[il-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update June 2, 3015
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Wed Jun 3 00:56:26 UTC 2015
Denise R. Avant
President
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
Live the life you want
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
> From: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Date: June 2, 2015 at 6:03:03 PM CDT
> To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update June 2, 3015
> Reply-To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
> ICBV Office Update
> June 2, 2015
>
>
>
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) IL Soda Tax Finds it’s way to the Budget Table Again
> Other Tax Articles in the News
> *3) IAMC Legislative Report May 23
> *4) Cullen & Associates Session Update May 31
> *5) 34 Million Air Bags Made by the Takata Corporation are Being Recalled
> *6) Netflix Audio-Described Programming
> *7) AppleVis New and Noteworthy App Entries
> *8) Hadley School for the Blind
> Remaining Literate in the Age of UEB
> Purchasing and Financing a Home
> iFocus: Three Apple Watch Videos Now Available
> *9) Hadley School for the Blind Webinar Fit Pick: Putting Tools in the Blind Entrepreneur’s Toolkit
> *10) Trekker Breeze GPS Device
> *11) Global Accesibility Awareness
> *12) Tremendous Discount at NFB Convention on Jaws. MAGic, and Open Book
> *13) Arizona Official Question’s State’s Blind Vending Program
> CLICK LINK AT END OF ARTICLE TO SUPPORT ARIZONA
> *14) Broker News Patterson Co, Inc
> *15) Distributor News Vistar
> *16) RSA Buying Group News
>
> **1 Calendar of Events
> June 6, 2015 11am-4pm “Picnic in the Park Fund Raiser”
> Your participation will help the NFBI support the good work we do
> Everyone is encouraged to attend, invite your family, friends, co-workers and employees
> The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois will host a picnic at Tom Madonia Park East; Lake Springfield, Springfield, IL
>
> Menu: Hamburgers, Brats; grilled on site, Mostaccioli, Baked Beans, Macaroni Salad, Tea and Lemonade. BYOB
> Boat rides provided by the Rogers on their 24’ pontoon boat.
> Door prizes; 50/50 drawing
> Anyone who plays a musical instrument is encouraged to bring it along.
>
> The Chang’s and the Reif’s will operate a shuttle service from the Amtrak station in Springfield to the park. The train leaves Chicago at 7am arrives in Springfield around 10:30am. Leaves Springfield at 4:56 arrives back in Chicago around 8:30pm. Anyone interested should contact Bill Rief 217-801-2996.
>
> Cost: $30.00 per person
> Deadline to register was June 1, 2015; Please make checks payable to NFBI and send To: Treasurer Patti S Chang, 6919 W Berwyn Av, Chicago, IL 60656
> Contact: Jess Rogers……217-629-7023 Bill Rief 217-801-2996
>
> 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.
>
> For more information about registering for the convention, and the hotel, go to www.nfb.org .
>
> 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
>
> From Denise Avant: You can register at the Naperville Marriott Hotel for our State convention, October 30-November 1, 2015. The rate for the NFBI block is $93.00. It has come to my attention that some may be getting a $94.00 per night. The latter is not correct. If there are problems, please let myself or Patti Chang know.
>
> Return to Top
>
> **2 Shared by Mark Denzler & The Herald Review
> Soda tax finds its way to budget table, again
> May 29, 2015 5:15 am JORDAN MADDOX H&R Springfield Bureau Writer
> SPRINGFIELD – The state's financial woes have supporters of adding a one-cent per ounce tax on sugary beverages hopeful the proposal may be included in the looming debate over raising taxes.
>
> State Sen. Mattie Hunter, D-Chicago, said her soda tax legislation, known as the HEAL act, Healthy Eating Active Living, is something she pushes for every day because of the benefits it would create for everyone.
>
> “The leadership has been looking at it and I’m hopeful that when they consider revenue they consider that piece of legislation,” she said. “It can not only generate revenues but it can also help educate and make people aware of sugary drinks and the impact they have, and just overall health. We’ve got a lot of positive feedback from it.”
>
> A budget is being pushed through the General Assembly that is at least $3 billion short of the spending.
>
> The soda tax would be put on the distributors who sell packaged sugar-sweetened beverages, syrups or powders in Illinois. The tax would be at a rate of one-cent per ounce of the sugar-sweetened beverages. This includes sodas, sweetened teas, sports drinks and energy drinks.
>
> The tax is predicted to create $300 million for Medicaid and $300 million for community health programs.
>
> State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, who is sponsoring the plan in the House, said there is no certainty her measure will go anywhere even though a poll commissioned by the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity and conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research, a national public opinion poll, shows Illinoisans want it.
>
> “From my reading of the poll it was done in a very fair manner. They were told both the opposition’s position as well as the supporter’s position and still 58 percent, even when being told the opposition’s story, still supported a tax on sugary sweetened beverages,” Gabel said.
>
> The poll states 70 percent in Chicago, 62 percent downstate and 59 percent in the collar counties support the tax and the impacts it could make on Illinoisans health, including funding for walking and biking trails.
>
> "The timing of this information is ideal," said Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability in a prepared statement. "As decision makers face tough fiscal decisions, this poll shows support for a revenue proposal that can be considered a win-win for Illinois. The HEAL Act will help prevent Medicaid cuts while also providing important opportunities for economically disadvantaged people to live healthier lives."
>
> On Thursday, the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics reported more than 140 Illinois physicians within the group support the tax.
>
> “The contribution of sugary drinks to obesity in children is now clearly established,” said Goutham Rao of ICAAP’s Health Care Advisory Group on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in a prepared statement.
>
> The legislation is Senate Bill 1584 and House Bill 2667.
>
> Other tax articles in the news:
> California Automatic Vending Council Testifies In Sacramento On Sales Tax Equity Bill
> http://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/news/12078409/california-automatic-vending-council-testifies-in-sacramento-on-sales-tax-equity-bill?utm_source=VMW+Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AUTM150522002
>
> California Assembly Committee Nixes Another Proposed Tax On Soda - See more at: http://vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=737C17AB0E09499F90660557C93983AD&nm=Articles&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=A891B4309C11448BB89B93F6D0212575#sthash.XvqlAma0.dpuf
>
> Berkeley (CA) Soda Tax Reportedly Brings In $116,000 In First Month
> http://www.vendingmarketwatch.com/news/12076576/berkeley-soda-tax-reportedly-brings-in-116000-in-first-month?utm_source=VMW+Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=AUTM150515002
>
> Return to Top
>
> **3 IAMC Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly
> 2015 Spring Session May 23, 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. Please note that bills that are no longer active have been removed from the report, but will still be tracked and added back in if they become active.
>
> The House and Senate return to session on Monday, with the focus on floor action, and are scheduled to work straight through until May 31st. Although the Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate was Friday, May 22nd, both chambers extended the deadline until May 31st for many bills.
>
> On Friday several parts of Governor Rauner’s “Turnaround Agenda” were introduced as bills in the General Assembly. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno is sponsoring the legislation in the Senate and House Republican Leader Jim Durkin is the House sponsor. Leader Radogno said that the reform legislation must be approved before the governor will consider raising taxes to balance the budget. Components of the package include:
>
> HB 4223 and SB 994: Changes to workers’ compensation that would require the workplace to be more than 50% responsible for an injury before a person could receive compensation. The bill also calls for a reduction in some medical fees.
>
> HB 4222 and SB 884: Reforms of civil lawsuit procedures to prevent “venue shopping,” where plaintiffs sue in counties where they expect more favorable outcomes, and changes to limit entities with the greatest financial resources from being targeted to cover all losses.
>
> HB 4224 and SB 1046: Freezing local property taxes for all local governments and allowing them to increase only through a local referendum. Allow local governments to exclude some topics, such as health insurance, from collective bargaining with unions and exempt local governments from prevailing wage requirements, which set minimum pay for work on public projects.
>
> HJRCA 39 and SJRCA 14: A proposed state constitutional amendment limiting lawmakers to 10 years in office and executive branch officers to 8 years in office.
>
> HJRCA 40 and SJRCA 15: A second proposed constitutional amendment creating an independent commission to draw legislative district maps
>
> Missing from the package of bills is Rauner’s proposal to create local right-to-work zones in the state. None of the House bills have been assigned to committee for hearing. The first three Senate bills have been assigned for hearing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
>
> It has been reported that the House and Senate Democratic leadership have been working on a FY16 budget that will be introduced before the end of session. This proposal is being prepared without input from Republican members and is expected to contain spending levels that are not supported by current projected state revenues. If the budget proposal is voted on prior to May 31st, it will only need a simple majority vote. It could be sent to the Governor to make line item vetoes or reductions, or the Governor could veto the entire budget outright.
>
> On Friday the House voted on a series of amendments that were part of Governor Rauner’s original proposed workers’ compensation reform provisions. The first three amendments to HB 1287 (Speaker Madigan) were defeated on partisan roll calls (0-69-37). The fourth amendment was adopted on a vote of 68-0-39, and would establish a review process for workers’ compensation rates. The bill remains on Second Reading in the House. Speaker Madigan also filed HJRCA 37 on Thursday to establish caps on certain court awards. The legislation is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary – Civil Committee on Wednesday.
>
> A proposed state constitutional amendment to impose a 3% surtax on incomes of more than $1 million a year failed Thursday in the House. The vote on HJRCA 26 (Speaker Madigan) was 68-47. It needed 71 votes to pass the House. All Republican House members voted against the measure, as did three Democrat members: Jack Franks, Ken Dunkin and Scott Drury. The measure is on postponed consideration in the House.
>
> The House Personnel and Pension Committee approved a plan to modify Cook County’s pension system. SB 843 (Senator Mulroe and Speaker Madigan) calls for increasing the retirement age and county employees’ contributions, among other things. Proponents believe the provisions will circumvent the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that benefits cannot be diminished. The bill is on Third Reading in the House.
>
> On Wednesday the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability released a joint report calling for Illinois to expand the sales tax base to include consumer services. “Expanding the Base of Illinois' Sales Tax to Consumer Services Will Both Modernize State Tax Policy and Help Stabilize Revenue” identifies that expanding the base of the state sales tax to include consumer services, like pet grooming, haircuts, country club membership, health clubs, and lawn care, could simultaneously help to stabilize revenue generation for the state's fiscal system, while reforming tax policy to comport with the modern economy.
>
> A bill treating low-level marijuana possession like a speeding ticket passed the Senate on Thursday and now goes to Governor Rauner for his review. HB 218 (Representative Kelly Cassidy and Senator Michael Noland) would punish possession of up to 15 grams (or half an ounce) of marijuana with a fine of up to $125. Offenders would have their records expunged after 6 months and procedures for marijuana-related driving under the influence charges would be put in place.
>
> The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has sent a bulletin to members outlining that Governor Rauner’s administration is seeking a wage freeze from unionized members as well as reductions in vacation and holiday time. Other concessions being sought include a deep cut in health insurance benefits that the union said could drive up employee costs by more than 500%, eliminating step increases available to workers during the first 8 years on the job, to take back longevity pay that is awarded to workers who no longer qualify for step increases, and to eliminate additional pay for working in maximum security facilities, being called back to work and for continuing education. The current contract expires June 30th and negotiations continue.
>
> Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
> •May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>
> Return to Top
>
> **4 Cullen & Associates Session Update – May 31, 2015
> After a contentious session between the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly and the new Republican Governor, both the Illinois House and Senate adjourned their regularly-scheduled spring session today, with many issues unresolved. The General Assembly will reconvene in overtime session beginning next week. Any bill passed after May 31st with an immediate effective date, including budget bills, will require a super-majority vote for approval. The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2015.
>
> Prior to adjournment, the General Assembly approved a provisional FY16 budget with democrat votes. Republican legislators have called the budget hopelessly out of balance, as it authorizes $36 billion in GRF spending with only $32 billion GRF in expected revenue for FY16. Should the bills reach the Governor’s desk, he is not expected to sign them. In addition, the Governor has called for certain structural changes to Illinois government, taxes, and business regulations, called his "Turn Around Agenda," and is insisting that these reforms be included as part of any budget deal. Some of those reforms, including worker’s compensation reform (SB 994), reforms to the civil justice system (SB 884) and a property tax freeze (SB 1046), were defeated in the Senate Executive Committee last week. Other measures, including legislation to institute legislative term limits and to make changes to legislative redistricting, were not considered in either Chamber.
>
> Legislative leaders and the Governor have said they will continue to work to resolve the budget impasse and address the Governor’s call for proposed economic and structural government reforms. Democrats have pledged to work in a bipartisan fashion to identify new revenues to fill the budget gap in their FY16 budget. However, as session ended Sunday evening, both sides began the blame game, triggered by a press conference held by the Governor, and a bitter war of words between the two parties has begun. The issue now is who will take the blame for session going into over-time and for what appears to be an inevitable income tax increase and unpopular budget cuts. Democrats are using a parliamentary procedure that will allow them to indefinitely hold on to their approved budget bills without sending them to the Governor. The Governor has a $34 million campaign fund that he is expected to use for an unprecedented negative public relations campaign against Democrat legislators next week. He has also said he would not call members back to Springfield for special session at a cost to taxpayers, but noted that he is available to meet every day. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate will reconvene their Chambers and will be prepared to conduct business, without per diem or mileage reimbursement.
>
> The democrat budget was contained in a series of bills, with companion substantive budget implementation bills. All Medicaid lines were generally funded at the revised FY15 level. An omnibus Medicaid bill that cut provider rates, increased assessments on hospitals, and maintained ACEs and CCEs as managed care providers was approved in SB 788 (Steans/Harris, G.). The education budgets, which are $75 million lower than the Governor’s proposed level, provide for an increase in early childhood education and hold the general state aid proration level constant at 92%. The MAP program was funded at $397 million, enabling 15,000 students to receive grants. Funding is reduced for state universities, and increased for the Department of Corrections.
>
> Funding for state employee group health insurance was included in the democrat budget, but it was reduced by $900,000 from the FY15 level to the Governor’s introduced level. Because the Governor’s introduced level anticipated reforms in this area, the appropriation could result in payment delays to providers. Several human services program cuts that were proposed by the Governor are funded in the democrat budget. Approximately $17 billion is appropriated for capital projects, including re-appropriations and funding for IDOT’s multi-year plan. SB 2033 (Cullerton/Madigan) includes $493 million for Regional Transit Authority projects
>
> Funding for the DCEO Office of Coal Development, which was targeted for elimination in the Governor’s budget, was included in the democrat budget. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum received an appropriation as a separate agency, removing it from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. DHS received $7 million in new funding for at-risk community support programs.
>
> SB 842 (Cullerton/Currie) requires funds earmarked for pension systems to be allocated directly into the systems. The legislation prevents fund sweeps and pension holidays for FY16. The current pension payment ramp schedule is retained. Like the budget bills, SB 842, which passed both houses, remains in its Chamber of origin due to a procedural motion.
>
> In other legislative action this week, legislation passed both Chambers Sunday on behalf of unions representing state employees that would prevent state employees from striking or being locked out should labor contract negotiations fail. The current state employee contract expires June 30th.
>
> Comprehensive legislation designed to combat heroin abuse in Illinois (HB1 (Lang/Kotowski) passed the House and was fast-tracked through the Senate this week. After months of negotiations, the Illinois General Assembly approved comprehensive police reform legislation (SB1304 (Raoul/Simms)) that provides for the use of police body cameras, new guidelines for independent reviews of police-involved felonies, and bans police use of chokeholds, among other things.
>
> The Attorney General’s legislation to expand security breach obligations in Illinois was approved in SB 1833 (Biss/Williams). SB 626 (Munoz/Turner) authorizes O’Hare International Airport to operate 10 runways and mandates the use of smart noise monitoring technology. SR 576 urges IDOT and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to construct a full access interchange at Illinois 173 and Interstate 94. And after two years of negotiations, legislation was approved to reflect changes in federal law to allow pharmacists to provide bio-similar prescription drugs to patients when they become available on the market (SB 455 (Munoz/Acevedo)).
>
> SB 96 (Sullivan/Phelps) contains an omnibus telecommunications re-write, and SB 777 (Cullerton/Currie) reforms the Chicago Police and Fire pension systems. Both bills were approved by the General Assembly during the final hours of regular session and will be sent to the Governor.
>
> The House is scheduled to return to Springfield Thursday, June 4th, and the Senate will reconvene Tuesday, June 9th. Many big issues remain on the table, including pension reform, gaming, energy policy reforms, the millionaire’s tax, and items contained in the Governor’s Turn Around Agenda. SB 33 (Hastings/Lang), a bill to authorize the use of medical cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, is back in the House on the Order of Nonconcurrence. A motion to recede has been filed by the House sponsor. These measures could be considered in the coming days. For bills that have been approved by both Chambers, the house of origin has 30 days to transmit a bill to the Governor for his consideration, after which time he has 60 days to act. The clock does not begin until a motion to reconsider, which has been placed on FY16 budget-related bills, is removed.
>
> The 2014 election of Republican Bruce Rauner as Governor has proven to be a new and unprecedented dynamic in Illinois government and politics. After nearly five months in office, it is still unclear how that dynamic will play out. While Rauner is still an enigmatic newcomer to Illinois government, he has shown he isn't afraid to mix it up with entrenched political leaders and special interests. Talks will continue between the Governor’s Office and the legislative leaders in the coming days. Financial pressure points will begin to emerge after July 1, 2015, as state payrolls are missed and providers are not paid. Public schools are scheduled to receive their first state aid payment of FY16 mid-August.
>
> Cullen & Associates will continue to provide updates in the days ahead.
>
> Return to Top
>
> **5 Shared by Barbara Boxer, CA Senator
> (We should all be aware of this)
> Dear Friend:
> This week we learned the shocking news that nearly 34 million air bags made by the Takata Corporation are being recalled nationwide because of a dangerous defect that has caused at least six deaths and more than 100 injuries.
>
> Dozens of models of vehicles from automakers including Honda, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saab, Subaru and Toyota dating back to the 2001 model year have been affected.
>
> While automakers are required to send you a recall notice if your vehicle is under recall, I encourage anyone concerned that their vehicle might be affected to go to the Transportation Department's safety recall website. http://ct.symplicity.com/t/box/59e746116404da448cf02deeaf0a8d2e/1383208380/realurl=https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ By entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can find out if your vehicle is subject to the Takata air bag recall or any other safety recalls.
>
> You can also visit the automakers' recall websites to determine if your vehicle is affected. For more information on how automakers are responding and to visit their recall websites, please click here http://ct.symplicity.com/t/box/59e746116404da448cf02deeaf0a8d2e/1383208380/realurl=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/10/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-takata-air-bag-recall/index.htm .
>
> Sincerely,
> Barbara Boxer
> United States Senator
>
> Return to Top
>
> **6 Shared by Second Sense from the June newsletter
> Netflix Audio-Described Programming
> There has been a substantial amount of talk lately concerning Netflix and audio-described movies and TV shows. Here are a couple of things to be aware of if you are interested in learning more. Netflix is adding more titles to their inventory, but the audio description is from a variety of sources and not always the extremely high quality you may have experienced at movie theaters. Also, in order to browse the available titles, you must be a Netflix subscriber. At this writing, there are approximately 39 titles available.
>
> Follow this shortcut to the Second Sense newsletter filled with valuable information: http://www.second-sense.org/programs/making-sense-newsletter/
>
> Return to Top
>
> **7 Shared by AppleVis - New and Noteworthy App Entries
> Follow the link below for May’s newsletter
> http://www.applevis.com/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-accessible-apps-may-2015
>
> Return to Top
>
> **8 From Hadley School for the Blind
> Seminars at Hadley Presents: Remaining Literate in the Age of UEB
> Date: Thursday, June 4, 2015
> Time: 10:00 AM CDT, 15:00 GMT
> The buzz is in the air over UEB. It is not just the awakening of spring into summer, but all the talk of UEB. How about a discussion of braille then and now? If you’ve learned or read braille for a year or 50 (or more) years, will you still be able to read it using UEB?
> Join Seminars at Hadley as instructors Danette Johnson and Sharon Howerton, as well as some Hadley students, discuss Unified English Braille (UEB), why it was adopted, some of its changes and why braille, no matter when and how much you have learned or are in the process of learning, continues to be valuable to your literacy.
> This 60-minute seminar will be moderated by instructor Kim Walker. Time will be allotted for questions and answers.
> 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 Remaining Literate in the Age of UEB on June 4.
>
> Seminars at Hadley Presents: Purchasing and Financing a Home
> Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2015
> Time: 10:00 AM CDT, 15:00 GMT
> Purchasing a home and obtaining financing can create a lot of anxiety. However, understanding the process can alleviate the stress. Would you like to learn about some of the key factors to consider when selecting and financing a home?
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Steve Beres, a blinded veteran and banking professional, shares his personal and professional insights on the entire home buying process. 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 Purchasing and Financing a Home on June 10.
>
> iFocus: Three New Apple Watch Videos Now Available
> Buzz is building about the Apple Watch! Are you curious about the accessibility features built into this latest iDevice? There are now three new iFocus videos that show how to navigate the watch face, the digital crown and the communications button. The videos are also available on YouTube. Did you miss this week's seminar on the Apple Watch? Check it out in the archives.
>
> Return to Top
>
> **9 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI
> HOLD THE DATE
> WHAT: NFBEI / Hadley School for the Blind Webinar
> SUBJECT: Fit Pick: Putting Tools in the Blind Entrepreneur's Toolkit
> WHEN: June 11, 2015 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
> This will be the first of 4 webinars being conducted by the NFBEI in collaboration with the Hadley School for the Blind as part of their Randolph-Shepard on the Web series that will focus on healthier vending. The series is called "A Year of Getting Healthier" and will feature several different topics. This webinar will feature a representative from the National Automatic Merchandising Association who will discuss Fit Pick and how to make NAMA's guidelines for healthier choices work for blind entrepreneurs. A vending operator who has had success implementing Fit Pick as part of his traditional vending business will also participate.
>
> Mark your calendars and plan to participate. More details will follow.
>
> Thanks!
> Terry Smith
>
> Return to Top
>
> **10 From Top Tech Tidbits
> The new improved Trekker Breeze GPS device is available from Humanware for $750:
> http://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12928
>
> Additional information on Trekker Breeze shared on blindtlk:
> Gadget Girl - I have a Trekker Breeze and I use it each time I travel. I find it easy to use and very helpful. If you already own a Trekker Breeze, you can get the upgrade for $199. You will have to call the company for a RMA number, pack your Breeze securely, and mail it back to them. The shipping company will come to your house and pick it up for the company. In return, HumanWare will upgrade your unit by installing the guts of the new unit inside your old one, plus change your battery. They will also give you an updated map. This is what the young lady at the company told me. Frankly, I look forward to the update and the improvements. Since I use my Trekker regularly, I am going to mail it back to the company for the upgrade and pay the $199. My Breeze was originally paid for out-of-pocket, so I don't think any agency is going to fund it.; but I could be wrong. The unit is easy to use and comes with easy to follow instructions. Hope this helps.
>
> Return to Top
>
> **11 Shared by Gary Wunder, nfbnet
> I’m Ilkka Pirttimaa, developer of an iOS app called BlindSquare. Uniquely it uses Open Street Map and Foursquare data to help people who are blind to navigate in new and familiar environments and provide them with a world of choices, otherwise veiled. I write this in the spirit of the intent of the Global Accessibility Awareness Day, to raise awareness across the globe of the benefits and know-how on making products accessible. This needs to be done; and is the right thing to do, it doesn’t need to be difficult.
>
> For people who are blind or partially sighted, travelling independently has always been one of the challenges. While some have managed to become very confident travellers regardless, others, especially if they have lost sight only recently, need more time or assistance to learn how to navigate new environments. Although technology can never substitute Orientation & Mobility and cane travelling skills, the right app installed on your iPhone can help blind and partially sighted users who have mastered the necessary skills to be safer and more independent when out and about. Having been localized to 25 languages, it is now used by thousands of people in more than 130 countries.
>
> I started developing BlindSquare by chance. When I read what Wikipedia had to say a few years ago about augmented reality, I wanted to prove that augmented reality should not only include visual, but also auditory perception. It seemed only logical to me that the traveler who is blind would benefit the most from that. I managed to find my first blind tester and when I saw how enthusiastic she was about the prototype of BlindSquare I had created and about its future potential. I decided to continue with the project. When I released BlindSquare 3 years ago, it did not yet include many of the important features available today. But still, I received very positive feedback and saw how it improved people’s quality of life. I received a message from someone who had used BlindSquare at a water park and had been able to find all of the attractions there using my app. BlindSquare users enjoy being able to explore their environment on their own and also to be able to help their sighted friends to locate places in unfamiliar areas. After all, the friends cannot look around corners, but thanks to GPS, BlindSquare can. Although BlindSquare is optimized for VoiceOver, it is perfectly usable for everyone. I have sighted customers who enjoy hearing popular Foursquare places announced to them while they are riding their bicycles.
>
> My app is geared towards customers who are blind or partially sighted, but I think that every developer should consider if their product could be made accessible and whenever possible walk the extra mile. It is just like app localization, it increases your user base. Let us just take an example and assume that you develop an app that gives access to public transport schedules of different companies and in many cities around the world. Sighted users may have many apps they can choose from, but your app might be the only one that is VoiceOver accessible. Sighted users can also just read the schedule at the station, an option not available to blind or partially sighted users. While your app can be nice to have for many users, it can be a life-changer for people who are blind or partially sighted, as it may be the only means to access information independently. The same is true for many other apps that come to mind.
>
> Examples:
> If a parcel-tracking app is accessible, Blind users do no longer need help reading the note left by the postman when they return home, because they can just go and pick up their parcel from the neighbor whose name they read in the push message on their phone.
>
> Accessible banking apps can help blind clients to monitor their accounts and make transfers without sighted help, enhancing their privacy and allowing them to be more independent.
>
> The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide 285 million people are visually impaired, and 39 million of them are blind. 82% of the visually impaired are 50 years and older. Developing accessible apps is an important contribution to creating a society where everyone can live as long as possible independently and in dignity. The screen reader and the zoom feature integrated into each Apple product make it accessible to every visually impaired user. The iPhone gives users who are blind or partially sighted access to information that would not be available to them otherwise.
>
> Apple provides excellent documentation about iOS’ accessibility features. To learn more about VoiceOver really quickly, configure your iOS-device so that VoiceOver turns on when you press the Home button three times, so you can switch it on and off quickly. If your language is supported by Siri, you can even tell her to turn VoiceOver on and off. Now you can start to learn how it works. If you want to make a game of it, you can play through the VoiceOver tutorial by LookTel. Once you know the basics of VoiceOver, look at your app and see if it works with VoiceOver.
>
> Accessibility is not just an additional feature, but a best-practice. After all, web developers test for compatibility with different web browsers, too. When you start developing an app and use standard elements, accessibility labels and label images, it is most likely that your app will be accessible as iOS has built accessibility right in. However, as soon as you want to make it more appealing visually, you should know how to develop accessibly and make sure that your app’s facelift does not make it unusable for blind people.
>
> Connect with your users and find out how they use your app. Ask them for examples of apps that work well for them, look at these apps and learn how and why they are accessible. AppleVis, a site run by blind and partially sighted iOS users, is an excellent place to get feedback and find eager beta testers.
>
> My wish: I hope many developers will embrace accessibility. It will not just increase their user base, but it will make a difference in the quality of life of many people.
>
> AppleVis resources for developers: http://applevis.com/information-app-developers
>
> LookTel VoiceOver Tutorial: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/looktel-voiceover-tutorial/id598788231?mt=8
>
> Apple Accessibility for Developers: https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/
>
> BlindSquare app: http://itunes.apple.com/app/blindsquare/id500557255
>
> Gary Wunder, Editor
> The Braille Monitor
> (573) 268-4245
>
> 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.
>
> Return to Top
>
> **12 Shared by Nicky Gacos, President NABM
> From the desk of NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo.
> Received from Curtis Chung, President, NFB in Computer Science.
>
> Greetings to those attending the national convention and those not attending the national convention. Great reason to attend the national convention.
>
> Greetings and felicitations:
> People who attend conventions of the National Federation of the Blind often receive benefits that are not available anywhere else. For example, last year, at our 2014 national convention, Federationists were able to obtain a free iBill currency reader long before anyone else in the country.
>
> At this year's convention of the National Federation of the Blind, Freedom Scientific, maker of the well-known JAWS, MAGic, and OpenBook programs, is wishing the National Federation of the Blind a happy 75th birthday by offering these programs at a tremendous discount. These discounts are available only to registered attendees of the convention and only if they visit the Freedom Scientific booth in the convention exhibit hall. You can hear about this on FS Cast #108, available for download at http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/FSCast108-Mark_Riccobono,Robin_Drodge.mp3 .
>
> Here are the details:
> A brand new copy of JAWS 16 home user edition will be available for $75. A service maintenance agreement will cost only $100; this will ensure that you are able to obtain the next two versions of JAWS: versions 17 and 18. Normally, the home edition of JAWS sells for $895.
>
> If you own an older copy of JAWS, regardless of its age, you will be able to upgrade to the home edition of JAWS 16 for $50. As with the brand new copy, a service maintenance agreement is available for $100. Anyone who has ever had to pay for an upgrade to his/her JAWS license knows that an upgrade can cost several hundred dollars, depending on how many versions one has to traverse.
>
> If you are interested in a screen enlargement program with speech, MAGic version 13 will be sold for $50, and a service maintenance agreement for this software is available for $75. MAGic with speech normally sells for $595.
>
> Finally, If you are interested in a print-reading program, Freedom Scientific's OpenBook® OCR software is available for $75. OpenBook® normally sells for $995.
>
> Again, this offer is available only to registered attendees of the 2015 National Federation of the Blind convention, and attendees must visit the Freedom Scientific booth in the convention exhibit hall.
>
> This is a good example of a significant benefit that is only available to people attending conventions of the National Federation of the Blind.
>
> Cordially,
> Curtis Chong, President
> National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science
>
> Forwarded by: Brian A. Mackey
> Mackey Enterprises LLC
> Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
> 609-953-6988
> Bmackey88 at gmail.com
>
> Return to Top
>
> **13 From Vending Times
> Arizona Official Questions State's Blind Vending Program
> Emily Jed
> LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ -- Arizona's Business Enterprise Program, which awards vending contracts in public buildings to blind entrepreneurs, is under scrutiny by Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson. Blind vendors licensed by the state are allowed to run their businesses by hiring sighted employees or subcontracting work to other vending businesses, which Johnson says leaves potential for abuse of the system by giving those vendors an unfair advantage. The issue came to the forefront when Mohave County's vending contract was up for renewal earlier this month, according to Today's News-Herald. The county's operator died and a replacement is reportedly not available to take over the business. Meanwhile, the state has been overseeing the work of the subcontractor that had been providing the vending services to the blind business owner. The contract under consideration reportedly covers the services for 31 vending machines in 13 county buildings and would last until 2030. Taking issue with the mandate by federal and state law to contract only with licensed blind vendors for service, Johnson asked staff to explore whether it was possible for the county to put the services up for bid and to encourage lawmakers and the governor to examine how the program works. Other counties' supervisors are rallying behind Johnson, according to the Today's News-Herald article. They say the county should be able to seek competitive bids from other vending operators while still giving blind vendors priority by allowing them to match the proposals. The Arizona Department of Economic Security operates the Business Enterprise Program, which also covers snack bars and some restaurant services at state and federal buildings. It reportedly generated more than $15 million in gross sales in 2013 and contracts with 28 businesses across the state. –
>
> Click on this link to support Arizona’s Blind Vendors program:
> http://www.havasunews.com/what-do-you-think-of-the-state-program-that-provides/poll_9fd6e200-0470-11e5-94c4-5306c4eb5401.html
>
> Return to Top
>
> **14 Broker News – Patterson Co, INC
> Your favorite Black Forest fruit snacks are offering FREE GOODS with a minimum purchase of 10 cases. Please call (Cathy Aldrich at number below) to complete the form and take advantage of this offer good through September!! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
>
> Item # 74631 Fruit Medley Fruit Snacks with Juicy Burst Center
> Item # 74643 Fruit Collision Fruit Snacks Triple Layer
>
> Buy 10cs Of Fruit Snacks - Get 1cs FREE!
> Buy 20cs Of Fruit Snacks - Get 4cs FREE!
> Buy 40cs Of Fruit Snacks - Get 10cs FREE!
>
> The following promotion is retro-active from May 1st and runs through June 30th. It is a growth program based on current year versus prior year.
>
> This is only for purchases of 2 ounce Cheez-its. USG members will find additional details / earning opportunities available on Purchase Power. All purchases count toward Kellogg Rewards.
>
> Promotion specifics:
> If operator purchases at least 95% of prior year 2oz. Cheez-it case purchases, operator earns $0.60 per case
>
> If operator purchases at least 120% of prior year 2 oz. Cheez-it case purchases, operator earns $1.20 per case
>
> If operator purchases at least 120% of prior year 2 oz. Cheez-it case purchases, and at least 10% of cases are White Cheddar 2oz, operator earns $1.50 per case
>
> Regards,
> Cathy Aldrich
> PCI
> Cell: 847-744-0399
>
> Return to Top
>
> **15 Distributor News – Vistar
> OCS Customers – Bigelow 6% increase in July
> 7/1/2015 Blue Diamond 13-15% increase
> 7/1/2015 Conagra Less than 1% increase on Swiss Miss and Pudding, 1% increase on popcorn
> 7/1/2015 Florida's Natural 5.5oz & 11.5oz. Pineapple and Prune juice, Special order items-details to follow.
> 7/1/2015 Kraft 1% increase on Philly Cream Cheese Cups GEN61089
> 7/1/2015 Mondelez 8-10% increase on Halls, 6% Decrease on Halls Cool Berry
> 7/1/2015 RC Bigelow 6% increase on all foodservice items
>
> New items:
> GEN06514 Gevalia Iced Coffee w/Almond Milk Vanilla
> GEN06515 Gevalia Iced Coffee w/Almond Milk Mocha
> GEN06516 Gevalia Iced Coffee w/Almond Milk Caramel
> SMU20391 Folgers Liquid Flavor Coffee Enhancer Caramel
> SMU20392 Folgers Liquid Flavor Coffee Enhancer Vanilla
> SMU20393 Folgers Liquid Flavor Coffee Enhancer Mocha
> SMU20394 Folgers Liquid Flavor Coffee Enhancer Hazelnut
> NES49772 Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups
> FLO28985 Freshley's Red Velvet Cupcake
> FLO02898 Freshley's Red Velvet Cupcake
> MAR90149 Maruchan Chicken Tortilla Flavor
> 316100 Heinz Ketchup Dip & Squeeze
>
> Return to Top
>
> **16 RSA Buying Group News
> Frito-Lay Q215 News Item - Please remember that you are required to purchase at least one case of the Frito-Lay News Item before the end of 2nd Quarter which is June 30th. The 2nd Quarter News Item is the Doritos Dinamita Chille Limon 1.75 oz 48 count.
>
> Important note from Kathy - Each Vendor needs to do their part, we have one month left of the quarter, have you bought your Doritos Dinamita Chille Limon yet?
>
> If you have ordered the single case of Doritos Dinamita and it was not delivered due to your distributor not having it in stock, please email or fax your invoice as proof of attempt of purchase so we can insure that you get your Frito-Lay Rebates for 2nd Qtr.
>
> Top 20 USG Rebate Items as of 5/19/15
> Diet Mt Dew 24/20oz
> Easy Mac Cup Original
> Mt Dew Code Red
> Deer Park Spring Water
> Cheez-It Original 60/2oz
> Cheez-It Original 60/1.5oz
> Mt Dew Live Wire
> Mt Dew Voltage
> Welch's Mixed Fruit Snacks 48/2.25oz
> Jalapeno Cheese Popper Curls
> Folgers Classic Roast Filter Pack Regular
> Folgers Classic Roast Regular Vacket
> Cookie Shortbread Raspberry
> PLANTERS Salted Peanuts 144-2 oz.
> Mt Dew White Out
> ORIGINAL RED VINES TWISTS BAG 4 OZ
> Cheez-It White Cheddar 60/1.5oz
> 1oz. Hot & Spicy Chicharrones (Pork Rinds)
> PureLeaf Sweetened Iced Tea
> Gummi Factory Sour Worms
>
> Return to Top
>
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro (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.
More information about the IL-Talk
mailing list