From JFreeh at nfb.org Sat Aug 1 20:10:42 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:10:42 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] National Federation of the Blind Files Complaint with Maryland Department of Education Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Melissa Riccobono, President National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (410) 235-3073 president at nfbmd.org Sharon Krevor-Weisbaum, Attorney (410) 962-1030 skw at browngold.com National Federation of the Blind Files Complaint with Maryland Department of Education Advocates Say Baltimore Schools Not Educating Blind Children Baltimore, Maryland (July 29, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind and its Maryland affiliate have filed a complaint with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and parallel state law by the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS). The complaint addresses systemic problems that prevent blind students in the BCPS from receiving a free, appropriate public education as required by law. Among other things, the BCPS has failed to: ? Properly assess students who are blind or have low vision to determine their educational needs; ? Properly train blind students in the skills of blindness, especially Braille and travel with a white cane; and ? Provide access to appropriate assistive technology, such as Braille printers, Braille note-taking devices, print magnification devices, and text-to-speech screen access technology for computers. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?Blind students can compete on terms of equality with their sighted peers and go on to lead productive and successful lives, but only if they are provided with an equal education. The National Federation of the Blind will do everything in our power to ensure that every blind child receives the educational services he or she needs to succeed, and that is why we have taken this action.? Melissa Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, said: ?Baltimore schools have produced blind students who are functionally illiterate, cannot travel independently outside of their homes, and do not possess other critical skills that they need to compete on an equal basis with their sighted peers. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has a responsibility to advocate for the needs of blind students, and we cannot and will not tolerate the failure of the BCPS to abide by state and federal law and provide these students with the education they need in order to live independent and productive lives. We hope that the BCPS will accept our proposals to expand and improve their programs for blind students and work with us to ensure that blind children in Baltimore receive the equal education to which they are entitled.? A press conference about this action will be held today at 1:45 p.m. in the Members Hall of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. ### No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.32/2266 - Release Date: 07/27/09 05:58:00 From JFreeh at nfb.org Sat Aug 1 20:53:30 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:53:30 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam Ends with March and Ceremony in Washington Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262- 1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam Ends with March and Ceremony in Washington NASA to Present Braille Coins That Flew in Space Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2009): Two hundred blind high school students and their mentors from across the nation will close out the second National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam in the nation?s capitol this afternoon. The students will begin their visit to Washington at 2 p.m. with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial followed by a march down the mall to the brand new Capitol Visitors Center, where the closing ceremonies of the Youth Slam will take place at 6 p.m. The closing festivities will include a presentation by the students about their week of scientific study, as well as a special presentation by senior officials of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA will present the NFB with two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars that flew aboard space shuttle Atlantis on its mission to the Hubble Space Telescope in May 2009. Astronaut Gregory H. Johnson will be among the dignitaries in attendance. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is thrilled that our second Youth Slam will conclude with a ceremony in our nation?s capitol and will feature a presentation by leaders in the field of space exploration. This is doubtless an experience that the Youth Slam students?and everyone involved with the Youth Slam?will never forget. This closing event will symbolize the belief of the National Federation of the Blind, and all of our partners in the Youth Slam, that blind people, like everyone else, have a spirit of adventure, a willingness to explore new ideas and new worlds, and a boundless capacity to imagine a future full of possibility." "I?m so proud of all the Youth Slam partners here today and the work you do every day, in every way. I?m also so proud of the students who?ve traveled from all over the country for a week of intense STEM training. You have so much to offer and deserve the opportunity to earn your stars in STEM fields. I am committed to making sure you have that opportunity," said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA. "I was proud to put $600,000 in the federal checkbook to support NFB's Youth Slam and to develop teaching and training techniques for the blind and visually impaired. I will continue to fight for federal investments in key programs like this one. # # # About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people?s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. From info at michaelhingson.com Sun Aug 2 22:54:26 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:54:26 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] KnfbReader Mobile pricing and seminar announcements Message-ID: Just before the NFB national convention I announced that the price for the KnfbReader when purchased from the NFB and The Michael Hingson Group was decreasing. Since there have been some questions about pricing after the convention I want to clarify that this price decrease is permanent so long as we continue to receive our present costs from our suppliers. The pricing is as follows: The Basic KnfbReader Mobile including software and the Nokia N82 phone, $1,370.00. Talks screen reader optional add-on when purchased at the same time as the Reader, $225.00. Talks screen reader when purchased at another time, $295.00. MobileSpeak screen reader purchased at any time, $295.00. WayFinder Access GPS option for the KnfbReader system, $395.00. NEW! Extended battery for the Nokia N82, $35.00. New! Bluetooth headset with ear buds, model BH-201, $50.00. New! Nokia Bluetooth headset with ear covers, $75.00. New! Nokia Bluetooth keyboard model SU-8w, $125.00. All prices are plus shipping and tax in California. If you have questions about the Reader or would like to order one please email me at info at michaelhingson.com and I will get back to you or have one of our NFB KnfbReader dealers contact you. Also, don't forget that the National Federation of the Blind has a %3 low interest loan program for those who need help in purchasing the Reader. I also want to ask if anyone would be interested in attending either an upcoming online audio seminar or a conference call teleseminar to demo the KnfbReader Mobile? If so, please email me off list at info at michaelhingson.com and tell me some times convenient for you to attend either demo and which one you would be interested in attending. Finally, over the summer many readers were sold at the various national organizational conventions. We are contemplating holding online or conference call training sessions to help people get started using their Readers. Please email me at info at michaelhingson.com if you would like to attend either kind of seminar. Please include times convenient for you to attend and which kind of seminar would be best for you. All seminars are free to everyone. I will announce the status of the seminars as soon as I get a sense from you about when and how to hold them. Please send this on to others whom you think might be interested in knowing more about the KnfbReader Mobile. Happy reading to all. Thanks for your attention and time. Best, Michael Hingson The Michael Hingson Group "Speaking with Vision" Michael Hingson, President (415) 827-4084 info at michaelhingson.com www.michaelhingson.com for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit: http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4296 (20090801) __________ From b.schulz at sbcglobal.net Sun Aug 2 15:38:23 2009 From: b.schulz at sbcglobal.net (Bryan Schulz) Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 10:38:23 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] KnfbReader Mobile pricing and seminar announcements References: Message-ID: <00da01ca1387$46adabe0$81794a0c@HP8730notebook> got this message on ten different lists. why isn't everyone automatically subscribed to nfb-announce when signing up for any of the other nfb net lists? why do people refuse to use nfb-announce/only send it once and why does the moderator allow bandwith to be wasted? Bryan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Hingson (by way of David Andrews)" To: Sent: Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:54 PM Subject: [Mabs] KnfbReader Mobile pricing and seminar announcements > > Just before the NFB national convention I announced that the price for the > KnfbReader when purchased from the NFB and The Michael Hingson Group was > decreasing. Since there have been some questions about pricing after the > convention I want to clarify that this price decrease is permanent so long > as we continue to receive our present costs from our suppliers. The > pricing > is as follows: > > The Basic KnfbReader Mobile including software and the Nokia N82 phone, > $1,370.00. > > Talks screen reader optional add-on when purchased at the same time as the > Reader, $225.00. > > Talks screen reader when purchased at another time, $295.00. > > MobileSpeak screen reader purchased at any time, $295.00. > > WayFinder Access GPS option for the KnfbReader system, $395.00. > > NEW! Extended battery for the Nokia N82, $35.00. > > New! Bluetooth headset with ear buds, model BH-201, $50.00. > > New! Nokia Bluetooth headset with ear covers, $75.00. > > New! Nokia Bluetooth keyboard model SU-8w, $125.00. > > All prices are plus shipping and tax in California. If you have questions > about the Reader or would like to order one please email me at > info at michaelhingson.com and I will get back to you or have one of our NFB > KnfbReader dealers contact you. Also, don't forget that the National > Federation of the Blind has a %3 low interest loan program for those who > need help in purchasing the Reader. > > I also want to ask if anyone would be interested in attending either an > upcoming online audio seminar or a conference call teleseminar to demo the > KnfbReader Mobile? If so, please email me off list at > info at michaelhingson.com and tell me some times convenient for you to > attend > either demo and which one you would be interested in attending. > > Finally, over the summer many readers were sold at the various national > organizational conventions. We are contemplating holding online or > conference call training sessions to help people get started using their > Readers. Please email me at info at michaelhingson.com if you would like to > attend either kind of seminar. Please include times convenient for you to > attend and which kind of seminar would be best for you. All seminars are > free to everyone. I will announce the status of the seminars as soon as I > get a sense from you about when and how to hold them. > > Please send this on to others whom you think might be interested in > knowing > more about the KnfbReader Mobile. Happy reading to all. Thanks for your > attention and time. > > > Best, > > > Michael Hingson > > The Michael Hingson Group > "Speaking with Vision" > Michael Hingson, President > (415) 827-4084 > info at michaelhingson.com > www.michaelhingson.com > > > for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit: > http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com > > > > > > > > > > __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus > signature database 4296 (20090801) __________ > > > _______________________________________________ > Mabs mailing list > Mabs at nfbnet.org > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mabs_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for > Mabs: > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mabs_nfbnet.org/b.schulz%40sbcglobal.net From PMaurer at nfb.org Thu Aug 6 15:58:58 2009 From: PMaurer at nfb.org (Maurer, Patricia) Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:58:58 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] How many children in America are not taught to read? Message-ID: ---------- From: Marc Maurer [mailto:outreach at nfb.org] Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 3:14 PM To: Maurer, Patricia Subject: How many children in America are not taught to read? The answer is 90 percent if the children are blind. Most Americans are shocked to hear this statistic. And we should be. The blind read and write using Braille, so why is our educational system failing to teach Braille to so many children? Why are these children being denied the opportunities that come with a proper education? What if you could not read and write? Where would you be today? There are three primary reasons for this educational crisis: (1) there are not enough Braille teachers; (2) some teachers of blind children have not received enough training; and (3) many educators do not think Braille instruction is even necessary. To bring critically-needed attention to this educational crisis, the United States Congress authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each coin going toward a revolutionary and comprehensive Braille literacy campaign. Learning to read and write is fundamental to education, which in turn is paramount to full and equal participation in American society. This coin, the first U.S. coin to have proper tactile Braille, symbolizes independence, opportunity, and the potential of blind people to make significant contributions to society when they are taught to read and write using Braille. To learn more, read our report The Braille Literacy Crisis in America, or watch our video Making Change with a Dollar. Please purchase this unique and beautiful coin now and help solve this educational crisis for blind children in America. The law authorizing this 2009 silver dollar requires that any coins not sold by midnight on December 31, 2009, be melted down. Time is of the essence--a 90 percent illiteracy rate is not acceptable and the opportunity to purchase this coin will soon be gone. Be part of the solution. Give the gift of literacy. Create new opportunities. Buy the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar today. Marc Maurer, President NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND From nabs.president at gmail.com Thu Aug 6 20:50:20 2009 From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Arielle Silverman) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 06:50:20 +1000 Subject: [Mabs] National Association of Blind Students August Bulletin! Message-ID: <85ff10070908061350n5a052accq4a4bd38e83104efc@mail.gmail.com> National Association of Blind Students >From the Desk of the President Thursday August 6, 2009 In This Bulletin: 1. Check out the NABS Website! 2. New NABS Board of Directors 3. Report on 2009 NFB Youth Slam 4. News from Across the Country: ? Southeast Regional Seminar, Aug. 14-16 ? Montana Student Campout: Aug. 21-23 ? BookShare Contest If you have any questions or suggestions for NABS, or if you no longer wish to receive these monthly newsletters, please contact: Arielle Silverman, President National Association of Blind Students Phone: 602-502-2255 Email: president at nabslink.org 1. Check out the NABS Website! Are you looking for college scholarships? Have questions about the college application process? Want to explore your options for blindness training? Want to chat with other blind students in your state or across the nation? You?ll find all these things and more on our Website! Just go to www.nabslink.org your one-stop shop for information and resources that will help you at every stage of your academic journey. 2. New NABS Board of Directors: On Saturday, July 4, at the NFB national convention in Detroit, the National Association of Blind Students elected a new board of directors. Each member of the board is responsible for co-chairing one of our NABS committees and also serves as NABS rep for one region of the country. Here is a list of all the NABS board members along with the committees they chair and the region that they represent. Feel free to contact any of these board members if you want to serve on one of the NABS committees or if you'd like some advice about student division building in your state. President: Arielle Silvouman Email: president at nabslink.org First Vice-President: Karen Anderson Committee: Student Slate Region: Eastern Seaboard; Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C. Email: Kea_anderson at cox.net Second Vice-President: Sean Whalen Committee: Student Slate Region: Great Lakes; Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois Email: smwhalenpsp at gmail.com Secretary: Janice Jeang Committee: Membership Region: Southeast; Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico Email: Janice.jeang at gmail.com Treasurer: Nijat Worley Committee: Fundraising Region: Mountain; Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Colorado Email: Nijat1989 at gmail.com Board Member: Isaiah Wilcox Committee: Fundraising Region: Southern; Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas Email: Iwilcox2011 at gmail.com Board Member: Meghan Whalen Committee: Website Region: Heartland; Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska Email: mewhalen at wisc.edu Board Member: Domonique Lawless Committee: Student Slate Region: Northwest; Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming Email: Dlawless86 at gmail.com Board Member: Darian Smith Committee: Membership Region: Southwest; Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico Email: dsmithnfb at gmail.com Website Co-Chair: Juan del Rosario Email: Blindrocker87 at gmail.com Listserv Chair: Jedi Moerke Email: blindjedi at clearwire.net 3. Report on 2009 NFB Youth Slam: I have just returned from the NFB's second Youth Slam, which was held at the University of Maryland July 26-31. Nearly two hundred blind high school students gathered to participate in challenging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities under the guidance and supervision of blind adult role models. The studenss were divided into eleven "tracks" that each specialized in a particular topic such as astronomy, computer science, forensics, engineering and exercise science. One group even got to drive a prototype of a car for blind drivers that's being developed by researchers at Virginia Tech University. You can browse real-time podcasts and blogs from the Youth Slam and find out more about what each track did by going to www.nfbyouthslam.org For me as a Slam mentor, a real highlight of the program came on the last day, when we embarked on a two-mile march through Washington, D.C. from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol building. At the beginning of the march, rain was pouring down on us, and we were all exhausted from a long and active week. As we marched, we repeated a series of spirited chants and cheers, including the mantra, "When someone tells us we can't do math and science because we are blind, we say, Slam That!" Despite our fatigue, aching feet and the pouring rain, we all shouted, "Slam That!" with energy and conviction. To me this represents the resilience of our members, and our collective defiance of the basic misconceptions about blindness that have all too often prevented us from reaching our potential. It is this defiance along with our creativity and imagination that, I believe, distinguishes the NFB and its student division from other organizations of and for the blind. I look forward to seeing the work that our Youth Slammers will do to make full access to math and science careers a reality for themselves and for those who come after them. 4. News from Across the Country: Southeast Regional Seminar, August 14-16: "U Improving U" Student Seminar Brought to you by the National Association of Blind Students, Southern Region. Hosted by the Georgia Association of Blind Students. Where: The Ramada Plaza, 100 1st street, Downtown Macon, Georgia When: August 14 to August 16, 2009 Who: All blind students from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee are encouraged to attend. What: There will be exciting topics such as: o Technology o Preparing for College o Fashion o Developing a Student Division o Career Development o NFB Philosophy o And Much Much More!!! To reserve your hotel room, call the Ramada Plaza at: (478) 746-1461 The registration fee is $20 for the seminar and $20 for the banquet. Pre-Register now before the deadline August 1st to receive a $10 discount. Go to www.nfbga.org/GABS/ to register. Come join us in an eventfull weekend that will inspire you to improve yourself personally. You will have opportunities to meet new people, be exposed to valuable information, and to have fun! For more information contact Isaiah Wilcox by phone (404) 291-7791 or by e-mail, iwilcox at nfbga.org Isaiah Wilcox President of the Georgia Association of Blind Students Phone: 404-291-7791 E-mail: iwilcox2011 at gmail.com Montana Association of Blind Students Campout, August 21-23: The Montana Association of Blind Students is Hosting a Student Campout From August 21st ? August 23rd, the Montana Association of Blind Students (MABS) will be hosting a Student Division campout. The campout will take place at a campground 12 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. The campout is free to Montana students; MABS is covering the cost of transportation, food, camping fees, and camping gear (if necessary). Students will be getting to the campground via Greyhound bus and by hired/volunteer drivers (thanks to Donna McCulloch, the Bozeman Chapter President, and her husband for volunteering to drive us around Bozeman). At the moment, there are seven people coming, including Dan Burke, the Montana state affiliate President. The purpose of the campout is to serve as both an informal gathering, as well as an organizational meeting in preparation for seeking formal recognition of MABS at the Montana state convention in October. If you are interested in attending the campout, or if you have any questions, please contact Jim Reed at (406) 371- 5047. Bookshare Contest for K-12 Students: Have you ever been really moved by a book? Has a character ever fascinated you? Bookshare wants to know, and so do other Bookshare readers! Through September 15, U.S. Bookshare Members in grades K-12 can participate in the Reader's Voice Contest and win some great prizes! Participants must download a new book in the months of August and September and write an online review of at least 100 words. To learn more about this exciting contest, visit this link http://bookshare.org/brochure/community/contest/readersVoice Best, Allison Hilliker Collection Development Associate WWW.Bookshare.Org E-mail allisonh at benetech.org -- Arielle Silverman President, National Association of Blind Students Phone: 602-502-2255 Email: nabs.president at gmail.com Website: www.nabslink.org From info at michaelhingson.com Fri Aug 7 20:44:03 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:44:03 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Free KNFB Reader Mobile Training Available Message-ID: LEARNING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF OPERATING THE KNFB READER MOBILE If you have a KnfbReader Mobile and need some help in perfecting your operating skills this email is for you. I sent out an email last week asking if people would be interested in participating in a teleseminar to give basic training on how to use the KnfbReader Mobile. I received many positive responses. Most of the emails asked for a seminar by conference call rather than through a pc conference room. We are pleased to make this happen. On Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 5PM Pacific time, 6PM Mountain time, 7PM Central time, and at 8PM Eastern time you are welcome to dial in and participate in a KnfbReader training session. Simply call (218) 486-1600. Then when the system answers dial the access code 881686 followed by #. Finally, please please announce your name as you enter the conference. This session is intended more for current users of the system rather than for people who are interested in buying one and who wish a full product demonstration. We will conduct demo conference calls later. If you wish a demo and still want to listen into this call you are welcome, but please realize that we will be dealing with subjects and information relating to how to use the Reader and not issues relating to simple demonstrations of the unit. For current users, this is intended to be a discussion and not a one sided lecture. I encourage discussion as there often is not one single way to handle a problem. If you have specific questions you wish answered during the call please feel free to email them to me before the conference. Please RSVP if you will be attending. I look forward to seeing you next Tuesday. Happy reading, Mike Hingson The Michael Hingson Group "Speaking with Vision" Michael Hingson, President (415) 827-4084 info at michaelhingson.com www.michaelhingson.com for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit: http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri Aug 14 16:14:21 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:14:21 -0400 Subject: [Mabs] NABSLink Under New Management Message-ID: Hello all, NABSLink, the official site of the National Association of Blind Students, is now under a new webmaster. Juan Del Rosario, who also serves as president of the Texas Association of Blind Students, will now be in charge of updating and maintaining the website with the assistance of NABS Board Member Meghan Whalen. For work on the website up to this point I want to Thank Peter Donahue and Angela Fowler for their technical assistance and editorial review. I also want to thank Terri Rupp for making it a point under her administration to see the website a developed product. No past NABS president cared enough about the website to see it through its completion, and even though there is still some work to be done on the site, I think anything that comes out of it going forward will be owed to the wisdom of the NABS board of 2007-2009. So here's to the upcoming phase of NABSLink, and may the results prove every bit as exhilarating as it was to launch it. Best, The Website Team "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4335 (20090814) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From nabs.president at gmail.com Sat Aug 15 21:02:35 2009 From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Arielle Silverman) Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:02:35 +1000 Subject: [Mabs] Jernigan Institute News Message-ID: <85ff10070908151402u528d3bb7o916b9dc364f45fae@mail.gmail.com> Graphic Logo: NFB Jernigan Institute ?View this newsletter as HTML in your browser. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=ewRDUwYfZCVhFGOjTmqWjA.. View last month's newsletter. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=OEO9C8iVBMLJ3KV6cDwITA.. Imagineering Our Future Issue 15 August 14, 2009 In this issue: Message from the Executive Director What's New Education Braille Initiative Straight Talk About Vision Loss Technology Talk >From the Jacobus tenBroek Library Independence Market Parent Outreach Spotlight on the Imagination Fund NFB Calendar Citation Message from the Executive Director Defining moments are often marked by unexpected events and the reaction of those involved in the events. ?On July 31 I stood at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., as hundreds of blind individuals gathered in front of the reflecting pool at the foot of the memorial. ?Hundreds of young blind people with high aspirations for their future were surrounded by dozens of blind mentors and other members of the National Federation of the Blind who have worked vigorously to create opportunities for this emerging generation. ?Music greeted the crowd with messages of "I have a dream," "Your story is yet unwritten," and "They say that the blind cannot do science and we say, SLAM THAT!" As the group gathered the wind picked up and the sky opened to a hefty downpour. ?Yet the assembled crowd, gathered to proclaim its dreams for the future and the first class citizenship that the Federation has been fighting for since 1940, did not let an unexpected rainstorm get them down. Greeted by words from the White House delivered by Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, lifted by NFB leaders Marc Maurer and Fred Schroeder, and given wings by the inspiring story of Ever Lee Hairston and the collective singing of "We Shall Overcome," the crowd bound tight together through wind and rain to demonstrate that the determination and commitment of the next generation is as strong as those that laid the foundation of the Federation. As the crowd turned east and marched down the National Mall, I could not help think about how far we have come, how important our work is, and how inspiring the future will be. ?As we walked, cheers came from all parts of the crowd, "Who are we . . . NFB," "We won't let them get us down," "We are marching, a march for independence," and dozens of other inspiring phrases. ?About halfway to the United States Capitol, some of the blind youth got the megaphone away from the NFB leaders at the front of the procession and took lead on the chants. The end point for the march was the new Capitol Visitor Center. Representative Steny Hoyer greeted the crown and drove home how important it is for the blind to believe in themselves and each other when getting the crowd to repeat, "If it is to be, it is up to me." NASA administrators then presented Dr. Maurer with the Louis Braille coins that flew on the STS-125 shuttle mission. ?As Dr. Maurer noted in the National Convention presentation Journey of Braille: From the Hands of the Creator to Earth Orbit , these coins are symbolic of our progress and the opportunities ahead. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=gYUl-Py88N5wPuzqCq0H0A.. This summer I marched with dozens of young blind people and I heard from them how much trouble they have in the education system. The sale of all 400,000 Louis Braille coins by December 31 is one step in creating opportunities that will eliminate many of those problems. ?I now have a deeper appreciation for the words Martin Luther King Jr. spoken at the memorial because I too have a dream. ?A dream that one day we will overcome the injustice in the education system and the societal stereotypes that prevent the blind from full participation in our communities. ?I feel truly blessed that, on July 31, I was able to be part of an historic step toward the realization of that dream--blind youth and their blind mentors facing adversity, taking responsibility for their future, and marching forward with hope and faith. ?That is both the dream and the reality that serves as the foundation for the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute Featured NFB News Blind Driver Challenge makes cover of the Washington Post Blind Driver Challenge makes cover of the Washington Post We've reported in the past about NFB's encouragement of the development of a car that blind people can drive. Engineers from Virginia Tech who took on the Blind Driver Challenge brought their prototype vehicle to the Youth Slam, and on the last day of the Slam, Blind Driver Track participants got behind the wheel. ?Resulting press was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. ?More stories are still being posted, but a most exciting piece was published in the Washington Post on August 1, as Youth Slam participants were traveling home. ?The cover article, above the fold, proclaimed that ?"Blind Drivers Plot Their Own Course" and included a color photograph of one exuberant sixteen-year-old blind first-time driver. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=oOQqP5f0ZsCxhCGJBbVZQQ.. WashingtonPost.com's article was accompanied by a video and photo gallery. Just some of the other notable coverage came from the Discovery Channel, the http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=SAA79qDOwMs2YtiiVH2h4g.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=un7cllhUX7ToAkvyzm-N0g.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=exdDaNe_CR12z_nWD9LbcQ.. New York Times http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=3VQ65cVIAUVfTQbsfGn9wA.. , and ABC News. Dozens more blogs, videos, and print media reports stimulated comments, tweets, and offers to help. ?It's a great first step toward changing public perceptions that motoring independence is impossible. Someday the blind will drive. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=znKCpG3kjMhL646maHqjgw.. Education National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam >From July 26 to August 1, two hundred blind youth from across the nation gathered in College Park, Maryland, to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math at the National Federation of the Blind 2009 Youth Slam. ?This program was designed to engage, inspire, and encourage the next generation of blind youth to consider careers that are falsely perceived as impossible for the blind. ?The students were mentored by blind role models for academic and social activities. Youth Slam bull rider Youth Slammer rides mechanical bull In the daytime program, students and mentors traveled across the large University of Maryland campus to participate in hands-on classes in their chosen "track" of study and other short sessions on blindness. ?During the evenings, they participated in social activities such as a dance, a sports night, a talent show, and an extreme recreational activities night that featured rock climbing, bungee jumping, and mechanical bull riding. They visited the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore for a press conference on the Braille literacy crisis. ?While at the National Center for the Blind, they had the opportunity to see the International Braille and Technology Center and to visit an exhibit hall that displayed cutting edge technology for the blind. The Youth Slam concluded with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial (punctuated by an exhilarating rainstorm!) and a Youth March for Independence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Youth Slam's closing ceremony was held at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, in the new Congressional Auditorium. ?National Federation of the Blind leaders, NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson, and Congressman Steny Hoyer gave inspirational speeches. Students were also involved in the presentations--Caitlin Kasalo, who sang the National Anthem to kick off the ceremony, and student reporters Derrick Tuff and Kayla Weathers. ?The Youth Slam could be followed on Twitter, and ongoing blog and podcast coverage was posted on blindscience.org by the Youth Slam News Track. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=fz0Ky18fEh9Yc9BwFAOgQA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=xImt3WnQrkd5sMeAfml1Wg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=C_dCvpARS2-GNSTxRVWrHg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=bswZpRvNHgxaFBSumcQcqg.. Throughout the week of fun and challenging activities, students grew in confidence and science literacy and began to set goals for a new future. These students are now a part of the mission to change what it means to be blind. Summer BELL Ringers!! The NFB Jernigan Institute is just concluding its 2009 Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) summer program. ?The objective of this two-state pilot program was to promote Braille literacy through two weeks of exciting hands-on activities and instruction to low-vision children, who otherwise do not have access to Braille. The BELL program provided us some bell-ringing moments in that we gained some valuable knowledge and exposed more children to Braille and positive attitudes about blindness. The BELL Core Team included three certified teachers of the blind: Jacqueline Otwell (Maryland Public Schools), Natalie Shaheen (Indiana School for the Blind), and Paul Howard (Indiana Public Schools). The team spent a couple of weeks working at the National Center on "packaging" the lesson plans and activities with the intent that a ready-made program can be offered to states in the future. Following this, the team traveled to Georgia for two weeks instructing children in the Atlanta area. ?After a brief stint at the NFB Youth Slam, the team began the second program in Maryland for students from the Baltimore area. In both pilot states, children attended field trips to local libraries, participated in Braille learning centers with hands-on activities to teach skills of tracking and contraction recognition, participated in Braille-related scavenger hunts, and were read to each day by positive Braille reading adults. The BELL program is a great way to get Braille instruction to students who otherwise are not receiving this instruction. ?We encourage states interested in organizing such a program next summer to contact the Education team at the NFB Jernigan Institute to learn more. mthorpe at nfb.org Braille Initiative In a recent e-mail, Dr. Maurer poses the question, "How many children in America are not taught to read?" ?His message continues: The answer is 90 percent if the children are blind. ?Most Americans are shocked to hear this statistic. ?And we should be. ?The blind read and write using Braille, so why is our educational system failing to teach Braille to so many children? Why are these children being denied the opportunities that come with a proper education? ?What if you could not read and write? Where would you be today? There are three primary reasons for this educational crisis: (1) there are not enough Braille teachers, (2) some teachers of blind children have not received enough training, and (3) many educators do not think Braille instruction is even necessary. To bring critically-needed attention to this educational crisis, the United States Congress authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each coin going toward a revolutionary and comprehensive Braille literacy campaign. Learning to read and write is fundamental to education, which in turn is paramount to full and equal participation in American society. ?This coin, the first U.S. coin to have proper tactile Braille, symbolizes independence, opportunity, and the potential of blind people to make significant contributions to society when they are taught to read and write using Braille. ?To learn more, read our report The Braille Literacy Crisis in America http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=mkVMxgOYY-1LpMx5Ui84rg.. or watch our video Making Change with a Dollar http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=_l3SzZwFN_Fa9Bz9TrjnzA.. . Please purchase this unique and beautiful coin now http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Vlyjc1iryEVnvCLc-e6njw.. and help solve this educational crisis for blind children in America. The law authorizing this 2009 silver dollar requires that any coins not sold by midnight on December 31, 2009, be melted down. ?Time is of the essence--a 90 percent illiteracy rate is not acceptable and the opportunity to purchase this coin will soon be gone. Be part of the solution. Give the gift of literacy. Create new opportunities. ?Buy the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=XdpclzH6ZO8rhoMd0B88Pw.. today. Marc Maurer, President NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Dr. Maurer knows that the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar is a symbol of hope for the future. The National Federation of the Blind will use the proceeds from sales of these limited-edition coins to advance Braille literacy in the United States. Every coin sold reminds us that through our efforts another life will be changed, another Braille book will be made available, another teacher will receive quality Braille instruction. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=LKz2QTWryvxdy2Gmyt4fmA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=fofUyWpaSjifuNe4jieqZw.. Please continue to support our efforts by sharing information about the coin with everyone you meet. You never know who you might inspire to join us in our effort to make change with a dollar and finally put an end to the Braille literacy crisis. For more information about Braille, the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, and the NFB's other Braille literacy efforts, please visit Braille.org, join the literacy campaign mailing list, and follow Braille Literacy on Twitter. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=VYBVlbW03xbFEGnm4-LFjA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Mj9_7-CF_aCqLeamPbIHPw.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=0HhKJMNJJ1WRUVW-oDl_EQ.. Straight Talk About Vision Loss Dr. Maurer delivers 2009 banquet address Photo: Dr. Maurer delivers 2009 banquet address The NFB Jernigan Institute, under the National Center for Mentoring Excellence (NCME) project, has produced a 13-minute DVD entitled http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=9XAJt-F7Q_SAMiSuuL3wWQ.. Walking the Walk: The NFB Mentorship Advantage. This video highlights the mentoring programs in six states and illustrates how blind mentors have impacted the lives of blind youth ages 16-26. The NFB Jernigan Institute invites our Straight Talk About Vision Loss fans to review the new video and learn more about the NCME on the NFB's Mentoring home page. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=bUwyFf_4AYTCrhRSC8Cc9g.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=TRWEJk2yI0EkhLJcejbO6w.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=L8DwAphgns_r0YTIRYwGrQ.. You will also enjoy the video of Dr. Maurer's banquet speech at this year's national convention, The Value of Decision. ?Plus, you can now hear audio of 2009 convention highlights on the NFB site, including Mark Riccobono's "From the Center of History" report to the convention on the Jernigan Institute's fifth anniversary. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=UknySvTT6EvY5DI-WcmRRQ.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=sd7D66LPp4PQsDiManmqNg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Akwy3qOue4Fr2FjrFtpvvQ.. Product and Access Technology Talk It's been a busy time for the Access Technology team here at the NFB Jernigan Institute. There was the Access Technology seminar at the National Convention in Detroit, and then during Youth Slam the team did its bit with tours and sessions--you can expect further updates on that on the AT blog. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=OyrvgVXShy8G-mfgTUEEeA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=lLwVL7jeY1HW7EYtJDqE2w.. On another topic, the team has been working away at finalizing the agenda for the Web Accessibility Training Day on September 22. The National Federation of the Blind and the Maryland Technology Assistance Program, with sponsorship from the Maryland Department of Information Technology, will be hosting the event, the first of its kind in Maryland, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. The sessions will highlight strategies for achieving Web accessibility in a government or nonprofit setting. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=OzdXGmltExtQ3KrTdWgs6Q.. The registration fee for this daylong training focusing on all aspects of Web accessibility and compliance with Maryland laws and regulations is $80, including a box lunch. Our keynote speaker is Shawn Lawton Henry from the World Wide Web Consortium, and the line-up includes speakers from every part of the industry, including Oracle, Adobe, AOL and Deque. For the agenda and for more information please visit the Web Accessibility Training Day page. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=n7kmbWgqrscIGECN9VWkIQ.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=8jhbg6ToX2IVif-UAU2U_A.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=YEGe0X_yKIWtjupT51QcIg.. One company which takes nonvisual Web accessibility to heart is Newegg, which just recently became the first e-tailer to come under NFB Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification. Newegg, as one of the largest online retailers, sets the industry standard and shows that accessibility is a benefit. For more information please visit the press release or the article on http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NyQf6OZ6JLtwirtsO6aWHg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=V8heBf-bg2EcS1G_oslFIw.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=zH8ImHholhJ4wFsUjR4b6Q.. Internet Retailer. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=tgAqirVIo_k7iIJTbo-iBw.. The fall only gets busier, with presentations on DAISY production and cell phone accessibility at the Assistive Technology Industry Association conference in Chicago in October 2009. In November, the team will present to a variety of higher education accessibility specialists at the Accessing Higher Ground conference in Denver, Colorado, along with Blackboard and Deque Systems, on the work being done to make Blackboard Learn? fully accessible. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=Ip3lURFl9hfhCk8_HRauQg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=l1AHWcZQQdKjL8L5_RBvcg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=UTxKXHDMNTU5AYxQ63fZPA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=lvD6o9V0G6mOxGKZw3MOZg.. In its copious free time, the team also shared some experiences with the newly-accessible iPhone on the blog; after all, who can resist a nifty new phone? http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=BjEVwkReS8V6eSYS1I2bwA.. >From the tenBroek Library Photo: Jacobus tenBroek Library entrance The tenBroek Library documents the accomplishments of the blind throughout history as well as obstacles to their progress. ?We are therefore actively collecting biographies of blind people, histories of the blind, and older books on blindness and the blind. ?Once we announce the public launch of our online public access catalog (which will happen before the next issue of Imagineering), Federationists and others will have direct access to the growing historical resources of our collection. ?Meanwhile, we are already hard at work on the two important historical projects funded by a grant the NFB Jernigan Institute recently won from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, a division of the United States National Archives. ?The goal of these projects is to make material in the Jacobus tenBroek Papers and the NFB Archives easily searchable and accessible. While we work at making of the tenBroek Library an increasingly valuable resource for historians of blindness, we also want readers of Imagineering to keep in mind that the Federation has published a number of historical articles, many of which are already available online. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=1bN9fifP3IQNpFkk_7y80g.. And speaking of history, have you yet obtained your free copy of the CD of Louis Braille's 1829 book? ?With this CD, the tenBroek Library is making Louis Braille's revolutionary explanation of the Braille code generally available for the first time in history. ?The CD contains page images of the book, a transcription of the French text, and a translation into English. ?You can request a copy with an e-mail to jtblibrary at nfb.org . Make sure to include a mailing address. Independence Market Little girl doing homework on a Brailler Little girl doing homework on Brailler It is time for the NFB Independence Market "back to school" sale. ?Students of all ages may find some of the following items of use in their academic studies and extracurricular activities: http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=RwKK9tkueEE1H85rkkwgDw.. Personal Management 1. A white cane gives a blind person independence to move around the home and school environment. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=cgwWtGOmsFxBc9V0uHMH9A.. 2. A Braille or talking compass aids navigation. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=k8z9n5IoDzA1rVfLMFr2tA.. 3. An accessible watch or clock helps you to get to class on time. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=DueOgVF2k9UYMP9Ea-Pkww.. 4. Accessible locks keep your items secure when using a locker at school or the gym. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=05tSJLTmEQ3rAeeRoSs7QA.. 5. Most students have several devices which use batteries. Distinguish between discharged and new ones with a battery tester. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=DoLv_u0gyy4VUtp3mVwEWw.. 6. Handheld magnifiers ranging from 5X to 14X are available in the Independence Market. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=V9oV9vIyQtkmKHQP9fsqTQ.. Study Aids 1. Do basic math functions with a calculator or abacus. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=VzJdL7cdvrWe5EEueZ6Kbg.. 2. Listen to books and record classes. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=rQlw7JrTEx87vxiIH2YXVw.. 3. Take notes in class using 20/20 pens, dark lined writing paper, writing guides, slates and styluses, and Braille paper. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=jT25-8ObiN865XN3sZP_8A.. 4. Make Braille labels to get organized. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=GofI_IP2jrCEeH7Ka8hhJQ.. For more ideas, check out the Independence Market online or contact us for a catalog. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=a8KMtvtaQo_hK3zJOfJwgg.. independencemarket at nfb.org Parent Outreach Photo: Braille Book Flea Market Carol Castellano, president of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, spoke to the National Convention's general session on Wednesday afternoon on the topic "Why Are You Trying to Make that Child Blind?" ?This and the following other convention audio items will be of particular interest to parents of blind children: http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NvfEhyahXTpdMVJpHEvwOA.. Spotlight on the Imagination Fund As we culminate our yearlong Imagination Fund efforts, we want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for all of the talent, treasure, and especially time that you have put into our 2008-2009 National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Imagination Fund campaign. To date, the NFB Imagination Fund has distributed over $635,720 to NFB affiliates, with an equal distribution going to support the work of our NFB Jernigan Institute, and this year's NFB Imagination Funds will come out to state affiliates soon. A special note to state affiliates and divisions--A quarter of the funds raised during this year's campaign will be used to provide grants for local innovative projects that will further our mission in ways such as building the NFB state affiliates and divisions, reaching out to blind people and their families, educating the general public about the capabilities of the blind, and developing members into significant leaders of our movement. Special consideration will be given to proposals that advance our Braille literacy initiative. ?For more information regarding the grant application process, please contact the president of your affiliate or division soon, as the deadline to submit applications is September 14, 2009. The 2009-2010 campaign officially began on August 1, 2009. ?Late summer and early fall will be a time of great planning and development. ?As Federationists, we will have many goals; we will raise the bar. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months--whether we walk, run, or fly, we will be doing it to raise awareness about our independent spirit and to raise monies to support our initiatives. ?As always, staff at the National Center will be available for questions, ideas, and suggestions. kbowman at nfb.org The Imagination Fund provides support for the outreach efforts of local Federation chapters and affiliates throughout the United States as well as the research, technology, and education programs and initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute. The http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=gkjPnwMpwvWafg4cMyuiTA.. Imagination Fund was established January 2004 with the Grand Opening of our NFB research and training institute. NFB Calendar Photo: Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar 2009 ?Year of Louis Braille's Bicentennial, launch of the first United States coin containing readable Braille, and kickoff of the NFB Braille Literacy Campaign. Contact the http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NjQamSsFAK9mJK52GYqqtw.. U.S. Mint to purchase your own Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=T7oO5YpPteO4jHcV_e6cNg.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=UMpmUVTN6i2UoVJ55uoEpw.. August 3-14, 2009 ?Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program in Maryland. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=AQGHLFI2eZG-EZv_E4pYKw.. August 14-16, 2009 ?Texas CHANGE (Connections Helping Another Navigate and Gain Excellence) Mentoring Program mentoring wrap-up event at Port Royal Resort, Corpus Christi, Texas. August 22, 2009 ?GEMS (Georgians Empowered through Mentoring Success) mentoring celebration outdoor event at a farm in North Georgia. August 28, 2009 ?Deadline to submit your Braille story to Letters to President Obama. ?Learn more by visiting http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=AEQ4V46sgzr0EcY1oWs6dg.. . http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=4yJXCGdFVZSawOZ7ymWubw.. September 4-6, 2009 ?Labor Day leadership seminar at the NFB. September 14, 2009 ?Deadline to submit NFB Imagination Fund grant proposals. For more information, contact kbowman at nfb.org. September 15-17, 2009 ?Research in the Rockies Symposium at the NFB Jernigan Institute. September 22, 2009 ?Web Accessibility Day at the NFB Jernigan Institute. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=bSBUB1jN6D5DOTfanfqsgA.. October 2009 Meet the Blind Month. Citation Many who have not received quality instruction in Braille can tell compelling stories of missed opportunities and difficulties at school or on the job arising from their lack of Braille. Others who have experienced a full education in Braille can tell stirring success stories of the way literacy has changed their lives and helped them to participate fully in society. Our goal is to collect these stories--the inspiring and the compelling, the positive and the negative--and compile them into a book about Braille literacy. >From the submissions we receive we will select one hundred of the most powerful stories for our book, and the author of each chosen testimonial will receive a free Louis Braille commemorative silver dollar. If you have been educated in Braille either in school or through a rehabilitation agency and you lead a productive life because of this knowledge, or if you have been denied Braille instruction at any point and you believe your life has been affected by the struggles you have faced in becoming literate in Braille, the world needs to hear your story. If you are a parent or teacher who has seen the positive effect Braille can have on your children or students, your story needs to be told. On October 1, the first day of Meet the Blind Month, we will present our collected stories to President Barack Obama, demonstrating through our own voices the power of Braille literacy for all blind Americans. We will share our hopes and dreams with him; we will tell him about the struggles we have faced in becoming literate and the success that has come from our knowing Braille. Through our personal stories we will show him that Braille provides independence to blind people and makes us free.... By reaching out to the highest office in the United States, we can teach President Obama about the critical link between Braille and independence. If we can enlist his leadership, we can insure a brighter future for Braille literacy. We need your help in sending this message. To add your story to our collection, please send it by August 28 in print or Braille to Letters to President Obama, c/o National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one. You can also submit your story online by visiting http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=KPB7IbB9cOt1gbgBWAlfCg.. and clicking the link entitled Letters to President Obama. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=MI6Er462yQ5mt5Gouyy0vw.. --Fredric K. Schroeder, "Dear Mr. President," http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=zFTA3PqWbkMHQRQkb--Yxg.. Braille Monitor, July 2009 I've always wondered why they include braille numbers on drive-up ATM machines. Now I know. --Comment http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=nCLY3_tdrGguCt1fD-uaDQ.. to New York Times article on the Blind Driver Challenge, "Helping Blind Drivers Take the Wheel," August 5, 2009 http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=RJwP8nHeCruiDCNDr54HQw.. Back to Top #Top Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute's Imagineering Our Future. Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail Photo: Group on white water raft Support the Jernigan Institute through the Imagination Fund http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=zfYcU8rx507NURhm2NdqTg.. Photo: Young woman playing flute Interesting links: Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=zfVezWHYYRKcA-Dk106w5A.. National Center for Blind Youth in Science http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=BcvRGNhPuDxXjzMGoTZ35g.. Access Technology Tips http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=d-UCHwb5ubJt5abofylytg.. Photo: Youth practicing martial art Blogs: Access Technology http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=40PInOROxMhmy8xu5AV-6g.. Voice of the Nation's Blind http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=NyxtXGM-OD2tlG773x0C8A.. Photo: Senior couple Publication archives: Voice of the Diabetic http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=SnZlOidWeWqVwzjTP6aT6g.. Future Reflections http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=KkquHcv_C3dEuvN2r9cDJQ.. Braille Monitor http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=K9onxM0DV1eCrDFfMdwfvA.. Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind Visit us at nfb.org http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=tKRoJTW61zN8iErP8szvGg.. Photo: Blind little girl with cane Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 659-9314 ? ? ?Fax (410) 659-5129 ? ? ?E-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future Visit us at www.nfb.org http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=-0a9aogl13dHSOZIbSt1pA.. Better Business Bureau logo American Institute of Philanthropy logo The National Federation of the Blind meets the rigorous Standards for Charity Accountability set forth by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and is Top-Rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy. Forward this newsletter. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=H4XbDypkeXMH8sppUB1UOA.. If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe, please e-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org. JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future To unsubscribe from all future email, paste the following URL into your browser: http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/CO?i=OgIpTkB4zC-cAMHokLpCRNlzMeK4MXf7&cid=1061 Quick Reply To: Arielle Silverman More Reply Options Send Save Draft Include quoted text with reply ? Back to Inbox Archive Report Spam Delete More Actions... Go 1 of 33 Older?? Get new mail notifications. Download the Gmail Notifier. Learn more You are currently using 48 MB (0%) of your 7359 MB Last account activity: 7 minutes ago at this IP (75.71.67.148). Details Gmail view: standard | basic HTML Learn more ?2009 Google - Terms - Gmail Blog - Google Home -- Arielle Silverman President, National Association of Blind Students Phone: 602-502-2255 Email: nabs.president at gmail.com Website: www.nabslink.org From nabs.president at gmail.com Mon Aug 17 16:40:58 2009 From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Arielle Silverman) Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:40:58 +1000 Subject: [Mabs] Free RFBD Memberships Now Available! Message-ID: <85ff10070908170940j73e6e70dvaf57bd3c3a8fe74f@mail.gmail.com> Hello students: For a limited time, you can obtain an individual membership to Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFBD) for free and gain unlimited access to their collection of textbooks and other materials! For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.rfbd.org/membership-individual.htm -- Arielle Silverman President, National Association of Blind Students Phone: 602-502-2255 Email: nabs.president at gmail.com Website: www.nabslink.org From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net Mon Aug 17 21:25:42 2009 From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:25:42 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Blind Missourian Summer 2009 Issue on Web Site Message-ID: <000501ca1f81$48520ee0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn> Good afternoon everyone, The Summer 2009 Issue of The Blind Missourian is now available on the NFB of Missouri Web Site: http://www.nfbmo.org The direct link is: http://www.nfbmo.org/blind_missourian/blmo_2009_sr.shtml All issues are available to view online or can be downloaded in ASCII, Rich Text, and in Microsoft Word Formats for offline reading. All the best from Mary and I for a great federation year. Peter Donahue "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." Will You Come to the Bower Traditional Irish Folk Song From dandrews at visi.com Wed Aug 19 02:07:29 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:07:29 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Help Make A Difference in the education of Blind Students Message-ID: If you are ready to help make a difference in the education of blind students, then this message is for you! This fall, the National Federation of the Blind is going to kick-off an exciting new program designed to attract both perspective and current teachers into the field of blindness education. Specifically, we need volunteers for the following roles-- *Presenters: As a recruitmentPresentor, you will work with your local universities to make presentations to teacher candidates. We will provide you email templates that you can use to establish a university contact, a few presentation format options that you can easily customize to complement your personal style, and additional materials that you can use to promote this outstanding career. Blindness Education Mentors: Blindness Education Mentors serve as a local resource to teacher candidates. Your main role is to establish a connection between the future teacher and the National Federation of the Blind. Parents of blind children, current or former teachers of blind students, and others who are passionate about the education of blind children are encouraged to become mentors. Career Fair Recruitment Representatives: For this role, we need individuals who would be interested in promoting this teaching option at college, high school or community career fairs. For each of these opportunities, you will receive strong support from our national office. We will provide you training, professional outreach materials, ready-to-use presentation outlines, and related support. This project has the potential to revolutionize blindness education. Please consider lending your time and talents to ensuring that the next generation of blind students receives a first-class education! For more information on how you can make a difference, please contact Rosy Carranza at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2283, or via email at rcarranza at nfb.org. From qmsingleton at comcast.net Sat Aug 22 17:34:00 2009 From: qmsingleton at comcast.net (Quintina M. Singleton) Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:34:00 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo Louis Braille Commemorative Coin Message-ID: The next Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo internet radio program scheduled for this coming Wednesday August 26 at 8:00 PM EST is dedicated to the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. Mr. Ruffalo will be interviewing very special guests Dr. Fred Schroeder and Ryan Strunk. In addition to learning more about what these beautiful coins represent, we will also be provided with more information regarding the various ways we can all participate in the promotion and support of the revolutionary Braille literacy campaign. To listen to the program via telephone, please call 1-605-475-6333, access code: 833520. To access the show online visit www.thruoureyes.org/jaws.html The call in number for anyone interested in asking a question during the interview is 1-888-572-0141 From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Aug 25 14:58:05 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:58:05 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] National Federation of the Blind and Blind Social Security Beneficiary File Complaint with Social Security Administration Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind and Blind Social Security Beneficiary File Complaint with Social Security Administration SSA's Inaccessible Web Site Discriminates Against the Blind Baltimore, Maryland (August 24, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading advocate for equal access by the blind to information technology, and Margot Downey, a blind Social Security beneficiary from Buffalo, New York, filed an administrative complaint today with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The complaint asserts that the SSA's Web site violates Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act because it is inaccessible to blind people who use text-to-speech screen access technology or Braille displays to access information on the Internet. Because of the inaccessibility of the SSA Web site, blind people cannot fill out forms and questionnaires on the site or access information about their benefits. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "In an age where the Internet is a part of everyday life, blind people must have equal access to the information and resources provided on the World Wide Web. In particular, the United States government has a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the information it provides on the Internet is equally accessible to all Americans, including the blind. The National Federation of the Blind demands equal access for blind Social Security beneficiaries and will tolerate nothing less." Margot Downey, a blind Social Security beneficiary from Buffalo, New York, said: "As an active and productive blind individual, I depend on the Internet to access and update all kinds of information, including the Social Security and Medicare benefits I receive. I hope that the Social Security Administration will take swift action to correct the accessibility problems with its Web site so that blind Americans like me will have equal access to the valuable information the SSA Web site contains." Complainants are represented by attorneys Daniel F. Goldstein and Allison L. Harper of Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, 120 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, (410) 962-1030, fax: (410) 385-0869, dfg at browngold.com, ah at browngold.com, www.browngold.com. ### From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Aug 25 21:49:28 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:49:28 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Unable to Read or Write, New High School Graduate Details Struggle Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Unable to Read or Write, New High School Graduate Details Struggle Baltimore, Maryland (August 25, 2009): Denzel Ferges graduated from high school on June 6. But when he was asked to address a gathering of students on July 29, he had to memorize his speech rather than reading it. Denzel does not have enough vision to read print effectively, and he was not taught to read Braille. For all practical purposes, he graduated from high school unable to read. ?I wish that I could be reading my remarks to you in Braille, but I am not able to do so because I was not given the opportunity to learn Braille in school,? Ferges told an audience of two hundred blind students and their mentors gathered for the National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam, a summer science academy for blind high school students. ?So with that being said, I have to seek further training to learn Braille and other important blindness skills.? Denzel is not alone. In fact, nine out of ten blind children in America?s public schools do not know and are not being taught how to read and write using Braille. But reading Braille, especially when learned at an early age, is just as effective as reading print. Braille is also the only system that allows blind people to write and to read what they have written with speed and efficiency. That is why the National Federation of the Blind wants to make sure that young people like Denzel graduate from high school with the ability to read and write, and that every blind child in America and every adult losing vision is given the opportunity to learn Braille. But blind Americans need your help to address the crisis in Braille literacy. Congress authorized the minting in 2009 of 400,000 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to mark the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809?1852) and to support the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind?the nation?s leading advocate for Braille?to promote literacy among blind Americans. This unique and beautiful commemorative coin is the first U.S. currency to feature tactile, readable Braille. These coins will no longer be available after December 31, 2009. Today the National Federation of the Blind is kicking off a national campaign in which its affiliates in each state (plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and over seven hundred local chapters will sell 100,000 coins by November 1, 2009. A portion of the money from sales of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will be used to support the NFB?s ?Braille Readers are Leaders? campaign, a national initiative created to double the number of blind children learning Braille by 2015, improve certification standards for teachers of Braille, and conduct innovative programs to support Braille literacy. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?The Braille Readers are Leaders literacy campaign and the sale of these beautiful Louis Braille silver dollars are among the most important initiatives the National Federation of the Blind has ever undertaken. The education of tens of thousands of blind children across the nation and the successful rehabilitation of adults who are losing vision depend on our success. We are asking all Americans to help us in ensuring literacy, education, productivity, and success for every blind American by purchasing a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar today.? Those interested in ordering a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar should visit www.braille.org or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, visit www.braille.org. ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people?s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net Mon Aug 31 20:14:17 2009 From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue) Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:14:17 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] 2010 NFBmO Scholarship Application on Web Site Message-ID: <002801ca2a77$9eccd7e0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn> Good afternoon everyone, This is to notify you that the 2010 National Federation of the Blind of Missouri Scholarship Application is now available on the affiliate Web site home page: http://www.nfbmo.org All the best. Peter Donahue "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered. And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you." Will You Come to the Bower Traditional Irish Folk Song