[Iabs-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update March 24, 2015

Wed Mar 25 16:03:51 UTC 2015

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

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> Date: March 24, 2015 at 5:32:06 PM CDT
> From: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update March 24, 2015
> 
> ICBV Office Update
> March 24, 2015
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91> <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91> 
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) Heal Act-Beverages Update
> Hawaii and San Francisco too
> *3) IAMC Legislative Alert
> *4) IAMC Legislative Report
> *5) Northeastern to Become University of Choice for Students with Disabilities
> *6) EyesOnSuccess – Preparing for Vision Loss
> *7) Hadley School for the Blind
> Retirement Planning
> Transition to Unified English Braille
> *8) Access Technology: Spreading the Word and the Knowledge
> *9) NFB Cancer Survivors Group
> Want your Cancer Fighting Story
> Cancer Survivors Conference Call Notice
> *10) NFB Blind Cancer Survivors Banquet
> *11) NFB Connect – new NFB Mobile App
> *12) Taxpayer-Funded Study Tests Delaying Access to ‘Unhealthy’ Snacks in Vending Machines
> *13) Pepsi News – Corporate Pepsi says Checks will still be Accepted
> *14) Rebate News about Vistar – be sure you are buying vending products to get credit!
> *15) RSA Buying Group News
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**1 Calendar of Events
> March 31, 2015 – DEADLINE National Federation of the Blind 2015 Scholarship Program www.nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships>  more details below.
>  
> April 22 – 24, 2015 – NAMA Las Vegas
>  
> May 19 – 21, 2015 – Sweets & Snacks Expo; McCormick Place, Chicago IL.  Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Expo is the candy & snacks industry's most successful, world class event and the only show that represents all of the major U.S. distribution channels of confectionery and snack products in one location. Discover more than three and a half acres of candy and snack items in one place! Attend one of the world's top-rated Innovation events <http://www.sweetsandsnacks.com/doc/PR%20Bizbash%20Innovation%20Winner.pdf> sharing the spotlight with other well-known, events including TED/TEDActive, Microsoft's Convergence, the Clinton Global Initiative and McDonald's Worldwide Convention.
>  
> May 29 – 30, 2015 Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors Election and Training conference Springfield IL.  Letters sent this week with full details.
>  
> July 5 – 10, 2015 National Federation of the Blind Convention
> The 2015 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. Make your room reservation as soon as possible with the Rosen Centre staff only. Call (800) 204-7234.
>  
> July 21 – 22, 2015 NAMA Invites You to the First Annual Washington, DC Fly-In Advocate with your Members of Congress.  The NAMA Fly-In invites ALL industry members to attend and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill through meetings with your Senators and Representatives.  NABM President Nicky Gacos is requesting that as many blind entrepreneurs as possible would consider on attending.  Illinois Vendors please contact Ed Birmingham if you would like more information on this.
>  
> October 30 – 31, 2015 National Federation of the Blind of Illinois State Conference
> 
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**2 Heal Act –Beverages Update
> Short Description:  HEAL ACT-BEVERAGES
> House Sponsors
> Rep. Robyn Gabel - Esther Golar - Elizabeth Hernandez - Rita Mayfield, Linda Chapa LaVia and  Ann Williams
>  
> Hearings
> Sales and Other Taxes Subcommittee Hearing Mar 26 2015 8:15AM Capitol Building Room 118 Springfield, IL
>  Revenue & Finance Committee Hearing Mar 26 2015 8:00AM Capitol Building Room 118 Springfield, IL
>  
> CALL TO ACTION - Anyone that can attend this meeting should, we need to let our voices be heard.
>  
> Synopsis As Introduced
> Creates the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Act. Imposes a tax on distributors of bottled sugar-sweetened beverages, syrups, or powders at the rate of $0.01 per ounce of bottled sugar-sweetened beverages sold or offered for sale to a retailer for sale in the State to a consumer. Requires those distributors to obtain permits. Provides that 2% of the moneys shall be deposited into the Tax Compliance and Administration Fund for the administrative costs of the Department of Revenue, and 98% of the moneys shall be deposited into the Illinois Wellness Fund to be used for wellness programs and for expanded obesity prevention and treatment services for Medicaid beneficiaries. Creates an Advisory Council to govern the distribution of Illinois Wellness Fund moneys. Effective July 1, 2015.
>  
> Side Note - It seems that every week more and more states are addressing these issues.  We must fight to keep taxes down and requirements feasible to our business now or we will endure the detrimental effects of all of this for a long time to come. To read articles from Vending Times relating to Beverages in Hawaii and San Francisco clink the links below.
> Hawaii - http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=7F7156B580154BBC9B3CC270264FEF54 <http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=7F7156B580154BBC9B3CC270264FEF54>
> San Francisco, CA - http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=7736EC21E6E840958F9600D3064BB6DF <http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=7736EC21E6E840958F9600D3064BB6DF>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**3 IAMC Legislative Alert
> Special Legislative Alert on the 99th General Assembly
> 2015 Spring Session; March 24, 2015 Prepared by BP Consultants 
>  
> On a bipartisan roll call, today the House approved two measures to address the $1.6 billion FY15 budget shortfall.  HB 317 (Speaker Madigan) and HB 318 (Speaker Madigan) were amended to provide for $1.3 billion in special funds sweeps and 2.25% across the board funding cuts.  The legislation also allows Governor Rauner to move 4% of state agency operational and lump sum appropriations around for other needs, such as state contributions to retirement systems, group health insurance, personal service contracts, etc.  The amendments are attached so that you may review the full details of this budget packages and their potential impact on your organization.  The bills now move to the Senate for action.
>  
> Although education will be cut, some of that will be back-filled with $97 million appropriated to the State Board of Education to help out schools which are in the direst of need.  The Local Government Distributive Fund state (income tax sharing with municipalities) was not cut, but there is a $200 million sweep of the sales tax fund for local governments.  The Chicago Transit Authority will not be cut, but there are some significant sweeps of transit funds used by downstate systems for operations and repairs.  Hospitals were spared from severe cuts by agreeing to temporary three-month increase in the provider assessment tax in the amount of $27 million, which will preserve federal funding that would have been lost. 
>  
> Some of the significant sweeps include:
> Road Fund - $250 million
> Motor Fuel Tax Fund $50 million
> Local Government Tax Fund - $200 million
> Renewable Energy Resources Fund - $98 million
> Insurance Producers Administration Fund - $70 million
> Real Estate License Administration Fund - $30 million
> County and Mass Transit District Fund - $40 million
> Downstate Transit Improvement Fund - $70 million
> Fund for the Advancement of Education - $25 million
> Commitment to Human Services Fund - $25 million
> Bank and Trust Company Fund - $25 million
> Park and Conservation Fund - $15 million
> Illinois Medical Disciplinary Fund - $10 million
> Fire Prevention Fund - $23 million
>  
> The 2.25% across the board reductions in the approved FY15 budget includes areas such as early childhood education; disabled student transportation; community services for persons with developmental disabilities; and reimbursement rates for home health, services, primary care physician services, pharmacy services and emergency services.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**4 IAMC Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly
>  2015 Spring Session; March 21, 2015
> Prepared by BP Consultants for IAMC
>  
> The attached Legislative Report includes Legislation from the 2015 Session of the 99th General Assembly. This report has been prepared by BP Consultants on behalf of IAMC.
>  
> We have included bills that we believe may be of interest to your organization.  Please review this report carefully to see if we have included all areas of interest.  If we have included legislation that is not relevant or legislation that you do not wish to track, please let me know and they will be removed.  If you would like for your organization’s positions on bills to be included in the report, please send that information to me at desiharris at msn.com and it will be incorporated.
>  
> The House and Senate both return to session this week on Tuesday, March 24th.  The focus will continue to be on substantive and appropriations committee hearings with the committee deadline for substantive bills on Friday, March 27th.  After that the General Assembly will begin their two week Spring break and return on April 14th. 
>  
> Negotiations between the legislative leaders and the Governor continue regarding the FY 15 budget shortfall with potential solutions including $1.2 and $1.4 billion in “special funds” sweeps and an across the board 2.25% budget cut (including cuts to Local Government Distributive Fund and Medicaid) to free up money to offset the projected $1.6 billion deficit.  Some members are reluctant to consider any plans that would cut education with an across the board reductions.  Pressure to act is increasing as day care centers have been closed because they haven’t been paid, court reporters have had hours cut or have been laid off because there are not funds to pay them, and payroll funds will be depleted at some state prisons in a couple of weeks. 
>  
> The House Labor and Commerce Committee approved legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage on Wednesday.  HB 3345 (Representative Turner) would increase the minimum wage from $8.25 to $9.00 beginning July 1, 2015 and increase it to $10.00 per hour on and after July 1, 2016.  The measure also creates a credit against the withholding tax liability of employers with fewer than 50 employees in an amount equal to the increased wages paid as a result of the increase in the minimum wage.  The bill was approved by the committee on a partisan vote of 16-10-0 and is now on Second Reading in the House.
>  
> Governor Rauner’s staff has instructed state agencies to divert “fair share” money from nonunion employee paychecks away from organized labor until a judge settles the matter. Agencies are to create two sets of books, one of which would move deductions from nonunion members to the operations budgets of state agencies instead of to the unions, although the money would not be spent.  According to the AP, the memo from the Governor’s Office recommends that each agency prepare a "payroll report using the normal figures," copy and save it, and then create a second payroll "needed to reduce the gross pay" and enter a zero in a category reserved for fair share amounts. Then, it says, the amounts "should be accepted by the comptroller."
>  
> Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
> March 27, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for House and Senate
> March 30 to April 10, 2015 – Spring Break for General Assembly
> April 24, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for House and Senate
> May 8, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for Senate Bills in the House
> May 15, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for House Bills in the Senate
> May 22, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate
> May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**5 Shared by Robert Hansen via IL-talk
> From: NEIU Targeted Announcement
> Subject: (Dis)ability Project Launch April 9
>  
> We want Northeastern to become a university of choice for students with disabilities, to attract students to our University because we recognize not only the diversity of our student population, but the diversity of our learning styles. Learn what you can do to make this happen and come to the launch of the Northeastern (Dis)ability Project resource guide for faculty and staff members.
>  
> Special guest speaker Isabel Garcia, president of Parent to Parent of Miami, Fla., will talk about how Northeastern can support Latino students with disabilities in the transition from K-12 to higher education.
>  
> Mark your calendar now! Join us from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Thursday, April 9, 2015 in Alumni Hall North. Coffee and pastries will be served. Please RSVP to d-lawson1 at neiu.edu to show your support for Northeastern students across the ability spectrum.
>  
> posted by Doug Lawson, Student Disability Services, by Tasha Neumeister
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**6 Shared by blindtlk –
> 1512 Preparing for Vision Loss (Mar. 18, 2015)
> Many sighted people have a hard time imagining how they would tackle life if they couldn't see. Losing your vision, however, doesn't mean the end of the world. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk about how you can prepare for eventual vision loss by preparing your home, using adaptive aids, becoming aware of your other senses, accessible technology and more. 
>  
> The audio and show notes for this episode can be found at:
> www.EyesOnSuccess.net <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**7 From Hadley School for the Blind
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>Seminars at Hadley Presents: Retirement Planning
> Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2015
> Time: 2:00 PM, 19:00 GMT
> Will you be financially ready for retirement? Planning for your retirement now can greatly improve your future quality of life. Would you like to learn more about the basics of retirement planning?
> Join Seminars at Hadley as registered investment advisor John Ericson presents retirement planning information that can benefit you regardless of your age. Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley’s Seminars team, will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
> This seminar is an audio presentation. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register for Retirement Planning on March 25. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=773002&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D269>
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>
> Tuck Tinsley Discusses the Transition to UEB
> Curious about the transition to Unified English Braille (UEB)? APH President Tuck Tinsley explains in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1DoiB-z-EA <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1DoiB-z-EA>
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>
> #SeminarsAtHadley Do you use social media? Start tweeting and posting on Facebook about Seminars at Hadley to help spread the word, using the hashtag #SeminarsAtHadley. Let your followers know when you’ve registered for a new seminar, live tweet during the seminar and let everyone know what you thought after you’ve listened! Follow Hadley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thehadleyschool <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=773002&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Fthehadleyschool> and like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehadleyschoolfortheblind <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=773002&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthehadleyschoolfortheblind>.
>  
> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=773002&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPodcasts.asp> 
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**8 Shared by Flying Blind, LLC
> Access Technology: Spreading the Word and the Knowledge
> by Anne Taylor
> From the Editor: Anne Taylor is the director of Access Technology, supervises the work of the International Braille and Technology Center, and is in charge of the Access Technology Team. In this article she tries to give us an overview of all that she and her team do to help make existing technology usable and to work with developers so that soon-to-be products are released with accessibility as part of their design. Here is what she has to say:
>  
> Many members of the NFB and others interested in learning more about blindness come through the doors of the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind (IBTC) every year to see what is available and what is new in technology for the blind. Much of the work that is done by the Access Technology Team, however, is not as visible to those outside the team as the equipment and the facilities of the International Braille and Technology Center.
>  
> As the director of Access Technology at the Jernigan Institute, I want to share the big-picture view of what my team and I work on. Many of you have heard Kenneth Jernigan's 1992 speech on the importance of training and public awareness: "The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information which exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance." His statement continues to represent the attitude and set the direction in the work my team and I do every day, as will clearly be evident from an overview of some of our recent activities.
>  
> Perhaps the most visible program of the Access Technology Team, second only to conducting tours and instruction at the IBTC, is the Technology Resource List. This resource, available at <https://nfb.org/technology-resource-list <https://nfb.org/technology-resource-list>>, describes just about every piece of blindness technology available in the United States, and the team just finished a major overhaul of this most useful document at the end of 2014. It is a unique compendium of information on blindness technology and is unmatched in its scope and thoroughness. It is a great place to start for anyone wanting to familiarize him or herself with access technology; but it is equally useful in hunting up the latest and best in a given area, such as Braille displays or optical character recognition products. Our access technology blog <https://nfb.org/at-blog <https://nfb.org/at-blog>> and the access technology tips <https://nfb.org/attips-blog <https://nfb.org/attips-blog>> are two other valuable resources for anyone who wants to learn more about new access technology products. Both of these resources also provide much needed information for those who are interested in nonvisual access technology.
>  
> In addition to creating and posting general information, the Access Technology Team continues to respond to questions on nonvisual access technology using email and the telephone. You can reach us by phone by dialing (410) 659-9314 and then choosing option 5 for the technology answer line, or you can email us at <access at nfb.org <mailto:access at nfb.org>>.
>  
> In the area of access to the web, one very public aspect of what is so often the result of a lot of behind-the-scenes work is the Web Accessibility Training Day. This event, which the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute co-hosted with the Maryland Technology Assistance Program for the third time last September, is an opportunity for us to bring together some of the experts with whom my team and I have come in contact and have worked collaboratively with over many years and on so many projects. Attendees come from local and state governments as well as the federal government. They also come from higher education, business, and a number of other fields. We shared (and will continue to share at future events) advice from industry experts and our own knowledge of web accessibility in a series of general sessions in the morning, and technical and policy tracks in the afternoon. Topics for this latest iteration included enterprise implementation of accessibility, education implementation of accessibility, PDF accessibility in an enterprise setting, captioning and audio description, HTML5, government implementations of accessibility, and the Section 508 refresh. More information, session recordings, and materials are available to anyone looking to find out more about any or all of these at <https://nfb.org/web-accessibility-day <https://nfb.org/web-accessibility-day>>.
>  
> On October 15 through 17, 2014, the team hosted the second run of its wildly popular Train the Trainer seminar. For this three-day event we brought together a group of forty access technology professionals from different backgrounds and from all parts of the country to try out a plethora of devices and software. The focus was on new developments and new technology. It was especially exciting to have a team from Google, as well as Chris Gallello from Microsoft, to discuss and demonstrate their company's work in accessibility. Laura Palmero, Roger Benz, and Lia Carrarri from Google brought Chromebooks and Android Nexus phones for all participants to experiment with, and gathered much feedback from attendees. They also showed participants the tremendous potential of Google products. Chris from Microsoft demonstrated Office Online with JAWS and provided a very honest assessment of its assets and shortcomings.
>  
> Google and Microsoft were not the only guest stars to grace the podium. Our own Jennifer Dunnam and our friend and longtime technology expert Earle Harrison from Triumph Technology led sessions on the Duxbury Braille Translator and the Mac, respectively. Henry (Hoby) Wedler, a PhD student in chemistry at UC Davis, was as good an instructor and role model as we could ask for. In his talk about accessibility in math and science, he related his experiences as he has taken on the challenges presented by a rigorous program in science, related his difficulties, and shared the solutions that have helped him overcome these problems and flourish in his chosen field of study.
>  
> The Access Technology Team did its part by covering a number of topics, including notetakers, tactile graphics, Windows 8, and low-vision tools. The attendees were as engaged as any group who has ever crossed our threshold, and it was a pleasure to spend these days with them. Because we do limit the size of the group to keep it hands-on, and because not everyone can travel across the country to attend a training of this kind, we do post the material presenters share at <https://nfb.org/training-the-trainers <https://nfb.org/training-the-trainers>>.
>  
> A less well-known part of the work of the Access Technology Team is public awareness. In February I had the honor of co-presenting with three distinguished individuals: Towson University professor and former fellow of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, Jonathan Lazar; senior counselor to the assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, Eve Hill; and disability rights lawyer Dan Goldstein from the firm of Brown, Goldstein, & Levy. Our broadly defined topic was "Frontiers in US Law: Equal Access to Info Tech for People with Disabilities," and we presented at Towson University. Specifically, we addressed captioning and legal ownership, accessible instructional materials in higher education, technology access for people with cognitive impairments, ebook access for people with print disabilities, access to courtroom documents and technology, and accessibility and open government. Even with the Department of Justice affirmation that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the web, many areas still exist in which the lack of access to information technology affects blind people, and much work remains to be done by lawmakers, technology experts, and other stakeholders.
>  
> Recently standardized testing is an issue that has gained some traction in the press and with the public. My team and I are working collaboratively with test platform developers to ensure the accessibility of these tests. If the test platform developers adhere to our recommendations, then I am certain that the platforms will be accessible to the blind. We will not stop until every blind child is correctly evaluated based on what he knows about the subject matter and not on how accessible a given piece of technology is for his or her disability.
>  
> Somewhere in between public speaking and training, you might find the Access Technology Team's many endeavors at CSUN, or, to name it in full, the Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference. The acronym by which the conference, the largest of its kind, is usually known stems from the host, the California State University at Northridge, which has long been one of the leaders in the field of access technology. The topics we cover vary from year to year, but here is what we will be talking about this March:
>  
> Personally, I will be taking on two sessions. The first is "Race to Accessibility," where I will share the stage with Pearson and a representative from the Maryland Department of Education to address the accessibility of high-stakes assessment. In the second session, "The Human Cost of Digital Barriers," I am co-presenting with web accessibility professionals from Deque and Knowbility as well as from Pearson in an open discussion about access to high-stakes, computer-based assessments for students with disabilities and the real-life consequences for students when the materials are not accessible.
>  
> The rest of the team, a stellar group dedicated to our mission, will have their hands full with a presentation by Amy Mason on "Access Technologies for Blind and Low Vision Seniors," one which discusses a survey of tools and services available to blind and low-vision seniors for reading, identifying objects, and staying organized. This will be followed by Karl Belanger's demonstration of iWork accessibility in Mac OSX. This session will review whether the Mac and VoiceOver, paired with the iWork suite, is a viable productivity tool for a blind professional or student. The team's final session for the conference will be Clara Van Gerven's talk on the state of wearables for blind users. Wearable technology is one of the fastest growing areas in today’s electronic landscape. It has the potential to provide unprecedented access to the world for blind people, but the question is how close wearables are to fulfilling that promise.
>  
> I invite those who are coming to the CSUN conference to attend our sessions. Having members of the Federation participate actively in the audience is something that I always treasure. Whenever we are together in public, we show that the National Federation of the Blind represents a strong and united group who is determined to keep blindness or common misconceptions about it from stopping us. Your technology team always draws inspiration from your example, your participation, and your support of our presentations.
>  
> Another joint effort that I want to mention is a survey. We have been working closely with the Therapeutic Research Foundation (TRF) to create a survey on health, mobility, and navigation. TRF is inviting blind and low-vision participants to take the survey to help them create the next generation of navigational tools. The data gathered will be used specifically to do research and development, so please consider taking the time to complete the questionnaire and help them build a device that will serve your needs. With well over three hundred responses in already, the survey promises to be a formidable source of guidance for the team. The link to the survey is <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XNZKWL8 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XNZKWL8>>.
>  
> Finally, I want to conclude by emphasizing that it is through ongoing collaboration that we are able to draw the speakers and trainers that we do for our events and are able to work toward and bring about the delivery of more accessible hardware, software, and services. The effort we put into these collaborations is often hidden from the public due to the requirements of confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, but it shows clearly in the results. President Riccobono and I had a meeting not long ago with Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. He brought in many members of his management team, and the conversation that ensued promises many changes and improvements. My experience has given me ample evidence that, in making accessibility happen, there is no substitute for support and understanding at the top, and meetings like this one are vital to what we do. Such meetings come about based on the Federation's, the Jernigan Institute's, and the team's reputation as experts, advocates, and partnership-builders. Such meetings also happen because the National Federation of the Blind is known for its persistence, its dedication to equality of opportunity, and its constant search for partners who share our goal of full access.
>  
> Article and the rest of the March Braille Monitor can be found here:
> https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm15/bm1503/bm1503tc.htm <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm15/bm1503/bm1503tc.htm>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**9 Shared by Robert Hansen on IL-talk
> The National Federation of the Blind-Blind Cancer Survivors want your "Fighting Cancer Story" to create a book of support for those walking the cancer journey with us. Please forward your story today toissiahn57 at icloud.com <mailto:toissiahn57 at icloud.com>
>  
> CANCER SURVIVORS CONFERENCE CALL NOTICE
> Please join the National  Federation of the Blind support group for BLIND CANCER SURVIVORS for a Conference Call Networking Event Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. RSVP If you plan to participate to isaiahn57 at icloud.com or call 803-735-0821. Spread the word about our Cancer Survivors a Support Group.
>  
> To access the Conference Call dial 712-432-1100 then enter the access code 744420, press the  pound key or tic tac toe key, you will be prompted to say your name, then press pound again. You will be connected to the call. If you have any problems, call (803) 735-0821.
>  
> "WE ARE HERE",
> Thanks,
> Isaiah 
> 
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**10 Shared by David Andrews on Nfbnet –
> Will you join us at a Banquet table of the National Federation of the Blind-Blind Cancer Survivors during the 2015 National Federation of the Blind Convention Friday, July 10, 2015.  Banquet tickets are only 55.00 if you preregister and 60.00 on site. You must get your Banquet ticket to me to be exchanged by Tuesday, July 7 at 12 o'clock noon in order to be seated together. I will be listed at the hotel as Isaiah Nelson or call (803) 735-0821. Each member that gives me a Banquet ticket earns a chance to WIN a 50.00 cash prize so purchase your Banquet ticket today.
>  
> RSVP if you will join us by sending an email to isaiahn57 at icloud.com <mailto:isaiahn57 at icloud.com>  or call (803) 735-0821.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**11 Shared by Chris Danielsen
> Dear Fellow Federationists:
> Great news! There’s now another easy way to stay connected with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) if you have an iPhone, iPad, or other iOS device. Our new mobile app, NFB Connect, is finally here! You can find it in the Apple App Store, or just use the following link on your iOS device to download it directly:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nfb-connect/id968434124 <https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nfb-connect/id968434124> .
>  
> With NFB Connect, you can quickly and easily read the latest news about the NFB, find information about upcoming events, access the Braille Monitor and other publications, listen to presidential releases, find the NFB in your community, learn about ways to support the National Federation of the Blind, and more!
>  
> Note: We are aware of an issue that prevents the Chapters and Regional Info feature from functioning properly on some devices and are working diligently to fix the problem.
>  
> Download the free NFB Connect app today, and don’t forget to use the Feedback button to let us know how you’re using it and to suggest new features.
>  
> Sincerely,
> Chris Danielsen
> Director of Public Relations
> National Federation of the Blind
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**12 From Vending Times –
> Taxpayer-Funded Study Tests Delaying Access To 'Unhealthy' Snacks In Vending Machines
> Issue Date: Vol. 55, No. 4, April 2015, Posted On: 3/23/2015  
> By: Emily Jed Emily at vendingtimes.net <mailto:Emily at vendingtimes.net>
> WASHINGTON -- The National Institutes of Health is putting up $240,000 to fund a study to determine how delaying access to "unhealthy" snacks in vending machines might deter consumers from choosing them.
>  
> Chicago's Rush University Medical Center is conducting the study, which is trying to determine the delay interval that produces the largest improvement in purchasing rates for snacks classified as "healthy" without harming overall vending sales.
>  
> The study -- titled called "Time Over Money? A Novel System To Influence Snack Machine Choices" -- is also analyzing the impacts of differential pricing between snacks classified as "healthy" and "unhealthy" in vending machines in conjunction with time delays and the impact on consumers' purchasing decisions.
>  
> "This study not only tests a compelling theory about the effects of time delays and immediate reward on food choice, but evaluates the efficacy and feasibility of a novel intervention to improve the healthfulness of snack choices in worksites, schools and other settings," NIH said in its description of the project.
>  
> The study began last August and is budgeted through the end of June. Click here to check it out. http://projectreporter.nih.gov/project_info_description.cfm?aid=8760776&icde=23886563 <http://projectreporter.nih.gov/project_info_description.cfm?aid=8760776&icde=23886563>
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**13 Pepsi News –
> Many of you recently received memos from Pepsi stating that in April they will begin only accepting credit cards for payments.  I approached Corporate Pepsi about this and they have now stated that they will continue to accept checks, they however will no longer accept cash payments.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**14 Rebate News about Vistar –
> It has come to my attention in a conversation with a Vendor today that when purchasing from Vistar you have to be especially careful to be sure that Vistar is selling you vending products.  It is confirmed that Vistar has both retail and vending skus and had been selling the retail skus to a vendor who in turn received no rebate credit for their purchases.  I am pretty sure that the same is going to hold true for Mars products as this same Vendor was reported to have no Mars purchases in the fourth quarter and had purchased a significant amount of Mars.  When you place your orders at Vistar especially for candy ask the question and make sure you are buying vending products that will count towards your rebates.
>  
>  <applewebdata://E96FB381-7D4A-4419-9810-3FF8267B2B91>**15 From RSA Buying Group
> Last Chance to meet the first quarter requirements for Frito
> Frito-Lay Q115 News Item
> Please remember that you are required to purchase at least one Case of the Frito-Lay News Item before the end of 1st Quarter which is March 31st.
> The Q115 News Item is LSS Cheetos Puffs.
>  
> Herr’s PurchasePower Deals!!
> Place your Herr’s Order Today through your Approved Vend Distributor!!
> Item Description Rebate       UPC
> 6119 Extra Crunchy Kettle Chipolte $0.30
> 6118 Extra Crunchy Kettle Honey Sriracha $0.30
> 8101 Deep Dish Pizza Curl $0.42         
> 8342 Good Natured Selects Vegetable Crisps $0.30      
> 8345 Good Natured Selects Ranch Vegetable Crisps $0.30
>  
> Doritos Cool Ranch $1.28 Rebate Per Case!!
> Book orders Today through March 29th, 2015. Ship by April 5th, 2015.
>  
> Grandma’s Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies $0.72 Rebate per Case!!
> Book orders Today through March 29th, 2015. Ship by April 5th, 2015.
>  
> Quaker Strawberry Yogurt Ganola Bars $4.80 Rebate per Case!!
> Book orders Today through March 29th, 2015. Ship by April 5th, 2015.
>  
> Pepsi-Mountain Dew Kickstart and Starbuck’s Doubleshot!!
> Mountain Dew Kickstart $2.00 per Case Rebate!!
> Black Cherry, Orange Citrus, Limeade, Fruit Punch
> Book orders Now through March 31st, 2015
> From your Participating Pepsi Bottler Only!
>  
> Starbuck’s Doubleshot $2.00 per Case Rebate! All Flavors
> Book orders Now through March 31st, 2015
> From your Participating Pepsi Bottler Only!
>  
> Thank you, 
> Kathy Ungaro
> 
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors 
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502 
> Chicago, IL 60604 
> (630)234-4444 
> 
> 
> 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.