[il-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update May 20, 2015

[Denise Avant]

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: May 20, 2015 at 12:09:37 AM CDT
> To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update May 20, 2015
> Reply-To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> 
>  
> ICBV Office Update
> May 19, 2015
>  
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) The 4 Types of Entrepreneurs – Which Are You?
> *3) NFBEI the BLITZ
> *4) Cullen & Associates Session Update
> *5) IAMC Legislative Report
> *6) Hadley School for the Blind A Virtual Trip to the Windy City: Chicago IL
> *7) Hadley School for the Blind iFocus 10: It’s All About the Watch
> *8) Blind Pole Vaulter Charlotte Brown Wins Bronze at State Meet
> *9) Cindy Bennett’s Story
> *10) Facebook Accessibility Updates
> *11) 4 Tips to Stay Ahead of Micro Market Regulations
> *12) Coca-Cola is Now Printing Cans and Bottles in Braille for Blind People
> *13) RSA Buying Group – Frito Lay News Item
>  
> **1 Calendar of Events
> May 19 – 21, 2015 – Sweets & Snacks Expo; McCormick Place, Chicago IL.  Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Expo is the candy & snacks industry's most successful, world class event and the only show that represents all of the major U.S. distribution channels of confectionery and snack products in one location. Discover more than three and a half acres of candy and snack items in one place! Attend one of the world's top-rated Innovation events sharing the spotlight with other well-known, events including TED/TEDActive, Microsoft's Convergence, the Clinton Global Initiative and McDonald's Worldwide Convention.
>  
> May 29 – 30, 2015 Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors Election and Training conference Springfield IL.  TRUST FUND DISBURSEMENT
> President Abraham Lincoln (Doubletree Hilton) Hotel. The telephone number for reservations is 217-544-8800.  The Elections are scheduled for Friday May 29th and are to begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. with registration commencing at 5:00 p.m., and there will also be a half day of training on Saturday.  Please note that with the new administration there are many financial restrictions and we cannot absolutely assure you that travel, per diem, and room cost will be reimbursed.  Please remember annual training is still required and part of your ongoing certification process.
>  
> 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: 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.
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> For more information about registering for the convention, and the hotel, go to www.nfb.org .
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> 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.
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> 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.
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>  Return to Top
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> **2 From the Entrpreneur’s Source Newsletter
> The 4 Types of Entrepreneurs - Which Are You?
> I read an interesting book called “Entrepreneurial DNA” by Joe Abraham, the founder of BOSI Global, an operating partner to venture-backed and owner-operated companies. The book is based on Joe’s study of over 1,000 entrepreneurs. The research confirmed the discovery that all entrepreneurs are not all “wired” the same way. The book suggests that entrepreneurs fall into four distinct types of “entrepreneurial DNA’s” that leverage unique strengths, weaknesses and tendencies that are typical in each specific type of entrepreneur. Here are the four types:
>  
>  A Builder
> A drive to build highly scalable businesses very fast. When this DNA is high in an individual, they break past $5 million in revenue within 2-4 years and keep going to up to $100 million. That’s because these individuals measure success through a very unique lens – infrastructure. It drives the decisions they make and the strategy they build and deploy. They aren’t satisfied with a certain amount of personal income or goodwill toward man. They are Pied Piper-like individuals who are master recruiters of talent, investors and customers. Builder DNA activates certain behaviors like a controlling temperament – leading to a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde like demeanor in the office. Individuals with high Builder DNA tend to struggle most with personal relationships – and typically have a revolving door of talent in their companies.
>  
>  An Opportunist
> Picture Sir Richard Branson and you have a pretty good idea of what Opportunist DNA is all about. Individuals wired with this DNA are highly optimistic master promoters. They enjoy marketing and selling. They are wired to sniff out well-timed money making opportunities, jump in at the right time, ride the wave of growth up and (hopefully) jump out at the peak. Opportunist DNA measures success based on the amount of money they make (or will make) when they aren’t working. So they are drawn to business opportunities where leverage can be used to create residual and renewal income. This behavioral preset in entrepreneurs makes them impulsive decision makers – especially when it comes to money-making opportunities. A trait that can serve them very well or be the source of their demise.
>  
> A Specialist
> This DNA activates in the experts of our world. No sooner does an individual go through years of schooling, apprenticeship or on-the-job training does this DNA activates – driving the corresponding behaviors. Specialist DNA drives one to be very analytical, relatively risk averse and anti-selling. Specialists generate most of their new business from referrals and networking. They measure success based on their personal income. Their businesses tend to grow fairly well in the startup and early growth phase, but as soon as their personal income hits preset targets, their internal thermostat kicks in – and they go into customer service mode. Research found that most Specialist-owned businesses plateau in revenues well below $5 million. The ones that get past this level take significantly longer to do so than Builder DNA companies, often decades.
>  
>  An Innovator
> Picture Mark Zuckerberg in the movie The Social Network and you’ll see Innovator DNA activating in the entrepreneur. Like most Innovators, he was doing something he loved, when a business opportunity popped up around him. The breakthrough discovery typically drives this entrepreneur in the “lab” of their business – where they want to invent, design and tinker. They would much rather be in the lab of their business than at the cash register or in the business office. They find operating a business draining. They measure success based on the impact their product or service is having on mankind. “It’s not about the money” you’ll hear them say. “I’d do this for free for the rest of my life if I could”. Individuals with high Innovator DNA control most of the great intellectual property of our time. Unfortunately, they hide in dungeons and find it hard to engage in “business” discussions.
>  
> So what does this all mean? For centuries, the approach to entrepreneurship has been – what worked for one entrepreneur will work for every entrepreneur – because after all, entrepreneurs are all the same. This research has proven that entrepreneurs come in very different profiles. Some of us are Innovator-Builders. Others are Specialist-Opportunists. Knowing your DNA and the DNA of those surrounding you is mission critical to selecting the business, strategy and team best suited for you. Just because it worked for Richard Branson (Opportunist-Builder) or Bill Gates (Specialist-Builder), doesn’t mean it will work for you.
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>  Written by George Deeb for Forbes.com
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> Return to Top
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> **3 From Terri Smith, NFBEI
> THE BLITZ March - April 2015
> Boring is a word you will never hear spoken in the same breath as Randolph-Sheppard and the last two months are no exception.  It has been a busy spring with little time to work in the garden or cut the grass.   That’s okay.  I hate doing both of those things anyway.  There has been lots of activity and the National Federation of the Blind’s Entrepreneurs Initiative has been hard at work.  Here’s an update on things that are going on and what we’ve been doing.
>  
> The NFBEI and NCSAB Have Joined Forces to Sponsor a Healthier Vending Workshop – The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) and the NFBEI will be sponsoring a one-day workshop in Washington, D.C. on June 2nd.  The joint effort is natural since both organizations share the common goal of wanting SLA staff and blind entrepreneurs to have information that will better enable them to meet the challenge of healthier vending.  The workshop will feature presentations by several federal agencies, professional trade organizations, entrepreneurs who have succeeded in this arena, as well as state agency staff and blind entrepreneurs.  The focus is on how to make healthier vending work in a way that meets the needs of customers while maximizing profits for the blind entrepreneurs.  It’s not too late for you to register to attend.  For more information about the workshop, visit www.blindmerchants.org.  The hotel room block is full but there may still be rooms available as part of the general inventory of rooms.
>  
> Congress Will Hear Our Voices – We don’t get large groups of Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs together in D.C. very often.  The NFBEI and NCSAB want to take advantage of the fact we will have several dozen in town for the healthy vending workshop.  On June 3rd, there will be a Randolph-Sheppard Day on the Hill.  We will be educating members of Congress about our program and the things that need to be done to ensure that federal entities comply with the law and help create opportunities for our blind entrepreneurs.  All Randolph-Sheppard stakeholders including SLA’s are encouraged to attend. We will be setting up Congressional meetings for those who plan to attend.  We need blind people there to speak for blind people.  For more information, go to www.blindmerchants.org .   
>  
> Nicky Gacos Elected to NAMA Board – Congratulations to Nicky Gacos, President of NABM, who was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Automatic Merchandising Association.  On July 1st when he assumes office, Nicky will become the first blind person to ever serve on the NAMA Board.  His election is a significant step forward and strengthens the position of blind entrepreneurs in the larger vending industry.  The issues that affect the vending industry as a whole also affect Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs.  It also puts us in better position to educate the larger industry about the needs of our blind entrepreneurs.  While attending the NAMA One Show in Las Vegas in April, Nicky also received special recognition from NAMA when he was presented an award for advocacy.  Nicky is both a national leader in the vending industry and an advocate for blind entrepreneurs and is well deserving of this award.  Congratulations Nicky.
>  
> A Windy City BLAST in ’16 – The contract has been signed and the Windy City will host BLAST in 2016.  BLAST (Business Leadership and Superior Training), is the premiere training event for blind entrepreneurs in this country.  The State of Illinois and the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors worked hard to make it possible for NABM to bring BLAST to Chicago.  The training conference will be held May 17-20, 2016, at the Chicago Loews Airport Hotel.  We plan on it being the biggest and best BLAST ever.  Mark you calendars now and plan on joining us for what we believe will be a very special event.  BLAST has been on an every 18-month schedule.  The plan at this time is to hold BLAST in the fall of 2017 and then return to an annual event with future conferences being held every fall.  Information will be sent out when people can start registering.  In the meantime, if you have ideas or suggestions for topics, presenters, or other suggestions on how we can make BLAST an even better experience, please communicate these to Terry Smith.
>  
> Randolph-Sheppard on the Web:  A Year of Getting Healthier – NABM and the NFBEI, in conjunction with the Hadley School for the Blind, offer periodic webinars on relevant Randolph-Sheppard topics.  These webinars have proved to be very popular.  You can either listen to them live or Hadley archives them so they can be listened to at any time.  The next four webinars will all focus on healthier vending issues in what we are calling “A Year of Getting Healthier.”  The next webinar is scheduled for June 11th at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.  This session will be entitled, “Fit Pick: Adding to the Blind Entrepreneur’s Toolkit.”  This webinar will introduce listeners to NAMA’s Fit Pick Program and also offer practical ways to make it work.  That session will be followed up over the next 9 months with 3 other webinars that relate to healthier vending.  We will be circulating more information in the coming weeks about this webinar as well as the ones being planned for September and December of this year and March of next year. 
>  
>  NABM to Meet at NFB National Convention – Exciting things will be happening in Orlando in July.  The National Federation of the Blind will be celebrating its 75th birthday at its national convention at the Rosen Plaza Hotel July 6-10.  Plans are underway to make the convention something very special.  NABM is a division of the NFB and will be meeting 1:00-4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 7th.  President Gacos is putting the final touches on an informative agenda.  We invite all Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs to join us for the NABM meeting and then stay for the rest of the celebration.
>  
> Tracking DoD’s Rulemaking – As we reported in the last issue of The Blitz, there was report language in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act that directed the Department of Defense to promulgate regulations to implement the infamous 2007 Joint Policy Statement which was intended to resolve the conflict between JWOD and Randolph-Sheppard.  Without going into detail, that Joint Policy Statement violated the Randolph-Sheppard Act in a number of ways.  Randolph-Sheppard advocates thought it was dead but it was somehow raised from the dead presumably by our friends at JWOD but that doesn’t really matter.  We do know that DoD is proceeding with plans to write regulations.  Contrary to what some may lead you to believe, DoD is not consulting with RSA on the regulations.  RSA will have an opportunity to review the proposed regulations to ensure they are Randolph-Sheppard compliant before they are published.  We are confident that RSA has a better understanding of the issue than it did when it participated in the development of the Joint Policy Statement and is in stronger position to ensure that the regulations actually comply with the law.  Will DoD attempt to promulgate the Joint Policy Statement as written?  We don’t think so.  Doing so would surely have Randolph-Sheppard stakeholders scurrying to court.  We will be monitoring this process to the extent we can.  Once the proposed regulations are published, the NFBEI will submit comments.  If DoD attempts to promulgate regulations that are illegal, we are prepared to respond accordingly.  Stay tuned.
>  
> First Ever Randolph-Sheppard Training at NAMA – The RSA Buying Group sponsored the first ever Randolph-Sheppard training at this year’s NAMA One Show in Las Vegas.   There was a great turnout with more than 50 blind entrepreneurs attending.  John Murn planned the agenda and arranged for several speakers who gave the blind entrepreneurs a lot of information.   NABM and the NFBEI were proud to participate in the meeting and contribute content.  There was enough interest that there is at least the possibility that this will become an annual event.
>  
> Accessing the Micro Market – As the popularity of micro markets increase, we are getting more and more inquiries about the lack of accessibility of the micro markets.  Some of the units on the market today are accessible for blind entrepreneurs to use but not for blind patrons.  NABM President Nicky Gacos has taken on the challenge of making the self-service kiosks accessible.  He has talked with at least two companies who sell the micro market kiosks.   Both are working toward the goal of being fully accessible.  Nicky has arranged for one of the companies to meet with technology experts at the NFB’s National Center in Baltimore to help the company understand the accessibility issue.  These companies must understand that if they are going to sell to agencies serving the blind then they have to address the accessibility issue.
>  
> NAMA to Invade Congress – NABM and NCSAB are not the only ones planning to invade Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on vending issues.  NAMA is sponsoring the first of what it hopes will be an annual event.  NAMA Takes the Hill 2015 will take place July 21-22 in Washington, D.C.  NABM and NFBEI leadership and several of our blind entrepreneurs have committed to participate in this industry-wide advocacy effort because we believe that what is good for the vending industry is good for blind entrepreneurs.  If you wish to attend, you can register at www.namavoice.org/2015flyin.  We understand that asking blind entrepreneurs to make two trips to D.C. in one summer to meet with your members of Congress is too much to ask.  However, if you can afford both and want to be involved, your participation is welcome. 
>  
> Changes in the Rehabilitation Act -  The U.S. Department of Education recently published proposed regulations for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  The new rules are intended to implement the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act most commonly referred to as WIOA.  The regulations do not directly address Randolph-Sheppard although there could be some impact.  There is at least the potential that a state’s ability to designate federal funds to their BEP at the same level as before could be hampered.  WIOA requires states to allocate 15% of their federal dollars to programs serving transition age youth.  If a state currently isn’t meeting that 15% threshold, it will have to shift funding in order to comply.  States may look at shifting money from the BEP to the transition services.  Without getting overly complicated, it depends on what expenditures RSA will count toward meeting the 15% requirement.  The proposed rules suggest a fairly narrow application which could force many states to reallocate their federal dollars.  The NFBEI will be submitting comments urging RSA to implement a more liberal interpretation to include college tuition thus making it easier for states to comply.  On a positive note, the proposed rules could make it easier for Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs to apply for and receive VR services while still actively engaged as a BEP Operator.  Although there are exceptions, previously, VR services were primarily targeted to serve those persons with disabilities who were unemployed.  The proposed rules make it easier for states to open VR cases on individuals who want to advance in their careers.  This could mean that Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneurs who want to advance could be served in the VR Program even if they are not at risk of losing their current job.
>  
> Arbitrations Piling Up – The NFBEI is very concerned about the number of arbitrations that are piling up at RSA with no action.  We recently learned that RSA is sending out notices to parties that some arbitrations will not be permitted to go forward due to budgetary constraints.  From what we have been able to ascertain, if contracts had not been executed for all 3 panel members, the cases are essentially being placed in a holding pattern.  We do not know how many cases are being impacted.  We have learned that RSA is asking for additional dollars which will allow a few cases to proceed.  Our concern is that we know there are more than a dozen cases that have had no action.  It is unlikely they will be allowed to move forward any time soon.  Some of these have been in the pipeline for a year or two.  That means these cases could drag on for 4 or 5 years before there is a decision.  The NFBEI has written to RSA Commissioner LaBreck expressing our concern and requesting an accounting of pending arbitration cases.  It is our hope that additional dollars can be allocated to arbitrations so the backlog can be worked in its entirety.
>  
> To Monitor or Mediate? That is the Question – RSA recently broke with tradition and agreed to mediate a dispute between the Pennsylvania Committee of Blind Vendors and the SLA.  RSA had been asked by another state to play this role in the past but declined.  However, the current regime felt it was a good use of resources and could actually be cost beneficial if it could help avoid an expensive arbitration.  Deanna Jones and Jesse Hartle both participated in the mediation and succeeded in producing an agreement.  It’s too early to say the process succeeded in moving the parties closer to a more collaborative working relationship.  However, they must be given credit for trying.   Previously, such disputes may have led to a monitoring but RSA chose a different course this time.  The downside is that others have taken notice and RSA can expect more such requests it the future.   Will mediation replace traditional monitoring?  That was clearly not RSA’s intent but if that is what states want then who knows?  The NFBEI often finds itself playing a similar role.  We can attest to the fact it is not easy.   
>  
> Is Poaching Legal? – The Army and our JWOD friends are at it again.  At Fort Riley, Kansas, a Randolph-Sheppard entrepreneur currently manages the contract for the troop dining.  It is a “full food” contract.  However, the Army has indicated that it intends to take over cooking and the contract will be for only mess attendant services and intends to award the contract to JWOD.  This situation is very similar to Fort Campbell where an arbitration panel found that the Randolph-Sheppard priority still applies in these situations.  However, the Army chose to ignore that panel ruling and attempted to award the contract to JWOD.  We are happy to say that the SLA has filed for arbitration.  We will be watching this case closely because we are of the opinion that JWOD and the Army are violating the no poaching provision of the John Warner Act.  Pursuant to that Act, contracts that belonged to JWOD at the time stayed with JWOD and contracts that had been awarded pursuant to the Randolph-Sheppard priority would continue to be competed under Randolph-Sheppard.
>  
> Some Tinkering at Tinker – We thought we had a breakthrough at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma but you know what they say about if something seems too good to be true it probably is.  Tinker had agreed to directly negotiate with the Oklahoma SLA to provide the entire food service on the base – cafeterias, snack bars, C-Stores, micro markets, and vending.  ARAMARK currently holds the contract to provide these services.  The SLA had gone so far as to announce the facility for bids to the licensed blind vendors in that state.  However, Tinker had a change of heart.  The contracting process was taken over by another unit on base and direct negotiations were taken off the table.  Interestingly, the bulk of the services, everything except the cafeterias, should have been awarded to the SLA under a permit and the SLA has so advised Tinker officials.  Tinker has worked itself into that proverbial spot between a rock and a hard place.  We have been providing technical assistance to the SLA and are grateful that the agency has leadership under Joe Cordova, Doug Boone, and Mike Hamrick to challenge the Air Force.  Stay tuned for further developments on this one.
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> Arizona in the News – States need to take note of Arizona and some of the great publicity they have been getting lately.  The link below is to a broadcast which includes a story about the Arizona BE Program and features two of their blind entrepreneurs. The Cronkite News Service is part of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.  The link does take you to the entire half hour newscast from last night. To get to the BEP portion of the broadcast, you can advance to the 24:00 minute mark of the video.  The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiSDQmeSCm8 .
>  
> You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello – Well we hate to say goodbye to some longtime BEP Directors.  Since the last issue of The Blitz, we’ve had two BEP Directors retire and two more have announced their retirements.  Bart Peeples who headed up the Maryland BEP retired as did Ray Dennis in Alabama.  Both gentlemen were well respected by their vendors and their peers on a national level.  They will be missed.  Jeanne Gallo in the State of Washington and Janell Bosarge in Louisiana have announced their retirements.  We wish them the very best.  Although we say goodbye to four, we say hello to two.  The NFBEI would like to congratulate Scott Fricano in Kentucky and Lori Brady in Alabama who have been named to lead the BE Programs in their respective states. .  Scott came to Kentucky from South Carolina where he was on the BEP staff.  Lori has been on Alabama’s staff for several years.  Welcome guys and good luck!
>  
>  D.C. Vacancy - The District of Columbia is recruiting to fill its BEP Director position.  With the large federal presence in D.C., the program has great potential.  In order to fulfill that potential it needs a dynamic leader.  If you are interested or know of a good candidate, refer them to Andrew.Reese at dc.gov.  Let’s help them get a great person.
>  
> On the Road Again – It was a quiet two months as far as travel is concerned. Terry Smith was in Ohio and New Jersey and presented at their annual vendor meetings.  He also provided some training for the New Jersey Committee of Blind Vendors and SLA staff while there and provided technical assistance on a number of issues as well.  He also presented as part of one of the upward mobility training sessions in Tennessee.  Terry presented at the Spring meeting of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind in Bethesda and also participated in the Randolph-Sheppard training conducted by the RSA Buying Group in conjunction with the NAMA One Show in Las Vegas.   NABM President Nicky Gacos and a few of NABM’s board members attended the NAMA meeting.  If your state would like to have Terry or someone else from the NFBEI present at your annual conference, provide upward mobility training, or staff training, let Terry know as soon as possible before everyone’s calendars fill up.
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> 31 and Counting – The NFBEI picked up the 31st state as part of its subscription program.  If your state does not subscribe, you are in the minority.  We are very proud of this level of participation.  You can help ensure our future funding by encouraging your state to join in.  A recommendation from the Elected Committee of Blind Vendors would carry a lot of weight in a state’s decision.  Remember, a state can use set aside dollars, state or highway unassigned funds, and/or federal dollars to pay for the membership / subscription service.
>  
> You Can Still Help – Do you like what the NFBEI is doing to advocate for the program on a national level and to assist individual state programs?  If so, we can use your financial support.  Over half of our support comes from the NFBEI subscriptions but we count on donations to make up the rest.  If you would like to contribute to the cause, we would welcome your donation.  If you want to make a donation, contact Terry Smith and he will walk you through the logistics.
>  
> Terry Smith
> NFB Entrepreneurs Initiative
> tsmith at nfb.org
> (865) 599-7148
>  
> Help us keep everyone informed about what is happening around the country.  Let us hear from you.  Tell us what is going on in your state.  What is happening in one state affects what is going on in another, and the NFBEI is the vehicle to keep everyone updated on what is going on out there.
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> **4 From Tom Cullen, Cullen & Associates
> Cullen & Associates Session Update – April 24, 2015
> Both Chambers return to Springfield Monday, May 18th, with the House convening at 1 p.m. and the Senate at 3 p.m.  When the House returns, it is scheduled to remain in session each day through May 31st.  The Senate is scheduled to break Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th, returning to session on Memorial Day, the afternoon of Monday, May 25th.  Next Friday, May 22nd, is the scheduled Third Reading Deadline in both Chambers.  Adjournment remains scheduled for May 31st, after which time, any bill approved by the General Assembly with an immediate effective date will require a super-majority vote. 
>  
> With just two weeks of regular session remaining, several complex issues are still unresolved, including the approval of an FY16 budget.  Private working groups continue to discuss high-level issues, as the House again held a Committee of the Whole hearing this week to discuss a portion of Governor Rauner’s Turn Around Agenda (tort reform).  Pension reform, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, tort reform, right-to-work legislation, government reforms (term limits and ethics reform), and local property tax control (amendment adopted in the House to “freeze” property taxes this week) all remain on the Governor’s agenda for this Spring.  He would like to see legislation on these issues approved prior to discussing new revenues that may be necessary to plug the $6 billion gap in next fiscal year’s budget.  On Thursday, Governor Rauner told reporters he may be willing, as part of a compromise process, to forego some of his priorities, without specifying which ones.  The new fiscal year begins July 1st.
>  
> The Illinois Supreme Court found the 2013 pension reform law unconstitutional on Friday, May 8th.  The decision can be found here.  With the Supreme Court’s decision, Senator Cullerton appointed Senator Biss as his caucus representative on the Governor’s pension reform work group this week, which previously had been meeting without Senate Democrat representation.  Senator Cullerton is again pushing his pension reform plan, which would offer state workers a choice of keeping annual cost-of-living increases in retirement or counting future pay raises during working years when calculating retirement benefits.  The House Personnel and Pensions Committee held a subject matter hearing on Governor Rauner’s pension proposal, for which there is no legislation at this time.  Finding a pension reform solution to address the $111 million liability remains a top priority, as bond agencies are closely watching the State.  This week, Moody’s down-graded the City of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Park District to “junk” status, adding to the mounting pressure to reign in pension costs at the state and local levels.
>   
> While last Thursday saw a House vote on a right-to-work proposal fail (0-72-37), it is expected that next week will bring votes in the House on tort reform, workers’ compensation, and a millionaires’ tax for schools.  House Republicans continue to find themselves taking difficult votes either against unions, the Governor, or their local governments.  Once again, Speaker Madigan proves himself to be a formidable, political strategist.  The House also continued piecemeal votes on an FY16 human services budget in the form of amendments to HB 4141 (Madigan), sending a message to Governor Rauner that the Chamber is not willing to make deep cuts to human service programs in FY16.  Speaker Madigan characterized the consideration of the amendments as a way to “begin the budget dialogue and budget-making process” for FY16.   House Republicans refused to support the additional appropriations, calling the process a “charade.”  
>  
> Action taken by a Department of Public Health advisory board last week could pave the way for additional diagnoses to be eligible for medical marijuana treatment.  While additional steps still must be taken, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic migraines, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, osteoarthritis, and PTSD could be added to the list of qualifying conditions. A Senate committee approved legislation last week (HB218) to make possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a maximum $125 fine.  Senate committee also approved legislation (HB3299 ) to extend the repeal date of the medical marijuana pilot program to four years after the first dispensary organization registration.  SB 33, which seeks to add PTSD to the list of diagnosis eligible for a medical marijuana prescription, is on postponed consideration in the Senate.
>  
> The Senate extended deadlines on the three, major energy policy reform bills that have been in discussions this session.  Both Chambers have held subject matter hearings on the proposals, which include SB 1485 (the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition); SB 1879 (ComEd), and SB 1585 (Exelon).  Not to be left out, this past week the Illinois coal industry threw a proposal into the mix.  It is unlikely that a new energy policy will be considered prior to May 31st. 
>  
> A hearing was held last Monday on National Gaming trends in the House Executive Committee. Testimony was provided by the horse racing industry, the video gaming industry, and on behalf of the gaming casinos currently operating in Illinois. The Committee will continue testimony next week on gaming and its ancillary industries, as gaming expansion could still be in the final mix of new revenues considered to balance the FY16 budget. Two proposals are being considered to expand casino gaming to shore-up pension funding:  (1) a land-based casino in Chicago only; and (2) casinos for Danville, Lake County, Winnebago County, South Suburban Cook County, and one in Chicago.
>  
> The Illinois Department of Transportation released the FY 2016-2021 Proposed Highway Improvement Program.   A copy of the report is here.
>  
> Gubernatorial Appointments
> James Dimas – Secretary of Department of Human Services
> Anna Hui – Assistant Director of Department of Labor
> Joseph Galvan – Chairman of Housing Development Authority
> Tony Smith – ISBE State School Superintendent of Education
> Brett Gerger – Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board
> Peter Birnbaum – Chief Justice of the Court of Claims
>  
> 2015 Session Key Dates:
> May 15, 2015 – Deadline to pass Substantive bills out of Opposite Chamber Committee
> May 22, 2015 – 3rd Reading Deadline for bills in Opposite Chamber (House and Senate)
> May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **5 IAMC Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly
>  2015 Spring Session May 16, 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. The Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate is Friday, May 22nd.
>  
> Speaker Madigan continues to hold votes on elements of Governor Rauner’s “Turnaround Agenda.”  On Friday the House voted on an amendment to HB 695 (Representative Franks) that would freeze property tax rates for all local governments, including home rule units.  The amendment was adopted on a vote of 37-23-38 but the bill was held on Second Reading.  Following the vote, House Republicans called for a vote on HB 136 (Representative Sandack) which they said contained “real property tax reforms.”  The motion to discharge committee was ruled out of order. On Thursday an amendment to HB 1286 (Speaker Madigan) that would implement the right to work provisions was defeated on a vote of 0-72-37.  All 71 Democrats and Representative Poe of Springfield voted against the bill.  The Speaker has scheduled votes for tort reform and workers’ compensation revisions on May 21st. This follows two House Committee of the Whole hearings on these issues.
>  
> In the wake of last week’s Illinois Supreme Court ruling on the 2013 pension reform law, Senate President Cullerton has revived his proposed reforms from 2013 which would give workers a choice going forward.  They could give up 3% compounded raises in their pensions and have future raises count towards their pension.  Or they could keep the 3% pension raises but not have their future pay increases count toward pensions.  Governor Rauner has proposed freezing pension benefits already earned by workers but then move all of them into the less generous Tier 2 pension system for their future work.  According to the Governor, he is working with the legislative leaders to come up with a viable pension reform solution that will pass the constitutional requirements, and they might purse several options simultaneously and send them all to the courts.
>  
> Governor Rauner’s secret “working groups” continue to meet regarding various elements of his “Turnaround Agenda,” charged with negotiating the pro-business reforms he wants in exchange for closing the over $6 billion budget gap.  Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rauner said “We have taken a number of things off the table,” regarding his “Turnaround Agenda,” but wouldn’t say what those things were. He also dodged a question about a potential income tax hike. And despite all the secret “working group” meetings, Rauner claimed he was being totally transparent, and essentially blamed the secrecy on the General Assembly. Lawmakers involved say Rauner’s staff has demanded they don’t reveal what was discussed.
>  
> Speaker Madigan has announced that the full House will vote next week on a constitutional amendment to increase state funding for elementary schools and high schools through an income tax surcharge on millionaires.  HJRCA 26 provides for an additional 3% surcharge on incomes over $1 million. Based on a five-year average of taxable income over $1 million, the measure would generate an estimated $1 billion in additional funding each year. The additional revenue would be earmarked exclusively for elementary schools and high schools throughout Illinois and would be distributed on a per-pupil basis.  The measure is currently in the House Revenue & Finance Committee and is scheduled for hearing on May 20th.
>  
> The Illinois Department of Transportation released its annual five-year report on Thursday, saying that the department continues to fall behind on maintaining the state’s roads.  The report says that 83% of the state’s highways and 93% of its bridges are in “acceptable condition” today.  That number will drop to 62% for highways and 86% for bridges by 2021 at current funding levels. The multi-year program announced includes $1.85 billion in projects for FY16.
>  
> Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
>  •May 22, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate
> •May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>  
> Thank you,
> Desi Harris
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **6 From Hadley School for the Blind
> Seminars at Hadley Presents:
> A Virtual Trip to the Windy City: Chicago, IL
> Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015
> Time: 1:30 PM CDT, 18:30 GMT
> The “Windy City” has much to offer to residents and tourists alike. From museums and theater, to diverse cultures, food and music in its neighborhoods, there is something for everyone in Chicago!
> Join Seminars at Hadley as instructor Judy Greene and Vice President of Education and Training Doug Anzlovar take you on a virtual tour of the “Windy City.” Your tour guides will follow the timeline of historical events that made Chicago the great city it is today. They will also discuss Chicago’s extensive transportation system and some of the city’s favorite attractions.
> Vice President of Education and Training Doug Anzlovar 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 A Virtual Trip to the Windy City: Chicago, IL on May 19.
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **7 From Hadley School for the Blind
> Seminars at Hadley Presents:  iFocus 10: It's All About the Watch
> Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015
> Time: 1:00 PM CDT, 18:00 GMT
> Attention all iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch owners! Seminars at Hadley is presenting the tenth 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 the accessibility features that are built right into the new Apple Watch. The presentation will cover the following topics:
> Exploring the Apple Watch app
> Overview of Apple Watch features
> Navigation of the watch face
> Navigation of the digital crown
> Navigation of the communications
> 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 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 iFocus 10: It's All About the Watch on May 27.
>  
> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts. 
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **8 Shared by Nicky Gacos, President NABM
> From the desk of NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo.
> Received from David DeNotaris, NFB of Pennsylvania.
>  
> Greetings to all! Please read and share with others.
> Her determination and the belief from others provided the hard work and inspiration for her success.
>  
> Every day she raised her expectations because low expectations created obstacles between her and her dreams.
>  
> When a school professional or others state that you can not perform whatever you wish to perform, provide this article.
>  
> The article follows.
> http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/12898325/blind-pole-vaulter-charlotte-brown-wins-bronze-texas-state-meet
>  
> Blind Pole Vaulter Charlotte Brown Wins Bronze At Texas State Meet
> By Melissa Isaacson | May 16, 2015
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **9 Shared by Robert Hansen
> Cindy Bennett's Story - Published on May 18, 2015
> In this video, Cindy Bennett describes her first encounter with the National Federation of the Blind at Washington Seminar; how she learned that blind people could have fun together and take things in stride, and how she decided to seek intensive blindness training to improve her skills and confidence. Cindy says that she went from an “emotional mess hiding behind paper successes” to a capable, confident blind person who can make her own choices and live the life she wants.
>  
> https://youtu.be/qbmV0LbnHkU
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **10 From Flying Blind, LLC
> Facebook apparently provides monthly accessibility updates. Here is the one from April:
> https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-accessibility/april-2015-monthly-update/907890739254652
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **11 From Vending Market Watch
> 4 Tips To Stay Ahead Of Micro Market Regulations
> by Adrienne Zimmer On Apr 27, 2015
> On Wednesday, April 22, NAMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Eric Dell hosted a panel discussion on the current issues impacting micro markets. Dell was then joined by panelists Chuck Walton of Ace Vending located in Arizona, Ron Urbano of Aramark located in Ohio and Chip English of Continental Vending located in California.
>  
> There are a lot great things about micro markets. Not only do they help increase sales, but they engage consumers, create the ability to offer more better for you options, including fresh fruit and sandwiches. and allow for customer loyalty offers and promotions among other things. While micro markets are not new in the industry, they are increasing rapidly and gaining the attention of consumers and media outside of the industry. They are also gaining the attention of federal, state and local regulators and elected officials who - in many instances - have taken issue with the new retail concept.
>  
> On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the NAMA OneShow in Las Vegas, NV, NAMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Eric Dell hosted a panel discussion on the current issues impacting micro markets. Dell was then joined by panelists Chip English of Continental Vending located in California, Ron Urbano of Aramark located in Ohio and Chuck Walton of Ace Vending located in Arizona. Each micro market operator spoke about their own experiences facing changing regulations and fees in the micro market segment, as well as recommendations on effectively dealing with local, state and federal regulators.
>  
> Opening a micro market can be an exciting process, but it can also bring challenges, the panelists note. In order to avoid violating health and food regulations, operators should be proactive and follow these four simple steps.
>  
> 1. Get to know your local regulator
> First and foremost, introduce yourself to your local regulator. So how do you know who to approach at a local level? English recommends starting with the county environmental health specialist  or a government regulator of comparable stature . From there, exchange emails and get on a first name basis. “Get involved at local level with regulators,” said Urbano. “All your work can be taken away by regulators who aren’t fully informed but are fully powered.” Walton agreed. “Get out in front of regulations so you can drive the ship,” he said. Walton described how his company worked with regulators to lower fees in Arizona. “They were treating it as a retail food establishment,” he said, “It used to be $615 to submit the plan and we got that down to $270. The per-location annual fee used to be $350 which we got lowered to $155.”
>  
> It’s also important to support your regulators’ agencies and initiatives. By supporting the regulators’ initiatives, operators are creating a relationship of cooperation. “Play by their rules,” said Walton of regulators. “It’s easier to change the rules from within.”
>  
> 2. Bring the regulators to a current, active micro market
> Once you have established contact with regulators, panelists recommend bringing them to a current location you operate. “It’s hard for regulators to recognize the difference of what makes micro markets different than everything else,” said Urbano. In order for regulators to understand a micro market, it’s best if they see one, he said. “The best thing to do is it to host a regulator on site and introduce them to the market,” said English. Walton then added, “The first thing they will talk about is the fact that you can touch food items and put them back. That’s why you need to have a locking mechanism on coolers and you can show them that food safety feature during their site visit. You can also explain that non-micro market features, such as a location’s kitchen, is not part of your market.”
>  
> 3. Be forthright with regulators, don’t lie if you forgot to do something
> “I’ve seen an inspection take hours and others that take days,” said Urbano. “It all depends on your regulator, whether they are rural or urban. It depends on your state.” Despite the state to state discrepancies, each panelist agreed that it was best to be honest with regulators and customers alike -- be transparent. “At one of our early locations, once I had reached out to the regulators, they informed us we needed to complete a process before we could sell fresh food,” said English. “So we had to pull all the fresh food out of the market and put in a vending machine on free vend while the paperwork went through. That process took about three weeks.” English ended up placing signage around the break room letting customers know exactly what was happening, as well as why it was happening.
>  
> 4. Stay on the process and be proactive
> Eric Dell recommends that operators get ahead of regulators and stay proactive as the micro market industry expands and more regulators become involved. “You can do things like put your name and contact information on the kiosk,” he said. Urbano revealed that working with micro markets even led him into “accidental advocacy”. “I became involved early on because my goal was to win exception or release for bean hopper machine in the micro market,” he said. “That included letter-writing and face-to-face meetings. From those early debates came a new licensing agreement and a new definition of ‘micro market,’” he said.
>  
> Although language is being drafted to protect micro markets and their consumers in the Federal Food Code, the process could take years to come to fruition, said Dell. Dell continued, “It may take time,  but rest assured, NAMA is at the forefront of this work to ensure success for the micro market industry.” Until then, micro market operators should work closely with regulators and stay ahead of the curve to avoid hefty fines and protect their consumers.
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **12 From GMA Smartbrief
> Coca-Cola Is Now Printing Cans and Bottles in Braille for Blind People Separate campaigns from Mexico and Argentina By Tim Nudd
> Two new campaigns from Coca-Cola feature cans and bottles printed in braille, so blind people can read them.
>  
> In Mexico, ad agency Anónimo realized the hugely popular "Share a Coke" names-on-cans campaign couldn't be enjoyed by the blind. So, the agency worked with the soda company to make braille versions.
>  
> And in Argentina, Coke and agency Geometry Global printed braille bottles for members of Los Murciélagos (The Bats), a blind soccer team that's made headlines internationally in recent years. Those bottles were also personalized with the players' names.
>  
> http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/coca-cola-now-printing-cans-and-bottles-braille-blind-people-164665
>  
> Return to Top
>  
> **13 From RSA Buying Group
> 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 are halfway through 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.
>  
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>  
>  
> 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.