[Iabs-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update May 10, 2016
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Wed May 11 00:09:58 UTC 2016
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 May 10, 2016
> Date: May 10, 2016 at 6:55:33 PM CDT
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>ICBV Office Update
> May 10, 2016
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>Exciting News – I just learned how to navigate to the bottom of a long e-mail on an iPhone with voiceover to get to the bottom of the e-mail in order to find and open the attachment!! This is important if you want to be able to utilize the links that are in place on the Office Update in the attached Word Document so that you can jump around and read what interests you.
>
> When you touch the Office Update e-mail and open it (double tap) the next step is to touch the bottom right of your screen; find compose button, left swipe to hear reply button, left swipe again to hear delete, again to hear move, again to hear mark message, then one more time! This moves you to the bottom of the e-mail where you can find the Word Document attachment. You should land on the attachment, if not swipe once right or left to hear it say ICBV Office Update (date) docx. Double tap on the attachment to open it. After each segment there is a return to top link that you should be able to double tap on and be brought back to the top of the document to find the next article that you want to read. Let me know if you have questions, I hope this helps.
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) Cullen & Associates Session Update
> *3) IAMC Legislative Report
> *4) NAMA Webinar FDA’s Calorie Disclosure Rule
> *5) Paid Google Research
> *6) Groundbreaking Settlement to End Discrimination Against Blind Uber Riders Who Use Guide Dogs
> *7) Uber, Lyft Vow to Stop Driving in Austin After Voters Keep Regulations
> *8) Hadley Institute for the Blind
> iFocus 14: Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
> Low Vision Focus Presents: The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
> Perkins School Launches “BlindNewWorld” Awareness Campaign
> *9) Eyes on Success – AudioScreen for NVDA
> *10) San Francisco 911 Dispatchers Exempt From Healthy Vending Machine Proposal
> *11) Springdale First City in Arkansas to Mandate Healthy Vending
> *12) RSA Management Group Purchase Power Deals
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**1 Calendar of Events
> May 17 -20, 2016
> From the National Association of Blind Merchants -
> Windy City BLAST. Our training conference will be held May 17-20, 2016, at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois.
>
> Please note that anyone bringing a guest to BLAST in order for your guest to attend general sessions and planned meals they will also have to be registered for BLAST at NABM at www.blindmerchants.org <http://www.blindmerchants.org/>
>
> Important Information Published for BLAST:
> ANNOUNCING
> Barbara Kennelly to Attend BLAST and Overflow Hotel Details
> The National Association of Blind Merchants, a Division of the National Federation of the Blind, is proud to announce former Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly of Connecticut will be recognized at BLAST on May 19, 2016, at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel. The Congresswoman will receive NABM’s first ever Champion Award for championing passage of the Kennelly Amendments to the Surface Transportation Act which resulted in State Licensing Agencies having a priority to operate vending machines at interstate rest areas. As a result of that legislation, hundreds of blind entrepreneurs today service vending machines at the rest areas and the income from third party vending in some states is the lifeblood of many BE Programs. Interstate vendors owe their livelihoods to Ms. Kennelly and they are encouraged to turn out in big numbers to say thank you.
>
> It’s not too late to register. You can do so by going to www.blindmerchants.org <http://www.blindmerchants.org/> and click on the BLAST icon on the menu bar and click on the link “Register for BLAST Only.” Scholarship dollars may be available to help offset travel expenses for any rest area vendor who simply cannot afford to attend on their own. They should contact Terry Smith at tsmith at nfb.org <mailto:tsmith at nfb.org> .
>
> The host hotel is completely sold out. However, we have made arrangements at the Crowne Plaza which is very close to handle the overflow. You can register by going to the following link:
> http://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=cp&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=CHIOK&_PMID=99801505&GPC=MA2 <http://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=cp&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=CHIOK&_PMID=99801505&GPC=MA2>
>
> You may also call 847-671-6350. Select Option #2 to make a new reservation and use Group Code MA2. The room block is only available until May 6th. The rate is $159.
>
> We hope to see you in Chicago so you can help us say a huge “Thank You” to Congresswoman Kennelly
>
> PRESIDENT LINCOLN TO BE FEATURED AT BLAST
> The National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM), a division of the National Federation of the Bond, is bringing President Abraham Lincoln to BLAST. Internationally known Lincoln scholar and actor, Dr. Gene Griessman, will appear in costume as the 16th President delivering the presentation, “The Wit & Wisdom Of Abe Lincoln” on May 19th. “It will be like having the real Abraham Lincoln in person,” said NABM President Nicky Gacos. “Bringing President Lincoln to BLAST to share his knowledge and insights with our blind entrepreneurs seems like a natural since we will be in his home state.”
>
> The wit, humor, and eloquence of the 16th President are brought to life by Griessman’s remarkable performance and uncanny resemblance to Lincoln. His stirring portrayal of Lincoln will take us back to the Gettysburg address and moments before his assassination at Ford’s Theatre. Through Lincoln’s wisdom and wit, Griessman will share the secrets Lincoln learned for dealing with the challenges we face in our everyday lives as businessmen and women including: leadership, communication and personal achievement. He will offer some unforgettable lessons from one of the greatest figures of all time in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
>
> Dr. Gene Griessman is an internationally known public speaker, author, actor and consultant. He has spoken at conventions and annual meetings worldwide. As an actor and playwright, he has performed his one-man play on Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre.
>
> Dr. Griiessman joins an impressive list of presenters at BLAST that include Navy Seal Leif Babin, Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner Janet LaBreck, National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono, leadership guru Kevin O’Connor, NAMA Vice President for Government Affairs Eric Dell, RSA Management Group President John Murn, and many others.
>
> BLAST (Business Leadership and Superior Training) will be held May 17-20 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont. To register, go to www.blindmerchants.org and click on the BLAST icon on the menu bar. Then click on the “Register On-Line for Training Sessions.” To book your hotel room, call 1-877-868-9134and use the NAB516 code to get the BLAST group rate.
>
> Shared by Ed Birmingham:
> I would like to inform all of our Illinois BLIND Entrepreneurs that at the conclusion of the luncheon on Thursday, The National Association of Blind Merchants will conduct their annual “Call to Action“ Fund Raising campaign. This is an opportunity for all in attendance to make a financial contribution to NABM in order to help support the work of the NFBEI. NABM is a 501 C3 non for profit, so any donations would be tax deductable.
>
> Please consider making a donation so that the NFBEI can continue its great work and we can continue to make the Randolph Sheppard Program the greatest self employment opportunity for the blind and visually impaired!
>
> June 4, 2016, 11am-4pm NFBI “Picnic in the Park“ CANCELLED
> I was informed today by the BEPB office that this picnic has been cancelled.
>
> The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois will host a picnic at Tom Madonia Park East; Lake Springfield, Illinois.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**2 From Tom Cullen, Cullen & Associates Session Update May 6, 2016
> The Illinois General Assembly has adjourned this week’s session. Both chambers are scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, May 10th at noon. Friday, May 13th is the deadline to pass substantive legislation out of committee in the opposite chamber. The General Assembly has less than a month left in the regularly scheduled legislative session. After May 31st, legislation will require a 3/5ths vote to pass.
>
> Illinois is now in its 11th month without a state budget. Groups of legislators and the Governor’s staff continue to meet to find a solution to the budget stalemate. No action was taken this week on the FY 16 budget; however, the Senate did approve a second FY 16 “stopgap” funding bill (SB2048/Cullerton) to provide an additional $450 million for higher education. SB 2048 provides 30% additional funding to the state’s universities, community colleges, MAP grants, and ISMA. The higher education appropriations bill approved last week included approximately 60% funding for Chicago State University and only 30% funding for the remaining institutions; this bill provides parity to the remaining institutions. The Senate also approved companion legislation (SB 0580 (SFA 0001)/Hutchinson) to waive repayment of $454 million in short-term borrowing. The funding “generated” by this loan forgiveness is targeted to fund the additional higher education stop gap funding approved this week. The bills now heads to the Illinois House for consideration; both bills require three readings in the House. The Illinois House did not consider the $400 million human services “stopgap” funding bill (SB2047/Steans) passed two weeks ago in the Senate.
>
> On Wednesday, “Pay Now Illinois,” a collation of 64 Illinois-based human and social services agencies, filed suit against Governor Rauner and the directors of six state agencies seeking immediate payment in full of more than $100 million owed for work performed under contracts that date back to July 1, 2015, the beginning of FY16. The suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, seeks a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment charging the Governor and other state officials acted illegally by failing to make payments on contracts while continuing to enforce them. The suit also claims that Governor Rauner’s veto of appropriation bills was an unlawful impairment, or interference, with the agencies constitutional right to legal remedy for the non-payment of these contracts.
>
> This week was the deadline to approve Constitutional Amendments for consideration on the ballot at the November General Election. Despite the fact that both Chambers considered a variety of proposed amendments to the Illinois Constitution, only one was approved by the General. In November, Illinois voters will be asked to approve HJCA36, which is being called the “lock box” constitutional amendment and will ensure that revenues derived from taxes and fees for the road fund are unable to be “swept” to other areas in state government. Efforts to reform the legislative redistricting process passed the House, but failed to pass a Senate subcommittee. And while House sponsors of the “fair tax” amendment announced Monday that they had bipartisan support for their measure and expected it to pass the House, the legislation was not called for a vote.
>
> Late last week, Governor Rauner filed another Executive Order, EO2016-06, to eliminate the backlog and delay in state administrative proceedings. Pursuant to the new order, the Department of Central Management Services will create the Bureau of Administrative Hearings as a pilot program that will operate until June 30, 2017. The new Bureau will invite up to 10 state agencies to participate in an administrative hearing support program during the pilot period. The Bureau will develop training programs for adjudicators; improve the process for assigning cases among adjudicators; promote shared resources among participating State agencies; develop uniform rules of; develop a standard code of professional conduct for adjudicators; and in cooperation with the Department of Innovation and Technology, implement modern, uniform filing and case management systems. The order takes effect immediately.
>
> Two key budget/fiscal related reports were issued this week. First, The Civic Federation of Illinois issued a report opposing Governor Rauner’s proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget. According to the report, “The Civic Federation opposes Governor Rauner’s recommended FY2017 budget because it has an operating deficit of at least $3.5 billion and presents an insufficiently detailed plan for closing the gap. The $3.5 billion figure appears to be understated because it does not fully account for the actual cost of essential state services and is based on projected savings that are unlikely to be realized.” The Federation also cites specific concerns with the volume of the backlog of unpaid bills, the reduction in pension contributions, the size of the reduction in group health insurance costs, the depletion of the Rainy Day Fund, changes to the Community Care Program for the State’s elderly, and the use of one time financial resources. Click here for a full copy of the report. https://www.civicfed.org/sites/default/files/Report_FY2017RecommendedBudget.pdf <https://www.civicfed.org/sites/default/files/Report_FY2017RecommendedBudget.pdf>
>
> The second report this week came from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, which issued its April economic update showing a continued weakening trend for Illinois’ economy, along with a decrease in revenues from the prior year. On the revenue side, through April, base receipts are down $4.977 billion – gross personal income taxes are down $2.494 billion, gross corporate income taxes are down by $616 million, other sources are $139 million lower, and federal sources are down $521 million. While not enough to offset the overall losses, modest gains were reported in insurance taxes, inheritance taxes, sales tax, and liquor and cigarette taxes. A full copy of the report is here. http://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/0416revenue.pdf <http://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/0416revenue.pdf>
>
> In a meeting of the Medicaid Advisory Committee Quality Care Subcommittee today, HFS staff indicated that the Department is finalizing the migration to managed care and will now shift its focus to transformation. However, the Department admitted that it is still struggling with significant payment issues between providers and MCOs. HFS will focus on making sure partners are in discussions and hold all parties responsible to ensure that patient care does not suffer. HFS is also working to make the prior authorization process more uniform across managed care entities.
>
> Education funding reform was under the spotlight at the Capital again this week. The Illinois State Board of Education released a district analysis detailing the funding impacts of SB231 , Senator Manar’s most recent proposal to reform K through 12 education funding in Illinois. A copy of the report is here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Bi-iePG1O6Sm93bm4zdGN5cnM/view?pref=2&pli=1 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Bi-iePG1O6Sm93bm4zdGN5cnM/view?pref=2&pli=1>
> (Senate Republicans released an alternative, easier to read version here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Bi-iePG1O6QWdEQ3pCS1RHVzA/view?pref=2&pli=1 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4Bi-iePG1O6QWdEQ3pCS1RHVzA/view?pref=2&pli=1> ) With numbers in hand, Republican legislators quickly criticized the reform proposal calling it a major step back in education funding. Senator Manar subsequently filed a third amendment this week that he argues will address opponent’s concerns making the numbers released by the ISBE moot. Manar indicated that he will release his own financial analysis for the new amendment shortly. The bill is pending before the full Senate; the third amendment has not been adopted. Governor Rauner has pledged to veto any legislation that reduces funding to elementary and secondary education.
>
> The House Judiciary Civil Committee will hold a subject matter hearing on May 12th at 9 am in Room 413 to discuss the subject of municipal bankruptcies.
>
> The House Appropriation Human Services Committee will hold a subject matter hearing on a new health insurance assessment on May 12th at 8 am in Room C-1.
>
> 2016 Key Session Deadlines
> May 13 – Substantive Bill Committee Deadline in opposite Chamber, both Chambers
> May 27 – Third Reading Deadline in opposite Chamber, both Chambers
> May 31 – Adjournment
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**3 IAMC Legislative Report
> Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly 2016 Spring Session May 6, 2016 Prepared by BP Consultants for IAMC
> This Legislative Report includes legislation from the 2016 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. Bills that are no longer active have been removed from this report.
>
> Both chambers return on Tuesday, May 10th and will continue to focus on committee hearings with the committee deadline for substantive bills in the second chamber on Friday, May 13th.
>
> Only one of the proposed constitutional amendments that were under consideration this session passed both chambers by the May 6th deadline to have proposals initiated by the legislature on the November general election ballot. HJRCA 36 (Representative Phelps and Senator Haine) would prevent revenue collected for transportation-related funding from being swept for other purposes. The amendment was adopted by the House on a vote of 98-4-2 and the Senate on a vote of 55-0-0. All other proposed constitutional amendments, including legislative redistricting reform, authorization for a graduated income tax, and elimination of the Office of Lieutenant Governor, failed to pass both chambers by the deadline.
>
> The Senate has passed a measure to provide an additional $445 million in stopgap funding for higher education, which would provide about 60% of state funding. SB 2048 (President Cullerton and Representative Currie) passed the Senate on a vote of 55-2-0 and now goes to the House for consideration. This additional money would be funded by not repaying various special state funds that were borrowed from in FY15. SB 580 (President Cullerton and Representative Currie) eliminates the requirement that those funds be repaid. The Senate approved the measure on a vote of 54-3-0 and the bill is now in the House.
>
> Senator Manar postponed a vote on his school funding reform plan to give lawmakers more time to digest how it would affect schools in their legislative districts. SB 231 is intended to direct more state aid to the neediest school districts through revising the current formula. Governor Rauner called for increased state spending on elementary and secondary education by channeling money through the existing state aid formula. On Thursday the State Board of Education released numbers to legislators comparing the effect of Manar’s plan to the budget request made in February by Governor Rauner. Those numbers have not yet been made public.
>
> On Wednesday, Pay Now Illinois, a coalition of 64 Illinois-based human and social service agencies and companies, sued Governor Rauner and the directors of six statewide agencies seeking immediate payment in full of more than $100 million owed for work performed under contracts that date back to July 1, 2015, the beginning of FY16. In seeking a permanent injunction and declaratory judgment, the suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, charges that the Governor and other state officials have acted illegally by failing to make payments on contracts while continuing to enforce them. The suit also claims that the Governor’s veto of certain appropriation bills on June 25, 2015 was an unlawful impairment, or interference, with the agencies’ constitutional right to a legal remedy for the non-payment of these contracts. State agencies signed contracts with the social services providers, in some cases even after the Governor’s veto of the budget.
>
> The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability reported that through April, state revenue is down $4.977 billion. The drop reflects lower income tax rates for the first part of the fiscal year, the one-time nature of some pharmaceutical court settlements recovered by the Attorney General‘s Office last fiscal year, no fund sweeps year to date, and the dismal performance of federal sources.
>
> Another impact of the budget impasse is the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) building up a large backlog of unpaid claims. As of the end of April, approximately $3.10 billion in claims were being held by the state from various insurers, organizations, and companies. Of this total, the largest portion is approximately $1.56 billion of Managed Care claims. The second largest line, Prescriptions, Open Access Plans, and Mental Health claims, totals $920 million. The third largest portion of the overall claims hold comes from CIGNA, which has $506 million in claims currently held by the state.
>
> Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
> •May 10, 2016 – Next Session Date for House and Senate
> •May 13, 2016 – Committee Deadline for Substantive Senate Bills in the House and Substantive House Bills in the Senate
> •May 27, 2016 – Third Reading Deadline for Substantive Bills in the Second Chamber
> •May 31, 2016 – Scheduled Adjournment
>
> Thank you,
> Desi Harris
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**4 From NAMA Government Affairs - FDA's Calorie Disclosure Rule
> A Comprehensive Presentation on Vending Compliance
> Are you prepared for the December 1, 2016 compliance date?
> Join Eric Dell, NAMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, for an overview of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Calorie Disclosure rule and compliance requirements. The deadline for compliance, December 1, 2016, is quickly approaching. This webinar will provide the education needed to assist you and your company in complying with the rule. This is a must-attend webinar for all NAMA member companies.
>
> Tuesday May 24, 2016 2 p.m. EST
> Webinar is free for NAMA Members | Non-Member fee: $199
> Click Here To Register https://namavending.wufoo.com/forms/zzoj9w1rs1a0y/ <https://namavending.wufoo.com/forms/zzoj9w1rs1a0y/>
>
> The webinar login information will be emailed once membership status is verified. Please contact NAMA at 888-337-8363 if you do not received an emailed confirmation within 2 business days.
>
> NAMA has created a detailed Guidance and FAQ Manual available for purchase separately.
> Member Price: $99 per download
> Non-Member Price: $199 per download
>
> Information on how to download this guidance document will be provided during and after the webinar.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**5 From: Austin Hertell [mailto:ahertell at google.com <mailto:ahertell at google.com>] via blindtlk
> Subject: Paid Google Research with PwD
> Hello, Greetings from the Accessibility Engineering Team here at Google! As part of our efforts to make Google products more accessible, we conduct paid research sessions with users with all types of disabilities. We conduct studies both in-person at our offices in SF and NYC, as well as remotely via video or phone. Users who are selected for and complete our study sessions are generally compensated at $125 an hour, paid out in gift cards that are redeemable at a wide variety of retailers around the country.
>
> If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in signing up for a study and testing our products, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zKw9fqFKx7FgOaOA-GP5m-6LvGM_HDkBH36FpbFExt8/viewform?entry.1840504930&entry.767183713&entry.56281283&entry.2035380197&entry.1567833329&entry.1093159374&entry.1787236126=CSUN2016 <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zKw9fqFKx7FgOaOA-GP5m-6LvGM_HDkBH36FpbFExt8/viewform?entry.1840504930&entry.767183713&entry.56281283&entry.2035380197&entry.1567833329&entry.1093159374&entry.1787236126=CSUN2016> this link. Anyone who signs up at this site will be notified of upcoming research studies that are a match for his or her unique user profile. The link above is shareable, so please feel free to forward this email along to anyone with a disability who you feel may be interested!
>
> Don't have a disability, but still interested in testing Google products? Please sign up http://www.google.com/usability/ <http://www.google.com/usability/> here.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**6 Shared by David Andrews via Nfbnet
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2016
> CONTACTS:
> Timothy Elder TRE Legal Practice (410) 415-3493 telder at trelegal.com
> Larry Paradis Disability Rights Advocates (510) 541-4459 lparadis at dralegal.org
> Michael Bien Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld (415) 439-9821 mbien at rbgg.com
> Chris Danielsen National Federation of the Blind (410) 262-1281 cdanielsen at nfb.org
>
> Groundbreaking Settlement to End Discrimination Against Blind Uber Riders Who Use Guide Dogs
> April 30, 2016 –“ Berkeley, California – In an unprecedented settlement announced tooday, Uber has agreed to take affirmative steps to prevent discrimination against blind riders who use guide dogs in its transportation network across the United States.
>
> The settlement resolves a lawsuit—National Federation of the Blind of California, et al.. v. Uber Technologies, Inc.—brought by the National Federation of the Blind, its California affiliate, and individuals who use guide dogs, to ensure that guide dog users have full and equal access to vehicles in the Uber network. This is the first nationwide class-action settlement of its kind against an app-based transportation network company.
>
> While the growth of Uber™s on-demand transportation services has the potential to be a boon to blind people, drivers using the Uber platform have denied rides to blind people who use guide dogs. Any such discrimination violates federal and state laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. Under the settlement, Uber will work to end this discrimination and blind individuals will be able to use Uber without the threat of discrimination.
>
> Uber has agreed to take affirmative steps to tell drivers about their obligations to transport riders who are disabled and use service animals. Uber will require that existing and new drivers expressly confirm that they understand their legal obligations to transport riders with guide dogs or other service animals. Uber will also implement stricter enforcement policies—Uber will remove a driver from the platform upon a sinngle complaint if Uber finds that the driver knowingly denied a person with a disability a ride because the person was traveling with a service animal. In addition, if Uber receives complaints that a driver denied a person a ride because of a service animal on more than one occasion, the driver will permanently be removed from the Uber platform regardless of the drivers intent.
>
> Uber will also enhance its response system for complaints related to discrimination against guide-dog users, and will track detailed data on all allegations of such discrimination. Additionally, the National Federation of the Blind and its California affiliate will deploy testers over a multi-year period to evaluate Uber’s compliance with the settlement.
>
> Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “Access to reliable and effective transportation is critical to the ability of blind people to live the lives we want. Uber and similar services can be a great asset to the blind when they are fully and equally available to us. The National Federation of the Blind is therefore pleased with Uber's commitment to effectively enforce a nondiscrimination policy with respect to blind people who use guide dogs. We look forward to working with Uber to ensure that all blind passengers can take advantage of the innovative transportation service it offers.”
>
> Plaintiff Michael Hingson commented: “This settlement is a great step forward for all blind people. Uber can be such a convenient transportation option. I’m looking forward to being able to use the Uber services when Uber makes the changes needed to fix its discrimination problem and bring true access to guide dog users.”
>
> Attorney Larry Paradis of Disability Rights Advocates said: “This settlement sets important precedent and shows that companies cannot ignore the rights of people with disabilities just because they use a new technology or a novel business model. We are pleased we could come to an agreement with Uber and look forward to working with the company to ensure a more accessible system.”
>
> Attorney Michael Bien of Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP observed: “Technology-enabled services such as Uber have tremendous potential to empower people with disabilities to live more independent lives. By ensuring reliable equal access for blind riders with service animals to Uber’s services, this agreement harnesses that potential.”
>
> Plaintiffs and defendant submitted the proposed settlement to the court on April 29, 2016, and seek approval from the court to settle as a nationwide class action. Copies of the settlement and other documents can be found at http://dralegal.org/case/national-federation-of-the-blind-of-california-et-al-v-uber-technologies-inc-et-al/ <http://dralegal.org/case/national-federation-of-the-blind-of-california-et-al-v-uber-technologies-inc-et-al/> .
>
> Plaintiffs are represented by Larry Paradis and Julia Marks of Disability Rights Advocates, Timothy Elder of TRE Legal, and Michael Bien and Michael Nunez of Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**7 Shared by SmartBrief on Entrepreneurs – NPR
> Uber, Lyft Vow To Stop Driving In Austin After Voters Keep Regulations May 9, 2016·8:00 AM ET
> After voters in Austin, Texas, rejected a proposal for loosened regulations on ride-hailing apps, both Uber and Lyft have announced they will be "pausing" operations in the city.
>
> In late 2015, Austin's City Council approved an ordinance requiring companies like Uber and Lyft to be regulated like taxis. That meant, among other things, drivers would have to be fingerprinted as part of a background check. Uber and Lyft, in response, pushed a ballot proposal asking voters to choose between that city ordinance and a looser statewide law.
>
> NPR's John Burnett reports that the two companies dropped $8 million to promote their stance on Proposal 1 — a record for Austin ballot proposals. "Despite spending what amounted to $200 on each vote in their favor, Uber and Lyft lost by 44 to 56," John says.
>
> Before the vote on Saturday, Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of Austin, a market John describes as "lucrative." Since the decision, both companies have said they intend to follow through on their threats, Austin-based member station KUT reports. Lyft told KUT they "want to stay in the city," but Austin's rules "don't allow true ridesharing to operate."
>
> "Because of this, we have to take a stand for a long-term path forward that lets ridesharing continue to grow across the country, and will pause operations in Austin on Monday, May 9th," Lyft said.
>
> "Disappointment does not begin to describe how we feel about shutting down operations in Austin," said Uber's Austin general manager, Chris Nakutis, KUT reports.
>
> Austin Councilmember Ann Kitchen, who spearheaded the effort to increase regulation of ride-hailing companies, told KUT that nobody wants Uber and Lyft to withdraw from Austin.
>
> "We're not asking them to leave," she said. "The voters have spoken and they want these requirements." Last year, Uber and Lyft withdrew from San Antonio over a similar requirement that drivers be fingerprinted. The companies returned months later under a program that made fingerprinting voluntary.
>
> Meanwhile, Houston also has rules requiring drivers for ride-hailing apps to be fingerprinted. Uber has previously threatened to withdraw from Houston over that ordinance. According to Culturemap Houston, the city's mayor, Sylvester Turner, responded, "If it comes down to public safety on one hand and Uber staying on the other, I don't think it is even close."
>
> Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles are considering similar regulations on ride-hailing apps, The Associated Press reports.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**8 From Hadley Institute for the Blind
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>Seminars at Hadley Presents: iFocus 14: Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS
> Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2016
> Time: 11:00 AM CDT; 16:00 GMT
> Attention all iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch owners! Seminars at Hadley is presenting the 14th episode in its quarterly series of seminars designed for you. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, you will not want to miss this latest installment.
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Hadley Access Technology Instruction Specialist and iDevice trainer Douglas Walker explores “Tips for Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS.” This seminar will cover the following topics:
> Finding Audio Descriptions in iTunes
> Using the Videos App
> Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley’s Seminars Team, will moderate this 90-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
> This seminar is an audio-only seminar. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you know you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register now for Tips on Using the Vision Accessibility Features in iOS <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=805207&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D319>.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>Seminars at Hadley Presents: Low Vision Focus Presents: The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: Your Advocate for Independence
> Date: Thursday, May 19, 2016
> Time: 1:00 PM CDT; 18:00 GMT
> The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) is a professional dedicated to assisting persons with low vision to acquire the adaptive skills that allow them to regain their independence. The VRT commonly works with individuals in their own home environments. People with low vision can benefit by making the most of this professional’s visits and instructional services.
>
> Join Low Vision Focus at Hadley as Ed Haines, Hadley Instructor and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, presents on the role of the VRT; how to prepare for a home visit and some suggestions for ensuring that you and your VRT are working as a team with one goal – your independence.
> Ed Haines also will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
> This seminar is an audio-only seminar. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you know you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register now for The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: Your Advocate for Independence. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=805207&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D320>
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>Perkins School Launches "BlindNewWorld" Awareness Campaign! Check out powerful public service announcements dispelling myths about people who are blind at www.blindnewworld.org <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=805207&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blindnewworld.org> and "like," "follow," "retweet" and "share" @blindnewworld on social media. Hadley is partnering in this effort.
>
> Did you receive this email as a forward? Sign up to receive eConnect <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=805207&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FeNewsletter.asp>.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**9 This Week on Eyes On Success
> 1619 AudioScreen for NVDA (May 4, 2016)
> The AudioScreen add-on for NVDA is based on concepts from the vOICe technology discussed in last week's show. This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Mick Curran, co-lead developer of the NVDA screen reader, about how this add-on that he developed can be used to help the blind "see" maps, colors, and more. Mick also demos AudioScreen in action.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**10 From Vending Market Watch
> San Francisco 911 Dispatchers Exempt From Healthy Vending Machine Proposal May 5, 2016
> Legislation to ban ‘junk food’ in vending machines on city property in San Francisco, CA, advanced closer to approval on Wednesday, according to SFExaminer.com. The city’s 911 dispatchers, however, may be exempt from the law. Supervisor Mark Farrell amended the legislation to exempt the Department of Emergency Management from the requirement after a meeting with labor union SEIU 1021 which represents the department’s 911 emergency dispatch employees. According to the source, members of his staff said the workers would like to have continued access to energy drinks.
>
> With the proposal, all other vending machines on city property would be required to dispense products that meet the mandated nutritional guidelines related to levels of sugar, sodium and fats.
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**11 Shared by Vending Market Watch - Newswise
> Providing Employees and Families’ Access to Healthier Choices
> Springdale first city in Arkansas to mandate healthy vending
> Released: 6-May-2016 3:05 PM EDT
> Newswise — Springdale, AR – The City of Springdale is the first city in Arkansas to have a mandate endorsed by the American Heart Association that implements evidence-based nutrition standards for healthier food and beverages in vending machines provided in buildings and property owned or leased by the City.
>
> The mandate ensures that if vending machines are located on city properties such as public libraries, parks, pools, museums and community centers, they will meet recommended nutrition standards to provide residents with healthier options, as well as use calorie labeling to provide basic education on nutritional value of what is available. In addition, Springdale’s more than 500 employees will benefit from healthier choices in vending machines where they work, including City Hall, police and fire departments. With a population of 76,500 this is a critical step in building a culture of health for all Springdale residents.
>
> “This directive will offer healthier options to City employees and residents on City property,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. “We worked closely with the American Heart Association on these guidelines in order to promote health and wellness in Springdale.”
>
> The research is clear that eating nutritious foods and eating only enough to meet energy needs can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and promote wellness. Vending machines can still carry some of the traditional snack foods people have come to expect, but now those looking for healthy options will have more choices. The American Heart Association encourages employers and cities to create a healthy work environment and promote a healthy lifestyle for their employees and the public that come through city-owned facilities.
>
> “We are so excited that Springdale is joining cities across the country that are making a difference and helping families choose healthy snacks and drinks,” said Deven Daehn, American Heart Association community health director. “Mayor Sprouse and his staff recognized the importance of expanding the City’s practice of offering healthy options in vending machines to all City property in order to further promote the City’s commitment to improving the health of its employees and visitors.”
>
> The American Heart Association advocates for healthier options in all worksite cafeterias and vending machines and applauds the City of Springdale for leading the state on this important effort to ensure access to healthy options for those that live, work, and play in Springdale, Arkansas.
>
> Resources are available to help companies develop their own policies and tips to make a workplace healthier in the Healthy Workplace Food and Beverage Toolkit. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WorkplaceWellness/WorkplaceWellnessResources/Healthy-Workplace-Food-and-Beverage-Toolkit_UCM_465195_Article.jsp#.VzJbdP0htdg <http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WorkplaceWellness/WorkplaceWellnessResources/Healthy-Workplace-Food-and-Beverage-Toolkit_UCM_465195_Article.jsp#.VzJbdP0htdg>
>
> <applewebdata://1658378C-BC36-4B70-BA91-7887AF940329>**12 RSA Management Information - Purchase Power Deals
> Earn extra rebates on the following:
> Advanced Pierre Foods
> Deal Date: April 1st through June 30th, 2016.
> Rebates & Products
> $0.50 per Case Hot 'n Ready Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Square Wrap
> $1.00 per Case Hot 'n Ready Ham, Egg & Cheese Croissant
> $0.50 per Case Hot 'n Ready Southern Style Breaded Chicken Biscuit
> $1.00 per Case Hot 'n Ready Canadian Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin
> $0.50 per Case Big AZ 2X Sausage Cheese Biscuit
> $1.00 per Case Big AZ Split Sausage Cheese Biscuit
> $0.50 per Case Big AZ Breakfast Stacker
> $0.50 per Case Pierre 8in Pepperoni French Bread Pizza
> $1.00 per Case Pierre Jumbo Chipotle BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger
> $0.50 per Case Pierre Jumbo Spicy Chicken Breast with Bleu Cheese
> PLUS MANY MORE!
>
> Biscomerica
> Deal Date: April 1st through June 30th, 2016.
> Rebates & Products
> $1.20 per Case 2.0 oz. Sweet Serenity Chocolate Chip
> $0.96 per Case 3.0 oz LSS Sweet Serenity Chocolate Chip Big Bag
> $0.48 per Case 5 oz. Basil's Vanilla Fudge Sandwich Cremes
> $1.20 per Case 1.5 oz. Basil's Chocolate Chip Mini Bites
>
> Cheesewich
> Deal Date: January 1st through December 31st, 2016.
> $1.44 Rebate
> Products
> 2.5 oz Mild Cheddar Cheese & Hard Salami
> 2.5 oz Pepper Jack Cheese & Hard Salami
> 2.5 oz Colby Jack Cheese & Hard Salami
> 2.5 oz Provolone Cheese & Hard Salami
>
> Ferrero
> Deal Date: Feb 2nd through Dec 31st, 2016
> Rebates & Products
> $2.40 per case Nutella & GO!
> $.45 per box Ferrero Tic Tac Orange Mints 1oz
> $.45 per box Ferrero Tic Tac Fresh Mints 1oz
> $.45 per box Ferrero Tic Tac Strawberry Fields 1oz
> $.45 per box Ferrero Tic Tac Wintergreen Mints 1oz
> $1.65 per case Ferrero Tic Tac Bottle Pack Freshmint 3.4oz
> $1.65 per case Ferrero Tic Tac Bottle Pack Orange 3.4oz
> $3.50 per case Ferrero Rocher 3 pack
> $3.50 per case Raffaello 3 pack
>
> Herr’s
> Deal Date: April 1st through June 30th, 2016.
> Rebates & Products
> $0.60 per Case 1.125 oz. Cheddar Horseradish Kettle Chips
> $0.60 per Case 1.125 oz. Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips
> $0.60 per Case 1.125 oz. Jalapeno Kettle Chips
> $0.60 per Case 1.125 oz. Regular Kettle Chips
> $0.60 per Case 1.125 oz. Mesquite BBQ Kettle Chips
> $1.20 per Case 2 oz. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
>
> Hostess
> Deal Date: May 1st through June 30th, 2016
> $0.72 per Case Rebate
> Products
> 3.81 oz. SS Chocolate Zingers
> 3.81 oz. SS Chocolate Zingers FOA
> 3.81 oz. SS Vanilla Zingers
> 3.81 oz. SS Vanilla Zingers FOA
>
> Mrs Freshley’s
> Deal Date: April 1st through June 30th, 2016.
> $0.36 per Case Rebate
> Products
> 4.5 oz. Chocolate Icers Crème Filled Cakes
> 4.5 oz. F.O.A. Chocolate Icers Crème Filled Cakes
> 4.5 oz. Vanilla Icers Crème Filled Cakes
> 4.5 oz. F.O.A. Vanilla Icers Crème Filled Cakes
>
> Skinny Pop Popcorn
> Deal Date: January 1st through December 31st, 2016
> Rebates & Products
> $1.00 per case .65 oz. Skinny Pop White Cheddar Popcorn
> $1.00 per case .65 oz. Skinny Pop Original Popcorn
> $1.00 per case 1 oz. Skinny Pop White Cheddar Popcorn
> $1.00 per case 1 oz. Skinny Pop Original Popcorn
> $2.00 per case 4.4 oz Skinny Pop White Cheddar Popcorn
> $2.00 per case 4.4 oz Skinny Pop Original Popcorn
> $2.00 per case 4.4 oz Skinny Pop Black Peper Popcorn
> $2.00 per case 4.4 oz Skinny Pop Sweet Popcorn
>
> Snyder’s Lance
> Deal Date: April 1st through June 30th, 2016
> Rebates & Products
> $1.80 per Case Nip Cheese Sandwich Cracker
> $1.80 per Case Sweety & Salty Caramel Pretzel Pieces
> $1.26 per Case 40% Reduced Fat Sweet Mesquite BBQ Kettle Chips
>
> 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.
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