[il-talk] FW: ICBV Office Update August 21, 2018

[davant1958 at gmail.com]

Denise R. Avant, President

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

(773)-991-8050

Live the life you want.

For more information about NFBI,

go to www.nfbofillinois.org.

 

From: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 10:13 PM
To: Kathy Ungaro <icbv at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: ICBV Office Update August 21, 2018

 

ICBV Office Update

August 21, 2018

 

*1) Calendar of Events

*2) Don's Snack Attack aims to provide a 'little bit of lightness' at the
courthouse

*3) NAMA 2018 Fly-In Focuses On Labels, Federal Highway Policy

*4) New Jersey Official State Dog

*5) RICE KRISPIES TREATS GIVE LUNCH NOTES AN OVERHAUL FOR VISUALLY-IMPAIRED
KIDS

*6) More Than A Smart Cane

*7) Access Technology Affordability Act 

*8) 2018 Scholarship Speaker John Gordon Promotes Self Advocacy 

*9) Blind chef achieves his career goal and helps others with disabilities

*10) This week on Eyes On Success

*11) Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you

*12) NAMA Advocacy Roundup: July 2018

*13) Washington State Voters Determine Whether To Ban Soda Tax

*14) Farmers Fridge Fresh, Healthy Vending Machines Are A Hit In Chicago

*15) Close the Deal! Selling A Micro Market In 2018

*16) How to Send Better Professional Emails and Texts

 

**1 Calendar of Events

September 30, 2018

IL Vendors - Reminder:  Your September 2018 Physical Commodities Inventory
due to BEPB

 

October 26 - 27 2018

ICBV/BEPB Fall Conference and Tradeshow in conjunction with the NFB of
Illinois Conference

LOCATION: SHERATON SUITES CHICAGO O'HARE 

6501 Mannheim Road, Rosemont Illinois 60018

Tradeshow Friday Night 6:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Training and Luncheon Saturday

More details to follow soon,

 

November 13-16, 2018

BLAST Conference in San Antonio, Texas

NABM ANNOUNCES NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED MARK GUNGER WILL BE FEATRUED AT BLAST

The National Association of Blind Merchants is excited to announce that Mark
Gunger, one of the nation's most sought after experts on communication and
relationships, will be one of the keynote speakers at BLAST (Business
Leadership and Superior Training). Do men and women really see the world
through different eyes? Do they communicate differently? Are men really able
to retreat into their "nothing box" and think about absolutely nothing? For
answers to these and other burning questions, you will want to be at this
year's BLAST Conference.   Prepare yourself to learn a little and laugh a
lot when nationally acclaimed speaker and author Mark Gunger presents "The
Tale of Two Brains" at BLAST.

 

Mark is a sought after keynote speaker on the corporate circuit and
thousands attend his workshops and seminars each year. His candid and
comedic approach uses unforgettable illustrations to teach proven principles
that are guaranteed to strengthen and enhance communication and
relationships.   Mark's speaking is refreshing and free of textbook
psychological lingo. His goal is to help people get it right and to get
along.

 

Register now to attend BLAST November 13-16 at the fabulous Hyatt Regency
Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. It is shaping up to be a spectacular
event that you won't want to miss. It starts with a full day of staff
training which is being cosponsored by the National Council of State
Agencies for the Blind on Tuesday, November 13th.  SLA staff will want to
arrive on Monday.  The conference will also feature our all encompassing
trade show on Thursday afternoon and there will be an old fashioned Texas
BBQ Thursday evening. We conclude on Friday morning with some relevant
Randolph-Sheppard programming. So don't miss out on this Texas size blowout
of an event. You can still get the Super Early Bird rate if you register
now. The rate has been extended to August 13th so you have time. Go to
https://blindmerchants.org/blast-2018-information/ and register today.

 

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.

 

Additional Information:

BLAST has a reputation for providing outstanding programming. Attendees can
expect nationally acclaimed speakers and trainers, wonderful entertainment,
great networking opportunities, and a world-class trade show. That is all
true again with this year's BLAST which will be held November 13-16 at the
beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. This year, you
don't want to leave early because Friday morning will feature our first ever
All Walk for Women in Randolph-Sheppard plus the entire agenda will be
devoted to addressing the critical issues facing Randolph-Sheppard today.

 

The Women's Walk, which is being sponsored by Next Level Water, begins at
7:00 a.m. Put your sneakers on and come out and get fit, network, and
support our women in Randolph-Sheppard. It will be a fun event and you can
count on a few surprises.  And Men, you are encouraged to walk with us.
It's not just for women.  

 

The agenda from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. will begin the process of
identifying solutions to the critical issues facing Randolph-Sheppard today.
At our 2018 Critical Issues Conference, the participants identified 27
critical issues. You can review that document at www.blindmerchants.org. So
come and help us chart the future for Randolph-Sheppard.  

 

Don't miss out. You can still get the Super Early Bird rate if you register
now. Go to  <https://blindmerchants.org/blast-2018-information/>
https://blindmerchants.org/blast-2018-information/ and register today.

 

**2 Shared by Giovanni Francese, From the Chicago Sun Times August 21, 2018
ByAshlee Rezin @Ashlee_Rezin | email 08/18/2018, 03:53pm

Don's Snack Attack aims to provide a 'little bit of lightness' at the
courthouse

 

Link to video:
https://chicago.suntimes.com/video/don-bell-snack-attack-leighton-criminal-c
ourthouse-working-360/?jwsource=cl

 

The man who runs the concession stand that occupies about 400 square feet in
the lobby of the Leighton Criminal Courthouse refrigerates two Mr. Goodbar
chocolate bars every day for a certain judge.

 

Don Bell, who is visually impaired, runs Don's Snack Attack concession stand
"from top to bottom," selling chips, cookies, coffee, soda, candy and more
in the lobby of the courthouse at 2650 S. California Ave. through assistance
from the state's Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. He's worked with
the program - which touts more than 90 entrepreneurs operating small
businesses, earning on average more than $40,000 a year - since the 1980s,
and ran the concession stand at the county courthouse in Skokie for five
years before relocating to Leighton nearly two years ago.

 

He was born with achromatopsia, which causes color blindness and light
sensitivity.

 

Bell is an avid cycler but takes public transportation or Pace's paratransit
service from his home in Rogers Park to the courthouse, opening Don's by 7
a.m. every day. The stand closes at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 2
p.m. on Fridays. He has one employee, Daphne, who is also visually impaired.
She works about four hours every week and is training through the BEP to
eventually run her own small business.

 

"This program is essential for anybody who has any kind of visual impairment
who doesn't think that they can do this kind of job or any job, really,"
said the 59-year-old Bell. "They provide training for individuals like
myself to be able to step to a higher level than they would have
ordinarily."

 

He leases the concession space from the county, while the BEP provided the
equipment and initial inventory to get set up. The program also provides
business consultants for additional support and increasing sales.

 

The pastries, such as fruit pies and honeybuns, are Bell's favorite snack,
while the items that sell the most of are water, chips and coffee.

 

"A lot of the people tell me that they enjoy coming to the stand because I
provide a little bit of lightness to an otherwise not so favorable
condition. You know this is the county courthouse," said Bell, a father of
two with a 5-year-old grandson.

 

When asked whether he hears a lot of gossip from around the courthouse - he
chats for a second with almost everyone who visits his stand - Bell laughed,
"I don't know everything, but I do know a lot." He'll set candy and snacks
aside for his regular customers, adding that "this is just, you know, small
potatoes in the scheme of things, but good customer service is what I stand
on, really."

 

"They can come here, and If I can give them a smile or help them to have a
little bit more favorable outlook on the day, then I'm providing a pretty
good service," he said.

 

He said his motto is "the relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction,"
which was depicted by Bell's artist brother in the Don's Snack Attack logo,
a smiling shark holding a soda and bag of chips, wearing sunglasses like
Bell's.

 

"Some people, if they're having a bad day they're just having a bad day, you
know, but for the most part I try to, you know, provide a little levity," he
said. "That's important for me."

 

Bell is seeking approval to open a Starbucks coffee kiosk before the end of
the year, located outside Don's Snack Attack, to "provide some quality
gourmet coffee for a lot of the people who come here and work here."

 

**3 From Vending Times

NAMA 2018 Fly-In Focuses On Labels, Federal Highway Policy

by Tim Sanford Posted On: 8/1/2018 

 

UNDER THE FLAGPOLE: Members of the National Automatic Merchandising
Association gather on Capitol steps at start of the association's annual
Fly-In advocacy meeting in Washington, DC. Group then formed state
delegations to visit the offices of their elected officials.

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Some 300 industry members converged on the nation's
capital for the National Automatic Merchandising Association's fourth annual
Fly-In advocacy event. The Fly-In offers operators, suppliers and
manufacturers an opportunity to visit the offices of their U.S. senators and
representatives and discuss the effects of federal legislation and
regulation on the industry.

 

 

Participants were briefed on topics of immediate and widespread interest
prior to their office visits. This year's topics were the Food & Drug
Administration's finalizing the specific requirements for nutritional
labeling mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010,
and recent proposals to allow commercial development of rest stops on the
federal interstate highway system, rescinding the preference given to blind
vendors under the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

 

Caloric-content labeling potentially presented a costly challenge to vending
operators. The industry was effective in communicating its concern to the
measure's sponsors in the Senate and the House, and they responded by asking
the FDA, the agency responsible for writing and enforcing the rules, to take
operators' concerns into consideration as they set about their task. In the
course of discussions involving all segments of the industry, the FDA agreed
that vending machines that display the actual product offered for sale could
meet the requirement if every selection offered carried caloric-content
information on the front of the package, where consumers could see it before
making their purchase. Packaged snack and confection manufacturers, many of
whom already were providing this information, worked with FDA on a suitable
format.

 

On July 12, 2018, the agency published the latest draft of its final rule,
which states that the agency "would allow the vending machine operator to
rely on the front-of pack calorie declaration to meet the calorie labeling
requirements if the type size of the calorie declaration on the front of
pack is at least 150% (one and a half times) the type size of the net weight
declaration, and the front of the food package can clearly be seen through a
glass front vending machine." The industry sees this as practical. 

 

Some issues remain to be worked out, primarily regarding the small
roll-candy and stick-gum packages often vended from a shallow tray mounted
underneath the bottom shelf of a glassfront merchandiser. But the consensus
is that final resolution is in sight. All that remains is to make sure that
the product suppliers, who also are working to develop a front-of-pack
nutrition facts statement format that conforms to FDA rules, are given
sufficient time to redesign their packaging just once, to meet both labeling
requirements  - not twice in quick succession. which would be a costly waste
of time and money.

 

Rep. Tim Walberg (R.-MI) wrote a letter to FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb,
MD, summarizing progress to date and requesting that the agency finalize the
rule, and to exercise enforcement discretion at least until Jan. 1, 2020.
NAMA urged its Fly-In advocates to ask their elected officials to join this
letter, a copy of which (with details on joining it) was included in their
information packets.

 

The second issue, commercialization of rest stops on the federal interstate
highway system, is of great importance to the nation's blind vendors. The
rules governing "safety rest stops" on interstate highways specify that
nothing is to be offered for sale there except through vending machines
operated by the state in which the rest area is situated. The states are
allowed to contract for this vending service; priority is to be given
vendors doing business under the licensing provisions of the
Randolph-Sheppard Act in each state.

 

Recent proposals would allow commercial enterprises to bid on providing a
wider range of services in rest areas in order to generate revenues for road
and bridge maintenance. 

 

NAMA's opposition to any rule change that does not preserve the blind
vendors' priority is summarized in a fact-sheet that also was included in
the Fly-In information packet.

 

**4 Shared on IlTalk -  New Jersey Official State Dog

Dear graduate of The Seeing Eye,

Hello everyone! Here's an update on an exciting project we've been

working on.

 

Many states have an official State Dog. New Jersey doesn't have one...

but we suggested to our state lawmakers that the Seeing EyeR dog

should have that honor!

 

To that end, last week state Senator Anthony R. Bucco introduced a

bill in the state Senate that would do just that, and his son,

Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, intends to support it in the state

Assembly. The Senator's office has issued a press release with more

information -- you can read it at

http://support.seeingeye.org/site/R?i=5LHAAh71B2DKslhE8betOg .

 

We will keep you posted!

Craig Garretson

Senior Communications Officer

The Seeing Eye

 

**5 From NCA Smart Brief

RICE KRISPIES TREATS GIVE LUNCH NOTES AN OVERHAUL FOR VISUALLY-IMPAIRED KIDS

How the Kellogg's brands is making the sweet treat accessible to more kids

By Jessica Wohl. Published on Aug 07, 2018

 

If you're a parent, you might have noticed that Rice Krispies Treats feature
a blank white heart on the packaging meant as a place to write a quick note
before tucking them into a kid's lunch. But what if a child can't see?

 

That's the premise of an effort the snack brand is kicking off Tuesday in
partnership with the National Federation of the Blind. The company has
created sticker sheets featuring messages in Braille that are shaped like
the heart, meant to be stuck on the little blue packs. There are also boxes
sized to fit one treat with a recording device that can store a 10-second
message, for kids who are auditory learners or don't read Braille. The brand
says there are more than 62,000 U.S. school children who are blind or
low-vision.

 

Rice Krispies Treats began featuring the blank heart on its packaging meant
as a space for a written note, in the summer of 2017.

 

"We knew that the notes were something that were working very strongly with
our consumers," says Emily Minardi, associate marketing director for Rice
Krispies Treats. Now, it's taking that idea and "making it more accessible."

 

The project begins with giveaways of up to 6,000 sheets of stickers and
1,500 recording devices. The stickers include eight different notes of
encouragement, including "you've got this," "you're a star," and "love you
lots."

 

Kellogg says the notes were inspired by Eme Butler-Mitchell, an 11-year-old
girl the company was introduced to by the National Federation of the Blind.

 

"Being blind is just the same, but different," Butler-Mitchell says in a
video that explains the project.

 

Earlier this month, Kellogg Co. executives speaking during a quarterly
conference call highlighted Rice Krispies Treats as a brand that is "really
on fire," so much so that it's having a hard time even keeping up with
production.

 

The Braille stickers were manufactured by Gallas Label. The audio boxes,
which can record a new message more than 1,000 times, were manufactured by
Americhip.

 

Kellogg Co. founder W.K. Kellogg went blind later in life. He also started
his namesake foundation, which among other outreach helps with resources for
children with disabilities in schools.

 

Krispr, the Kellog-focused unit of Edelman, was behind the project, with
Starcom providing media support. Leo Burnett/R24 also helped create the
"Love Notes" landing page and will be doing social on the campaign.

 

You can watch the video here:

http://creativity-online.com/work/rice-krispies-treats-love-notes-video/5515
6

 

And shared on NFBNet - 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

National Federation of the Blind Partners with Rice Krispies Treats 

to Create Braille "Love Notes" for Blind Children

 

Baltimore, Maryland (August 7, 2018): The National Federation of the 

Blind has partnered with Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats to create 

accessible "Love Notes" so parents can share messages of love and 

encouragement with blind children in their lunchboxes. The "Love 

Notes" are an accessible version of the writable wrapper on Rice 

Krispies Treats.

 

The new, accessible "Love Notes" are available in two forms: Braille 

stickers and re-recordable audio boxes. The "Love Notes" Braille 

stickers are heart-shaped to fit in the space on Rice Krispies Treats 

writable wrappers for written notes. Each Braille sticker sheet 

includes eight uplifting phrases in Braille for parents to share with 

their children, from "You've Got This" to "Love You Lots." The 

re-recordable audio box holds a Rice Krispies Treat and, when opened, 

plays a ten-second pre-recorded message. The audio box messages can 

be re-recorded over a thousand times, offering opportunities to share 

love and support throughout the entire school year. Every package 

sent to families will include a Braille letter explaining this 

program and a co-branded Braille alphabet card featuring Snap, 

Crackle, and Pop, along with information about the NFB's Braille programs.

 

Rice Krispies Treats came to the National Federation of the Blind to 

help create a back-to-school campaign that would intentionally 

include blind students. The first-ever "Love Notes" in Braille and 

audio are inspired by their work with many members of the Federation. 

A brand-new video, which will also be part of a YouTube ad campaign, 

features Emerie "Eme" Mitchell-Butler and her mom, Tabatha "Tabby" 

Mitchell, both active members of the National Federation of the 

Blind. The video demonstrates how Eme, an 11-year-old blind student, 

lives the life she wants and spreads love and friendship through her 

music. Kellogg worked closely with the NFB to ensure that the video 

was a positive and realistic portrayal of a blind student.

 

Information about the National Federation of the Blind will also be 

featured on the Rice Krispies website in an effort to let more 

families know about the support and programs we offer for families of 

blind children.

 

"The National Federation of the Blind is committed to helping parents 

raise blind children who are prepared to be confident, happy, and 

productive members of society," said Mark Riccobono, President of the 

National Federation of the Blind. "As a father of three children, I 

know that a parent's love and support are critical to every child's 

success, whether they are sighted, losing vision, or blind. We are 

therefore delighted to partner with Rice Krispies Treats, which we 

know shares our commitment to Braille literacy and our understanding 

that with love, hope, and determination, we can transform dreams into
reality."

 

"Kellogg as a whole has a larger connection to this cause with W.K. 

Kellogg losing his sight and continuing to work at the company full 

time for a number of years afterwards," said Jessica Waller, Vice 

President and co-chair of the Kapable Employee Resource Group at 

Kellogg. "Inclusion is in our DNA and is now shared through Rice 

Krispies Treats 'Love Notes.' Everyone is important, and we want each 

child to be able to feel loved, supported, and acknowledged."

 

To order "Love Notes" for your own child at no charge, visit 

https://www.ricekrispies.com/en_US/love-notes.html ; 

and join Rice Krispies Treats in sharing love and support this back 

to school season with the hashtag #SoMuchToLove on social media. 

Visit https://nfb.org/feelthelove to learn more.

 

**6 Shared by Be my Eyes

More Than A Smart Cane

For any white cane users out there, can you imagine getting turn-by-turn
directions from your cane? Or having the ability to detect objects with it?
Imagine no more, it's here! Young Guru Academy (YGA), a non-profit
organization founded in Turkey, cultivates leaders to realize the dream of a
brighter future for generations to come. One of the program's recent
graduates, Kürşat Ceylan, has developed WeWalk, an innovative take on the
white cane.

 

This smart white cane is able to detect obstacles that are above the chest
and head levels with its ultrasonic sensor. It also has its own app
available for both iOS and Android and connects via Bluetooth. Once
connected, users can customize their settings and manage third-party
application integrations, like Google Maps. WeWALK is an updated, smarter
version of the foldable white cane that can be integrated with smartphones.
As a product, WeWALK is a great gadget for blind folks who are also white
cane users, but beyond that, WeWALK is a literal step forward in
accessibility and independence.

 

Read more here:
http://blindnewworld.org/blog/not-just-a-smart-cane-raise-role-models/

 

**7 Shared from NFBNet

Dear Fellow Federationists:

 

This legislative alert focuses on the Access Technology Affordability Act
(H.R. 1734/S. 732). We are making good progress on this legislation and are
up to eighty cosponsors in the House and ten in the Senate. Also, the Joint
Committee on Taxation (JCT) is actively working to determine the annual cost
of the bill, colloquially known as the bill's "score." We are hoping to have
this score before the Labor Day break. A low score combined with support
from JCT will substantially increase the likelihood of the bill's passage.

 

All of this means that now is the time to work extra hard to build cosponsor
support for both H.R. 1734 and S. 732.

 

Therefore, please call or email your representative and ask him or her to
cosponsor H.R. 1734 and call or email your two senators and ask them to
cosponsor S. 732.

 

When you call or email, you might say something like the following:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your
senator/representative]. I live in [city, state]. I am calling to urge [your
senator/representative] to cosponsor [S. 732 for Senate calls/H.R. 1734 for
House calls], the Access Technology Affordability Act. This bill would
increase the availability of access technology thereby increasing
educational and employment opportunities for all blind Americans. The bill
does this by creating a tax credit for the purchase of access technology.
The bill has wide cosponsor support with eighty cosponsors in the House and
ten in the Senate. I urge [your senator/representative] to cosponsor the
bill. Thanks."

 

Also, please check the list at the end of this email for the current list of
Senate and House cosponsors listed alphabetically by state. You do not need
to call anyone on this list, unless you would like to call them and thank
them for their cosponsorship.

 

The House of Representatives is currently on recess so you may want to
consider scheduling an in-person meeting in the district to discuss this
topic. If you are in a meeting, you will want to go into more detail but
calls and emails do not have to be very long. The key points to mention: the
bill number, that you are a constituent, and that you urge the member of
Congress to cosponsor the legislation.

 

You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard
and asking for the office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you
email your representative or senators, please copy me at JPare at nfb.org
<mailto:JPare at nfb.org>  .

 

It is critical that we move on this quickly, so please strive to make your
calls and send your emails as soon as possible.

 

Warm regards,

John Paré

National Federation of the Blind

 

**8 From the Chicago Lighthouse

2018 Scholarship Speaker Promotes Self Advocacy

2018 Scholarship Keynote Speaker John Gordon is shown with the plaque
featuring the bronzed shoes he made famous from his Chicago to Springfield
walk.

He is optimistic about their future, but encourages them to be greater
self-advocates and to consider careers in the technology area.

 

That is the message John Gordon, chief of the Illinois Bureau of Blind
Services, shared with students who are blind and visually impaired during
the 2018 Chicago Lighthouse Scholarship Award Ceremony on July 21st. The
event, celebrating the second largest scholarship program in the nation,
honored outstanding students who are blind, visually impaired and disabled,
pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in a broad array of fields.

 

"There are so many opportunities today for young people who are blind thanks
to innovations in technology," he observes.  "Technology is really leveling
the playing field," adds Gordon who lost his own vision in a drive-by
shooting back in 1980 when he was just 18 years old.

 

There is no question that enhanced technological developments have opened
doors that were previously closed to those of us who are visually impaired,"
he states. "Despite this progress however, there are still few young people
who are blind pursuing careers in technology-related fields."

 

Noting how important relationship building is to launching a successful
career, Gordon urged students to "network like crazy" and get involved with
blindness-related organizations like the National Federation of the Blind,
American Council of the Blind and other groups.  "Those organizations can
provide important resources in employment, education and other areas
critical to a young person just starting out."

 

Gordon also praised The Chicago Lighthouse for providing scholarship awards
to deserving students and for its other innovative services.

 

"We can't say enough good things about The Lighthouse," he says, pointing to
the strong support that first Jim Kesteloot and then his successor, Dr.
Janet Szlyk, gave to the Blind Vendors Program, which places individuals who
are blind in concession areas operated by government agencies, companies,
prisons, schools and others.

 

While acknowledging that much progress has been made overall in the
recruitment and hiring of individuals who are blind, visually impaired and
disabled, he observes that much more needs to be done.

 

Asked if we need another Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to push the
employment issue forward, he replies:  "I don't think we need another law,
what we do need is better compliance to make sure that the existing
legislation is doing what it was intended to do," Gordon says, adding "that
is why this year's graduating class needs to get involved in the political
process and engage with pro-disability organizations to help ensure that our
interests are protected."

 

"Even if we're not always invited to the party, we should be ready to crash
it to make our voices heard!" he maintains.

 

Gordon, a northwest side resident, practiced what he preached back in 2004
when he literally walked the 200 miles from Chicago to Springfield to
showcase the need for more support for the Business Enterprise Program.  His
effort was successful, resulting in adoption of a New Blind Vendor Act that
gave priority to vendors who are blind at all state properties.

 

"As a token of their appreciation, my colleagues gave me an engraved plaque
and bronzed the shoes that I walked to Springfield in" he laughs.

 

**9 From ProChef Smart Brief

Blind chef achieves his career goal and helps others with disabilities

By Anna Patty August 22, 2018

 

Ian Edwards thought his career as a chef was over after he lost his sight
three years ago. "There were weeks and weeks of feeling lost and confused,"
he said. "Every day I sat at home, and what do you do, I couldn't do
anything." But he knew he wasn't ready to give up the job he loved.

 

Eventually, Mr Edwards contacted the disability service Ability Links NSW
which helped him make connections in the local community which led to him
setting up his own restaurant.

 

Not only is the Blind Chef restaurant in the Hunter region doing a roaring
trade, it is hiring other people with disabilities and helping train
aspiring chefs who have lost their sight.

 

Mr Edwards, 57, who has very blurred vision said the Ability Links program
put him in touch with the Boolaroo Bowling Club in Lake Macquarie where he
now runs the bistro.

 

"It's taken off from there. I thought it was going to be a little slow club
but it's been really busy," he said. He has employed two young workers who
are legally blind to work with him in the kitchen. One works on Tuesdays and
Saturdays and the other will start work next week.

 

Mr Edwards will train the new recruits. He says he only needs to
occasionally seek a second opinion when cooking something like a chicken
breast, to check it is cooked through. "Nobody can move anything, because I
know exactly where everything is," he said.

 

In 2015 Mr Edwards was getting spots in his eyes and discovered he had a
detached retina, diabetes and a condition which attacked the optic nerve. "I
think it was a combination of all three that did this job on me," he said.

 

He was a head chef at a restaurant when he lost his sight and told he had to
give up his work. NSW Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams said the
Ability Links program which supports people with disabilities and their
families connect with employment and education opportunities had initiated
more than 1,220,000 community connections.

 

There are 347 Ability Links co-ordinators, known as Linkers, in NSW who try
to help people with disabilities achieve their career and education goals
using community networks. The program is free and requires no formal
assessment process. "Mr Edwards is a true success story," Mr Williams said.
"His commitment to not only support himself but also help other people with
disability gain employment is admirable."

 

**10 This week on Eyes On Success:

1832 How Blind People Use Ride Sharing Services (Aug. 8, 2018)

For various reasons, people who are visually impaired may feel reluctant to
use ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. Hosts Nancy and Peter
Torpey talk with Chris Simek and Michelle Plunkett of the Texas A&M
Transportation Institute about their research into ride sharing services for
the visually impaired and how the experience can be improved

 

1833 Samplitude Music Production Software from Magix (Aug. 15, 2018)

Samplitude is a sophisticated music production program from Magix that is
now accessible using JAWS with specially developed scripts. Hosts Nancy and
Peter Torpey talk with Steve Spammer about how he and a community of blind
individuals connected with Tom Wolf from the Magix development team and
worked together to make this possible.

 

The audio and show notes can be found at:

www.EyesOnSuccess.net <http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>  and the podcast can
be found on iTunes, TuneIn radio, and iHeart radio.  You can now listen to
Eyes On Success on your Amazon or Google smart home device by saying ?play
Eyes On Success podcast?.

 

Check out Eyes On Success (formerly ViewPoints) A weekly, half hour audio
program for people living with vision loss. Find out more about the show and
get links to past episodes at: www.EyesOnSuccess.net
<http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/>  

Find the podcast on iTunes or use the URL: www.EyesOnSuccess.net/eos_podcast
<http://www.eyesonsuccess.net/eos_podcast>  

 

**11 From AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for July 2018

Seeing AI (iOS, Free)

Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you. Designed for the
blind and low vision community, this ongoing research project harnesses the
power of AI to open up the visual world and describe nearby people, text and
objects.

 

Optimized for use with VoiceOver, the app enables you to recognize:

 

Short Text - Speaks text as soon as it appears in front of the camera.

Documents - Provides audio guidance to capture a printed page, and
recognizes the text, along with its original formatting.

Products - Scans barcodes, using audio beeps to guide you; hear the name,
and package information when available. (works with iPhone 6 and later)

People - Saves people's faces so you can recognize them, and get an estimate
of their age, gender, and emotions.

Scenes (early preview) - Hear an overall description of the scene captured.

Currency - Recognizes currency notes. (Requires iOS 11)

Color - Identifies color.

Handwriting - Reads handwritten text like in greeting cards

Light - Generates an audible tone corresponding to the brightness in the
surroundings.

Images in other apps - Just tap "Share" and "Recognize with Seeing AI" to
describe images from Mail, Photos, Twitter, and more.

Photo browsing experience - Describes photos on your phone

 

Current Version: 2.3 (July 21, 2018)

Changes in Version 2.3

Seeing AI now lets you browse photos on your phone, including hearing
descriptions of the objects, people, text, and location. We appreciate your
early feedback as we continue to develop this feature. Select "Browse
Photos" from the menu.

 

Optimized performance when recognizing photos shared from other apps.

Now available in 18 new countries, bringing availability to 70 countries:
Albania, Ghana, Iceland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar,
Macedonia, Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Sierra Leone, South
Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.

 

Read <https://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/utilities/seeing-ai>  Seeing AI's
AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit
<https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai-talking-camera-for-the-blind/id99
9062298?mt=8&at=11l4LS>  Seeing AI's App Store page 

 

**12 NAMA Advocacy Roundup: July 2018

Dear Members,

 

NAMA's fourth annual Fly-In cemented the event's status as a must-attend for
members across the country. Building on the successes of previous years, the
2018 event included nearly 300 registered attendees from more than 35
states.

 

The Fly-In featured a meeting with EPA leadership and industry cold vending
machine manufacturers on the topic of the refrigerant transition, and a
discussion with an FDA senior advisor on the agency's strategic plan related
to food labeling and content, all culminating in a full day of Congressional
meetings.

 

On Capitol Hill, NAMA members met with more than 230 Congressional offices.
Attendees briefed Congressional offices on the Economic Impact of the
Convenience Services Industry, discussed an FDA Calorie Disclosure proposal,
and outlined opposition to the Commercialization of Rest Stops. Specific to
Calorie Disclosure, attendees sought signatures from legislators on a
bipartisan - bicameral letter to the FDA supporting the agency's recent
proposed regulation finalizing Front-of-Pack Calorie font size. To date,
several senators and representatives have agreed to sign on to the letter -
a huge win for the industry!

 

Below is a wrap-up of the hot-button issues confronting the industry at both
the state and federal levels. 

 

Sincerely,

The NAMA Government Affairs Team

 

**13 From Vending Market Watch

Washington State Voters Determine Whether To Ban Soda Tax

AUG 7, 2018

This November the people of Washington state will vote on whether local
governments should be allowed to place new taxes on soda and other items,
according to local KOMO News. The Secretary of State's Office certified
initiative 1634, which would appear on the ballot. Supporters of the
initiative submitted over 380,000 signatures last month, which was far more
than needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot.  

 

The measure would not prevent the state from imposing taxes on sodas or
other sweetened beverages but would prevent cities and counties from
imposing bans.  

 

Supporters of the ban say it would hurt low-income and working class
families the most. The opponents say cutting down on sugary drinks will help
lower diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This ban, if put into effect,
would not affect the ban in Seattle imposed earlier this year. The Seattle
ban raised $4,446,000 in its first three months, which was nearly a million
dollars more than predicted. 

 

Those supporting I-1634 raised more than $6 million combined. Companies that
contributed include The Coca-Cola Co., giving nearly $3 million, PepsiCo,
Inc. contributing more than $2 million and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.
giving nearly $1 million.

 

**14 From Vending Market Watch

Fresh, Healthy Vending Machines Are A Hit In Chicago AUG 17, 2018

The windy city has a new favorite fad: vending machines carrying healthy
items, specifically salad, according to Fox 32. One of these companies,
Farmer's Fridge, has found that Chicago has been a great location for its
salad vending machines. As more and more consumers are looking for healthy
options, salad vending machines are becoming a popular choice for airports,
universities, offices, and other locations.  

 

The idea of salad coming from a vending machine has been concerning to some
consumers, with things like contamination in mind, but the success of this
vending machine has outweighed consumer concerns.  

 

Salad vending machines, as well as vending machines offering healthy options
have given consumers the opportunity to purchase food that they believe is
better-for-you. The rise of vending machines offering more and different
option offers consumers what they are demanding, while creating a new
segment of its own.

 

**15 From Vending Market Watch

Close the Deal! Selling A Micro Market In 2018

BY FIXTURELITE - SPONSORED CONTENT ON AUG 8, 2018 

What is the first question to ask any qualified micro-market prospect?
Should it be about the beverages, the food, or the pricing? "None of the
these," said Steve Orlando, an experienced operator of ten years who
co-founded Fixturelite, a leading supplier of micro- market retail displays,
seating and design features.

 

According to Orlando, the first question to a decision maker is simple:
"What is your vision for the break room and the micro-market?"

 

"Allow the client to set the table for you - to tell you exactly what is
important to them and confirm that design and function is a top priority in
the workplace of today," said Orlando. "More often than not, you will be
able to help the prospect define their vision with a clear follow up
question: "Do you agree then, as most of our clients do today, that the
breakroom needs to be something beyond a place to go to a snack or lunch -
that it needs to be a comfortable extension of the workplace that allows for
collaboration and creativity?"

 

Once the vision is established, the operator has an opportunity to take
control of the situation and focus on creating the environment that will wow
the prospect" said Orlando.

 

Today's most favored design elements include:

Dramatic LED lighting, using proven retail strategies.

Displays that showcase the products.

Comfortable seating and environments that promote interaction.

Our automatic facing system, for coolers, freezers and retail displays -
giving the impression of an attended market in an unattended environment.

 

"This is how Micro-Markets are being sold today, said Orlando. "While your
competition is focusing on the price of their products, you will have the
knowledge that food and beverage is the last issue to address, once the deal
is already closed. Facility Managers and especially HR Managers are truly
driven to give their employees a refreshment area that is not only
attractive, but also a place to relax, collaborate and refuel. Show them the
experience that their employees will enjoy, and the account will be yours
for the taking."

 

**16 From Business.com

How to Send Better Professional Emails and Texts

BY STACEY HANKE Business.com / Marketing Strategy / Last Modified: August
14, 2018

 

With the amount of emails and texts businesses send, it's critical to stand
out from your peers.

 

Consider the sheer volume of emails and text messages you send each day.
Have you ever considered the impact electronic messages have on your
credibility and ability to influence others?

 

Every message you send provides the chance to separate yourself from others
and ultimately grow your influence. Unfortunately, most professionals don't
stop to consider the impact these messages have on their reputation. They
assume only verbal interactions have consequences. As a result, they
carelessly communicate electronic messages that are easily misinterpreted,
thus damaging their influence. Our new world of business requires us to be
on top of our game in every interaction, regardless of whether it's
face-to-face, over the phone or within every electronic form of
communication.

 

Every professional is overwhelmed in areas of electronic communications. If
you want to be heard above the noise, you must consider how your messages
will impact the receiver and your influence on their decision making.  

 

Did you know 89 billion business emails are sent each day throughout the
world? The average corporate professional sends and receives between 105 and
125 email messages daily. That is an astonishing number of electronic
conversations, which surprisingly don't even include text messages.

 

When you start to consider the number of business-related text messages sent
as well, the number grows exponentially. A survey found that about 80
percent of people use texting for business. Other data suggests that than 33
percent of sales professionals admit to closing a business deal via text.
These studies illustrate how electronic communication methods have replaced
a tremendous amount of our verbal interactions in the workplace.  

 

Your ability to influence others to respond to your messages is based solely
on their past experiences in dealing with your electronic exchanges. Have
you stopped to consider if your emails are confusing? Perhaps your text
messages are long-winded or written in indecipherable acronyms. Worse still,
are you copying people on these messages who don't need to be a part of the
electronic dialogue? When you're guilty of these electronic sins, you
condition others to ignore your messages or postpone responding until they
have time to decipher what you're saying.  Poorly written email and text
messages put your influence at risk. If your messages aren't read, you can't
expect others to act upon what you have to say.  

 

It's natural for people to:

Assume messages are read, even when a response isn't received.

USE ALL CAPS to try to catch readers' attention.

Repeatedly follow up to ensure the reader received their first message.

Unfortunately, these responses further call your credibility into question
and irritate those you're trying to communicate with. To succeed in
business, we need influence, which requires our daily commitment, Monday to
Monday, to earn it.

 

Rise above the noise

Before pressing "send," consider how many emails and texts your reader has
received today. Then, begin to craft a message that rises above the noise
generated by others.

 

Send your message only to those who need to see it. Consider how many times
you've received an email that copies you, along with dozens of other people.
It's unprofessional and a waste of time. Do your homework to identify those
who really need to receive your message.

Specify why you're sending the message and the value your reader will
receive.

 

Less is more. Keep your message short and clear of filler words. Keep
everything within context and on topic. If your receiver is like most
professionals, they will appreciate your brief-and-concise messaging.

Use bullet points to express key points. 

 

Provide enough white space to avoid overwhelming your reader.

Only include an attachment when it is necessary and don't repeat the
information in the email if the attachment already explains.

 

Be clear and concise

Respect your reader's time. Use only bullet points to communicate key ideas,
recommendations and action steps. If in doubt, ask a trusted peer to
proofread the message and provide feedback on necessary edits.

 

Create a compelling subject line

Make your subject line the last piece you create before hitting "send." It
needs to grab your receiver's attention and create curiosity that compels
your reader to open the message. Consider how effective billboards grab your
attention; consider using this same concept.  

 

Refrain from forwarding

Every professional has received emails with so many forwards that they are
unable to find the original message.  Avoid being someone who takes the easy
road by simply hitting "reply to all." Pinpoint those who really need to see
the messages before you reply or forward. When you do respond, consider
whether the subject line still applies or if a new one is needed. 

 

Pick up the phone

Few things beat the impact of a face-to-face or voice conversation. Instead
of emailing everyone, consider picking up the phone. Even if you must leave
a message, you reduce the risk of miscommunication. You can follow up with
an email or text for clarification when necessary. If there is any doubt
about how your electronic message may be received, refrain from sending it.
Pick up the phone instead.

 

Always proofread

As soon as your message lands in your receiver's inbox, your reputation is
on the line. Take a moment to proofread your messages for grammatical and
spelling errors before hitting "send." If you're concerned about your
message's tone or possible perception, get someone else to proofread it
first.

 

Accountability Challenge

This week, before you hit "send," ask yourself, "Would I open this message
if I received it?" If the answer is "no," take time to make edits and
clarify your message. If you still struggle to compose a message that is
clear and concise, pick up the phone instead. These extra steps will
increase the likelihood that your reader will respond and act upon what you
say.

 

 

Thank you,

Kathy Ungaro

ICBV, Business Manager

(630)234-4444

 

Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors

53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 502

Chicago, IL 60604

 

 

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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