[Iabs-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update December 22, 2015

Fri Dec 25 01:28:12 UTC 2015

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 22, 2015
> Date: December 22, 2015 at 10:09:58 PM CST
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> 
> ICBV Office Update
> December 22, 2015
> Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
> Happy Holidays to all
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590> 
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590> 
> *1) Calendar of Events <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *2) Secretary of State FYI on Vehicle Registration Notices <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *3) Best Apps of 2015 for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *4) Hadley School for the Blind Small Business Competition, not Randolph Sheppard or VR Related though <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *5) Eyes on Success – All About Careers in Stem <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *6) Sprint’s New Blind and Low Vision Custom Plan <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *7) KNFB Reader will be on sale for $74.99 through January 4th <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *8) Community Phone Briefing Series on the Affordable Care Act <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *9) Bard Mobile <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *10) Be My Eyes – Helping Blind See <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *11) Chargebacks Are Becoming an Issue For Vending Operators <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *12) Broker News Patterson, Inc. <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *13) Broker News Burdette Beckman <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
> *14) RSA Buying Group <file:///E:/Office%20Update/Master%20kf_ICBV%20Office%20Updateb.docx>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**1 Calendar of Events
> January 24, 2016 - 2016 Washington seminar - 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. 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://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**2 From the Secretary of State as an FYI
> Due to the lack of a state budget, the Secretary of State's office is suspending the mailing of vehicle registration renewal reminder notices. By suspending this service, which will save approximately $450,000 per month, the office will be able to prolong the ability to mail vehicle registration renewal stickers, titles and license plates to vehicle owners for a few months longer before the postage account is depleted. Vehicle owners are encouraged to be mindful of their vehicle registration status. Motorists can sign up to receive reminder notices electronically by email.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**3 Shared by Flying Blind, LLC
> Apple announces The Best Apps of 2015 for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch:
> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBoyGeniusReport/~3/54_weoo83EY/ <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBoyGeniusReport/~3/54_weoo83EY/>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**4 Shared by Flying Blind, LLC
> Attention all aspiring vision impaired business owners! The Hadley School for the Blind wants to assist by inviting you to participate in the following small business competition: http://www.hadley.edu/FCE-NVC.asp <http://www.hadley.edu/FCE-NVC.asp>
>  
> Full details at link above –
> Calling All New Business Owners!
> Purpose
> The Hadley School for the Blind through its Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship welcomes you to participate in its inaugural New Venture Competition. The Competition is intended for new ventures in the start-up, or early growth stages of business development. The following business models are excluded from the Competition: buy-outs, real estate related investments, tax shelters, franchises, technology resellers or anything that could be considered a Randolph-Sheppard related VR agency investment.
>  
> Eligibility
> The rules and requirements for eligibility to participate in the Competition are as follows:
>  
> The applicant must be legally blind and have successfully completed a minimum of one (1) module with the Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship within the last five (5) years. To enroll in the FCE, please visit www.hadley.edu/FCE <http://www.hadley.edu/FCE> or call Student Services at 800-526-9909.
>  
> The applicant must play a significant role in the business described in the application. Significant roles include: equity in the business or ownership (majority or controlling).
>  
> The following individuals are ineligible to participate:
> Current or past employees of Hadley, including the immediate family members thereof
> Current or past independent contractors of Hadley, including the immediate family members thereof
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**5 This weeks Eyes on Success
> 1551 Careers in STEM (Dec. 16, 2015)
> Bonnielin Swenor is an Assistant Professor in the Wilmer Eye Institute at
> Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She talks with hosts Nancy and Peter
> Torpey about how her limited vision has affected her career path. She also
> talks about her research into how the visually impaired prepare for and
> engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) professions.
>  
> The audio and show notes for this episode can be found at:
> http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**6 Shared by The Chicago Lighthouse
> Sprint’s New Blind and Low Vision Custom Plan:
> Sprint is excited to share a NEW BLIND AND LOW VISION Custom Service PLAN!  
>  
> It includes unlimited talk and text with 2GB of data while on the Sprint network for only $45 a month with Sprint Easy Pay or Sprint Lease device options. 
>  
> To find out more about Sprint’s $45 monthly service plan, plus Unlimited Talk and Text, with 2 GB Data, visit www.sprint.com/accessnow, that’s Sprint.com slash access now.  Or contact Sprint Support for Customers with Disabilities at 855-885-7568 or email sprintaccessibility at sprint.com
>  
> Larry Kruszynski
> Job Readiness Coach / Transitional Services | Employment Services
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**7 Shared by Scott White, NFB
> Looking for holiday ideas? Give the gift of print this holiday season through NFB-NEWSLINE and KNFB Reader.
>  
> Tell a friend or family member about NFB-NEWSLINE! NFB-NEWSLINE now offers over 350 newspapers like the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times; along with breaking news from news sources such as CNN, BBC, ABC News, CBS News and ESPN Online; and over 50 magazines like Time, Smithsonian, Reader's Digest, Every Day with Rachel Ray, PC World and Macworld. There are also TV listings, job listings, emergency weather reports, and weather forecasts, not to mention retail ads from Target and our holiday ads from Giant, Home Depot, Kohl's, Publix, Sears, Staples, Toys R Us, and Walgreen's. Tell a friend about NFB-NEWSLINE, or better yet, help them sign up by calling (866) 504-7300 or visiting www.nfbnewsline.org. Give the gift of print through access to news and information with NFB-NEWSLINE. And it's still free to use and free to sign up!
>  
> KNFB-Reader is another way to give the gift of print. KNFB Reader is a mobile app that reads print aloud. It's easy to use. Take a photo and the app reads the text aloud in clear synthetic speech. And it's fast-the print will be yours almost instantaneously. KNFB Reader will be on sale for $74.99 from December 21st through January 4th. This sale price of 25% off makes it the perfect gift for a friend or family member.
>  
> Giving KNFB Reader as a gift is easy! You can obtain iTunes or Google Play gift cards at many local retailers such as Target or Walmart, or online at Amazon.com. To learn more about giving KNFB Reader as a gift this holiday season, visit www.nfb.org/knfbreader.
>  
> Why use this app? The KNFB Reader is an easy, fast, accurate, and efficient text recognition mobile app that delivers near instantaneous results. Tired of being unsure what's been charged to your credit card? Want to know who sent you that package? Need nutritional information from a food label? Find a book that's not available in audio format? Buy a new appliance and want to access the user's manual? KNFB Reader is your go-to: it has reading modes for books, articles, labels, bills, and memos. Worried about getting a good photo of your text as a blind person? KNFB Reader provides a field of view report and tilt guidance for more accurate capturing of print in the photograph, as well as automatic text detection. You'll get the right photo; KNFB Reader will help you. The app allows for high quality digital output to speech or connected Braille displays. The scanned material can be imported as a .jpg or .pdf, or exported in .txt and .html formats. Not much space on your phone? No problem. Use cloud storage for your files via Dropbox or Google Drive! The app also has a batch scan mode to process and read multiple-page documents such as manuals or books. Don't let print be out of your reach ever again.
>  
> Make the print yours, live the life you want, and have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year from your friends at NFB-NEWSLINE.
>  
> The KNFB Reader is developed by the National Federation of the Blind and Sensotec NV.
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**8 Shared by Lawrence Carter, National Council on Disability
> Community Phone Briefing Series on the Affordable Care Act
> Save the Dates
> All calls will begin at 2:00 PM, ET, and run one hour
>  
> In many ways, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could be the single most important piece of legislation for people with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act, since for many, it is paramount to being able to make choices that lead to successful daily living on par with non-disabled Americans. Join NCD and the Urban Institute through a weekly series of phone briefings corresponding to the release of three reports on the implementation, impact, and enforcement of ACA, beginning January 19, 2016. Interested parties must RSVP by January 8 to receive the call-in information! RSVPs should be sent to asommers at ncd.gov, indicating in which phone briefings one intends to participate.
>  
> BRIEFING PRESENTERS
> --Stephan Lindner, Ph.D., Co-Project Director, Urban Institute
> --Stan Dorn, J.D., Co-Project Director, Urban Institute
> --Ari Ne’eman (former NCD Council Member), President, Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
>  
> OVERVIEW OF BRIEFINGS
> January 19 – “Implementing the Affordable Care Act: A Roadmap for People with Disabilities”
>  
> --Projecting future implementation decisions by private insurers and state and federal officials and key decision points for state and federal level advocates and policymakers
> --Maximizing ACA's positive impact on people with disabilities and limiting risks of unwise implementation choices.
> --Identifying policy options facing states (e.g., expanding Medicaid, structuring newly eligible adult benefits, defining essential health benefits, implementing state-based exchanges, Community First Choice State Option, integrating funding and services for dually eligible adults).
>  
> January 26 – “The Impact of ACA on People with Disabilities: A 2015 Status Report”
> --Current ACA literature and qualitative interview data, and recommendations for future action.
> --50-state summary data for stakeholders: Medicaid Alternative Benefits; habilitative, rehabilitation services, durable medical equipment, and eligible health benefits benchmark coverage.
>  
> February 2 -- “Monitoring and Enforcing ACA: A Roadmap for People with Disabilities”
> --Key ACA and regulations’ legal safeguards to help obtain necessary health and support services.
> --Disparities and discrimination in terms of selected legal requirements.
> --Health Insurance Marketplaces - Operation to enroll and cover people with disabilities.
> --Highlights of Medicaid expansion and application/renewal procedures.
>  
> Link:
> http://ncd.gov/events/2015/community-phone-briefing-series-affordable-care-act <http://ncd.gov/events/2015/community-phone-briefing-series-affordable-care-act>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**9 Shared by AppleVis
> Best Assistive iOS App
> BARD Mobile
> BARD Mobile provides access for qualified US citizens to braille and talking books directly from the National Library Service (NLS). The BARD catalogue contains nearly 70,000 books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily. With the BARD Mobile iOS app, you can play NLS audio materials on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If your device is connected to a refreshable braille display through Bluetooth, you can also read the braille materials available on BARD.
>  
> Description of App:
> A service of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress The BARD Mobile app provides access to braille and talking books directly from the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). BARD contains nearly 50,000 books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily. With BARD Mobile, you can play the audio materials on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. If your device is connected to a refreshable braille display through Bluetooth, you can also read the braille materials available on BARD. Before you can use this BARD Mobile app, you must be registered with a braille and talking-book library in the NLS network of cooperating libraries. If you aren’t registered but think you qualify for this service because you cannot read regular print as a result of a visual or physical disability, locate your local library for the blind and physically handicapped at http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html <http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html> or call 1-800-NLS-READ to apply for service. Once you have an account, you are ready to begin using BARD Mobile. Download the free app and sign in with your BARD user name and password. You’ll only need to do this the first time you use the app. The app contains a user manual that you may access through the Help feature.
>  
> Link to full article: BARD Mobile’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information - http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/books/bard-mobile <http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/books/bard-mobile> 
> 
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**10 Shared by AppleVis
> Be My Eyes - helping blind see
> Be My Eyes enables blind and low vision iOS users to connect with sighted volunteers via live video chat to ask questions about objects or situations that they have encountered in their daily lives - be that choosing the correct color shirt, locating the desired store in a mall or reading the label from a food container.
>  
> Description of App:
> Be the eyes for a blind person in need of help remotely through a live video connection if you are sighted or be assisted by the network of sighted users if you are blind.
>  
> Be My Eyes is all about contributing to and benefiting from small acts of kindness, so hop on board and get involved!
>  
> Blind users can request help from a sighted person and the sighted users will then be called for help. As soon as the first sighted user accepts the request for help a live audio-video connection will be set up between the two and the sighted user can tell the blind person what she sees when the blind user points his phone at something using the rear-facing camera.
>  
> As a sighted user you don't need to worry about missing a call and 'leave a blind person hanging' - you are a part of the bigger Be My Eyes helper-network and we will find the next available sighted person in the network. The challenges that the blind person needs help with can be anything from knowing the expiration date on the milk to navigating new surroundings.
>  
> Note: We encourage blind users to be patient when requesting help because we rely on real people to help you.
>  
> - Live audio-video connection between blind and sighted users
>  - Add the languages you know under settings
>  - An easy way you can make a difference for blind people
>  
> Link to full article: Be My Eyes' AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information - http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/lifestyle/be-my-eyes-helping-blind-see <http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/lifestyle/be-my-eyes-helping-blind-see>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**11 From Vending Market Watch –
> Chargebacks Are Becoming An Issue For Vending Operators
> by Glenn Butler On Dec 17, 2015
> We have known that the EMV, (Europay, MasterCard and Visa), contactless credit and debit card standard was coming to the U.S. for some time. Europe has been using the standard for years in the form of a credit/debit card with a chip inside paired with a consumer entered pin number, in order to increase security. Unlike the rest of the world, the U.S. has still been using the magstripe technology (developed in 1960 by IBM). But you may have noticed that your credit and debit card providers sent you new cards with the chip, and major retailers like Target, Wal-Mart, etc. are requiring that you insert your card rather than swipe.
>  
> In fact, this October was considered the real EMV milestone for the U.S. The credit card processors have now switched liability for fraudulent credit and debit charges from themselves to banks and merchants if they do not offer EMV cards and card readers, respectively. That could include vending operators who do not have an EMV compliant card reader on their vending machine. In the simplest terms, when a fraudulent card is used, whoever didn’t comply the most with the new EMV standard eats the charge. The person to “eat the charge” may be different based on a number of factors.
>  
> However, right now there is a huge and unforeseen problem for vending operators who do not have EMV compliant readers. The real issue is chargebacks.
>  
> What is a Chargeback?
> I recently talked with a payment industry contact to fully understand the chargeback issue as it relates to EMV and vending. He explained that when an EMV credit card used at a vending machine is later reported stolen, operators have to eat the transaction cost, which we knew. (This applies if the machine does not support the chip which virtually none do in the U.S.)
>  
> However, operators also get charged a “chargeback” fee by the cashless processor. The fee is per transaction, not per card or customer. So if a college student buys 30 $1.50 items from a vending machine and then reports the card as stolen, that results in the operator paying not just the $1.50 for all those transactions, but also $25 per transaction for the chargeback, or roughly $45 in product costs and $750 in chargeback fees. It’s a huge issue and just as real for micro market operators who do not have EMV compliant card readers on their kiosks.
>  
> Now, if the credit and debit cards used by the consumer don’t support EMV, then the liability and fees would go to the bank, not the operator, but as more magstripe cards are replaced with chip cards, there will be a greater liability cost to the operator. Visa, MasterCard, Amex and the banks are working on this chargeback issue as it’s very significant. I know of one vending operator who received $11,000 in chargebacks in one month and the liability shift that led to these fees only happened in October. We’ve barely scratched the surface of this issue.
>  
> The future
> Right now the best thing to do is to work with your equipment supplier on an upgrade path for taking EMV/Chip cards. And if you have machines at colleges or other places where fraud may occur, maybe think about pulling non EMV/Chip compliant readers. The stolen goods at $1.50 per transaction will not ruin you financially, but the chargeback fees will.
>  
> Editor's Note: Stay tuned for more about chargeback fees as they relate to non-EMV readers in the vending industry as we gather further information and speak with additional industry experts.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**12 Broker News – Patterson, Inc, Cathy Aldridge
> NEW Nathan’s Beer Batter Onion Rings 55 count case/1.135 ounces with an estimated unit cost of $.38
>  
> Boulder Canyon Olive Oil Kettle Chips and Boulder Canyon Avocado Canyon Cut Potato chips. These chips have just 3 ingredients: Sea Salt, Potatoes and Olive Oil or Avocado Oil. A natural product and  better for you. 55 count case/ Estimated cost is $.43
>  
>  Cheesewich is now stocked at CVS in three varieties: Colby, Pepper Jack and mild cheddar. CVS sells them by the caddy which is 24 count straight flavors. Straight case is 4/48 count caddies or 96 units.
>  
> This product is a piece of hard salami sandwiched between two pieces of cheese. High in protein. Low carb and made in the USA.  We expect to launch Provolone in January. The price point today on this item is $1.32 unit. The price will be going up to $1.42 +/- effective March 1st .
>  
> These items currently have USG programming dollars for this year. I believe the 2016 programs will stay in place or be enhanced.   
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**13 Broker News - Burdette Beckman, Ray Salvador
> We are excited to share the launch of Annie’s Bunny Grahams, available January 4th! We are thrilled to launch Annie’s products in our channel, and believe this is a great opportunity capitalizing on the organic trend with a powerful brand like Annie’s! Additionally, the Annie’s Bunny Grahams are a new addition to our Smart Snacks portfolio and priced competitively for vending. Please review the below information carefully regarding this exciting launch!
>  
> Please note, these are the first two Annie’s SKU’s to be available out of our Convenience & Foodservice warehouses. We will send additional communication in the coming months regarding availability of Annie’s products via DOT or retail warehouses.
>  
>  Call to Action:
> ·       Both SKUs have been setup at Vistar Corporate—see below for item numbers.  
> ·         Annie’s Bunny Grahams Friends (Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Honey): Vistar #GEM00237
> ·         Annie’s Bunny Grahams Honey: Vistar #GEM00236
> ·         Our expectations are that you focus on getting distribution and buy-in from all of the Vistar OpCo’s and large distributors prior to the launch date. 
> ·         Key focus should also be placed on the buy-in for all key operators, especially those who service the K-12 industry.
>  
>  Key Selling Information:
> ·         Items:
> ·         Annie’s Bunny Grahams Friends: Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Honey: 600237000 (100 units/case; 1.25 oz./pouch)
> ·         Annie’s Bunny Grahams Honey: 600236000 (100 units/case; 1.25 oz./pouch)
> ·         Start Ship Date: January 4th, 2016 
>  
> Reason to Believe:
> ·         1 oz. equivalent grain for easy all day snacking.
> ·         Annie’s is #1 Natural/Organic Cookie Brand, growing 8% vs. LY!
> Source: Nielsen NITRO; TTL US – Food, Dollar Sales; 52 WE 8/1/15
> ·         Moms trust the goodness of Annie’s and kids love the fun, great taste.
> ·         Clean-label snack with simple ingredients and nothing artificial.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E50DF961-51E8-4700-93A5-3A6878EC9590>**14 RSA Buying Group
> 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
>  
> To our RSA Management Group Family,
> I want to personally thank each and every member and send a special greeting to express our sincere appreciation for your commitment and loyalty.
>  
> We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.
>  
> John Murn and the entire
> RSA Management Group team
>  
>  
> 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.