[il-talk] Fwd: ICBV Office Update May 12, 2015

Sat May 23 13:24:36 UTC 2015

I really find it intrusive to have this news letter posted on il/talk.
People who want to read it can subscribe independently.  Just like
this news letter is allowed on il/talk  I will take my prerogative to
state my objection to its posting. Since it is not my intention to
start a thread of discussion that would clog up the list, again I just
think it is not appropriate. For those that disagree, just hit the
delete button on my message. I will do the same the next time this
news letter gets posted.
Cordially,
Edwin Rodriguez

On 5/15/15, Denise Avant via il-talk <il-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Denise R. Avant
> President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
> Live the life you want
>
>
>
>> Begin forwarded message:
>>
>> From: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: ICBV Office Update May 12, 2015
>> Date: May 12, 2015 at 10:17:46 AM CDT
>> To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>> Reply-To: Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>>
>> ICBV Office Update
>> May 12, 2015
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>
>> *1) Calendar of Events
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *2) Deaf Blind Person’s Review of the Apple Watch
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *3) IAMC Legislative Report
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *4) Hadley School for the Blind Back to School Prep Starts Now
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *5) Hadley School for the Blind a Virtual Trip to the Windy City Chicago,
>> IL <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *6) Informal Advocacy
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *7) Student Essay Contest – The Braille Penmanship Giveaway
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *8) NFB Convention Call to Action Performing Arts Project
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>> *9) RSA Buying Group Important Frito Information
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**1 Calendar of
>> Events
>> NOTE - ICBV Has advised that Concession Services will resume deliveries on
>> Monday May 18th.
>>
>> May 19 – 21, 2015 – Sweets & Snacks Expo; McCormick Place, Chicago IL.
>> Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Expo is the candy
>> & snacks industry's most successful, world class event and the only show
>> that represents all of the major U.S. distribution channels of
>> confectionery and snack products in one location. Discover more than three
>> and a half acres of candy and snack items in one place! Attend one of the
>> world's top-rated Innovation events
>> <http://www.sweetsandsnacks.com/doc/PR%20Bizbash%20Innovation%20Winner.pdf>
>> sharing the spotlight with other well-known, events including
>> TED/TEDActive, Microsoft's Convergence, the Clinton Global Initiative and
>> McDonald's Worldwide Convention.
>>
>> May 29 – 30, 2015 Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors Election and
>> Training conference Springfield IL.
>> 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.
>>
>> From Denise Avant:
>> This is just a reminder for those of you needing financial assistance to
>> the 75th annual NFB convention in Orlando Florida, you can apply in two
>> ways:
>>
>> Dr. Kenneth Jernigan scholarship - There is an article in the January or
>> February Braille Monitor about how to apply for this scholarship. Priority
>> is given to those who are wanting to attend our national convention for
>> the first time. I will need your letter by April 10, 2015. My e-mail
>> address is davant1958 at gmail.com <mailto:davant1958 at gmail.com>.
>>
>> Chappell-Dennis award - Please go to our website to download the
>> application. www.nfbofillinois.org <http://www.nfbofillinois.org/> . I
>> will need those applications by May 1, 2015.
>>
>> For more information about registering for the convention, and the hotel,
>> go to www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/> .
>>
>> Thank you.
>> Denise R. Avant
>> President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
>> Live the life you want
>>
>> 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
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**2 Shared by Flying
>> Blind - Here is a great blog post about how one deaf-blind person benefits
>> from the Apple Watch
>> My Apple Watch after 5 days!
>> Posted   by Molly on Wednesday, 29 April 2015 in Blog
>> Having known about the Apple Watch for some time and knowing lots of my
>> friends were planning to buy one, I was sceptical as my needs are quite
>> different to that of those of the sighted and hearing.
>>
>> I have to rely on specific accessible features.
>>
>> However, I was curious as Apple products have been more than just up
>> market gadgets to me, they really have been my access to the many things
>> most take for granted but that those of us with deafblindness,
>> particularly struggle with.
>>
>> I was born deaf and registered blind when I was 14.  The condition I have
>> is Usher Syndrome Type 2a. I am severely deaf and have only a very small
>> tunnel of vision in my right eye now so I was concerned not just about the
>> face size but how busy it would appear to me and also if there would be an
>> uncomfortable glare.
>>
>> Curiosity got the better of me so I ordered one but I wasn’t excited, so
>> not disappointed when informed I would not receive mine until mid June!
>>
>> I should explain that I wear two digital hearing aids and communicate
>> orally – not everybody with usher syndrome communicates orally and there
>> are not two people with the condition the same, but there are
>> similarities.
>>
>> I had been wearing a Bradley Timepiece since last summer and love both the
>> retro look and the practicality of a completely tactile watch brilliant
>> and stylish, quite a rarity when it comes to anything designed
>> specifically for people with disabilities.
>>
>> I can read the time by touch completely independently with my Bradley and
>> I still love it.
>>
>> I decided to order the Apple Watch Sport 42mm (the bigger face size) with
>> white strap so I’d not lose it quite so easily.
>>
>> The white strap, silver casing and black face would be a workable contrast
>> for me.
>>
>> I was surprised to receive an email the day before launch date to say my
>> Apple Watch had been dispatched and you guessed it “I was excited!”
>>
>> I was delighted when the long white box arrived on Friday morning as I was
>> heading into London that afternoon.
>>
>> My first impression on opening the box was it was nice to hold, smooth
>> rounded edges and the face size felt right on my wrist.
>>
>> The watch strap on the “Sport” felt nice and was easy to fasten by touch
>> alone.
>>
>> The Apple Watch App had appeared automatically on the iPhone some time ago
>> and it certainly made the set up “pairing” of the Watch simple, literally
>> took a photo of the Watch face on my iPhone and that was that.
>>
>> I am already very familiar with the iPhone settings so fiddling around
>> with the Apple Watch App was easy. I was able to adjust, fiddle and play
>> with a few settings.
>>
>> It was great the Apple Watch App to exactly what I need “Accessibility
>> Features”
>>
>> Black background with white writing, I personally prefer this as white
>> background gives off a glare that is even more blinding to me and actually
>> hurts my eyes.
>>
>> Whilst this works for me, I do prefer the colours and contrasts on my own
>> website as they are less harsh on the eye.
>>
>> The default settings I have on my iPhone are set to large text and I was
>> pleased to be able to have this on my Apple Watch.  I also use Zoom large
>> text set to the largest.
>>
>> The new setting “Prominent Haptic” is perhaps my favourite in
>> accessibility.
>>
>> On putting the Apple Watch on my wrist although on my small wrist it
>> appeared large, it felt light and comfortable.
>>
>> After a little playing I discovered by holding down the face of the watch
>> you can vary how the time is displayed, a standard clock face but
>> typically Apple quirky or large numbers and digital.
>>
>> For me personally the ‘home screen’, even with the bigger of the two watch
>> face sizes is small to see and sometimes a little tricky to select certain
>> apps.  However, through the Apple Watch App on the iPhone most things can
>> be set up.
>>
>> It is possible to change your ‘Glances’ (shortcuts) by swiping upwards.
>>
>> I chose the weather, my calendar, my activity board, my music and my
>> location.
>>
>> I have found this facility very useful and has made accessing the watch
>> very quick and easy.
>>
>> On the same day I got my watch Mum received hers too. This benefitted the
>> trial use of communication between us. Just by selecting the button
>> underneath the digital crown, you reach your favourite contacts.
>>
>> To contact any of my favourites, which are already selected on my iPhone,
>> is incredibly easy.  Either speak into the Apple Watch or just sending an
>> ‘emoji’ is also very easy. The speech to text is very impressive.
>>
>> I personally would not chose to read long emails or text messages on my
>> watch, so although I want to be alerted via the Prominent Haptic setting I
>> can choose when and how to access them that suits me best.
>>
>> Before getting my Apple Watch I would have my phone either in my hand or a
>> pocket nearest to my hand I would rarely feel the vibration from my iPhone
>> and often missed messages.  With the Apple Watch on my wrist, I am being
>> notified via Prominent Haptics without issue and I really like that.
>>
>> Another important safety point is the Apple Watch is very secure on my
>> wrist so far less likely than an iPhone to be swiped from me.
>>
>> I am fortunate to have a few friends who also have the Apple Watch and
>> together have devised ways of communicating in ‘Code’ when out,
>> particularly when out at night and in dark situations when I am completely
>> blind.
>>
>> Useful codes in the event I need help of any kind, for instance if I am in
>> a badly lit and noisy environment and struggling to be included in
>> something I can get message to friend I’m uncomfortable or I need
>> assistance or help of some kind or “I’m bored” can we do something else!
>>
>> For instance I can communicate using my Apple Watch screen using a small
>> sketch, a “tap” or even send my heartbeat, each can be sent to another
>> person with an Apple Watch and appears as a distraction, a vibration on
>> the wrist and immediately I look to the watch.
>>
>> Mum has certainly found benefit in the ‘tap’ for getting my attention when
>> I am in my bedroom without my hearing aids on, I feel the nudge to get a
>> move on or she wants my attention for something.
>>
>> There is a vibration when a text message is received too – Prominent
>> Haptics is definitely awesome for me as a deafblind person.
>>
>> So far for me the most useful App on the Apple Watch is Maps – on my
>> iPhone I can plan my journey from one destination to another, for me it
>> will be on foot with Unis my guidedog.
>>
>> This is where Haptics really come into its own – I can be directed without
>> hearing or sight, but by a series of taps via the watch onto my wrist – 12
>> taps means turn right at the junction or 3 pairs of 2 taps means turn
>> left, I’m still experimenting with this but so far very impressed – usher
>> syndrome accessible!
>>
>> I have not reached the stage yet where I am fully reliant on Voice Over,
>> though I have tried it. It is fairly good for navigating the watch. If at
>> home, the Voice over is great, though if like me you are dual sensory
>> impaired, it would be a real struggle to hear outside or in public. Though
>> I have been told with Bluetooth hearing aids, there could be a solution.
>>
>> These are my early findings and I’m now sure there will be much more for
>> those like me who need to rely on technology.
>>
>> The positives far outweigh the negatives for me personally. The audio
>> could be louder and the price more accessible for those with sensory
>> impairment and reliant on the sort of accessibility features Apple offer.
>>
>> I am now very happy to own an Apple Watch and look forward to making it
>> work well for me.
>>
>> I will blog again in a few weeks when I’ve had time to use it more but so
>> far very happy with it.
>>
>> Link to blog:
>> http://www.mollywatt.com/blog/entry/my-apple-watch-after-5-days
>> <http://www.mollywatt.com/blog/entry/my-apple-watch-after-5-days>
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**3 IAMC
>> Legislative Report on the 99th General Assembly
>> 2015 Spring Session May 9, 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 Tuesday.  The focus will be on
>> substantive committee hearings for bills in the second chamber with the
>> House extending the committee deadline for many bills and the Senate
>> committee deadline set for this Friday, May 15th.
>>
>>  The Illinois Supreme Court unanimously struck down the 2013 pension
>> reform law (SB 1, PA 98-599) on Friday, saying that state government’s top
>> financial responsibility is to pay for the pensions of state employees.
>> Pension payments would be first in line, ahead of funding for public
>> safety, education, helping the poor and disadvantaged, and all core
>> services provided by the state.  The justices ruled the law violated the
>> state constitution because it would leave pension promises “diminished or
>> impaired.” The ruling also suggested that raising taxes is a way to pay
>> for pension costs.  Governor Rauner’s proposed FY16 budget included $2.2
>> billion in savings from the pension reform law that will now have to be
>> addressed.
>>
>>  The Civic Federation’s Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability
>> announced they it opposes Governor Rauner’s proposed FY 16 budget and
>> urged the General Assembly to find an alternative plan to close the $6.3
>> billion budget gap in Illinois.  In the report issued last week (State of
>> Illinois FY 2016 Recommended Operating and Capital Budgets: Analysis and
>> Recommendations), the Federation says that the budget “relies heavily on
>> projected savings that do not appear to be achievable or are not prudent
>> in light of the state’s obligations and long-term policy objectives.”
>> Please note the report was released prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling on
>> the pension reform law.
>>
>>  On Wednesday Speaker Madigan filed an amendment to HB 4141 that contained
>> Governor Rauner’s proposed Human Services budget plan for FY16, including
>> cutting $1.5 billion from Medicaid, and cuts to mental health and
>> addiction treatment programs.  The amendment was referred directly to the
>> House floor and did not go through committee.  The vote on the proposed
>> amendment was 0-67-45. Following that, the House Democrats filed 15
>> additional amendments that would restore many of the Governor’s proposed
>> Human Services budget cuts.  Amendments 2 through 9 were adopted on
>> partisan votes, and the bill is currently on Second Reading in the House.
>>
>>  The Illinois House met as a Committee of the Whole on Tuesday to hear
>> testimony on Workers’ Compensation.  Governor Rauner has included Workers’
>> Compensation reform as part of his “Turnaround Agenda,” holding up Indiana
>> as an example of a better, lower-cost system.  The testimony in the House
>> focused on injured workers discussing what workers’ compensation meant for
>> their ability to recover.  A worker from Indiana testified that she
>> received inadequate care under their system and had to take money she
>> saved for retirement to keep from losing her home.  There was limited
>> testimony scheduled from the business community but Greg Baise of  the
>> Illinois Manufacturers’ Association said business interests have no desire
>> to duplicate Indiana, but want to enact changes in Illinois to help reduce
>> workers’ compensation costs.  The House will meet again as a Committee of
>> the Whole this Tuesday at noon to hear testimony on Tort Reform.
>>
>>  Governor Rauner made a rare appearance before the Chicago City Council on
>> Wednesday.  In his speech, he told them that he wants to work with them.
>> “I’m eager to be your partner in a turnaround that benefits our great city
>> and state.”  He added that “for Chicago to get what it wants, Illinois
>> must get what it needs.” He also told them “We don’t have the money to
>> simply bail out of the City of Chicago.”  During the speech he did not
>> include details on his agenda that he wants Chicago officials to back, but
>> did call for “local control over issues like gaming.”
>>
>>  On Monday, Regional Transportation Board Chair Kirk Dillard called for an
>> increase in the state’s motor fuel tax as a funding source for
>> transportation infrastructure improvements. He noted that the state’s
>> motor fuel tax rate has remained unchanged since 1990 at about 19 cents
>> per gallon.  If that rate was adjusted for inflation the tax today would
>> be about 32 cents per gallon.  He also expressed concerns about Governor
>> Rauner’s proposed $170 million in cuts to public transit funding the RTA
>> receives from the state.
>>
>>  Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines:
>>  •May 15, 2015 – Substantive Committee Deadline for House Bills in the
>> Senate
>> •May 22, 2015 – Third Reading Deadline for Senate Bills in the House and
>> House Bills in the Senate
>> •May 31, 2015 – Scheduled Adjournment
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**4 From Hadley
>> School for the Blind
>> Seminars at Hadley Presents: Back to School Prep Starts Now!
>> Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2015
>> Time: 1:00 PM CDT, 18:00 GMT
>> No, not yet, you say? When September approaches, all attention typically
>> turns to “Back to School." But, preparing for school is more than new
>> shoes and notebooks. Preparing for the beginning of a new school year is a
>> busy time for all parents, but especially for parents of students with
>> visual impairments. Advance planning is critical for a successful school
>> year.
>> Join Seminars at Hadley as presenters Allison Conway, TVI/O&M at the
>> Tennessee School for the Blind, and Kim Walker, Hadley instructor and
>> adjunct professor at Trevecca Nazarene University, share strategies you
>> can implement before, and at the beginning of the new school year. They
>> will discuss a number of topics, such as:
>> homework
>> academics
>> social skills
>> health
>> routines
>> independent travel
>> communication and more!
>>
>> Dawn Turco, Hadley's senior vice president, 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 Back to School Prep Starts Now! on May 13.
>> <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=781255&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D276>
>>   <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**5 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 Dean of Educational
>> Programs and Instruction 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.
>>
>> Dean of Educational Programs and Instruction 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.
>> <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=781255&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D274>
>>
>> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts.
>> <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=781255&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPodcasts.asp>
>>
>> Did you receive this email as a forward? Sign up to receive eConnect
>> <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=781255&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FeNewsletter.asp>.
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**6 Shared by
>> Blindtlk – Eyes on Success
>> 1519 Informal Advocacy (May 6, 2015)
>> If you have special needs, sometimes you need to request adaptations. For
>> years, Kelly Pierce has engaged in informal advocacy resulting in improved
>> accessibility. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey speak with him about his
>> varied experiences with the Chicago transit system, movie theaters, voting
>> system, ATM's, etc., usually without engaging legal support.
>>
>> The audio and show notes for this episode can be found at:
>> www.EyesOnSuccess.net <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**7 Shared by Flying
>> Blind, LLC
>> Attention Students! Win A Brand New BraillePen Touch Refreshable Braille
>> Display! Flying Blind, LLC Presents "The BraillePenmanship Giveaway"!
>>
>> Flying Blind, LLC and Harpo, the Polish-based manufacturer of the
>> BraillePen and Mountbatten product lines, are offering one lucky student
>> the opportunity to win a brand new BraillePen Touch Refreshable Braille
>> Display valued at $995.00 USD!
>>
>> Here's how it works: Effective immediately we're offering any full-time
>> vision impaired student the opportunity to draft an essay explaining to us
>> how Braille has, is, and will impact their educational experience within
>> the classroom, and within their community. We would also be interested to
>> know how winning a brand new BraillePen Touch Refreshable Braille Display
>> might impact the ways in which they would use Braille over the summer and
>> in the coming school year.
>>
>> Essays should be 200-300 words in length and contain the student's name,
>> the school they are/will be attending, current grade level, and an
>> appropriate email and/or phone number for either the vision teacher or
>> parent. Essays may be submitted by email to:
>>
>> Submit by Email to: essays at flying-blind.com. Electronic essays may be
>> written within the body of an email or attached to the email message in
>> either Microsoft Word or RTF file formats.
>>
>> Submit by Snail Mail to: 955 Pembrook Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121.
>> Snail mail essays will only be accepted in hardcopy Braille, with the
>> student using either uncontracted or contracted Braille to transcribe the
>> essay.
>>
>> Flying Blind, LLC will continue to receive and review essays up until the
>> close of business at 5:00 PM EST on Friday, June 19th 2015. Flying Blind,
>> LLC will announce the winner of "The BraillePenmanship Giveaway" on
>> Monday, June 22nd 2015. All essays will be reviewed by Flying Blind, LLC's
>> President, Larry Lewis, who will make his selection based on essay
>> creativity, grammar, and accuracy. And, there's more. All essay
>> participants will receive a 10% discount and free shipping on all
>> purchases of both new and used Refreshable Braille Solutions within the
>> Flying Blind, LLC Online Store at: www.flying-blind.com/store.html
>> (Expires: September 1st 2015). In addition, Flying Blind, LLC will
>> accommodate any and all third party purchasers who tie an essay author's
>> name to any online or offline order received up to September 1, 2015.
>>
>> Flying Blind, LLC is very excited to offer students of all ages an
>> opportunity to get their creative juices flowing at the end of a very long
>> school year and play an active role in their educational journey by
>> submitting the essay that will win this pocket-sized Refreshable Braille
>> Solution. This is a perfect year-end assignment for vision teachers
>> looking for assignments to stimulate their students or parents wishing to
>> engage their children in a writing exercise that can only increase their
>> literacy and possibly win them a brand new BraillePen Touch in the
>> process! For more information about BraillePen, please visit
>> www.braillepen.com <http://www.braillepen.com/> . For additional
>> information regarding the "The BraillePenmanship Giveaway" please email
>> essays at flying-blind.com or call +1 (216) 381-8107 today. We look forward
>> to reading your essays, and giving away this portable 12-Cell Braille
>> juggernaut!
>>
>> Warmest Regards,
>> The Flying Blind, LLC Team
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**8 Shared by Nfbnet
>> Convention Call to Action: Performing Arts Project
>> Friends in the Federation, If you answer this call to action consider
>> yourself to be an angel in The choir of living the lives we want! The
>> Performing Arts Division is coordinating one awesome, Historical, one of a
>> kind, unforgettable presentation for the general session audience.  In
>> order for this performance to meet the highest of standards audibly we
>> need to acquire some pretty nifty sound equipment while in Orlando.  We
>> are asking all our Federation friends and family to consider assisting us
>> with a generous contribution to the Performing Arts Division as we
>> negotiate the logistics.
>>
>> We're urging individuals to consider donating any of the following:
>> 1. Forte Sponsorship: $250; Affiliate, Chapters, Individuals who have a
>> passion for being a part of something magical and respect the Performing
>> Arts.
>> 2. Mezzo Forte Sponsorship: $100; same respect for the Performing Arts but
>> may have a slightly thinner pocket book.
>> 3. Piano Sponsorship: $$$ of your choice, you just rock & roll with the
>> NFB!
>>
>> If you contribute you'll be assisting in the production of something that
>> will go down in history as our attempt to hit the loudest note of our
>> independence, and emphasize the melodic harmony that is security,
>> Equality, and opportunity we all strive to achieve. To confirm your Pledge
>> contact Richie Flores, 512-796-9638, or by emailing
>> flores.richie at gmail.com <mailto:flores.richie at gmail.com> . Donations
>> should be directed to the Performing Arts Division of the National
>> Federation of the Blind.
>>
>> Jordy D. Stringer, President, Performing Arts Division, National
>> Federation of the Blind
>> Phone: 317-629-4639
>> E-mail: nfbpad at gmail.com <mailto:nfbpad at gmail.com>
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>  <applewebdata://D3B9A31C-2F6D-462F-97E0-B22B57877D9B>**9 RSA Buying Group
>> information-
>> 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?
>>
>> Purchase Power Deal for Pepsi from participating Bottlers
>> Pepsi – Mountain Dew Flavors extra per Case Rebate!!
>> Mt Dew Throwback ,Diet Mt Dew, Mt Dew Voltage, Diet Mt Dew Code Red,
>> Mt Dew White Out, Mt Dew Live Wire
>>
>> Return to Top
>> <file:///F:/Office%20Update/ICBV%20Office%20Update%2005_12_15.docx>
>>
>>
>> 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.
>
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-- 
Edwin Rodriguez