND it's still growing. Four Spanish-language newspapers are now available to all subscribers. The service handles thousands of phone calls each day for individuals across the country that now access daily newspapers and magazines as never before. The toll-free centralized call-in center provides service on demand to any subscriber. This also enables those who cannot read conventional print to have access to all content offered on NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> when traveling throughout the United States twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" color="#333333" size="4">Every day, a subscriber can choose that day's, the previous days, or the previous Sunday's issue of any newspaper in the service. On NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup>, the user can easily choose which newspaper, section, and article to read using a standard touch-tone telephone. The menu provided allows the user to change the speed and voice settings, spell out words, or search for a particular word or subject.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" color="#333333" size="4">NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> now offers more choices than ever, including special local channels to distribute announcements of specific interest to the blind. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Newspapers_by_Phone.asp" target="_blank">http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Newspapers_by_Phone.asp</a> </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">WORD PLAY</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Chastise: (verb) to punish severely; to judge harshly</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Amy chastised John for his insensitive remark.</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dogged: (adjective) stubbornly persevering; tenacious</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">The student’s dogged attitude and unwillingness to give up greatly contributed to her academic success.</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Lugubrious: (adjective) mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">The actor’s lugubrious monologue reflected feelings of sadness and pain.</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">CALENDAR OF EVENTS</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">June 28 GABS Teleconference 7:30 p.m.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">July 3-8 National Convention (Detroit, Michigan)</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">July 6<sup>th</sup> Motor City March for Independence </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">July 26 GABS Teleconference 7:30 p.m.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">July 26-August 1<sup>st</sup> Youth Slam</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">August 14-16 You Improving You, Southeastern Regional seminar (Macon, Georgia)</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">BRAIN BASHER</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Are you up for the challenge? Test your skills. Can your brain bash these problems, or will these problems bash your brain?</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">PUZZLE 1</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Many years ago, a cruise liner sank in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The survivors luckily landed on a remote desert island. There was enough food for the 220 people to last three weeks. Six days later a rescue ship appeared, unluckily this ship also sank, leaving an additional 55 people stranded on the island to now share the original rationed food. The food obviously had to be re-rationed, but everyone was now on one-half of the original ration, so how many days in total would the food last for, from the day of the original sinking?</font> <br> </p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">ANSWER 1</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">30 days: originally there was enough food for 220 people for 21 days, which totals 4620 rations. After 6 days 1320 rations were eaten. Therefore there were now 3300 rations for 275 people, which would last for another 24 days at one-half ration per person. Which is 30 days in total from the original sinking.</font> <br> </p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">PUZZLE 2</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Geoff and I were playing on the roundabout at the local park. It was very large and we stood on opposite sides and we spun the roundabout anti-clockwise. I threw a ball to Geoff. Did the ball go to Geoff, or did it go to the right of him or the left of him?</font> <br> </p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">ANSWER 2</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Since the roundabout moved while the ball was travelling to Geoff, the ball went to the right of him (i.e. his left).</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today <br></font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">National Federation of the Blind Launches Program <br>to Sell 50,000 Coins before the Shuttle Returns to the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (May 11, 2009): When the space shuttle Atlantis takes off today, it will carry two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars. This unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to contain tactile, readable Braille. At the same time, the National Federation of the Blind will launch a program to sell 50,000 of these limited edition coins to raise funds to advance Braille literacy in the United States before the shuttle returns to earth in eleven days. <br> Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “This is an exciting moment because the general public has the chance to buy a piece of history; a coin that not only represents knowledge and empowerment for blind people but that also will visit the Hubbell Space Telescope. Just as the Hubbell telescope has advanced our knowledge of the universe, purchasing the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will advance the cause of equality for the blind.” <br> Mark Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, said: “Blind children in America are facing a crisis; only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate. It is imperative that the general public act swiftly to reverse illiteracy among blind children. That is why we are asking everyone to purchase a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar before Atlantis returns to earth.” <br> To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit <</font><a href="http://www.usmint.gov/" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#0000ff" size="4"><u>http://www.usmint.gov/</u></font></a><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">></font><a href="http://www.usmint.gov/" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#0000ff" size="4"><u>www.usmint.gov</u></font></a><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The proof silver dollar is $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar is $33.95. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit <a href="http://www.braille.org/" target="_blank">www.braille.org</a></font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">RUTH WITH THE TRUTH</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Hey. My name is Ruth. I have been raising children since the beginning of time. I have known about things that you all may have never dreamed of. So, if you have any questions please send them to me. I will give you the some of my sage advice based on my years of experience. In other words I will do my best to help you. But remember I can only give advice or get you to look at the situation from another perspective. You have to make the final decisions for yourself. Nonetheless,</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Still come to "Ruth with the Truth”. Please send your questions and concerns to </font><a href="mailto:ruthwiththetruth@gmail.com" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#0000ff" size="4"><u>ruthwiththetruth@gmail.com</u></font></a><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">. Your submissions will be kept anonymous. <br> </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear Ruth,</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I have spent the majority of my life concentrating on my academics. I recently met someone whom I find attractive. I don't think I am all that good looking. This is because some of the other students tease me about my acne. How do I approach her? </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Signed</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dateless in Barnesville <br> </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear Dateless, </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Congratulations for being focused on your studies. You did not mention your age so I am going to assume that you are a high school student. High school can be a difficult time in a young man’s life for various reasons. May I suggest that you have a talk with your parents and set up an appointment with a dermatologist to find out how to treat your acne? As you work on solving your skin issue your self-confidence will</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Improve and you will find it easier to approach any young lady.</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Good luck. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">RWTT</font> <br> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear Ruth, </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I am 15 years old and my parents have separated. I live with my mom. We live in an area that is rough and there are people selling drugs. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I do not feel safe coming home alone sometimes. I want to live with my dad. How do I tell my mom that I want to move without hurting her feelings? </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Signed</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Torn and Confused </font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear Torn and Confused, </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I am not sure what your relationship is with your mother. You should sit down with both parents and express your fears and apprehensions. The three of you can come up with a solution that works for everyone involved. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">R W T T <br> <br> <br> Dear Ruth, </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">I am currently in middle school living at home with my mom and my brother and sister. Times are hard for the family, but we seem to make it. My cousin who lives up the street is selling drugs. He says he will pay me to be a watch out. I know drugs are bad but we could use the money. Please tell me it would be all right to do it just one time. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Uncertain in Sparta </font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear uncertain, </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">You are not confused. You are not uncertain. You know to participate in such a scheme is not right and has great consequences. If you were caught and sent away from your mother and sister and brother times would truly be hard. Have faith that things will get better and do not resort to crime as a way out. </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">R W T T</font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">GABS GOSSIP</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Connecting the Dotz reports that the Georgia Association of Blind Students is currently building a website. This website will be the information center for all of the students who are a part of GABS, NABS, and any others who would like to visit the site. The site is called “Connecting the Dotz;” however, the domain has not been established at this time. The website will host a multiple resource center for student success. Please stay tuned for more information and the actual launch of the website. <br> *********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">DT ENTERTAINMENT</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Are you looking for musical entertainment that will get the party started? Then DT Entertainment is the DJ company that will satisfy your entertainment needs. We provide fun and enjoyment for all occasions-weddings, parties, and a host of other events. We entertain the crowd with a wide variety of musical genres; from rap and hip-hop to country and gospel, we have it all just waiting to get the party started. If you want your party to be the most talked about event of the year, then contact Derrick Tuff and Timothy Collins at 404-354-2250. </font></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">*********</font> <br></p><p align="center"><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">FOR SALE</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> The Georgia Association of Blind Students is in the process of selling T-shirts. These T-shirts are very fashionable and comfortable. The shirts are royal blue. In the top center of the shirt is the metallic NFB whoseit logo. Beneath the NFB whoseit logo is the Georgia affiliate motto for the year, “Everyday People Living Life Everyday”. The T-shirts are available in sizes ranging from small to 3X. Small-XL shirts are $12, and 2X and 3X shirts are and additional $3. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, contact Lakeisha Holmes, GABS secretary. </font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4"> *********</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">LETTER FROM THE EDITOR</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Dear Connecting the Dotz Readers:</font> <br></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">The Connecting the Dotz news team would like to thank you for taking the time out to read our division’s newsletter. If you have enjoyed reading the newsletter, tell a friend. If you did not find the newsletter helpful in anyway, or if you were left unsatisfied, please tell us. If you have any suggestions and/or submissions feel free to email the CTD news team at </font><a href="mailto:ctd.team09@gmail.com" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman" color="#0000ff" size="4"><u>ctd.team09@gmail.com</u></font></a><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">. Stay tuned for next quarter’s newsletter scheduled for release September 1<sup>st</sup>. Thanks again for your support.</font> <br> </p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">Signed,</font></p><p><font face="Times New Roman" size="4">CTD News Team</font></p></div></div></div><br><div apple-content-edited="true"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; "><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div><div style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div>Isaiah Wilcox</div><div>President of the Georgia Association of Blind Students</div><div>Phone: 404-291-7791</div><div>E-mail: <a href="mailto:iwilcox2011@gmail.com">iwilcox2011@gmail.com</a></div></div></div></div></span></div></span> </div><br></body></html>