[Iabs-talk] {Spam?} Fwd: ICBV Office Update December 15, 2015

[Denise Avant]

Denise R. Avant
President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
Live the life you want



> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update December 15, 2015
> Date: December 15, 2015 at 9:40:51 PM CST
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> 
>  
> ICBV Office Update
> December 15, 2015
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873> <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873> 
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) 7 Psychological Equations to Empower Your Business Mind
> *3) Cullen & Associates – Session Update
> *4) Microsoft is Developing Headsets that Help the Blind Navigate
> *5) Notice on WIOA and Subminimum Wage Employment
> *6) Small Things Considered: Improving iPhone Accessibility
> *7) Introductory Podcasts on the Fourth-Generation Apple TV
> *8) Home for the Holidays? Check Out Past Holiday Themed Seminars at Hadley!
> *9) National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute Research Collaboration: Sunu Band
> *10) NFB Holiday Message from the President
> *11) NFB – Newsline Releases iOS Mobile App Version 2.1
> *12) Eyes on Success – New Unified English Braille
> *13) Health and Wellness, Natural Ingredients Big Topics for 2016
> *14) Broker News
> *15) RSA/USG Rebate Information
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**1 Calendar of Events
> December 17, 2015 1:00 p.m. Central
> NEXT LEVEL HEALTHIER VENDING FOR TODAY’S WORKFORCE
> Join Biztalk as Randolph-Sheppard on the Web presents a guide to explore different snack options; develop a healthy vending policy; and improve the food environment for your customers.
>  
> Colleen Wunderlich, Director of the Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship at Hadley, will moderate this 90-minute webinar. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
>  
> To register, please visit Hadley.edu/biztalk.
>  
> Please note that the seminar will take place an hour earlier than the typically scheduled time.
>  
> January 24, 2016 - 2016 Washington seminar - If you wish to be part of the NFBI delegation at Washington seminar 2016, applications are due to me by December 1, 2015. Washington seminar starts on January 25, 2016 with the Great Gathering In but we ask all members in the Illinois delegation to arrive on Sunday, January 24. The application can be found on our website at www.nfbofillinois.org <http://www.nfbofillinois.org/>. My e-mail address is davant1958 at gmail.com <mailto:davant1958 at gmail.com>. One of the requirements of representing NFBI is that you must attend a training session a few weeks before. For those of you who do not know, the training session is conducted by conference call. The training session will be December 28, 2015 at 7 pm.
>  
> Denise R. Avant
> President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
> Live the life you want
>  
> May 17-20, 2016 -  NABM Windy City BLAST in Chicago –
> Save the Date!!
> 
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**2 From Chuck Fesmire - The Entrepreneur's Source
> 7 Psychological Equations to Empower Your Business Mind
> You can either be at the effect (powerless) of your business or act as the cause (in power) of it. Your internal belief system about business is the most important predictor of success or failure. In order to train yourself toward success, undergo the emotional analysis necessary to build a sound business mind that's resilient to stress, change and uncertainty. 
>  
> Here are seven psychological equations that can help empower your business mind:
>  
> 1. Introspection + Observation = Emotional Awareness
> To be introspective means to look inside and examine your thoughts and emotions. To observe is the act of taking an existential view of yourself to better know how to function at your optimal levels of success. This type of self-analysis eliminates the interference of the more immature emotions which make you fall victim to being reactive, fearful, impulsive or indecisive in business.
>  
> The result of self-awareness is the brave and admirable quality of being able to think independently, which empowers you to rely exclusively on the observation of your own mental state to succeed.
>  
> With self-awareness you become unafraid to be different, you embrace the uniqueness of your mind, the radicalness of your ideas and your ability to reason through change -- both positive and negative.
>  
> 2. Focus + Commitment = Advancement
> Focus is measured by the ability to shut out distractions and place emphasis on what needs to be done in your business to progress forward. Commitment is a measure of focus. Commitment puts meaningful action behind your chosen goals without wavering in your intention.
>  
> Work performed deliberately, consciously and intentionally with laser-like focus is summed up in the result of knowing how to advance in business. There is nothing lazy or unclear about a successful person’s intention and subsequent action.
>  
> Advancement is the result of being attuned to every move and decision made in the achievement of your goals in a calculated fashion.
>  
> 3. Honesty + Professionalism = Good Reputation
> Honesty is a measure of integrity to do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it and to follow through on any delays or quicker advancements by informing all involved. False information is never given as it destroys the integrity of the business equation.
>  
> Professionalism is a measure of competency and skill in your business dealings with others, and how your know-how is executed through subsequent action in a reliable way.
>  
> When honesty and professionalism are combined you naturally develop a stellar reputation. Because word of mouth is everything in business there is nothing which can supersede a great reputation. The successful understand that reputation has more value to others than their actual business. In this way, if people like and respect you they will like and respect your brand.
>  
> To be successful you must embrace the idea that you are your most important product.
>  
> 4. Grace + Strategy = Solutions
> Grace is a measure of staying calm under pressure. It is that fixed state of mind which seemingly carries you effortlessly through problems, obstacles and difficult negotiations in business. It is that quality when business is booming and things are flowing effortlessly, you show no ego.
>  
> Strategy is a measure of how you get to those higher aims in your business under the umbrella of uncertainty. Intelligent strategies must be attuned to patterns of business behavior and known ways to get to what you want.
>  
> Desperation kills strategy and eliminates solutions.
>  
> When you have the business mind to approach uncertainty with grace and an awareness of what actions need to be applied to gain solid ground, solutions and success are your result.
>  
> 5. Belief + Action = Fearlessness
> A sound business mind comes from believing in yourself, your purpose and the direction of your business pursuits. Belief is similar to commitment in that belief slices away all meandering.
>  
> Firm belief is the great manager of the enemies of doubt and delay. The only time to delay in business is when delay is used as a strategy to obtain the desired goal, and in that case delay would be a measure of patience.
>  
> When delay is coming from doubt it is deadly to your success.
>  
> There is no result without action. Action can be summed up as the courage to create measurable movement towards a goal. It is the outward expression of your belief. For actions to be bold beliefs must be strong and determined. This is fearlessness.
>  
> Fearlessness in business is your greatest asset.
>  
> 6. Attention + This Moment = Mindfulness
> To be highly successful, bring your full attention to all business situations and circumstances. To be the cause of your success, give attention to listening, observing and to the gathering of pertinent information before forming opinions and making decisions.
>  
> All parts of a business require attention and to be great you must have the mind to never leave any part of your business neglected.
>  
> This moment is the moment you have to maximize. To be the cause of your destiny, have the mind to understand that what happens now determines what happens tomorrow. With focused attention to the present moment you create the impermeable psychological state of being in touch with all aspects of your business.
>  
> When fully present and mindful in your business, you are nearly unstoppable.
>  
> 7. People skills + Knowledge = Leadership
> At its core, business is all about relationships. To be successful, master the art of charting your own path, while being open to listening and developing relationships which are mutually beneficial and based in integrity, at the same time. Further, to lead a team effectively you have to be someone others are inspired to follow.
>  
> To have a sound business mind, be abundantly knowledgeable in your field. Never hold the belief that you know enough. For you to be the cause of your success there is no such thing as enough knowledge. Knowledge is power. With knowledge you become smart to every new trend in your field, you consistently educate yourself, and choose to be ahead of the game.
>  
> Knowledge coupled with proficient people skills builds you into an unrelenting and inspiring leader. This allows you the opportunity to educate all those you lead, and the opportunity to lead all of those whom you partner with in business.
>  
> Written by Sherrie Campbell for Entrepreneur.com
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**3 From Tom Cullen – Cullen & Associates
> Session Update - December 5, 2015
> The Illinois House convened Wednesday for a one-day overtime session, approving compromise appropriation language and other bills that were needed prior to the year’s end.  The Senate is scheduled to return to Springfield Monday, and the House will reconvene in session on January 13th, 2016. 
>  
> Illinois has now entered its sixth month without an FY16 budget.  Last Tuesday, the Governor and the four Legislative Leaders met together for the first time since May to discuss the budget and related issues.  The meeting, originally suggested by government reform and watch dog organizations, began with public statements by the legislative leaders and the Governor, followed by a private, closed-door meeting.  Statements issued after the meeting indicate there is still no global budget agreement, although some progress was made on an appropriations bill to fund certain non-general revenue fund items.  Leaders indicated they may meet again this month to discuss the budget. 
>  
> On Wednesday, the House approved compromise legislation (SB 2039 (T. Cullerton/Currie) (HFA 0004)) to appropriate $3.1 billion ($28 million GRF) in FY16 funding for various programs, including $2.2 billion in non-GRF items passed by the House in November in HB 4305 (Moylan); additional items requested by the Governor, such as road salt for the winter, funds for veterans in state-run homes, and debt services payments to avoid default; and GRF funding for domestic violence shelters ($18 million) and the Secretary of State’s office ($10 million).  While the inclusion of GRF funding created a bit of controversy during debate, SB 2309 passed the House 107-1-1 and is expected to be approved by the Senate Monday.  Some of the funding highlights include:
>  
> Nearly $600 million in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for counties, municipalities, and road districts
>  
> $255 million in Local Government Distributive Funds to local governments
>  
> $165 million for low income heating and energy assistance
>  
> $25 million for various tourism programs
>  
> $5 million for law enforcement training
>  
> $22 million for various mental health programs, including pharmacy services, Medicare Part D, and special projects
>  
> $14 million for bond retirement
>  
> $77.1 million in grants to emergency telephone systems for 911 upgrades
>  
> $77 million to the State Police for emergency telephone system support
>  
> $84 million to Chicago from local sales tax funds
>  
> $45 million to local governments from video gaming funds
>  
> $100 million to local governments from state gaming funds
>  
> $70 million to fund grants and services for veterans homes
>  
> $3.5 million for Fire Department Training
>  
> $28 million to IDPH for long-term care monitoring
>  
> $1 billion to pay lottery winners
>  
> Various funding to IDPH for MS research, AIDS prevention & education, breast cancer research, public health laboratories, distribution of medical preparations and food supplies, and the tobacco quit line
>  
> $3 million for the Illinois Math & Science Academy
>  
> The House also unanimously approved compromise reforms to the State’s unemployment insurance program.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously last month.  Under the agreement, HB 1285 (Hoffman/Link), SA#2 eliminates the benefits and revenue “rest stops” scheduled to go into effect in 2016.  The rest stops were scheduled to raise employer taxes by an estimated $470 million and cut benefits by $300 million.  The agreement also expands the definition of employee misconduct and negligent acts making an individual ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits in certain circumstances, such as falsifying documents to obtain employment, damaging the employer’s property through conduct that is grossly negligent, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs on the employer’s property, knowing and repeated violations of reasonable attendance policies, refusing to obey an employer’s instruction, or endangering workplace safety through gross negligence.  The compromise further eliminates the Social Security offset, allowing recently-separated workers who are eligible for Social Security to receive a full unemployment insurance benefit.  This represents an estimated $25 million benefit to older workers.  HB 1285 was signed by the Governor Friday afternoon as PA 99-0488.
>  
> Illinois’ fiscal condition continues to be dire and uncertain as it appears the State will begin the New Year without an FY16 budget in place.  With more than 90% of the budget continuing to be funded through court orders and piecemeal appropriations, state operations will continue.  The Comptroller was unable to make the November pension payment due to insufficient funds, which was frowned upon by bonding agencies, but she is hopeful that a boost in holiday sales tax receipts and quarterly income tax payments will enable her to make the full state pension payment in December.  Illinois’ bill backlog now stands at nearly $6.7 billion and is projected to grow to an estimated $8 billion by the end of the fiscal year. 
>  
> Representative Sara Wojcicki Jimenez was sworn in to replace Representative Raymond Poe, who was recently named Director of Agriculture. 
>  
> Due to scheduling conflicts, the December 11, 2015 meeting of the Medicaid Advisory Committee has been rescheduled to Friday, January 8, 2016, 10:00AM to 12:00PM.   Agenda and meeting materials will be posted 10 days prior to the new meeting date.
>  
> Below is a listing of Key Session Deadlines for the 2016 Spring Legislative Session.
>  
> 2015-2016 Key Session Dates:
> December 7, 2015 – Senate Reconvenes
> January 13, 2016 – Senate and House First Reconvene in 2016
> January 22, 2016 – Deadline, House and Senate LRB Requests
> January 27, 2016 – Governor’s State of the State Address
> February 11, 2016 – Deadline, Introduction of House Substantive Bills
> February 17, 2016 – Governor’s Budget Address
> February 19, 2016 – Deadline, Introduction of Senate Substantive Bills
> March 15, 2016 – Primary Election Day
> April 8, 2016 – Deadline, Substantive Bills, House and Senate Committee
> April 22, 2016 – 3rd Reading Deadline, Bills in First Chamber (House and Senate)
> May 13, 2015 – Deadline, Substantive Bills, House and Senate Committee, Second Chamber
> May 27, 2015 – 3rd Reading Deadline, Bill in Second Chamber (House and Senate)
> May 31, 2015 - Adjournment
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**4 From Tech Insider - Danielle Muoio November 30, 2015
> Microsoft is developing headsets that help the blind navigate
> Microsoft is introducing an update to its headphone technology geared toward helping the blind navigate.
>  
> The tech giant teamed up with charity Guide Dogs in 2011 to create Cities Unlocked, an organization dedicated to making cities more accessible for those with sight loss. Since its creation, Cities Unlocked has been developing headphones that will describe the surrounding area of a location to better assist with navigation.
>  
> The first prototype was unveiled last year and used a series of clicking noises to help guide the wearer in the right direction, the Irish Examiner reported. Now the headphones have been fine tuned to enable the user to ask information about the surrounding area and get directions in advance.
>  
> The device has been undergoing testing in the United Kingdom.
>  
> “After phase one last year we started to think deeply about how we can empower people to be more independent, more mobile and act in much the same way as a sighted person would do," Jarnail Chudge, who leads the Cities Unlocked program at Microsoft, told the Irish Examiner.
>  
> Other researchers are looking into ways to help the blind get around more easily.
>  
> Yale University's robotics lab is developing a device called the Haptic Sandwich that assists the blind by changing shape to indicate distance and the direction to travel.
>  
> Learn more about the Cities Unlocked program here:
> http://youtu.be/Wm-AAkAKoTc <http://youtu.be/Wm-AAkAKoTc>
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**5 Shared by Lori Zenner
> This being sent to Division of Rehabilitation Services’ (DRS) Community Partners:
>  
> Notice on WIOA and Subminimum Wage Employment
> The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is actively involved in the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which made several changes in the operation of the vocational rehabilitation program.   One set of significant changes concerns employment of people with disabilities at subminimum wages.  
>  
> The overall emphasis of these WIOA changes is on increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment.   The language of the law sets this in contrast to employment in isolated or segregated settings, particularly those where individuals work for subminimum wages. 
>  
> For many years the U.S. Department of Labor has issued 14-C certificates to business entities, including community rehabilitation program agencies, to employ people with disabilities for less than the minimum wage under certain circumstances.  It is important to note that those certificates will still be issued and subminimum wage employment will still be allowed under WIOA.   The primary impact of WIOA is to make certain that individuals with disabilities are offered opportunities to pursue competitive integrated employment and are freely choosing instead to work in a job paying subminimum wages.
>  
> A major requirement for DRS as the state VR agency is to contact all individuals currently engaged in subminimum wage employment and provide information and counseling about the opportunity to participate in the VR program and pursue competitive integrated employment.   As a first step in this process, DRS recently sent a notification by mail to all entities in Illinois with 14-C certificates, inquiring about the number of individuals employed under that certificate.  DRS will provide these employers with information packets to share with the affected employees and subsequently offer counseling to any who elect to contact DRS.
>  
> DRS is also obligated under WIOA to work with the State Board of Education and local school districts to ensure that no student with a disability exits school to begin working in a subminimum wage environment without having first: (a) received pre-employment transition services while in school; and (b) been engaged with the DRS VR program and offered the opportunity to pursue competitive integrated employment.  As is the case with existing workers, these WIOA requirements do not prevent an individual from moving into a subminimum wage work environment, rather they serve as a means of documenting the individual’s informed choice.
>  
> The engagement by DRS with individuals currently working in subminimum wage settings will begin soon and continue until we can be assured that each individual has receive our communication and presented with new opportunities.  Activities relating to students exiting special education will begin in the spring following completion of an interagency agreement between DRS and ISBE. 
>  
> It is our hope that the communication around this issue between DRS and its community partners will remain in a positive focus.  It is not the intent of the law or DRS to close down any existing programs.   The purpose of our engagement is to comply with the law and provide specific opportunities to individuals with disabilities.    We look forward to working together to meet the needs of the people we serve.
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**6 Shared by AppleVis - Recent News and Views
> Small Things Considered: Improving iPhone Accessibility
> By Morgan | November 15, 2015
>  
> It seems so surreal. I am in an airport. I need to go to the public restroom. I find the serpentine tiled entrance to the enclave and I work my guide dog inside. It is vacuous and sounds reflect from every direction off the hard tile walls and floor. I have no idea where the porcelain fixtures are located. I am not even sure if I am in the right bathroom. I move slowly, reaching out, hoping that I do not touch something wet or, worse, the back of someone's neck. Even if I accomplish my original goal, the nightmare is not over. In dreams of entrapment, there never seems to be an exit. Minimally, it is frustrating. Sometimes, it gets stressful. This sense of confounded isolation is not limited just to public restrooms. There are times when I get these same feelings when dealing with my access technology.
>  
> Many years ago, I remember eagerly waiting each week for the flexible disks of "U.S. News and World Report" to arrive so that I could catch up on what others had already read in the daily newspapers. I recollect how some libraries had a few shelves, a very few, with Braille reference materials that were often decades old. I still smile when reminiscing about lugging my Talking Book record player around the house so that I could read books whenever and wherever I wanted. Things were simpler, but not very informative.
>  
> As technology evolved, so did our access. Spinning records transitioned to cassettes. Cassettes moved to CDs, and finally to digital cartridges. Paper moved to electronic text and everything ended up online. Accessibility began to intertwine with mainstream solutions. Microcomputers enabled us to interact with vast stores of information. At least until the inevitable crash...
>  
> Remember the three words you used to say to the ones you loved?
>  
> ”Save your work!"
>  
> Oh, how we used to suffer with the "Blue Screen of Death" on our PCs, the rattling "Click of Death" inside our Zip drives, and the dreaded "Chimes of Death" emanating from our Macs. Fortunately, our iPhones are much more stable. Until I replaced my 5S, it was generally only my iPhone batteries that died.
>  
> Read More: “Small Things Considered: Improving iPhone Accessibility”
> http://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-assistive-technology-iphone-opinion/small-things-considered-improving-iphone <http://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-assistive-technology-iphone-opinion/small-things-considered-improving-iphone>
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**7 Shared by AppleVis - This Month in Podcasts
> Introductory podcasts on the fourth-generation Apple TV
> David Woodbridge has recorded a series of podcasts devoted to the new Apple TV:
> Introducing the New Apple TV: Unboxing, Description, Initial Setup, VoiceOver Settings and More <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast865.mp3>
> An Introduction to the App Store on the New Apple TV: Browsing, Searching and Installing <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast866.mp3>
> Apps on the Apple TV: Moving, Deleting and the App Switcher <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast868.mp3>
> Apple TV Quick Tip: Checking the Battery Level of your Siri Remote <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast870.mp3>
> An Introduction to Siri on the Fourth-Generation Apple TV <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast871.mp3>
> An Introduction to VoiceOver Gestures Available on the Fourth-Generation Apple TV <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast872.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Exploring the Design and Operation of the Siri Remote <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast874.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Using with Bluetooth or AirPlay Speakers <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast875.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Configuring and Using the Accessibility Shortcut <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast876.mp3>
> How to Rename your Fourth-Generation Apple TV and AirPlay Content from Another iOS Device <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast877.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Screensaver, Software Updates and Power Settings <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast878.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Setting Up Parental Controls <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast879.mp3>
> Apple TV Quick Tip: Using the 3rd Generation Remote with the 4th Generation Apple TV <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast880.mp3>
> Apple TV Quick Tip: Updating to a Newer Version of tvOS on the 4th Generation Apple TV <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast881.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: Using the Onscreen Keyboard <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast882.mp3>
> Apple TV Quick Tip: Setup and Use of Home Sharing <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast885.mp3>
> Using your Old Apple TV to Stream Audio from a Fourth-Generation Apple TV to your Stereo <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast887.mp3>
> Apple TV Quick Tip: How to Buy and Watch Movies and TV Shows <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast888.mp3>
> Apple TV Fourth-Generation: An Overview of the Music App <http://www.applevis.com/sites/default/files/podcasts/AppleVisPodcast890.mp3>
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**8 From Hadley School for the Blind –
> Home for the Holidays? Check out past holiday themed Seminars at Hadley!
> Holiday Hum-Dinge <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D256>rs <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D256> 
> Holiday Baking: Stirring it Up in the Kitchen <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D33>
> Hope: The Perfect Gift for the Holidays <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D79>
> Holiday Crafts: From Creation to Presentation <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D52>
> Safe and Savvy Travel: Tips and Tricks for Traveling in a Winter Wonderland <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D257>
> and many more! <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPastSeminars.asp>
>  
> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=799512&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPodcasts.asp>  
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**9 Shared by David Andrews via Nfbnet –  Submitted by mjones on Fri, 12/11/2015 - 16:48
> National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute Research Collaboration: Sunu Band
> Blog Date:
> Friday, December 11, 2015
> By Amy Mason
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute leads the quest to understand the real problems of blindness and to develop innovative education, technologies, products, and services that help the world's blind to achieve greater independence. Many technology developers have the best intensions when designing that great next product for the blind. Unfortunately they do not include blind people in the process. We strongly encourage developers of innovative nonvisual access technologies to work with us during the design and development phase. By leveraging the expertise and the life experience of the independent blind with the engineering expertise of these developers of next generation technologies, the result is an innovative, more useful product for the blind. 
>  
> Last year we began just such a collaborative relationship with a startup by the name of UStraap. In 2014, we were contacted by one of the project’s creators, Marco Trujillo, and asked to look at his prototype device. Our initial impressions can be seen in a previous AT Blog post about the USTRAAP. To paraphrase, at that time, we believed that the device had promise, and we were excited to see where it was going to go. It has indeed undergone several iterations of changes after extensive testing with blind people, and now goes by the name of Sunu.
>  
> In this post we want to share a bit of our interactions with the creators of the Sunu to provide a peak into the workings of the Access Technology Team and how we assist manufacturers in providing useful tools to blind consumers. The following is a brief description and critique of the Sunu Band by Sunu, and a sample of the feedback we were able to provide to the developers. In order to maintain the integrity of their intellectual property, we are only able to provide examples of questions and suggestions that demonstrate, in a small way, the benefit of our collaboration.
>  
> The Sunu Band  - By Sunu
> Sunu describes the Sunu Band as a smart-bracelet that uses sonar “look-ahead” technology, empowering mobility and independence for people living with impaired vision by helping improve awareness, orientation, and mobility, which can be used with other aids. The Sunu Band is a wearable bracelet with a sonar sensor, two buttons on the watch face, and an adjustable wristband. The device provides haptic feedback about surroundings to the user. You simply point or scan with the sensor on the device, and the closer you come to a person or object, the more intense the vibrations on your wrist become. There is also a separate Sunu Tag that can be used as a locator device for easily misplaced items. The tag will beep, and the wristband vibrates faster as the two come closer, “rather like a game of ’hot or cold’ with a prize of rediscovering your missing keys.” There are promises of leveraging app integration to create enhanced functionality, and add other features. The one that has already been implemented well enough to be tried by our team is a vibrating watch feature, similar to that offered by the Meteor Vibrating Pocket Watch. We will discuss each of these three features in turn, including our thoughts on how to improve the functionality, and finish with information on where you can go to get your hands on the device if it piques your interest.
>  
> Navigational Aid
> The Sunu Band started life as merely a navigational aid intended to provide additional information to cane and dog guide users. As such, this is still the heart of the device and its functionality. The band uses sonar waves to gather information about the user’s surroundings and conveys information on how near the user is to an obstacle by vibrating with increasing frequency as the user nears it. It offers both an outdoor and an indoor navigation mode. Indoor mode uses a narrower band and a shorter range in order to provide more detailed information when a user is in more crowded settings, and may be moving more slowly. In our testing, we found that the Sunu may be useful in a number of indoor and outdoor situations including:
> •    Simulating shore-lining technique. For instance, indoors, a user could use the band to search across the hall for openings where the hall turns or open doors. Outdoors, it could be used to search for bus shelters, entrance alcoves for businesses, or other open spaces.
> •    Following people in a line. By pointing the band at a person in front of the user in line, they can feel the change in vibrational pattern as the line moves up, without having to search as often for that person with the tip of the cane.
> •    Detecting objects at head height. By angling the wrist just a little, it was possible for our testers to discover tree branches and other obstacles that might offer a nasty shock to the traveler.
> It is rather clever in that it provides to cane users some of the foreknowledge of more distant objects enjoyed by dog users, and allows dog users to gather information about the obstacles they are maneuvering around with their guide.
>  
> Sunu states, “It is easy to learn within minutes.” So we put this assertion to the test. Several staff members took the Sunu Band through some basic mobility scenarios. For some the indoor navigation functionality of the device took a little time to acclimate to, while others picked it up very intuitively. In discussions with the developers, they state that although you can learn to operate the device in minutes, it does take more time to master its use. We are hopeful that there are opportunities in the future for us to assist with the development of additional training materials. Our opinion is that it would be a helpful device for individuals to use as a complement to good orientation and mobility skills training.
>  
> Of course, when evaluating technologies that provide nonvisual information, there is always a tricky balance between how much is too much information. This is complicated by the fact that what is considered too much information for some may be considered too little information for others. This is why we definitely appreciate the ability to put the Sunu Band in sleep mode with ease.
>  
> The one area of concern with the band as a navigational tool that we noted at this time is that it is easily covered by the sleeve of a winter coat, and may not be as useful in the colder months outdoors.
>  
> Sunu Locator Tag
> The tag is a pretty simple concept. A user places the tag on or in a bag, luggage, keys, or other easily-misplaced object. When the user wishes to locate the item, they can either use the wristband or the intended smartphone app to trigger the tag and follow the vibrations of the wristband or audible tones from the tag to help reunite them with their wandering belonging. The additional ability to use the vibrations on the band will hopefully make it possible for a user to silence the tag and find the item in question without alerting others in the area to the search.
>  
> We have been providing on-going support in the development of this technology and were pleased that some improvements have already been made. For example, the Sunu Tag is a much nicer size and shape than the original design, and also works well in our testing with the Sunu Band. We are looking forward to the integration with the app and Bluetooth, which should give it slightly longer range.
>  
> Timekeeping
> As previously mentioned, the Sunu Band, although referred to as a bracelet, also tells time, like a watch. The original method of obtaining the time was deemed by our testers as a little too conspicuous. We emphasized that many people want to check the time in class, or in a boring meeting, and not let others know they are counting down the minutes. Although this was also input the developers received from others, we were able to give some additional useful feedback on some suggested alternative methods of checking the time.
>  
> We are hopeful that with app integration, alarms may also be included in the device, as the Sunu would prove to be a nicely inconspicuous way to keep track of upcoming appointments, and might even provide an alternative to a loudly buzzing alarm clock.
>  
> Design and Other Thoughts
> We found the wireless charging feature of the device to be an interesting alternative to the more familiar USB chargers being used by most technologies. We expressed our disappointment that, in the beta unit, there was no non-visual indication that the products are actually charging. They informed us that they have a strategy for dealing with this in the final version. Moreover, they consulted us on using USB as an alternative option for charging the device. Using USB to directly charge the device may be more familiar to most users and may be more secure, because it is less likely the device will be knocked off its charger. However, USB seems like a possible point of malfunction due to plugging and unplugging the device. USB Micro just doesn’t seem very sturdy and the charging disk would be unplugged a lot less often than the band, which would minimize the wear and tear on the band itself.
>  
> In our discussions with Marco, we learned that the folks from Sunu are hoping to add more features via their smartphone app, including some which may work with iBeacon and indoor navigation technology. We are very interested to see what may come of these discussions, and will continue to provide our guidance to the team at Sunu as they continue creating this very versatile and interesting piece of technology.
>  
> Final Thoughts
> “Tested and validated” is Sunu’s current claim. As the oldest, largest organization of the blind in the United States, the National Federation of the Blind is pleased that we are being afforded the opportunity to test and aid in the development of the product. We can validate that it is an innovative piece of access technology with great potential. We are hopeful that the Sunu Band technology will be integrated into one of the emerging navigation technologies we are identifying through our NFB Indoor Navigation Challenge.
>  
> We make sure that technology developers understand that it is important that any wearable technology is both functional and stylish. The prototype of the Sunu Band has a wristband that can be sized fairly easily, and we found the to be a very simple and elegant solution.
>  
> Sunu informs us that the design of the final product will be even better. All in all, we cannot wait to see the final product, and with the advent of app and possible beacon integration, we are really quite excited by what the future holds for the Sunu Band.
>  
> For more information about the Sunu Band, visit http://sunu.io/ or their Indiegogo campaign. The intended retail price for the band and one tag is planned to be $250. During the campaign, the band and tag combo is available at a discounted price of $199, and for this weekend they are planning to offer a special package with the band only at $70.
>  
> To suggest other products in development for review, please email jerniganinstitute at nfb.org <mailto:jerniganinstitute at nfb.org> . 
> 
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**10 From Mark A. Riccobono, President National Federation of the Blind – December Newsletter
>  
> Dear Friends:
> I was walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with my family during the Thanksgiving weekend. The weather was great, the holiday spirit was in the air, and the joy of being together filled our hearts. On such a normal day, I find myself worrying about the blind people out there who cannot yet imagine that such a day is possible for a blind person—walking around the city independently, changing plans at the last minute, managing the crowds and the business transactions at local merchants, and occasionally taking a wrong turn without fear of getting lost. I have received some of the best training a blind person can get from some of the best blind instructors in the world, and I no longer think about the “what ifs” but rather the “what’s next.”
>  
> In this season of giving, I would like to find new and dynamic ways to give that understanding and freedom to blind people who have not yet found it. It comes through the interactions with members of the National Federation of the Blind at our local chapter meetings and in our larger gatherings across the country. If each of us can get connected with just one new blind person and begin sharing that knowledge and experience with them, we could deliver thousands of presents that will not be forgotten.
>  
> I am grateful for the opportunity to work on sharing this gift of freedom and empowerment every day. I am thankful for the thousands of people who put their spirit and imagination into the work across the country. As we come to the close of another great year of our movement, I love hearing the stories of the blind people who have found the hope and determination we offer, and I look forward to those we will have the opportunity to empower in the next year. I worry that our work has not reached far enough and that our message has not yet been heard by those who most need to discover it. Thus, I continue to seek ways to reach more blind people to give them the gift of hope and confidence that I enjoy every day.
>  
> Please help me give the tremendous gift that is the National Federation of the Blind. While you are at it, please share with me your ideas about how we can make our work more impactful and our reach more broad. And have yourself a joyous and safe holiday season.
>  
> Mark A. Riccobono, President
> National Federation of the Blind
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**11 Shared by Kristian Kuhnke via Nfbnet –
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> CONTACT:
> Chris Danielsen
> Director of Public Relations
> National Federation of the Blind
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
> (410) 262-1281 (cell)
> cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>
>  
> NFB-NEWSLINE® Releases iOS Mobile App Version 2.1
> Baltimore, Maryland (December 2, 2015): NFB-NEWSLINE® continues to expand the functionality of its free news and information service with the release of NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile iOS app version 2.1, a free app for the blind and print-disabled.
>  
> Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Living the lives we want means being connected to important news and information at the same time as our sighted peers. We are proud that NFB-NEWSLINE® continues to expand the availability and selection of newspapers and other important information. It’s a unique service developed by the blind, for the blind.”
>  
> Scott White, Director of NFB-NEWSLINE®, said: “We are excited to release this next version of NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile. We are constantly striving to keep this app relevant and provide more features, and we thank our subscribers for the many useful suggestions that have been implemented in this version.”
>  
> NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free service available to anyone who is blind, visually impaired or print-disabled, offering over four hundred publications. The service includes national newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, sixteen breaking news sources such as CNN and ESPN Online, fourteen international newspapers including the London Telegraph and Vancouver Sun, and countless state newspapers, plus fifty magazines like Time, PC World, Mac World, Guideposts, and more.
>  
> The new version of the NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile iOS app includes a number of enhancements, including a global search function, allowing subscribers to search across all publications for topics of interest. The weather alert feature will now be linked to the iOS device’s GPS, so alerts will be more accurate than ever before. A blind person can hear the beep tones warning of weather emergencies on the television, but cannot read the messages scrolling across the screen. NFB-NEWSLINE® provides any current alerts as soon as subscribers log into the app.
>  
> In addition to these features, TV listings have been streamlined, retail ads-previously only available using the telephone access method-have been added, and choosing favorites is now made easier by the addition of an Add/Delete Favorites button on the screen for each publication.
>  
> NFB-NEWSLINE®’s vast array of publications, information, and announcements can be accessed anytime, on the subscribers’ schedule, all day, every day. And it is always free. To learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE® or to sign up, visit http://www.nfbnewsline.org/ <http://www.nfbnewsline.org/> , or call (866) 504-7300.
>  
> NFB-NEWSLINE® is a service of the National Federation of the Blind.
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**12 This week on Eyes on Success - The New Unified English Braille
> 1549  Readers of Braille have probably heard of the new UEB or Unified English Braille code by now. This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jennifer Dunnam, Chairperson of the Braille Authority of North America, about what prompted these changes to the Braille code, what changes we are likely to see, and what this means for everyday readers of Braille.
>  
> The audio and show notes for this episode can be found at:
> http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**13 Shared by NCA Smart Brief - Health and wellness, natural ingredients big topics for 2016
> What's in store for the New Year 12/11/2015 -  by Lynn Petrak
> It’s that time of year again: out with the old, in with the new. As 2016 approaches, prognosticators are coming out with their lists of food trends for the coming year, which reflect and portent changes in the way people eat, including their perception and consumption of snacks and bakery products.
>  
> If recently published lists are any indication, it seems health and wellness will continue to impact these categories. For example, in its annual assessment of the upcoming year’s top 10 food trends, the Chicago-based market research firm Technomic projects that consumers will remain negative on G.M.O.s, noting that “Whatever the science says, many consumers have made up their minds: no genetic tinkering with their food.”
>  
> Likewise, the Specialty Food Association, New York, predicts a continued focus on better-for-you foods.
>  
> “Health and convenience come across loud and clear in 2016’s trend forecast,” said Denise Purcell, head of content for the S.F.A.’s daily newsletter. “Consumers gravitate toward simpler foods and beverages, often sustainable and local, and they respond to products and new store formats that make their lives easier.”
>  
> As for snacks, better-for-you snacks are increasingly viewed as meal replacements by single diners and on-the-go parents and their kids, according to the S.F.A. report.
>  
> Meanwhile, self-proclaimed “supermarket guru” Phil Lempert recently released his list of food trends for 2016, which include the move toward a new way of eating. Pointing out that consumers are getting more of their nutrition information from the Internet, he said that algae, nuts, vegetables and yeast will be used to add more nutrient value to protein-based products and that more free-from items will hit the marketplace.
>  
> Some of those trends are already evident with snacks made from perceived better-for-you ingredients, like kale chips from brands such as Rhythm Superfoods, sold in flexible bags, and hemp seeds and chia seeds from brands such as Navitas Naturals, sold in stand-up, recloseable pouches, among others. Packaging formats from some of these healthy items are innovative, too, like Ruby Rockets’ recently launched snack “tubes,” a line of dairy-, gluten- and G.M.O.-free blends made with vegetables, fruits and plant-based protein and packaged in convenient tubes with a 90-day shelf life.
>  
> Finally, supporting S.F.A.’s prediction of less food waste generated by manufacturers, some new products reflect steady interest in both health and sustainability. One case in point is the Ocean’s Halo line of seaweed snacks from San Francisco-based Frontier Foods, Inc., available in consumable sheets and packaged in a 100% compostable tray and box.
>  
> “Ocean's Halo's compostable packaging sets it apart from any other product in the category. We invest heavily in ensuring that all of our products are in compostable and recyclable packaging,” remarks co-founder Mike Shim, adding that market research conducted for the company underscored the importance of sustainability to its consumers.
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**14 Broker News:
> From Burdette Beckman, Ray –
> Herr’s New Items: (also USG rebateable)
> Crunchy Cheestix Jalapeno
> Kettle Cooked Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips
> Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ Kettle Chips
> Kettle Cooked Cheddar Horseradish Kettle Chips
> Picantita Cheddar Cheese Waffle Sandwiches – crunch with a cheesy punch
> Picantita Jalapeno Cheddar Waffle Sandwiches – corn waffle
>  
> From Hoffman Vogler, Lee –
> Start out December with a new bold flavor from Deli Express.
> Roast Beef & Horseradish- made with savory roast beef and natural horseradish cheddar cheese Spicy Chicken- made with spicy breaded chicken, Applewood smoked bacon and pepperjack cheese Smokehouse Turkey Breast- made with chipotle turkey and smoked Gouda cheese. All three are made with artisan-style breads, premium meats and cheeses, and spices and sauces that delivers their Bold taste.
>  
> Promotion In Motion’s (USG) NEW flavor, Apple Orchard Medley is now available...  featuring Granny Smith Apple, Pear, Golden Delicious Apple, Red Delicious Apple, and Apricot flavors, fruit is its first ingredient. Contact your distributor today.
>  
> White Castle (USG)  is offering $0.64 / case off on it’s Chicken Breast sandwich this month Made with breaded White Breast meat, it is a high quality chicken product. By the way, for Thanksgiving, I saw this recipe for stuffing I have to share with you. Bon Appétit and Happy Thanksgiving!
>  
>  <applewebdata://916C1504-8E1D-4E0C-BAB6-F5324F8FF873>**15 RSA/USG Rebate Information –
> Please remember that it is your responsibility to purchase your 4th Quarter Frito News item. Frito-Lay Q415 News Item - New this quarter – Two items mix and match to reach requirements. Item 1) LSS Flamin Hot Fries Item 2) LSS Kettle Cooked Lattice Cut Aged Cheddar & Black Pepper Chips
>  
> IL Vendors - Unfortunately we are like two weeks, which include holiday time away from the end of the 4th quarter.  I have not yet received a progress report on Q4, if we intend on meeting our numbers we need to have like 83 cases of the items above before the quarter ends.  If you have not bought your case yet, please pick one of the two above and order it in right away.  We are giving Frito Lay one more quarter here in Illinois to pull the data accurately to calculate our rebates…  We will give it our best shot this quarter and talk about our 2016 game plan in January. Thank you, Kathy
>  
> Extra Purchase Power Rebates through December on these:
> Clif Blueberry Crisp Bar #161007
> Clif Builder's Chocolate Mint Bar #160044
> Clif Builder's Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar #160041
> Clif Builder's Crunchy Peanut Butter Bar #160048
> Clif Builder's Vanilla Almond Bar #160045
> Clif Chocolate Brownie Bar #160006
> Clif Chocolate Chip & Peanut Butter Crunch #160009
> Clif Chocolate Chip Bar #160004
> Clif Coconut Chocolate Chip Bar #160130
> Clif Cool Mint Chocolate Bar #150003
> Clif Crunchy Peanut Butter Bar #160008
> Clif Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Bar #161003
> Clif Sierra Trail Mix Bar #161015
> Clif White Chocolate Macadamia Bar #161009
> belVita Biscuit Blueberry
> PLANTERS Salted Peanuts 2oz
> Trident White Spearmint Single 16pc
> Rice Krispies Treats 1.3 oz. & 2.13 oz.
> Frito Lay LSS Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn
> Frito Lay Chips Spicy Nacho Cheese
> Frito Lay Kettle Jalapeno Potato Chips LSS
> Frito Lay LSS Lattice Cut Age Cheddar & Black Pepper
> Frito Lay LSS Kettle Jalapeno Cheddar Chips 40% Less Fat
> Frito Lay LSS Kettle Applewood Smoked BBQ Potato Chips
> Frito Lay Grandma's Peanut Butter Big Cookie
> Mars M&M's Pretzel Single
> Mars M&M's Crispy Single
> Mars Twix Caramel Bar
> 100 Grand
> Crunch Singles Chocoloate
> Resses Pieces Single
> Twizzlers Single
> 
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro
> ICBV, Business Manager
> (630)234-4444
> 
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502
> Chicago, IL 60604
> (312)663-3007
> 
> This message (including attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it without further distribution and reply to the sender that you have received the message in error.