[il-talk] {Spam?} Fwd: ICBV Office Update April 5, 2016
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Fri Apr 8 21:50:19 UTC 2016
Denise R. Avant
President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
Live the life you want
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: ICBV Office Update April 5, 2016
> Date: April 5, 2016 at 11:08:03 PM CDT
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
>
> ICBV Office Update
> April 5, 2016
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>
> *1) Calendar of Events
> *2) Facebook Programs Computers to Describe Photos for the Blind
> *3) The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship as Explained by TED Talks
> *4) Indianapolis Post Office Boots Blind ‘Broom Guy’ after 60 Years
> *5) Apple Releases iOS 9.3.1 Bringing a Fix for the Link Crashing Bug
> *6) IAMC Peter F. Perricone Scholarship Program
> *7) Eyes on Success Research on Sonification
> *8) Phoenix Ends Vending-Machine Fight Over Blind Entrepreneurs
> *9) 10th Annual Technology Solutions Conference at Second Sense
> *10) Come Celebrate 80 Years of Randolph-Sheppard
> *11) Calorie Disclosure Vending Rule Update
> *12) RSA Management Group Information
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**1 Calendar of Events
> April 12, 2016 1:00 pm
> The RSA Management Group will once again be conducting a Randolph-Sheppard training in conjunction with the NAMA Conference in Chicago. We would like to invite all of our members who plan on attending NAMA One Show in Chicago to attend our pre-show meeting.
>
> Where: RSA Management Meeting Room for Tuesday, April 12th – 1:30 to 4:30 PM CT is: E255 Level 2 McCormick Lake Side Center
>
> We will be announcing our new programs for reducing your credit card and wireless costs while allowing you to offer your customers free products through our rewards system RSA Connect, our innovative new loyalty and rewards program, is offered in conjunction with our nationwide cashless payment system. Developed by RSA Connect, this program revolutionizes corporate foodservice.
>
> Some of the benefits your customers will enjoy with the program include:
> The opportunity to pre-load a balance onto the RSA Connect card (our cashless payment system accepts debit and credit cards in addition to prepaid RSA Connect cards).
>
> Special offers and promotions on snacks and beverages in the machines and in our Micro Markets.
>
> Loyalty rewards, which accumulate on your purchases benefits that follow them wherever they go! the opportunity to use their accounts at any of our 25,000 machines nationwide the ability to easily keep track of points and available offers online or via email (employees can view transaction history and cash back rewards, as well as redeeming loyalty points and accessing instant promotions).
>
> April 13, 2016 10:30 a.m.
> Equip for Equality will be hosting a meeting on Wednesday, April
> 13, 2016 to discuss legal issues impacting persons with vision impairments or blindness in Illinois. The purpose of the meeting is to solicit input from the blind community on what issues are important, in order to provide guidance to EFE on case acceptance and proactive initiatives. The meeting will take place from 10:30 a.m. until noon at EFE's offices at 20 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 300, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Barry Taylor and Amy Peterson will participate on behalf of Equip for Equality. This meeting is open to the public and all interested persons are encouraged to attend. Please call (312) 895-7346 (voice) or (800) 610-2779 (TTY) or write cecille at equipforequality.org <mailto:cecille at equipforequality.org> to reserve your space or request an accommodation. Accommodations should be requested two weeks in advance, if possible.
>
> May 17 -20, 2016
> From the National Association of Blind Merchants -
> Registration is open for the Windy City BLAST. Our training conference will be held May 17-20, 2016, at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois. Exciting things are being planned and we hope you will plan on joining us for this premiere training opportunity. Visit www.blindmerchants.org <http://www.blindmerchants.org/> to register now and book your hotel room.
>
> The most exciting thing is we have signed a deal with Disney to do a one-day pre-conference training. The training is entitled “The Disney Approach to Business Excellence” and will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 8:00 – 4:00. This training is outstanding.
>
> To All Illinois Members and Trainees:
> Disney Training - ICBV will cover $50 of the $100.00 cost to attend for Illinois members and trainees. Your $50.00 deposit is due in the ICBV office by March 1, 2016. The check is to be made payable to ICBV and mailed to 53 West Jackson, Suite 502, Chicago, IL 60604. If a manager would like to bring a guest to the Disney Training, the full $100.00 for the guest is also due in the office by March 1st.
>
> So mark your calendar and (those in Illinois) please contact Letia Gossard at 217-558-2321 by February 11, 2016 to express your interest in attending "Windy City BLAST" as well as the Disney Training. It is imperative that we get a head count as soon as possible.
>
> Also please note that anyone bringing a guest to BLAST in order for your guest to attend general sessions and planned meals they will also have to be registered for BLAST at NABM at www.blindmerchants.org <http://www.blindmerchants.org/>
>
> April 20, 2016 12:30 – 2:30 RSVP by April 18th
> IABM is once again hosting a pizza party at our office on Wednesday April 20th from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm. There is no cost to IABM members, please RSVP by April 18th if you plan to attend.
>
> Twenty percent of our total order will go to help support the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois.
>
> If you cannot make it to our office and you would like to order pizza, you must order form the Beggars at 310 S Clinton in Chicago. You must include the attached flyer with your order.
>
> June 4, 2016, 11am-4pm NFBI “Picnic in the Park“
> The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois will host a picnic at Tom Madonia Park East; Lake Springfield, Illinois.
>
> Menu: Hamburgers, brats, baked beans,mostaccioli, macaroni salad, lemonade. BYOB. Boat rides provided by the Rogers on their 24’ pontoon boat.
>
> Anyone who plays a musical instrument is encouraged to bring it along.
>
> The Chang’s and the Reifs 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 in a ride should contact Bill Reif 217-801-2996.
>
> Cost: $30.00 per person.
> Deadline: June 1, 2016; Please make checks payable to NFBI and send To: Treasurer Patti S Chang, 6919 W Berwyn Av, Chicago, IL 60656.
> Contact: Patti Chang (773) 307-6440 pattischang at gmail.com
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**2 Shared by Dan Dwyer - From ABC 7
> Facebook programs computers to describe photos for the blind
> Posted: Apr 04, 2016 11:14 PM CDT Updated: Apr 05, 2016 6:28 PM CDT
> By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer
>
> MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) - Facebook is training its computers to become seeing-eye guides for blind and visually impaired people as they scroll through the pictures posted on the world's largest online social network.
>
> The feature rolling out Tuesday on Facebook's iPhone and iPad apps interprets what's in a picture using a form of artificial intelligence that recognizes faces and objects. VoiceOver, a screen reader built into the software powering the iPhone and iPad, must be turned on for Facebook's photo descriptions to be read. For now, the feature will only be available in English.
>
> Until now, people relying on screen readers on Facebook would only hear that a person had shared a photo without any elaboration.
>
> The photo descriptions initially will be confined to a vocabulary of 100 words in a restriction that will prevent the computer from providing a lot of details. For instance, the automated voice may only tell a user that a photo features three people smiling outdoors without adding that the trio also has drinks in their hands. Or it may say the photo is of pizza without adding that there's pepperoni and olives on top of it.
>
> Facebook is being careful with the technology, called "automatic alternative text," in an attempt to avoid making a mistake that offends its audience. Google learned the risks of automation last year when an image recognition feature in its Photos app labeled a black couple as gorillas, prompting the company to issue an apology.
>
> Eventually, though, Facebook hopes to refine the technology so it provides more precise descriptions and even answers questions that a user might pose about a picture.
>
> The vocabulary of Facebook's photo-recognition program includes "car," ''sky," ''dessert," ''baby," ''shoes," and, of course, "selfie."
>
> Facebook also plans to turn on the technology for its Android app and make it available through Web browsers visiting its site.
>
> The Menlo Park, California, company is trying to ensure the world's nearly 300 million blind and visually impaired people remain interested in its social network as a steadily increasing number of photos appear on its service. On an average day, Facebook says more than 2 billion photos are posted on its social network and other apps that it owns, a list that includes Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.
>
> In a Tuesday post, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hailed the photo description tool as "an important step towards making sure everyone has equal access to information and is included in the conversation."
>
> Online:
> Facebook's post: https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2016/04/using-artificial-intelligence-to-help-blind-people-see-facebook/
>
> Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
>
> See the full article here: http://www.abc-7.com/story/31642246/facebook-programs-computers-to-describe-photos-for-the-blind <http://www.abc-7.com/story/31642246/facebook-programs-computers-to-describe-photos-for-the-blind>
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**3 Shared by Smart Brief for Entrepreneurs - The emotional side of entrepreneurship as explained by TED Talks
> Building a business is about listening to the data and finding product-market fit, but it's also an emotional process filled with periods of vulnerability and doubt. Here are 10 TED Talks that focus on the ups and downs of business and life. Speakers offer advice on beating procrastination <http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/hyxKCrayewCUAhoJCieifUCicNpmfb>, asking for what you need <http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/hyxKCrayewCUAhoKCieifUCicNzKka> and gaining perspective <http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/hyxKCrayewCUAhoLCieifUCicNLCwD> from some of your toughest moments. Fortune <http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/hyxKCrayewCUAhoOCieifUCicNLYer?format=standard> (4/4)
>
> Link to 10 Ted Talks videos: http://fortune.com/2016/04/04/ted-talks-lonely-entrepreneur/ <http://fortune.com/2016/04/04/ted-talks-lonely-entrepreneur/>
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**4 Shared by Donnie Anderson, Chairman ICBV
> From USA TODAY: Indianapolis post office boots blind 'Broom Guy' after 60 years Jim Richter and his tripod-shaped bunch of brooms were fixtures at several area branches.
>
> Jim Richter, known as the blind "Broom Guy," was barred from post office property where he had sold his wares for 60 years after customer complaints about his conduct, a U.S. Postal Service official said in an email to a prominent Indianapolis attorney and political leader.
>
> Postal officials have not shared their reasons with IndyStar, but Gordon Durnil, an acquaintance of Richter's and former state Republican Party chairman, forwarded an email he received with the following explanation: "I called the Nora Post Office and they were able to tell me that they had had several complaints on Jim, so they had no other recourse then (sic) to ask him to leave the property. She also stated there was several customers that were cursed out by Jim. I am sorry you were not given all the information, the decision was made by our District Office not by the branch."
>
> The email to Durnil came from Renee Lombardo, who identified herself as a consumer affairs worker for the post office. IndyStar was not able to reach Lombardo by telephone to confirm her statement, and she did not respond to an email seeking comment. Her statement to Durnil was the first from the post office offering an explanation of why officials booted Richter from his spot outside the Nora branch in February and told him he was no longer welcome at any Indianapolis post offices. Previously, a Postal Service spokesperson told IndyStar that postal officials had the right to remove Richter from federal property.
>
> Richter denied the allegations about his conduct. Although he admitted he has used coarse language in his lifetime, Richter said he does not curse in the course of conversation and had not cursed at anyone while he was selling brooms outside the post office. "I'm a very spiritual individual," said Richter, a Southern Baptist who sprinkles his conversation with references to his faith and God. The 78-year-old Indianapolis man has been selling brooms at Indianapolis post offices since the 1950s, and since IndyStar broke the story Saturday, there has been an outpouring of support for him.
>
> Gov. Mike Pence stopped Tuesday at the BP at 71st Street and College Avenue, where Richter was selling brooms. Pence and his wife, Karen, bought two brooms, and the governor told Richter he was reaching out to the postmaster general to try to get him back at his old spot in Nora. "People all over Indiana have been moved by Jim's example," Pence said. "This is a great, hardworking Hoosier who's been out here providing a great product."
>
> On Monday, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma wrote a letter to Indianapolis Postmaster Gary Soultz on Richter's behalf. In the letter, Bosma noted he also intervened on behalf of Richter in 2011. Bosma said: "As I pointed out then, there is a federal law that permits blind vendors to be present on federal property under appropriate circumstances." "I would ask," Bosma continued, "that you immediately rectify this situation."
>
> Durnil said he reached out to postal officials after reading about Richter's situation over the weekend in IndyStar. Like thousands of other readers who responded to the IndyStar story, Durnil said he was outraged about Richter's treatment. Durnil said Tuesday he wasn't buying the explanation that Richter was a problem. "Sorry. I have been going to the Nora P.O. almost daily since 1989. I have never seen him rude to anyone," Durnil replied to Lombardo.
>
> "He only talks with people if they start the conversation, and dozens do every day he is there. He is quite religious and I have never heard him curse. On the other hand, I have seen rude and lazy employees and unnecessarily long lines on a daily basis. You need to survey the customers at Nora because the decision is totally wrong."
>
> That is the widespread consensus of the thousands of Hoosiers who have commented on IndyStar's website, shared Richter's story on Facebook, reached out to see how they could help and hunted him down to buy brooms. As he stood along College Avenue on Tuesday morning, passing motorists honked and shouted encouragement. "Keep fighting, Jim," one man yelled as he sat at a red light. Several drivers stopped to buy brooms. By early afternoon, Richter had sold out of the brooms he had brought for the day.
>
> "They wore me out today," he said. But Richter said he will be back out selling brooms Wednesday. He plans to stake a spot across from the fire station at the intersection of Westfield Boulevard and Guilford Avenue in Broad Ripple. Tim Evans is IndyStar's consumer advocate. Call him at (317) 444-6204. Follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.
>
> Find the videos at:
> http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/04/05/gov-mike-pence-buys-broom-guy/82648480/ <http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/04/05/gov-mike-pence-buys-broom-guy/82648480/>
>
> Jim Richter, known to many as the "Broom Guy," talks about selling brooms in Indianapolis and how no longer being able to sell on post office property has affected him, at his home, in Lawrence, Ind., Friday, April 1, 2016. Jenna Watson/IndyStar
>
> http://www.indystar.com/videos/news/2016/04/02/82564070/ <http://www.indystar.com/videos/news/2016/04/02/82564070/>
>
> Get USA TODAY on your mobile device: http://www.usatoday.com/mobile-apps/ <http://www.usatoday.com/mobile-apps/>
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**5 Shared by AppleVis - Recent News and Views
> Apple Releases iOS 9.3.1, Bringing a Fix for the Link Crashing Bug Introduced in 9.3 By AppleVis | March 31, 2016
>
> Apple has today released iOS 9.3.1 to the public, bringing a fix for the web link crashing bug that many users have been experiencing since updating to iOS 9.3.
>
> According to AppleInsider, this bug was “related to an iOS 9 feature called Universal Links, which allow third-party app developers to have certain domain names open links directly into their app. This means links tapped in apps like Safari, Mail, Messages and more will bypass Safari and open the content directly in an iOS app.”
>
> At this time it is unknown whether this release includes any additional bug fixes or under-the-hood improvements. However, coming so soon after the release of iOS 9.3, it seems unlikely that this update will address any of the known accessibility bugs present in iOS 9.3. Of course, we would love to be proved wrong. So, if you spot any accessibility-related changes in iOS 9.3.1, please do let us know in the comments below.
>
> Read More: Apple Releases iOS 9.3.1, Bringing a Fix for the Link Crashing Bug Introduced in 9.3
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**6 From IAMC – to Illinois ICBV Members
> March 2016
> Dear Member,
> The Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council (IAMC) is proud to sponsor the Peter F. Perricone Scholarship Program to benefit employees and children of member companies. The scholarship is named for Pete Perricone who was the driving force behind its creation. The applicant can either be an employee or a dependent of a full time employee of an IAMC member company. Applicants must also reside in Illinois, be high school seniors or graduates enrolling in full time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational school. For more details, refer to the next page. This scholarship program is administered by a non-partisan committee and awards are granted without regard for race, national origin, religion, age, gender or disability. IAMC board members are not involved in the selection process. All information is kept confidential.
>
> This year two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. The IAMC is proud to provide this stepping stone benefit for deserving students. Please distribute this information to your employees and encourage them to take advantage of this program. The IAMC/Peter F. Perricone Scholarship not only benefits our industry by helping students but also provides a membership benefit for your company. Promoting this program within your company demonstrates your company's commitment to the future success of the industry and your employees. Thanks for your help and support!
>
> Sincerely,
> The IAMC Board of Directors
>
> Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council
> PETER F. PERICONE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2016
> The Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council will award two $2,000 scholarships for the academic year beginning in the fall of 2016. An applicant must meet the following criteria:
> Eligibility Requirements:
> Applicant must be an employee or child/legal dependent of someone employed by an IAMC member company for 2 years or more.
> The company must have been a dues-paying member of the IAMC in 2014 and 2015. The applicant must be a student accepted or currently enrolled in a two or four-year undergraduate college degree program; or accepted or currently enrolled in a vocational or trade school.
> Application Procedure:
> Application form must be received no later than June 1, 2016.
> The Scholarship committee will review all applications and notify all applicants of their status by June 20, 2016. Winners will be invited to participate in an awards presentation on July 29, 2016. Applicants need not be present to win. Two scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each will be awarded. The award checks will be made payable to each winner's school, and mailed to the winner.
>
> *If you would like the full application please contact me at icbv at sbcglobal.net <mailto:icbv at sbcglobal.net> and I will get it to you.
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**7 This Week on Eyes on Success
> 1614 Research on Sonification (Mar. 30, 2016)
> Sonification can be used to provide auditory feedback to help the visually impaired explore data, meters, diagrams and more. This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Tony Stockman, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary College of the University of London and President of the International Community for Auditory Display about his research in sonification techniques.
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**8 From Vending Market Watch
> Phoenix ends vending-machine fight over blind entrepreneurs
> State agency, blind entrepreneurs have been asking city to open up business opportunities.
>
> Blind people in Arizona are supposed to get first dibs on opportunities to operate vending machines in government buildings, but Phoenix had been in a long-running dispute with the state on following that law.
>
> This spring, though, the tussle is ending after the city inked an agreement with a state agency that advocates for entrepreneurs who are blind.
>
> In January, the city and Arizona Department of Economic Security signed a contract to let people who are blind manage drink and snack machines at dozens of facilities throughout Phoenix, from libraries to recreation centers. Those operators will take over those vending sites in the coming months.
>
> For Adam Bevell and other blind vending-machine operators, the deal has been years in the making and offers a chance to improve their financial independence. On Friday, Bevell stocked machines at his first new city facility.`
>
> "It's been quite a struggle," Bevell said of the push to get into city facilities. "‘I’m ecstatic. We’ve been looking forward to this for quite awhile and kind of holding our breath."
>
> City faced legal pressure
> When The Arizona Republicfirst reported on the standoff a year ago, a DES official said the city had been evasive and uncooperative about making an agreement. But public attention and legal persuasion from the state helped change the tone, state officials said.
>
> Timothy Jeffries, director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, hailed the agreement as a victory for people who are blind.
>
> “I’m always glad when people recognize the wisdom to be found in laws," Jeffries said of the city. “In my opinion, it shouldn’t take a law to inspire us to be innovative, to productively engage (blind people)."
>
> Jeffries is referring to a state law that was at the center of the conflict between Phoenix and blind advocates and entrepreneurs. Known as the "mini" Randolph-Sheppard Act, it gives operators who are blind priority to manage vending machines and cafeterias on state, county and city property.
>
> The law is the state's version of the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act, which Congress adopted in 1936 to create jobs for people who were both blind and unemployed during the Great Depression.
>
> Phoenix's move affects a handful of operators, but the opportunity could be life-changing as many blind people struggle to find work. Unemployment among people who are visually disabled is more than 70 percent, according to the National Federation of the Blind.
>
> Program gave 'feeling of self-worth'
> Bevell, 40, said access to city facilities will allow him to get closer to his goal of growing a business large enough to support himself, his wife and their four children.
>
> He began his career as an elementary-school teacher, but felt forced to quit his job in his late 20s when he lost most of his sight due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic degenerative eye disease. He started losing his vision as a teenager, but the condition accelerated in his 20s.
>
> Losing his eyesight so far into adulthood was devastating, Bevell said. He struggled with feelings of worthlessness and depression as he tried to figure out what to do next. His wife took on two jobs just to support the family.
>
> Then, Bevell said he found a new sense of "self-worth, independence" when he enrolled in the state's Business Enterprise Program several years ago. The program trains people who are visually impaired to run their own businesses operating vending machines, cafeterias, coffee shops and snack bars in public facilities.
>
> “It's empowering to feel like you're
>
> "It's empowering to feel like you're making a difference, contributing to society," Bevell said. "For me, it's very gratifying."
>
> Some such operators primarily work behind the scenes and hire employees to restock vending machines for them, but Bevell plays a role in every part of his business. On a typical day, Bevell and his brother-in-law, who drives, make numerous stops to restock vending machines at government buildings throughout central Phoenix.
>
> But Bevell's dream of building a larger business has been on hold. He said he's been waiting almost three years for the city to let him expand.
>
> On Friday, the wait ended when Bevell stocked his first new vending machines at a city water facility. His route already included one city building, but Phoenix's agreement with DES will allow him to add many more. He said he also expects to hire another employee.
>
> When Bevell learned about the deal with the city, he said he was so excited that he waited until he got home to tell his wife. She teared up when she heard.
>
> "I couldn't tell her over the phone," Bevell said. "Being able to break that news to her. I can’t even put it into words. It’s overwhelming, honestly. We see it as a blessing."
>
> Long spat over program
> The agreement allowing blind entrepreneurs to operate more vending locations didn't happen easily. DES officials said the issue was resolved after the Arizona Attorney General's Office got involved and reiterated that state law gives such operators priority to run vending sites on city property.
>
> Yvette Roeder, a city spokeswoman, said the city will lose revenue as a result of its agreement to let operators who are blind take over vending-machine locations, but she said the city does not have an estimate for how much it might lose.
>
> When asked about criticism from DES officials, Roeder responded briefly, saying Phoenix is working to "transition the vending locations as quickly as possible."
>
> In 2014, Phoenix attempted to find a company to operate vending machines without offering the opportunity to blind entrepreneurs first. The city sought bids from vending companies, and bids were to be evaluated based on how much revenue they could generate, among other criteria.
>
> State law prohibits the city from collecting money from vending-machine entrepreneurs who are blind. Phoenix's request for bids prompted objections from the state, and Bevell and other entrepreneurs said the city appeared to be chasing dollars at their expense.
>
> The city received no qualifying submissions and pulled the request for bids. City officials began negotiating with DES, but those talks became tense after the city included a lengthy list of requirement for vending-machine operators. DES said the final agreement is mutually beneficial.
>
> There are a handful of blind businesspeople who operate vending machines in Phoenix buildings, but many of the machines have been run by other companies that pay the city to use its space. Now, they will take over more of those locations.
>
> Jason Sauer, who manages the state program, said the new agreement could signal the first step of an improved partnership after repairing years "of a lack of communication." He said the city and DES are "halfway there" in resolving the issue.
>
> Sauer said the relationship stands to bring more opportunities. The state is now negotiating with Phoenix for blind people to operate other vending-machine sites. DES and the city also recently made an agreement to operate a coffee kiosk in the lobby of City Hall, which currently houses a Starbucks.
>
> “I think their understanding of what the law is or is not, and I think also understanding what the blind vendors’ capabilities and abilities are, (has) evolved quite a bit," Sauer said.
>
> Full article can be found here: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/04/04/phoenix-ends-vending-machine-fight-over-blind-entrepreneurs/80865784/ <http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2016/04/04/phoenix-ends-vending-machine-fight-over-blind-entrepreneurs/80865784/>
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**9 Shared by Denise Avant, NFBI President
> 10th Annual Technology Solutions Conference at Second Sense!
> Connecting with the Future
> Saturday, April 23, 2016
> 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
>
> Hello,
> Keep up with the fast pace of technology at our free Technology Solutions conference <http://www.second-sense.org/events/technology-solutions-2016/>! Technology advances have contributed significantly in leveling the playing field for people with vision loss, but how will technology make a difference in the future? Our free Technology Solutions conference http://www.second-sense.org/events/technology-solutions-2016/ <http://www.second-sense.org/events/technology-solutions-2016/> can provide some answers! Informative and thoughtful presentations, product demonstrations and vital resources are here for you and those you serve.
> · Discover the new and exciting advances on the horizon and what they means for people with vision loss.
> · Find out how we’ll be communicating using social media and the new networks coming online.
> · Learn about technology in the workplace and important tips for acquiring and leveraging accommodations.
>
> Read our full agenda and line up of guest speakers http://www.second-sense.org/events/technology-solutions-2016/ <http://www.second-sense.org/events/technology-solutions-2016/> !
>
> Please share this with your clients. To register for Technology Solutions call 312-236-8569 or email David Flament david.flament at second-sense.org <mailto:david.flament at second-sense.org>
>
> Kathy Austin, CVA
> Community Engagement Specialist
> Second Sense
> 65 E. Wacker Place, Ste. 1010
> Chicago, IL 60601
> 312-236-8569
> http://www.second-sense.org/ <http://www.second-sense.org/>
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**10 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI
> COME CELEBRATE 80 YEARS OF RANDOLPH-SHEPAPRD
> 80 years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Randolph-Sheppard Act into law. Come join us at our 2016 BLAST Conference to celebrate 80 years of history. The highlight will be a huge birthday bash on Thursday evening.
>
> BLAST (Business Leadership and Superior Training) is the country’s premiere training for blind entrepreneurs and is sponsored by the National Association of Blind Merchants. It will be held May 17-20, 2016, at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois.
>
> BLAST will feature:
> •The largest and best trade show ever at a blind entrepreneur training conference;
> •A huge 80th birthday bash for Randolph-Sheppard;
> •A keynote address on leadership by Navy Seal Leif Babin;
> •Presentations on relevant topics of current interest to blind entrepreneurs;
> •Special training curriculum being conducted by the National Automated Merchandising Association;
> •A special forum for Chairs of Elected Committees of Blind Vendors;
> •A one-man show featuring President Abraham Lincoln;
> •Casino excursion trips; and,
> •Much much more.
>
> And if that’s not enough, NABM is bringing in trainers from the Disney Institute to do full day pre-conference training on “The Disney Approach to Business Excellence.” There is an additional charge for the Disney training and slots are almost all gone.
>
> For attendees outside of the Illinois BEPB: To register for BLAST Only, BLAST Plus Disney, or Disney Only Training, go to http://www.blindmerchants.org/ <http://www.blindmerchants.org/> and click on the BLAST icon on the menu bar. Then click on the link “Register On-Line for Training Sessions.” To book your room, call 1-877-868-9134 and use the code NAB516 to get the BLAST group rate. Illinois Members call the BEPB office.
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**11 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI
> GA Committee Members,
> Below is an update of where we are on calorie disclosure at this point. I’m happy to update in more detail if needed. However, we wanted to keep it as clear and simple as possible as to where we are and where we are headed? The main point is that operators and food/beverage manufacturers need to be working together to ensure that calorie disclosure is in place by December 1, 2016 in the vending channel. I would encourage operators to begin compliance on solid front machines as soon as possible. This may be achieved through different means, so contact us if we can help explain the process that is described in the attachment to achieve compliance. As stated in the attachment, we are still working with FDA on clarifications for calorie disclosure on front of pack and glass front vending machines. We expect to have further updates on our work with FDA by June 1st.
>
> Please let us know of any products that you sell that don’t currently have FOP calorie disclosure and we’re happy to talk with the manufacturer about the importance of providing FOP on their products, that are sold in the vending channel, in a way to assist operators with compliance.
>
> Thanks
> W. Eric Dell, Esquire
> Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
> NAMA
> 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650
> Arlington, VA 22209
> (202) 669-6139
>
> Calorie Disclosure Vending Rule Update
> NAMA urges operators, food manufacturers and all industry participants to work together to ensure compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) calorie disclosure rule for vended products by the enforcement date of December 1, 2016. The liability to comply and/or lack thereof is on the vending operator.
>
> NAMA has been working diligently to protect the industry and its consumers from portions of the rule that may be overly-burdensome or impractical due to the design of the vending channel.
>
> Pursuant to the rule, vending operators must provide calorie disclosure at the point of purchase for consumers by December 1, 2016.
>
> Calorie disclosure can meet the rule if done in one of three ways:
> 1. Signage on or adjacent to the front of the machine;
> 2. Electronic/digital display; or
> 3. Labeling on front-of-pack (FOP).
>
> Solid Front Vending Machines: Below is the rule’s requirement for front of machine disclosure.
>
> Calorie declarations for covered vending machine food must be clear, conspicuous and prominently placed.
>
> When the calorie declaration is in or on the vending machine, it must be:
> In a type size no smaller than the name of the food on the machine (not the food label), selection number, or price of the food as displayed on the vending machine, whichever is smallest;
>
> Displayed with the same prominence, meaning the same color, or a color
> at least as conspicuous, as the color of the name or price of the food or selection number; and
>
> Set against the same contrasting background, or a background at least
> as contrasting as the background used for the item it is in close proximity to, i.e., name, selection number, or price of the food item as displayed on the machine.
>
> When the calorie declaration is on a sign adjacent to the vending machine, the calorie declaration must be (1) in a type size large enough to render it likely to be read and understood by the consumer under customary conditions of purchase and use, and (2) in a type that is all black or one color on a white or other neutral background that contrasts with the type color.
>
> Glass Front Vending Machines: NAMA is working with coalition partners and the FDA to obtain clarification on the Front of Pack font size requirement in the final rule. We anticipate an update for front of pack compliance in glass front vending machines by June 1, 2016.
>
> Gum, Mints and Roll Candy: Due to the difficulty of front of pack disclosure on these items,
>
> NAMA is requesting that FDA allow these products to meet the rule’s requirement through signage. However, please remember that this is merely a request at this point.
>
> Electronic/Digital Display of Calories: We have requested that FDA clarify some technical questions related to vending machines with electronic displays that include calorie information.
> Protection of Vending Operators from Liability: NAMA is working to ensure that vending operators are protected from liability from state consumer protection laws and class action litigation that may occur if FDA does not provide clarity to these issues in a pre-emptive manner.
>
> Conclusion:
> NAMA urges vending operators and food manufacturers in the vending channel to work together by preparing to disclose calories to customers at the point of purchase by December 1, 2016.
> Remember, the liability is on the vending operator. We expect a further update by June 1, 2016.
> In the meantime, the industry should begin preparations to disclose calories to consumers at the point of purchase by the compliance date of December 1, 2016
>
> <applewebdata://674BA8DA-B674-4E23-907D-92DD8C9C6DDE>**12 RSA Management Group Information
> For the second quarter the "News Items" are:
> LSS Smartfood Spicy Jalapeno Ranch and
> LSS Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ
>
> Purchase Power!!! Aquafina Promotion!! From Participating Pepsi Bottlers
> $1.50 Rebate on 20oz. Bottlers!!
> Place Orders now through May 31st, 2016 or Until Cap is Reached.
> Co-op Allotment 100,000 cases
> Member Capped at 5,000 cases
> Order from your Pepsi Supplier Today
>
> Thank you,
> Kathy Ungaro
> ICBV, Business Manager
> (630)234-4444
>
> Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors
> 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502
> Chicago, IL 60604
> (312)663-3007
>
> This message (including attachments) is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it without further distribution and reply to the sender that you have received the message in error.
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