[il-talk] {Spam?} Fwd: ICBV Office Update January 12, 2016
Denise Avant
davant1958 at gmail.com
Wed Jan 13 02:16:38 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 January 12, 2016
> Date: January 12, 2016 at 4:45:07 PM CST
> To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
> Reply-To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
>
> ICBV Office Update
> January 12, 2016
>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>
> *1) NABM BLAST May 2016 Rosemont, IL
> *2) Non 24 information
> *3) Illinois Political News
> *4) Why We Make (and Break) our New Year’s Resolutions
> *5) So You Want to be Your Own Boss – 8 Tips to get You Going
> *6) The Hadley School for the Blind Wants to Back Your Business
> *7) Hadley School for the Blind
> Low Vision Focus
> Personality’s Role in the Workplace
> *8) Eyes on Success Rendering 3D Printers
> *9) NCD Reacts to President’s Gun Control Proposals
> *10) Obligation of Public Accommodations to Provide Websites that are Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities
> *11) NFB 2016 National Scholarship Program
> *12) IL Mileage Decrease to .54 Cents Per Mile
> *13) How the Sunset of 2G Could Affect Your Cashless Readers and Remote Monitoring
> *14) RSA Buying Group Information
>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**1 Shared by Terry Smith, NABM BLAST May 17-20 2016 in Rosemont IL
> ANNOUNCING - BLAST REGISTRATION IS OPEN
>
> From Kathy - Illinois only, important note – Illinois members please contact Letia Gossard at 217-558-2320 to RSVP to the 2016 BLAST training in May. Do not register or book your hotel on your own as monies paid out will not be refunded to you. Illinois members reservations MUST BE made through the BEPB office. This event will be the mandatory 2016 Illinois training, elections will be held at this event and there will not be a Fall Conference in 2016. Mark your calendar now for the event of a lifetime, plan on being there for the full event.
>
> From the National Association of Blind Merchants -
> Greetings and Happy New Year! We’ve been getting lots of inquiries and we are happy to announce that 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 http://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. The cost for this training is usually $450-$500. As part of our continued commitment to bringing the very best training to the Randolph-Sheppard community, the training will be available to anyone who registers for BLAST for only $100. We are offering the training to the general public for $375 and have already received multiple inquiries as the result of the Disney Institute including the training on its website calendar. The discounted price is available to only the first 175 who register and the maximum capacity for the training is 275. With the training being made available to the general public, slots will fill up fast so you are encouraged to register early. Offering training from Disney has been a dream of NABM President Nicky Gacos. “Disney is known for its business excellence and as blind entrepreneurs we have an opportunity to learn from the very best,” said Gacos.
>
> On Tuesday, we typically do pre-conference seminars and breakout sessions. We won’t be doing as many of those although we may schedule a few from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. We cannot offer programming in competition with the Disney training. Our opening night reception starts at 6:00 that evening.
>
> We are still working on agenda items but we have confirmed our keynote speaker. Navy Seal Leif Babin will present at our first general session on May 18. His topic is “Extreme Ownership” which is the name of his new bestselling book. He talks about the leadership skills he learned as a Navy Seal and how those skills apply to the business world. We think it will be outstanding. Ironically, Leif’s best friend and fellow Navy Seal was blinded in combat so he is especially looking forward to joining us for BLAST.
>
> We have many more terrific speakers we will be announcing soon and the highlight as always will be the tradeshow on the afternoon of May 18. The banquet idea was such a success in Austin we have decided to have a banquet again this year on Thursday night. And we wrap things up by 11:00 Friday morning. It will be a long week but you will want to be there for the entire time. It will be worth it. Come in on Monday and take advantage of the Disney training. Leave on Friday afternoon. You will leave both informed and inspired.
>
> It won’t be all work. We have some exciting things happening after hours as well. For those who like games of chance, there is free transportation to the nearby casino. You are only a block or two away from the train station if you want to go downtown and visit the Miracle Mile shops, Navy Pier, or the museum district. If you are a baseball fan, the White Sox are at home that week. If you want to see the Cubs play you will have to come in the weekend prior to BLAST. And we are planning some after hour activities at the hotel if you don’t want to venture out.
>
> The hotel we have selected for BLAST, the Loews O’Hare Airport Hotel, may be the nicest property ever to host one of our training conferences. The Loews recently was included on a list of the world’s top 11 airport hotels. It was one of only 3 or 4 U.S. hotels that made the list. There is free transportation from O’Hare. However, it’s a long distance from Midway Airport so try to arrange your flight into O’Hare if at all possible.
>
> So mark your calendar and make plans now to come and be part of the biggest and best BLAST ever. If you have specific questions or need additional information, feel free to contact Terry Smith at terrysmith at epbfi.com <mailto:terrysmith at epbfi.com> .
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**2 Information on Non 24, from the Non 24 website
> Non-24 is a circadian rhythm disorder
> •Do you have a hard time sleeping through the night?
> •Do you find you have a strong urge to nap during the day?
> •Is it hard for you to concentrate?
> •Are you feeling restless, overtired, or frustrated?
> •Do you feel your sleep patterns are different from those around you?
> •Does it seem like you're the only person who's experiencing these things?
>
> If your answer to any of these questions is yes and you're totally blind, you may have Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24).
>
> Non-24 is a circadian rhythm disorder. Your circadian rhythms are controlled by your master body clock and tell you when to sleep, when to wake, when to eat, among other things.
>
> In most people, the master body clock runs slightly longer than 24 hours. What this means is that rather than cycle on a 24-hour day, most people's natural rhythms actually cycle a bit longer. Whether the cycle runs two minutes or 30 minutes longer, if you have Non-24 these minutes add up day after day, a few one day adding to a few more the next, eventually causing a noticeable change in the times during the day when your body expects to sleep and expects to be awake.
>
> Though Non-24 may appear to be a sleep disorder, it isn't. It's actually a serious, chronic circadian rhythm disorder very common in people who are totally blind, and it can arise at any age. Currently, there are 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United States. Of the legally blind, 130,000 have no light perception (i.e., totally blind), and as many as 70% suffer from Non-24.
>
> Difficulty at night and challenges during the day
> Non-24 brings about two significant symptoms.
> First is a profound inability to sleep or to stay asleep at night, and the second is an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day. Both changes are caused by the timing of the release of the hormones, melatonin and cortisol. Melatonin controls sleep, and cortisol controls when to wake up and when to eat. Cortisol also controls your metabolism, cardiovascular function, immune system, and appetite. Because the release of melatonin and cortisol shifts continually, not all nights are the same. Some are sleepless, others are normal, and poor sleep happens only when the master body clock is out of sync with the typical day-night cycle. And when poor sleep happens, sleep deprivation may make it difficult to focus on the task at hand.
>
> Non-24 comes about when the master body clock runs on its own natural rhythm. Hence the name, Non-24, which indicates a master body clock that is not 24 hours long. For unknown reasons, most people's body clock runs a little longer than 24 hours, which means most people could have Non-24 to some degree. The difference is that for sighted people, environmental light cues signal the brain to reset the master body clock every day to 24 hours.
>
> For people who are totally blind, the master body clock runs its natural course. This means that if your body clock runs on a 24.5-hour schedule, today you're 30 minutes behind and tomorrow your body clock will be an hour behind. The next day will be 90 minutes, and so on. Day by day, this time adds up until you're many hours behind, creating a rhythm that's out of sync with the typical day-night cycle. Eventually, your body operates as if night is day and day is night. While you could try to maintain your usual schedule, more often than not you have a hard time sleeping at night and then feel an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day. In time, you once again reach the point when your body clock is in sync with the typical day-night cycle. But then, just as quickly, it moves out of sync again.
>
> A complication that can sap your energy
> Because its effects are so wide-ranging, Non-24 may hinder the methods you use to get through the day. It may sap your energy. You may suddenly fall asleep at inopportune times, and it may make crucial daily tasks a challenge, such as counting bus stops so you know when to get off.
>
> Living with Non-24 may make you feel as though no one understands what you're going through, and this sense of being alone only makes the effects feel that much worse. The truth is, you're not alone. There are many other people living with Non-24 who are experiencing many of the same challenges you do. Using the information on this website, as well as talking to others, may help guide you as you manage Non-24 in your own life.
>
> Step 1 on your road to the help you need? Read the next section of this website to get a better understanding of the master body clock and circadian rhythms and how they may be affecting your life.
>
> Here is the link to the website: http://www.non-24.com/about-non-24.php <http://www.non-24.com/about-non-24.php>
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**3 Shared by Tom Cullen – Illinois Political News
> The Illinois Senate will convene in regular session Wednesday, January 13th at 12 p.m. The Senate has canceled session for Thursday, January 14th. The House has canceled regular session for January 13th and 14th and will instead be in perfunctory session both days.
>
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**4 From Chuck Fesmire – the Entrepreneur’s Source
> Why we make (and break) our New Year's resolutions – and how to stick to them
>
> Just one in 10 of us will achieve our goal in 2016
> On the 31 December every year, my father solemnly tells me that next year will be the one where he will finally crack the habit, turn over a new leaf. He will, he bravely declares, bottom lip a-quiver, give up hang-gliding. Or bungee jumping, wearing sombreros or being a criminal mastermind. So far, he has achieved every goal he has set himself.
>
> For the rest of us mere mortals, with real goals to stress less, lose weight, be healthier, be more organized, following through on our new year resolutions is not so easy.
>
> How many of us vow that this will be ‘my year’, where we will shed our bad habits and become better people? How many of us succeed?
>
> The answer is… not many. Just one in 10 of us will achieve our goal, according to a study by Professor Richard Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire - with most of us scrapping the good intentions as early as January 23rd.
>
> So why do we continue to make them? Ringing in the New Year with a pledge to ring the changes is far from a modern phenomenon. The ancient Romans began each year by making promises to lead a better life to Janus, the God after whom January is named. The Babylonians, too, would vow to their gods at the turn of the year to pay back their debts. And the theme of self-improvement carries across different cultures and religions - along with fasting and atonement for sins.
>
> Nowadays, of course, our main resolutions tend to revolve around health - to lose a stone, quit smoking, drink less, eat that sometimes elusive five-a-day. Holistic health is coming into play more and more too, with people resolving to get outdoors more, cut stress, meditate, lose the Smartphone addiction. But, come February, few of us are walking around in a cloud of Zen modeling our perfect figures and glowing skin. In fact, after the long dark month of January, we can hardly be blamed for reaching for the odd comforting slice of cake or glass of wine - and perhaps a month of freezing rain is not the best time to decide you’re now an ‘outdoorsy’ person.
>
> So what’s the answer? Scrap the resolutions and resign ourselves to another year with a tarnished halo? Or change our attitudes - and even the goals themselves - to achieve real results? Here's some advice from the experts:
>
> Set a target
> Have a very clear dateline for your goals. They should be set at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year, and each one should have a specific target to achieve in order to avoid "drift" in your program.
>
> Make it about more than you
> Rewrite your resolution or goal into a “vision" that benefits someone else you care about, not just you. Even if it’s “to get fit”, turn it into “get fit so I can run around with my kids”. We are less likely to sabotage our resolutions if it means hurting or hindering people we love.
>
> Remind yourself
> Keep a visual reminder of your resolution handy, whether it be a picture of your football idol on your phone or an inspirational message in your wallet. The only thing that stops you from sticking to your resolutions is yourself.
>
> Think what you'll gain
> The real issue with goal setting for most of us is that we tend to state them in the negative: I will give up smoking or I will give up drinking, for example. To stand the greatest chance of succeeding, we need to think about the benefits and focus our mind on those: When I give up smoking I will be healthier, fitter and richer. It is really important to give our brains something positive to focus upon, rather than suggesting we are about to lose something.
>
> Pick the right resolution
> When choosing a health resolution for the New Year, quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to protect your heart. Research has shown that a smoker, who gives up smoking on January 1, will see their risk of coronary heart disease cut in half by the end of the year. No Smoking Day is on March 11, 2015 and we urge smokers who want to quit to speak to their GP about NHS stop-smoking services.
>
> Manageable goals
> Build up gradually to what you want to achieve rather than setting yourself a goal that is unrealistic. For instance, start with 10 minutes exercise per day, building up to 20 minutes until you eventually increase to a full hour.
>
> Don't over-commit
> Two words: baby steps. And I mean seriously baby steps. If you want to create a habit that sticks, try breaking down your goal into the smallest possible pieces, then choose the easiest one to start with and allow yourself some time. The trick is to avoid the perilous cycle of over-commitment, misery, overwhelm and defeat.
>
> Think how good you'll feel
> Forget about losing weight; it’s not about how you look (that comes later), but how you feel. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will improve your immune system, organ function and general wellbeing, which results in shiny hair, bright eyes, clear skin, improved energy levels and a smaller waist.
>
> Prepare
> The best way to make a training or fitness goal stick in the New Year is to really try to make it part of your lifestyle. That way it becomes an integral part of what you do rather than something additional that you’re trying to squeeze in around everything else. If unhealthy snacking is an issue, make sure you buy some healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and yogurt to keep at work that become your habit rather than a trip to the office vending machine. Planning your nutrition, whether that’s lunches at work, food shopping in advance or having your dinner ready to go in a slow cooker will help you avoid last minute panic buys when you’re hungry and are more likely to make poor choices.
>
> Don't put it off
> Remember people used to say life is three score years and 10? Imagine each decade is a day of the week: if you are between 20 and 30 you are already on Wednesday, and for many of us we are into the weekend! If there is something that’s important to you that you have resolved to do, when you feel it slipping ask yourself: ‘given that I'm on day X, if not now - when?’
>
> Plan in advance
> Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail – this statement is so true. Plan your week out in advance, make sure that you have put your workout kit in your car the night before, and be realistic - there is no point saying you will go to the gym every single day when you know, realistically, that is unlikely to happen.
>
> Make it enjoyable
> Boredom can be demotivating so trying new things - maybe a new class, signing up for an event or hiring a personal trainer - can help keep you focused and motivated. Even better, rope in a friend - having a regular date in the diary with a workout buddy makes you more likely to enjoy and stick to it!
>
> It's probably not impossible
> Henry Ford once said that "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right." Before Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile, for example, athletes thought it an impossible feat. Yet as soon as he did, others followed suit and times got shorter and shorter. When you truly believe that something is possible and you're convinced it can happen, you will - as a result - take massive action and see phenomenal results.
>
> Think about your actions
> Be mindful – is the food you are eating nourishing or junk food? Is the portion size right? Are you eating when you are full? Are you eating for reasons other than hunger? Keeping these questions in the forefront of your mind can help with making choices about what you eat.
>
> Reward yourself
> It is so important to reward ourselves on the way to achieving our goals as well as once we achieve them. This will help us stick to the resolution without having to wait until we achieve our ultimate goal. You hold the keys to your success so it’s important to allow yourself to tap into your potential and to recognize when we have done so.
>
> Don't expect instant results
> It can be overwhelming to simply state you want to have six packs abs or lose numerous dress sizes, so instead set mini and achievable goals. Too big a goal and you'll likely give up when making miniscule steps towards achieving it, but achieving 2lb/week weight loss for a month or being able to run that 5km morning run 30 seconds faster than you could the month, are all realistic goals. Remember, it takes approximately four weeks for you notice changes to your body, your partner about eight weeks to notice and twelve for the outside world, so stick at it!
>
> Make it measurable
> The devil's in the detail. Make your resolution really specific: 'I want to be able to run for 30 minutes non-stop by week 6 of my program' rather than some vague 'I want to start jogging'. Many people just say 'I want to get fit'. What does that mean? 'I want to be able to cycle to work and back 4 times a week' gives yourself a tangible goal which you are more likely to stick to.
>
> Written by Siobhan Norton for Independent.co.uk
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**5 From Chuck Fesmire – the Entrepreneur’s Source
> So You Want to Be Your Own Boss... 8 tips to get you going, even if you don't know where to start
>
> If you want to start a business but don't know where to start, don't worry--you are not alone. In fact, given the new economic reality of our time, more people than ever before have found the "job" they thought was waiting for them doesn't exist. Others have come to the conclusion that they would rather create work they love, constructed to fit with their own life goals. No matter what the motivation is to be your own boss, you can start today.
>
> Here are 8 Tips to Get You Started:
> 1. Take a Stand for Yourself.
> If you are dissatisfied with your current circumstances, admit that no one can fix them except for you. It doesn't do any good to blame the economy, your boss, your spouse or your family. Change can only occur when you make a conscious decision to make it happen.
>
> 2. Identify the Right Business for You.
> Give yourself permission to explore. Be willing to look at different facets of yourself (your personality, social styles, age) and listen to your intuition. We tend to ignore intuition even though deep down we often know the truth. Ask yourself "What gives me energy even when I'm tired?"
>
> How do you know what business is "right" for you? There are three common approaches to entrepreneurship:
>
> Do What You Know: Have you been laid off or want a change? Look at work you have done for others in the past and think about how you could package those skills and offer them as your own services or products.
>
> Do What Others Do: Learn about other businesses that interest you. Once you have identified a business you like, emulate it.
>
> Solve a Common Problem: Is there a gap in the market? Is there a service or product you would like to bring to market? (Note: This is the highest-risk of the three approaches.) If you choose to do this, make sure that you become a student and gain knowledge first before you spend any money.
>
> 3. Business Planning Improves Your Chances for Success.
> Most people don't plan, but it will help you get to market faster. A business plan will help you gain clarity, focus and confidence. A plan does not need to be more than one page. As you write down your goals, strategies and action steps, your business becomes real.
>
> Ask yourself the following questions:
> - What am I building?
> - Who will I serve?
> - What is the promise I am making to my customers/clients and to myself?
> - What are my objectives, strategies and action plans (steps) to achieve my goals?
>
> 4. Know Your Target Audience Before You Spend a Penny.
> Before you spend money, find out if people will actually buy your products or services. This may be the most important thing you do. You can do this by validating your market. In other words, who, exactly, will buy your products or services other than your family or friends? (And don't say. "Everyone in America will want my product." Trust me--they won't.) What is the size of your target market? Who are your customers? Is your product or service relevant to their everyday life? Why do they need it?
>
> There is industry research available that you can uncover for free. Read industry articles with data (Google the relevant industry associations) and read Census data to learn more. However, the most important way to get this information is to ask your target market/customers directly and then listen.
>
> 5. Understand Your Personal Finances and Choose the Right Kind of Money You Need for Your Business.
> As an entrepreneur, your personal life and business life are interconnected. You are likely to be your first--and possibly only--investor. Therefore, having a detailed understanding of your personal finances, and the ability to track them, is an essential first step before seeking outside funding for your business. This is why I recommend setting up your personal accounts in a money management system such as Mint.com to simplify this process.
>
> As you are creating your business plan, you will need to consider what type of business you are building--a lifestyle business (smaller amount of startup funds), a franchise (moderate investment depending on the franchise), or a high-tech business (will require significant capital investment). Depending on where you fall on the continuum, you will need a different amount of money to launch and grow your business, and it does matter what kind of money you accept.
>
> 6. Build a Support Network.
> You've made the internal commitment to your business. Now you need to cultivate a network of supporters, advisors, partners, allies and vendors. If you believe in your business, others will, too.
>
> Network locally, nationally & via social networks. Join networks like NAPW.com, your local chamber of commerce, or other relevant business groups. Here are some networking basics:
>
> - When attending networking events, ask others what they do and think about how you can help them. The key is to listen more than talk about yourself.
> - No matter what group you join, be generous, help others and make introductions without charging them.
> - By becoming a generous leader, you will be the first person that comes to mind when someone you've helped needs your service or hears of someone else who needs your service.
>
> 7. Sell By Creating Value.
> Even though we purchase products and services every day, people don't want to be "sold." Focus on serving others. The more people you serve, the more money you will make. When considering your customers or clients, ask yourself:
>
> - What can I give them?
> - How can I make them successful in their own pursuits?
> - This approach can help lead you to new ways to hone your product or service and deliver more value, which your customers will appreciate.
>
> 8. Get the Word Out.
> Be willing to say who you are and what you do with conviction and without apology. Embrace and use the most effective online tools (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) available to broadcast your news. Use social networks as "pointer" sites; i.e., to point to anything you think will be of interest to your fans and followers.
>
> Even though social networks are essential today (you must use them!), don't underestimate the power of other methods to get the word out: e.g., word-of-mouth marketing, website and internet marketing tools, public relations, blog posts, columns and articles, speeches, e-mail, newsletters, and the old-fashioned but still essential telephone.
>
> If you take these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming your own boss. It's important to remember that you are not alone. If you want to "be your own boss" but you still feel stuck, reach out and connect with other entrepreneurs in a variety of ways. You may be surprised by the invaluable contacts that are right at your fingertips.
>
> Written by Tamara Monosoff for Entrepreneur.com
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**6 Shared by Terry Smith, NFBEI - Eyes on the Prize:
> The Hadley School for the Blind Wants to Back Your Business
> The Hadley School for the Blind’s Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship (FCE) was launched in 2011 to address the 70 to 80 percent un-and underemployment rate among Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Through this business education program, Hadley, the largest provider of distance education to people who are blind and visually impaired worldwide, offers tuition-free courses to help prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship. Today, Hadley is announcing its inaugural 2016 New Venture Business Competition.
>
> In the spirit of ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank, Hadley is inviting new, current or recent Forsythe Center students to submit their plans for a start up for a chance to win one of three cash awards for up to $10,000. Entrants must have enrolled in at least one FCE module for consideration of their business plan. However, it’s not too late to become an FCE student and participate in the competition. New FCE students must provide proof of legal blindness from a physician before enrolling in an FCE course. Participation and submission rules can be found at hadley.edu/nvc. To enroll in the FCE, please visit hadley.edu/FCE or call Student Services at 800-526-9909.
>
> “We are thrilled to be able to help support new businesses in this fun, exciting way,” said Colleen Wunderlich, Director, Hadley Forsythe Center for Entrepreneurship. “Our students are so innovative and enthusiastic—I look forward to learning what they have in mind.”
>
> Contestants will need to move quickly, though, as the entry period ends when the clock strikes 11:59 pm CST on Feb. 15, 2016. Winners will be recognized and receive their awards at the 2016 Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) Conference in Chicago, May 17-20, 2016.
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**7 From Hadley School for the Blind
> Seminars at Hadley Presents: Low Vision Focus @ Hadley: Talking About Low Vision
> Date: Thursday, January 21, 2016
> Time: 2:00 PM CST, 20:00 GMT
> Do you struggle to find the right words to explain the unique experience of low vision? Is it hard to describe to friends and family the functional implications of vision loss, especially considering the wide variety of causes and corresponding visual symptoms? Do others understand how and when to provide assistance without compromising your independence?
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Dr. Linda Fugate, EdD, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, provides concrete suggestions for communicating your symptoms and experience. Dr. Fugate will provide tools to identify functional implications, how to talk about needing help and how to describe your diagnosis to family and community.
> Hadley Instructor Ed Haines will moderate this 60 minute session. There will be time for a question and answer section following the presentation.
> This seminar is an audio-only seminar. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. R <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=800774&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D302>egister Now for Low Vision of January 21. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=800774&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D304>
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> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>Seminars at Hadley Presents: Personality's Role in the Workplace
> Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2016
> Time: 10:00 AM CST, 16:00 GMT
> Personality plays a role in the professions we choose, the workplace culture we seek and in how well we get along with co-workers. Would you like to gain a better understanding of your own temperament and character, and how this understanding can offer greater satisfaction in your professional life?
> Join Seminars at Hadley as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Lauri Dishman presents her insights into the impact of personality in the workplace. Larry Muffett, a member of Hadley’s Seminars Team, will moderate this 60-minute seminar. A question and answer session will be included as part of the seminar.
> This seminar is an audio-only seminar. Space in this seminar is limited. Please only register if you are available to attend so that others are not closed out. Register Now for Workplace Personality on January 27. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=800774&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FSeminarDetails.asp%3Fsid%3D303>
>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>Did you get a new phone this holiday? Check out the new iFocus videos here: iFocus Videos <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=800774&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FInstructionalVideos.asp%23iFocus>
>
> Learn more and subscribe to Seminars at Hadley Podcasts. <http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=16457095&msgid=800774&act=3JPY&c=225701&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fhadley.edu%2FPodcasts.asp>
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**8 This week on Eyes on Success
> 1602 Rendering Art with 3D Printers (Jan. 6, 2016)
> If you can't see great paintings, now there's a new way you can experience them. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey speak with Marc Dillon who runs the
> Unseen Art project. By converting 2-D artworks into 3-dimensional renditions including textures to represent shading and other features these works are made accessible to the blind.
>
> The audio and show notes can be found at:
> http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/ <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**9 Shared by Lawrence Carter-Long - National Council on Disability
> NCD Reacts to President’s Gun Control Proposals January 6, 2016
> Web link: http://go.usa.gov/cRCHY <http://go.usa.gov/cRCHY>
>
> In response to the President’s address on proposed executive actions regarding gun control, the National Council on Disability (NCD) --an independent nonpartisan federal agency that provides counsel to the President, Congress and other federal agencies regarding disability policy – expresses continued concern regarding any future rulemaking effort to link one’s need for a representative payee to manage Social Security benefits with the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and cautions the Social Security Administration and Department of Justice to narrowly construe any such effort so as to preclude expansion through regulation of those who are prevented from purchasing guns. Including anyone beyond those who are currently prohibited from gun purchase under existing law in such an effort would advance an inaccurate and discriminatory inference that equates the need for assistance in managing finances with a presumption of incapacity in other areas of life. Selection of a representative payee should not lead to the curtailment of constitutional rights.
>
> NCD is heartened by the proposal to increase by $500 million the nation’s investment in mental health services, and urge that its application be toward resources and services that advance community-based mental health care that safeguards human dignity and respects individual autonomy. And although the President was careful to correctly note that people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of a crime rather than perpetrators of it and that gun deaths by suicide claims the lives of far too many people with mental illness who are in crisis, the conflation of mental health disabilities and gun violence continues as a dangerous myth, which in each instance of its use, exacerbates harmful stereotypes about mental health disabilities and increases the level of stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health treatment.
>
> As an agency whose mission is focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families, it is important to note that NCD takes no position with respect to many of the often debated issues around the availability of guns in our society. However, linking the need for a representative payee with a presumption of incapacity to exercise any right sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the goals of the ADA: equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
>
> NCD will pursue meetings with both the Social Security Administration and the Department of Justice prior to their promulgation of proposed rules, and looks forward to carefully advising both agencies in line with our mission.
>
> National Council on Disability
> 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 850
> Washington, DC 20004
> 202-272-2004 Voice
> 202-272-2074 TTY
> 202-272-2022 Fax
>
> Website:
> http://www.ncd.gov/ <http://www.ncd.gov/>
> NCD’s Facebook page:
> https://www.facebook.com/NCDgov <https://www.facebook.com/NCDgov>
> Follow NCD on Twitter:
> http://twitter.com/NatCounDis <http://twitter.com/NatCounDis>
> Sign up for regular email updates at:
> http://www.ncd.gov/subscribe <http://www.ncd.gov/subscribe>
>
> About the National Council on Disability (NCD): First established as an advisory Council within the Department of Education in 1978, NCD became an independent federal agency in 1984. In 1986, NCD recommended enactment of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and drafted the first version of the bill which was introduced in the House and Senate in 1988. Since enactment of the ADA in 1990, NCD has continued to play a leading role in crafting disability policy, and advising the President, Congress and other federal agencies on disability policies, programs, and practices.
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**10 Shared by Gabe Cazares, NFB Government Affairs Specialist
> Howdy Federation Family,
>
> On July 26, 2010, the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) addressing the obligation of public accommodations to provide websites that are accessible to individuals with disabilities was issued by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). At the time, President Obama correctly observed that these proposed rules would be “the most important updates to the ADA since its original enactment.” Yet the release date of the actual rule proposal for revising the Title III regulations of the ADA, originally scheduled for January of 2012, has been extended until sometime in 2018, eight years beyond the issuance of the original ANPRM and at least a year after the end of his administration. Having originally taken a strong stance on the importance of these regulations, it now seems like the Obama administration is wishing to wash its hands of them entirely.
>
> As blind Americans, we know first-hand that equal access to the internet is paramount for education, to obtain and retain employment, and for everyday tasks such as paying bills, online shopping, booking travel, etc. We will not sit idly by as the administration attempts to sideline this critical access issue, so we have launched a petition <http://wh.gov/iwm9o> demanding, in the strongest terms possible, that the administration issue these regulations immediately.
>
> Upon reaching 100,000 signatures, the Obama administration is required to respond, so in addition to sharing our we the people petition <http://wh.gov/iwm9o> via Email and your social media outlets, please personally ask 10 family members, friends, and colleagues to sign it and share it as well. A little personal contact goes a long way!
>
> If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me; with your help, we will bring this critical issue for blind Americans to the forefront of the Obama administration’s list of priorities. Let’s go build the Federation!
>
> ...Gabe
>
> Gabe Cazares
> Government Affairs Specialist
> National Federation of the Blind
> 200 East Wells Street
> At Jernigan Place
> Baltimore, MD 21230
> E: gcazares at nfb.org <mailto:gcazares at nfb.org>
> P: 410-659-9314 Ext. 2206
> T: @gmcazares
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
>
> To make a donation to the National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund campaign, please visit www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture <http://www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture>
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**11 Shared by Patty Gregory-Chang
> National Federation of the Blind 2016 National Scholarship Program
> www.nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships>
>
> Deadline: March 31, 2016
> Are you a legally blind college student living in the United States or Puerto Rico? This annual program offers 30 scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000 to eligible students, from high school seniors beginning their freshman year in the fall semester of 2016, up through grad students working on their PhD degrees. These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the July 2016 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations. To apply, read the rules and the Submission Checklist, complete the official 2016 Scholarship Application Form (online or in print), supply all required documents, and request and complete one interview by an NFB affiliate president (unless the president requests a later date). Applications are accepted through March 31. Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships> for complete rules and requirements.
>
> NFB of Illinois State Scholarships:
> Our Illinois Affiliate also awards state scholarships beginning at $1,250. We awarded over $10,000 in scholarships in 2015 plus accessible technology to our winners. Please see http://www.nfbofillinois.org/ <http://www.nfbofillinois.org/> to apply.
>
> "Every day we raise the expectations of blind people in the National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want."
>
> Patti Gregory Chang
> National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, Treasurer
> NFB Scholarship Committee Chair
> pattischang at gmail.com <mailto:pattischang at gmail.com>
> NFB of IL: http://www.nfbofillinois.org/ <http://www.nfbofillinois.org/>
> NFB: http://www.nfb.org/ <http://www.nfb.org/>
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**12 Shared by Raven Pulliam, Program Administrator, IL BEPB
> Mileage Decrease to .54 cents per mile
> Pursuant to 80 Ill. Admin. Code Sections 3000.300(f)(2) and 2800 Appendix A, reimbursement for use of a private vehicle while traveling on official government business shall be on a mileage basis, and shall be at the rate established by the Federal General Services Administration (the "GSA"). On December 23, 2015, the GSA announced that the mileage reimbursement rate will decrease from 57.5 cents per mile to 54 cents per mile effective January 1, 2016.
>
> This Travel Update shall serve as official notice to state agencies and employees that this decrease will take effect on January 1, 2016, and will apply to all travel occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
>
> Return to Top <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>
>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**13 From Vending Market Watch - How The Sunset Of 2G Could Affect You by Emily Refermat On Dec 16, 2015
> The vending industry has steadily been adding cashless readers and remote monitoring devices to machines nationwide. It’s been a slow progression that has taken a much-needed steep increase in the last few years. However, right when it appears we’ve turned the corner, one of the pillars that enables vending machine telemetry is going away potentially causing loss of sales and efficiencies if operators aren’t proactive about it.
>
> Industry experts suggest as many as 200,000 vending machines will be affected by this decommissioning of the 2G network by two prominent cellular communication providers. AT&T has already begun shutting down its 2G network with complete abandonment scheduled for December 2016. Verizon is also shuttering its 2G and 3G networks, with a cutoff date sometime in 2021.
>
> What is 2G?
> The term 2G represents digital communication technology that allows data to be sent from a vending machine with a credit card processor and remote monitoring system, often called telemetry. You may be familiar with cellular commercials that claim ‘the best’ 4G LTE network. This is an example of a newer wireless communication technology The number refers to the generation, so 2G is second-generation technology. The latest generations are better able to transfer high speed data. It allows for better streaming and communication. LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution and also enables high speed data communication.
>
> Because venders don’t relay a high volume of data, they rarely have a 4G LTE connection. Instead, M2M, or machine to machine communication, has commonly been using the 2G and 3G technologies. With the deadline approaching for the first major provider to completely shut down its 2G network, operators must ensure their telemetry devices can either switch to using 3G or another 2G provider.
>
> “The 2G sunset is a big deal as most vending telemeters were issued with a 2G radio,” explained Chuck Reed, senior director of sales and marketing for vending at CPI.
>
> Brendan Kehoe, vice president and general manager of Streamware, Crane Merchandising Systems also believes the decommissioning of these 2G networks could affect a substantial number of connected vending machines, as many as 200,000. “We have a total of 10,000 units which will be affected by the shutdown,” said Kehoe, who uses the example of analogue to digital TV to explain what will happen. “Each generation is a new technology. When TV stations switched to digital, analogue no longer worked. That is what will happen with devices connected to the 2G networks that are turning off.”
>
> Kehoe encourages operators to check with their cashless provider. “For example, our device knows what kind of service it is connected to,” he said. Once it is confirmed the unit is using a 2G network that is going away, the operator can work with the cashless provider on a solution. For Crane users, that might be a simple fix like switching to the T-Mobile network by changing the SIM card or swapping out the modular radio. Kehoe says both are simple tasks that can be performed by the route driver. “Crane used a modular design for the Navigator platform specifically because of these kinds of technology changes. The ability to change or add modules and features over time gives us tremendous flexibility and extends the useful life of the device,” he said.
>
> Years in the making
> This isn’t the first the industry has heard of the sunset of 2G, however. Rinaldo (Ron) Spinella, executive vice president and general manager of unattended payments solutions of Apriva, and Mike Gron, CEO of PayLab Networks, both brought up the topic years ago.
>
> In 2013, Spinella talked about the ongoing evolution of wireless networks to newer 3G and 4G technology, and how this transition would affect cashless vending. “The old wireless cellular technology is gone. 2G is now fading to make room for 4G,” said Spinella. Since many telemetry units use cellular technology, Spinella suggested operators start educating themselves about whether their hardware was able to use 3G and 4G.
>
> In the next year, Gron warned the industry of the impact an ever-increasing mobile society would have on vending. He said that 2G had been the go-to choice for manufacturers of connected devices with 90 percent of all North American M2M connections operating on the 2G spectrum. Technology has continued to evolve and demand for connectivity has grown exponentially. The original 2G spectrum rolled out by carriers 20 years ago can no longer support the current and future demands placed on their networks by voice and increasing data connections. “M2M solutions, and vending in particular, will be disproportionally affected by 2G’s end-of-life transition because of the significant number of currently deployed devices operating with embedded 2G modems,” said Gron.
>
> Gron believes 3G will be around for a long while, however. “The lifespan of the new 3G spectrum will outlast any device you invest in,” he tells operators now. However, other telemetry providers warn 3G may not be a permanent solution. “Verizon is shutting down its 3G network at the same time as their 2G network, or sooner, and AT&T will sunset their 3G network as well,” said Kehoe.
>
> CPI’s Reed agrees. “Mobile bandwidth requirements will keep the pressure on the carriers to increase bandwidth regularly,” he said. This means that older networks will continue to be eliminated.
>
> The 2G sunset solutions
> The solutions to the shutting down of 2G are fairly straight forward. Either an operator must switch digital communication providers (AT&T to T-Mobile, for example) or technology generations (2G to 3G). For the percentage with a telemetry device that does not allow for either option, the operator will need to update to newer hardware.
>
> Unfortunately, operators cannot implement the solutions on their own. It is the cashless or telemetry service provider that ensures the ability to utilize the network and at what technology generation. “We have about 80,000 devices in the field that utilize 2G GSM technology,” said Anant Agrawal, president of Cantaloupe Systems. “They were all on the AT&T network, but to protect our customers from technology changes like this, we had ensured every device was able to utilize different networks if AT&T wasn’t available. We have proactively switched over everything to T-Mobile in the past year, so very few of our devices will actually get impacted from AT&T shutting down 2G.” There were less than 5 percent of devices that were unable to get a T-Mobile signal and Cantaloupe is working on replacing those with customers.
>
> Determining what generation of technology a device is using may be possible by the look of the device. “Operators know if our device is the 2G device by the look. Our CDMA technology devices look different,” Agrawal said.
>
> It is recommended that operators with credit card readers or remote machine monitoring call their provider to ascertain if their units are using one of the 2G networks that are being shut down. And if they are, what solutions are available in their area. Not all the 2G networks are being eliminated, just AT&T and in five years Verizon. With some action now, operators can guarantee uninterrupted service for years to come.
>
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>
> <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>**14 From RSA Buying Group
> Q116 Frito-Lay News Item
> LSS Kettle Cooked Wasabi Ginger
> and/or
> LSS Kettle Cooked 40% Less Fat Jalapeno Cheddar
> Everyone is required to purchase at least “1” case of one of the above during1st Quarter 2016 to qualify for the Frito-Lay Rebate.
>
> Return to Top <applewebdata://0D4E6AAF-9083-426A-8D91-4522DDE31985>
>
>
> 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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