From carrie.gilmer at gmail.com Sun Mar 1 01:26:00 2009 From: carrie.gilmer at gmail.com (Carrie Gilmer) Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:26:00 -0600 Subject: [Mabs] Braille Books Needed! Message-ID: Greetings All, Everyone knows by now we are celebrating as never before: The year of Braille! At convention we will have our annual Braille Book Flea Market. No where else can blind kids go into a "store" and browse for books to their hearts delight, and get them shipped home to their front doors. The room is electric with their excitement every year. I am asking all members and friends to please help make book choices available like never before. Donate a new book to the flea market! You can buy a book from National Braille Press.org or Seedlings.org and send it to the address Peggy Chong will post in the near future. Or maybe you have an embosser and want to make a book, we'll take that too! Last year we had a dire need for good books for teenagers, 13-18. Girls wanted Love Stories and Mysteries, Guys wanted Sci Fi and action adventure. Don't forget the Classics like the Count of Monte Cristo or The Three Musketeers or new hot ones like the Twilight series. Nothing replaces a good ol' hard copy to curl up with and for building reading speed. We had books for teenagers but many were very old or the titles were more like textbook topics than leisure reading. Not to say they were not appreciated, but I think you know what I mean. We will take books for any age. The touch and feel early board books can be easily adapted by adding sticky Braille by many members. Have it be a chapter project! Help us make this the Best Flea Market ever by giving every kid a great choice of new and gently used books to choose from! Flea Market book questions should be directed to Peggy Chong at: peggychong at earthlink.net. Thank you One and All! Reading is Fundamental and Braille Readers Are Indeed Leaders! Carrie Gilmer, President National Organization of Parents of Blind Children A Division of the National Federation of the Blind NFB National Center: 410-659-9314 Home Phone: 763-784-8590 carrie.gilmer at gmail.com www.nfb.org/nopbc From newmanrl at cox.net Sun Mar 1 16:20:26 2009 From: newmanrl at cox.net (Robert Newman) Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:20:26 -0600 Subject: [Mabs] Deadline Coming for Writing Contest! Message-ID: This is a notice for all you writers. I've asked that this message be placed in everyone's inbox, because writers can be found everywhere. Respectfully yours, Robert Leslie Newman, NFB Writers' Division President (See you in Braille) NFB Writers' Division Writing contests For Both Youth And Adults The Division wants to give you a heads-up. For all you writers, youth or adult, beware there is less than a month left before the deadline to submissions of poetry and/or fiction short stories for our annual writing contests. The opening date has come and gone, but the closing date (Post Marked) of April 1st is coming soon. See all requirements below: Youth Writing Contest The NFB Writers' Division is hosting a Youth Writing Contest to promote Braille literacy and excellence in creative writing. Entries will be judged on creativity and quality of Braille. We are looking for creative writing, in the form of fiction and poetry. There is no charge for entering. This is a contest for students who use Braille. Entries must Be submitted in hand embossed Braille, either on a slate and stylus or on a Braille writer. No computer Braille entries will be considered. Submissions must be Brailled by the entrant. Elementary students (K-5) may submit contracted Braille, uncontracted Braille, or an acceptable combination of the two. Students in higher grades will be expected to submit stories or poetry in contracted Braille. There are six categories, as follows: Elementary Fiction; Elementary Poetry; Middle School Fiction; Middle School Poetry; High School Fiction; High School Poetry. Elementary is K-5. Middle School is 6-8. High School is 9-12. The contest began back on January first, and will end postmarked date April first. There will be three cash prizes for each of the six categories. First prize per contest is $25. Second prize is $15 and third prize is $5. Submissions for fiction may not exceed one thousand words. Poetry may not exceed twenty lines. Authors may submit multiple entries and all work must be original and unpublished. Each entrant must provide an identical print copy for possible publication. Entries must be accompanied by a cover sheet containing entrant's information: Name, address, phone, email, title of the entry, school and grade of entrant. Winners will be announced at our division meeting during the July 2009 NFB National convention held in Detroit, Michigan. Send to Fred Wurtzel, 1212 N Foster, Lansing Michigan, 48912. Adult Writing Contest The NFB Writers' Division's writing contest for short fiction and poetry for adults has also been open since January 1st, and will also be closing Post Marked April 1st. Prizes for adults are higher then for youth - Top prize for each contest is $100, second $50, and third $25. Winners of this contest will also be announced at our division meeting in Detroit. Fiction: short stories can be up to 3,000 words and can be of any genre. All work must be original and previously unpublished. If you wish to submit- You are required to send a cover sheet with title of all entries, name, address, phone and email (if available). A second requirement , is please have your documents double spaced and if you are sending it hardcopy, it cannot be handwritten. The cost for submission of a single story is $5.00. You can send either a check or money order made out to the NFB Writers' Division. You have two choices for submission: First is the traditional method of sending hardcopy and check, and if you do so, send it to Tom Stevens address- 1203 S. Fairview Road, Columbia MO 65203. The second method is to email your writing and cover letter to cthls at earthlink.net And for payment for electronic submissions check our web site and see if we have PayPal by then URL http://www.nfb-writers-division.org Or, if you need to snail-mail the check, use Tom's address in choice one. Poetry: Entrants are invited to submit original poetry of up to 36 lines. If you wish to submit- You are required to send a cover sheet with title of all entries, name, address, phone and email (if available). A second requirement , is please have your documents double spaced and if you are sending it hardcopy, it cannot be handwritten. The cost is $5.00 for up to 3 poems and you can send either a check or money order made out to the NFB Writers' Division. You have two choices for submission: First is the traditional method of sending hardcopy and check, and if you do so, send it to Lori Stayer, 2704 Beach Drive, Merrick NY 11566. The second method is to email your writing and cover letter to LoriStay at aol.com And for payment for electronic submissions check our web site and see if we have PayPal by then URL http://www.nfb-writers-division.org Or, if you need to snail-mail the check, use Lori's address in choice one. President NFB Writers' Division Robert Leslie Newman Email- newmanrl at cox.net Division Website- Http://www.nfb-writers-division.org From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Mar 3 22:47:27 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:47:27 -0600 Subject: [Mabs] Larry Shepherd to Serve as National Ambassador for Braille Literacy 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 Larry Shepherd to Serve as National Ambassador for Braille Literacy Baltimore, Maryland (March 3, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's leading advocate for Braille literacy, announced today that Larry Shepherd, executive director for the American Numismatic Association, will serve as a National Ambassador for Braille literacy. As an ambassador, Shepherd will help advance the NFB's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be released on March 26, 2009, in recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to have Mr. Shepherd as part of this historic initiative to bring Braille literacy to all of the blind children and adults in America who need it. As the executive director of the American Numismatic Association, Mr. Shepherd will be an invaluable asset in reaching out to the large community of coin collectors to share his belief in Braille literacy. There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind. Despite the undisputed value of Braille, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it. Society would never accept a 10 percent literacy rate among sighted children; it should not accept such an outrageously low literacy rate among the blind. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, with the support of influential Americans like Mr. Shepherd, will reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation's blind." Mr. Shepherd said: "I am honored and pleased to serve as a National Ambassador for the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign. It is very exciting to be a part of a commemorative coin release that has the power to change lives, and I am eager to help the National Federation of the Blind in its mission to improve the lives of blind children and adults throughout the country through the power of Braille literacy." For more information about the Braille Readers Are Leaders campaign and the Louis Braille commemorative coin, please 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. About the American Numismatic Association The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach programs, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org. From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Mar 3 22:58:49 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:58:49 -0600 Subject: [Mabs] National Federation of the Blind President to Deliver Keynote Address at Notre Dame's Blindness Symposium 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 President to Deliver Keynote Address at Notre Dame's Blindness Symposium Speech will Address Education and Civil Rights for All Americans Baltimore, Maryland (March 3, 2009): Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, will give the keynote address at the Notre Dame Disability Studies Forum's blindness symposium. The symposium will be held at the University of Notre Dame on March 6, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The Notre Dame Disability Studies Forum is hosting speakers from arts-based and technology-based disciplines to discuss the culture and technology surrounding blindness and low vision. The symposium will also feature a technology fair running concurrently with the conference and highlighting products that blind people can use. "I am honored to give the keynote address at this influential symposium conducted by my alma mater. With the increasing use of electronic textbooks, Web-based instruction, and other technology in the classroom, it is critical that educators consider how all aspects of the educational system can be made accessible to all students including the blind. Only 10 percent of all blind children are currently learning to read and write using Braille. Our educational system is failing these students and this issue must be addressed immediately. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on these crucial subjects to this prestigious gathering." Attendees of the symposium will get to see firsthand a brand-new, highly affordable navigational aid called AdapTap that blind swimmers can use to keep their bearings in a swimming pool. The National Federation of the Blind awarded the project a 2008 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award for outstanding and innovative achievements in the blindness field. Both the academic conference and the technology fair will be open at no charge to the general public. For more information about the symposium, please e-mail BlindnessSymposium at gmail.com. For more information on the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.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 info at michaelhingson.com Thu Mar 5 17:52:09 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:52:09 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] KNFB Reader Mobile to be demonstrated on Tek Talk Training this Saturday, March 7, 2009 Message-ID: KNFB Reader Mobile to be demonstrated on Tek Talk Training this Saturday, March 7, 2009 Tek Talk Training special time Saturday March 7, 2009 This Saturday Michael Hingson, Director of National KnfbReader Mobile Sales for the National Federation of the Blind will demonstrate the exciting KnfbReader Mobile Reader product line for the blind and learning disabled - featuring the first cell phone that reads and translates print into voice. The knfb Reader Mobile is a major advancement in print access for the Blind. The software, delivered on a multifunction cell phone, allows the user To snap pictures of any printed material and have it read aloud immediately. The first of its kind, the pocket-sized device allows individuals to Have print analyzed and read aloud in real time and in real life situations. The latest version is now able to read in a variety of languages Including French, German, Dutch, Belgian Dutch, Italian, and Castilian. Additionally, the software is able to translate between languages, displaying and reading aloud translated text. Contact: Michael Hingson Email: info at michaelhingson.com 888-965-9191 Date: Saturday March 7, 2009. Time: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 P.M Pacific, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 P.M. Mountain, 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 P.M. Central, 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern and elsewhere in the world 18:00 and 21:00 GMT. Where: Tek Talk Conference Room at: http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2 Or, alternatively, http://www.accessibleworld.org names on the sign-in screen. We will record at least one of the events and put it on Michael Hingson's web site http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com so if you are unable to participate live at the above times then you may download the presentation or podcast from the website listed above. All online interactive programs require no password, are free of Charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a Computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience. If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms. Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at the Accessible World website: http://www.accessibleworld.org Media Contacts for Accessible World: Robert Acosta, Chair, Planning Committee 818-998-0044 Email: boacosta at pacbell.net <http://us.mc836.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=boacosta at pacbell.net Web: http://www.helpinghands4theblind.com George Buys CEO. Talking Communities Email: buys at talkingcommunities.com <mailto:buys at talkingcommunities.com We wish to thank the Accessible world for permitting us to use its conference room for these demonstrations of the KnfbReader Mobile. The Accessible World, a division of Vision Worldwide, Inc. a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them. 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 http://michaelhingson.com/images/knfbReader-michael_hingson.jpg -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 16fb5c.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3059 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jsorozco at gmail.com Sat Mar 14 00:36:53 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:36:53 -0400 Subject: [Mabs] Grant Opportunity Message-ID: <371FFB5398514FE5AE18A0C58F86287C@Rufus> I hope a representative from every state student division will submit a proposal for this program. If I look at the final list of applicants and see one of you missing, I'll call you out on it publically for being lazy. If you have questions about the program, call or write to me. Joe Orozco "A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."--Max Lucado Youth Service America's (YSA), YSA's National Youth Council (NYC) and State Farm Companies Foundation are excited to offer Dollars for Change Grants, as part of YSA's Global Youth Service Grants. YSA's NYC will select the grantees: youth ages 12-25 who will collaborate with a teacher or service-learning coordinator. The awards are up to $2,000, and will support high-impact, semester-long service-learning projects. The selected youth-led projects will engage a minimum of 100 young people in service, demonstrate Youth Voice and youth leadership in all aspects of the decision-making process, and address compelling issues across the United States and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Upon successful completion of projects and evaluations, grantees will become eligible to compete for the prestigious Harris Wofford Youth Award in 2010, and be recognized as a YSA Service Star. To learn more, download an application and grant guidelines at http://www.YSA.org/awards Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2009. __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3936 (20090313) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From dandrews at visi.com Sat Mar 14 14:01:43 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:01:43 -0400 Subject: [Mabs] Urgent Legislative Alert on the Silent Car Legislation Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: Hartle, Jesse To: undisclosed-recipients: Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 3:38 PM Subject: Urgent Legislative Alert on The Silent Car Legislation Fellow Federationists: We continue to move forward in ensuring the success of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, H.R. 734. Currently 89 members of the House of Representatives are listed as cosponsors of this legislation (please see below for the current list of cosponsors). Earlier this week Congress passed the Omnibus Appropriations Act. Included in that legislation was funds for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the problem addressed by H.R. 734 and report to Congress. If Congress feels it is important enough to appropriate funds for this study, Congress should also direct NHTSA on how the study should be carried out. I encourage you all to call your member of the House of Representatives and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 734 which would do just that. Democrats will want to contact Congressman Towns's office, while Republicans will want to contact Congressman Stearns's office. The contact in Congressman Towns's office is Emily Khoury, and James Thomas is the contact for Congressman Stearns's office. The number to the Capitol switchboard is (202) 225-3121. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I will do my best to answer them. I have listed my contact information below. Thank you all for your continued hard work on this important issue. Sincerely, Jesse M. Hartle Government Programs Specialist NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2233 E-mail: jhartle at nfb.org Cosponsors of HR 734 Congressman Towns, Lead Sponsor Alaska Congressman Young Arizona Congressman Grijalva Congressman Pastor Arkansas Congressman Boozman California Congressman Berman Congressman Filner Congresswoman Harman Congresswoman Lee Congresswoman Matsui Congressman Rohrabacher Congresswoman Linda Sanchez Congressman Stark Congresswoman Tauscher District of Columbia Congresswoman Norton Florida Congressman Bilirakis Congresswoman Brown Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen Congressman Stearns Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz Georgia Congressman Bishop Congressman Lewis Guam Congresswoman Bordallo Hawaii Congressman Abercrombie Congresswoman Hirono Idaho Congressman Minnick Illinois Congressman Davis Congressman Gutierrez Congressman Hare Congressman Jackson Congressman Roskam Congresswoman Schakowsky Indiana Congressman Carson Iowa Congressman Boswell Congressman Braley Congressman King Congressman Latham Congressman Loebsack Louisiana Congressman Alexander Congressman Melancon Maryland Congressman Ruppersberger Congressman Van Hollen Massachusetts Congressman Capuano Congressman McGovern Congressman Neal Congressman Tierney Minnesota Congressman Ellison Congressman Oberstar Congressman Peterson Congressman Walz Mississippi Congressman Taylor Missouri Congressman Carnahan Congresswoman Emerson Nebraska Congressman Terry Nevada Congresswoman Berkley New Hampshire Congresswoman Shea-Porter New Jersey Congressman Sires Congressman Rothman New York Congressman Hinchey Congresswoman Lowey Congresswoman Maloney Congressman Nadler Congressman Rangel Congressman Serrano North Carolina Congressman Jones Congressman McIntyre Congressman Price Ohio Congressman Driehaus Congressman LaTourette Congressman Ryan Oregon Congressman Blumenauer Congressman DeFazio Pennsylvania Congressman Brady Congressman Carney Congressman Doyle Congressman Fattah Congressman Holden Congressman Kanjorski Puerto Rico Congressman Pierluisi Tennessee Congressman Cohen Texas Congressman Neugebauer Congressman Sessions Vermont Congressman Welch Virginia Congressman Moran Congressman Wittman Washington Congressman McDermott West Virginia Congressman Mollohan Congressman Rahall Wisconsin Congresswoman Moore Congressman Petri From jsorozco at gmail.com Wed Mar 18 00:36:49 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:36:49 -0400 Subject: [Mabs] NABSLink Management Announcement Message-ID: <1D6FA31008D64E2AB3E2F65489F83E39@Rufus> Hello students, This is just a brief notice to alert you to my resuming primary management of the NABSLink.org web site until June 30. As you know, NABSLink.org is the main online channel of communication for the national student division, and from this point forward all questions and concerns should be forwarded to me. What you may not know is that I am a busy guy, and so while I may not respond to your request post haste, I hope to be able to find willing volunteers to help carry the site to its second phase and help field requests. For me the first order of business is creating space for student divisions that do not have a presence online. If you have a web site, please send me the URL so that we may link to you from NABSLink. If you do not have a web site, web page or anything online, send me a message with your phone number and best time to call. We'll talk about how we can best set you up with a page on our site. If the information listed on the State Contacts section is incorrect, please alert me of this. In the next few weeks I will set up a teleconference inviting interested volunteers to step forth and share a little of their time and talent. Until then, let's get this thing moving! Joe Orozco "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 3937 (20090314) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From MThorpe at nfb.org Thu Mar 19 17:48:23 2009 From: MThorpe at nfb.org (Thorpe, Mary Jo) Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:48:23 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] NFB Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference Message-ID: National Federation of the Blind Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference May 8-9, 2009 The NFB Jernigan Institute is holding an innovative Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference in collaboration with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and various resources in the field of early childhood from across the mid-Atlantic region. This two-day conference will bring together families of blind children ages birth to seven, early childhood providers, teachers, and professionals in order to disseminate the NFB's approach to best practices in early childhood education for blind children. Families of blind and low vision children ages birth to seven who live in the Mid-Atlantic region are encouraged to attend. Families who live outside of the mid-Atlantic region are also welcome to attend if they so desire, but should be aware that some of the exhibits and information will be region-specific. Various organizations and programs within this area will be present for consultation and to provide presentations to families on what resources are available in their state children are encouraged to attend with their parents as there will be activities for young blind children in mind. Please complete the online registration form or print the registration form (Word) and submit this by April 15, 2009. This can be found at http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Beginnings_Blueprints.asp You can also learn more about the conference at that site. For more Information please contact Mary Jo Thorpe, Education Programs Specialist, NFB Jernigan Institute, at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407. MThorpe at nfb.org From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu Mar 19 21:14:12 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:14:12 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Braille Literacy Campaign 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 Governor Martin O'Malley to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Braille Literacy Campaign Baltimore, Maryland (March 19, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation?s leading advocate for Braille literacy, announced today that Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley will serve as an honorary co-chair of the NFB?s Braille literacy campaign. As a co-chair, Governor O'Malley will help advance the NFB?s Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be released on March 26, 2009, in recognition of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809?1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to have Governor O'Malley as part of this historic initiative to bring Braille literacy to all of the blind children and adults in America who need it. As the respected governor of the fine state of Maryland, home to the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind, Governor O'Malley will be an invaluable asset in reaching out to the citizens of Maryland to share his belief in Braille literacy. There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind. Despite the undisputed value of Braille, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it. Society would never accept a 10 percent literacy rate among sighted children; it should not accept such an outrageously low literacy rate among the blind. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, with the support of influential Americans like Governor O'Malley, will reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation?s blind.? Governor Martin O'Malley said: ?I am honored and pleased to serve as an honorary co-chair of the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign. I have worked with the National Federation of the Blind many times, and I truly believe in its mission to bring literacy to all blind children and adults. Blind people have the same right to literacy as everyone else and I am eager to participate in the campaign to accomplish this mission.? For more information about the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign and the Louis Braille commemorative coin, please 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 jbeasley at jb11.net Fri Mar 20 14:31:20 2009 From: jbeasley at jb11.net (Jeremiah Beasley) Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:31:20 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] NFB of Wisconsin Convention ONLINE Message-ID: Greetings! The NFB of Wisconsin is holding our state convention this weekend. We are streaming our convention live. Please tune in at www.nfbwis.org! We will be streaming all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Thanks for joining us for this exciting convention! Jeremiah Beasley From qmsingleton at comcast.net Sun Mar 22 21:34:15 2009 From: qmsingleton at comcast.net (Quintina M. Singleton) Date: Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:34:15 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Jim McCarthy on Thruoureyes Message-ID: The next "Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo" live internet radio show is scheduled for Wednesday March 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. Guest host, Jerry Moreno, will be interviewing director of governmental affairs for the National Federation of the Blind, James McCarthy. A brief summary of this year's Washington Seminar, what listeners could be doing to assist in legislative initiatives presently, and advisement concerning how to stay informed with legislative issues year round are topics that will be discussed on the evening's show. I invite you to visit www.thruoureyes.org or to hear the program live via telephone dial 201 793 9022 with the access code: 2400484. To phone in live during the show use: 1 888 572 0141 From b.schulz at sbcglobal.net Wed Mar 25 05:19:55 2009 From: b.schulz at sbcglobal.net (Bryan Schulz) Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:19:55 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] MO convention stream Message-ID: hi, Barring any hotel issues this year, the NFB of Missouri convention will be streamed on the internet this Saturday from 8:30a to 12:00p and 1:30p to 5:00p for sure. It's also possible the banquet will be streamed from 6:30p to 11:30p. You can hear the stream by navigating to: www.nfbmo.org/listen.m3u. Bryan Schulz The BEST Solution www.best-acts.com From dandrews at visi.com Thu Mar 26 01:27:35 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:27:35 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Three New Lists on NFBNet.org Message-ID: I am pleased to be able to announce three new lists on NFBNet.org. They concern guide dogs, students, and parents of blind children. They are the Florida Association of Guide Dog Users list, the Georgia Association of Blind Students list, and the Maryland Parents of Blind Children list. Below is information on each list and how to subscribe to it. David Andrews, List Owner FLAGDU: The purpose of the Florida Association of Guide Dog Users-FLAGDU list, is to provide a forum for discussion and information to guide dog users and other interested persons. This list will feature announcements and activities of the Florida Association of Guide Dog Users. Topics related specifically to this division will include business, fundraising projects, advocacy issues, and planning for our annual meeting which takes place during the Florida affiliate’s State convention. General topics will include information for those interested in learning about obtaining and working with a guide dog, guide dog schools, training, care and retirement of a dog, and access and legislative issues pertaining to guide dog use. To join the list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to flagdu-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line. GABS: The purpose of the Georgia Association of Blind Students, GABS-list, is to provide an opportunity for students, in the state of Georgia, to share questions, offer advice, and discuss current issues that involve the blind community. This list is also a means of communication between division meetings and events. For example, members are able to discuss thoughts and ideas on fundraising and student seminar themes. In addition to presenting local division news, the list brings forth the current events going on in the NFB, both at the state and national levels. Students will also be given information regularly regarding programs and news in the student division, both at the state and national level. To subscribe to the GABS list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gabs_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to gabs-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line. MDPOBC: The purpose of the MDPOBc list is to serve as a resource group for sharing of ideas, programs, information and strategies to assist our >children in developing the confidence and independence needed to be successful adults. The group is based in Maryland. To subscribe to the list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdpobc_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to mdpobc-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line. From dandrews at visi.com Thu Mar 26 13:45:25 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:45:25 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] National Federation of the Blind Celebrates Release of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind Celebrates Release of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar NFB Jernigan Institute Releases Report to the Nation on Braille Literacy Crisis Baltimore, Maryland (March 26, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation?s oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading advocate for Braille literacy, today celebrates the release of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. This historic commemorative coin, the first-ever U.S. coin to contain tactile, readable Braille, will be launched at a special ceremony at the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore beginning at 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2009. The NFB Jernigan Institute, the research and training arm of the National Federation of the Blind, will also release a report to the nation on the literacy crisis facing the blind in America. ?The Braille Literacy Crisis in America: Facing the Truth, Reversing the Trend, Empowering the Blind? describes the factors that have contributed to the shocking illiteracy rate of 90 percent among blind children and outlines steps to reverse this trend. A portion of the money from sales of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, which was authorized by a law signed by President George W. Bush in 2006, will be used to support the NFB?s ?Braille Readers are Leaders? campaign. The campaign is a national initiative created to double the number of blind children learning Braille by 2015. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?If the blind can read, the blind can achieve. The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar celebrates the man who gave literacy to the blind and is a unique and beautiful keepsake, but it is also a coin with a mission: to make sure that every blind child and every adult losing vision in our nation has the opportunity to learn Braille.? Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, first vice president of the National Federation of the Blind and coordinator of the NFB?s national Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, said: ?Braille is not being taught to many blind children and adults because there are myths and misconceptions surrounding the code. Braille is said to be slow and inefficient, difficult to learn, unnecessary in light of new technology, and something that isolates blind students from their sighted peers. But the blind know these myths to be false, and studies have shown that Braille leads to employment opportunities, independence, and self-confidence for blind people.? The program celebrating the launch of the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will feature: ? The presentation of the report ? Remarks by Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind ? Remarks by Dr. Abraham Nemeth, who invented the Braille code used for mathematics and scientific notation in the United States ? Demonstrations by proficient Braille readers, including blind children ? A message from United States Senator Christopher J. Dodd, chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the sponsor of the legislation authorizing the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar ? Ed Moy, director of the United States Mint, who will give remarks and sign certificates of authenticity ? A ?Braille Fair? featuring fun activities for children and adults who want to learn about Braille The National Federation of the Blind is asking the American public, through purchasing this stunning silver dollar, to join its campaign to bring literacy, education, opportunity, and success to the blind of America. The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar goes on sale to the general public at noon today. Those interested in ordering a coin should visit www.usmint.gov 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. ### David Andrews and white cane Harry. From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu Mar 26 17:48:30 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:48:30 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Louis Braille Coin Will be Launched into Space National Federation of the Blind and NASA Confirm Historic Flight Baltimore, Maryland (March 26, 2009): In a surprise announcement at the launch ceremony for the new Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, NASA announced that the new commemorative coin celebrating the life and work of the inventor of the reading code for the blind will fly on a future space shuttle mission. The announcement, by NASA Deputy Administrator for Educational Programs Dr. Joyce Winterton, came at the end of the official event announcing the availability of this beautiful new coin, which will help the National Federation of the Blind to increase Braille literacy in the United States. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar symbolizes the power of knowledge and future opportunities for blind children across America. It is therefore fitting that this historic coin will be part of a mission to uncover the secrets of the universe. Perhaps someday a Braille reader will also be part of such a mission." Dr. Joyce Winterton said: "NASA believes strongly in the importance of educational opportunities for everyone, and that is why we have partnered with the National Federation of the Blind to help create programs that enhance scientific study for blind youth. Launching the first coin ever to contain tactile, readable Braille into space symbolizes NASA's commitment to the spread of knowledge by every means and to every individual." The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar goes on sale to the general public at noon today. Those interested in ordering a coin should visit www.usmint.gov 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. From dandrews at visi.com Fri Mar 27 20:28:52 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:28:52 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] North Dakota State Convention Postponed Due To Flooding Message-ID: The following message comes from Jennelle Bichler, President of the NFB of North Dakota. David Andrews Hello all I regret to inform you all that our State convention must be rescheduled due to the flooding we are having here in North Dakota. Our State convention was scheduled for April 4th at the Prairie Rose Inn in Fargo from 9 am to 5pm. It has been rescheduled for May 16th at the Prairie Rose Inn in Fargo from 9am to 5pm. We are truly sorry about the inconvenience that this may cause everyone however, for the safety and the flooding concern we must rescheduled. We are looking forward to having a great convention and the biggest convention that the NFB of North Dakota has seen. So please do not let this delay discourage you. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding and we look forward to seeing you all in May for our state Convention. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the contact information below. Thank you and God Bless. Sincerely, Jennelle Bichler Affiliate President National Federation of the blind of North Dakota 2581 Villa Dr. Apt 214 Fargo ND 58103 701-200-4486 president at nfbnd.org Web: www.nfbnd.org David Andrews and white cane Harry. From jsorozco at gmail.com Sat Mar 28 02:24:45 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:24:45 -0400 Subject: [Mabs] High School Essay Contest Message-ID: <3BFCD0B3B30F4B8780F1517470043B27@Rufus> World Future Society High School Essay Contest http://www.wfs.org/Sept-Oct08/FUTUP-SEP/Essaycontest.htm As you look ahead to the years after high school, one of the biggest challenges is what kind of world will be waiting for you, especially as you enter the workplace or decide what sort of career to pursue. What skills and knowledge are going to be most the valuable to you in a job or career? What areas should you concentrate on in college? What job areas will have the most opportunities in five years? In ten years? The world around us is becoming an increasingly complex place, with changes occurring at an accelerating pace, but it is also an exciting one, especially when you begin to understand what is happening and why. One way to make some sense of the dizzying environment we live in is to identify what have been called 'Trends' in the world around us. Another way to say this is to describe how a specific change or set of change s is occurring - how fast, in what direction, and with what consequences. When we talk about consequences, we really mean: What might the world look like as a result of this change? Of course, no one can really predict the future, but we can think about more and less likely possibilities (such as, it is very likely the sun will come up tomorrow) and prepare for the most likely. Also, it is also likely that some changes might influence others (such as, the Internet might make it easier to do homework). And what is most interesting about the future is how it might change your own life and the lives of others in your school, family, community or even country. Describe the trends you want to talk about in your essay in your own words, including what changes you expect to occur, and include your understanding of the consequences that might result in the lives of people affected by the trends you describe. Use as much detail as you feel is necessary to make the description easy to understan d and meaningful to its readers. Remember that you are describing change in the real world and not a world of fiction, so do some research in the area or areas you have chosen about how change actually occurs and include your citations with the paper. For the purposes of this Essay Contest, an essay is a three-part paper that lays out and develops a position in response to the essay contest question. Although researching the topic to find examples that support your points is crucial to writing your essay, it should be more than a research paper, a narrative description of an event, or a statement of opinion. Your essay should contain the following: An introduction, which introduces the subject and contains an explanation of your position. The objective is to demonstrate that you understand the essay contest question and have formed a response to it. A body, which develops your argument using research and analysis. T he process of analysis may include comparing and contrasting, differentiating among several ideas or events, critiquing a variety of perspectives, interpreting results, or drawing inferences. In this section, you should analyze two case studies. Be sure to identify the sources of your information or ideas. A conclusion, which summarizes the research and analysis presented in the essay and sets forth your conclusions. Drawing on ideas already presented, you should demonstrate that your conclusions support the position you put forward in the opening paragraphs. Your aim is to convince the reader that your position is reasonable and valid. Your essay should also include notes and a bibliography except when using APA style: Reference notes (footnotes or endnotes) give the sources of your information or ideas. Footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page where the information appears. Alternatively, you may gather all the notes at the end of the text as endnotes. A bibliography is a list of the works that you have referred to in your essay or have consulted in order to write it. Essays that use a variety of sources-academic journals, news magazines, newspapers, books, government documents, publications from research organizations-fare better in the contest. Citations in the reference notes or bibliography should follow rules given in a handbook such as the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers or the Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Typically a n entry will have at least the name of the author or editor, title of the work, and date and place of publication. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically by the last names of the authors. The Internet or World Wide Web should not be the only source for your essay. Be aware that you may encounter "republished" or "third generation" information on the Internet that is inaccurate or improperly attributed. When citing Internet sources, you must include the following information: author(s), title of work, Internet address, and date information was accessed. Detailed instructions can be obtained from the manuals listed above. For the purposes of this essay, Internet sources should be listed separately from non-electronic sources, such as books, magazines, and newspapers. Again, send all submission (double spaced and no smaller than 12 font) to Tim Mack, (replace (at) with @) by March 31st2009. First prize - $300 - 3 year student membership in WFS -- Free admission to Chicago conference in July 2009 Second prize $200 2 year student membership in WFS -- Free admission to Chicago conference in July 2009 Third prize $100 - 1 year student membership in WFS -- Free admission to Chicago conference in July 2009 Complete guidelines available at: http://www.wfs.org/Sept-Oct08/FUTUP-SEP/Essaycontest.htm __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3963 (20090325) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From dandrews at visi.com Sun Mar 29 03:21:39 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:21:39 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Missouri Streaming Problems Message-ID: 2009 NFB ofMissouri Stream Alternative Hello fellow Federationists, We are experiencing technical issues with the 2009 broadcast of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri State Convention Stream. Since it is highly unlikely that the issues can be resolved for the remainder of the convention we are offering you the chance to hear the recordings of the2008 NFBMO State Convention. To listen visit: http://www.nfbmo.org On the home page activate the "Listen" link. Recordings of the 2009 NFB of Missouri Convention will be posted in the next few weeks. Enjoy. Peter Donahue Web Consultant, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri Peter Donahue From sbwright95 at att.net Mon Mar 30 02:16:30 2009 From: sbwright95 at att.net (sbwright95 at att.net) Date: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:16:30 -0500 Subject: [Mabs] Student Committee Message-ID: <14A3A4B93EFE42E29787D68468A9A7FA@D15DW9C1> I've been asked to post the following message to the list. Shelia Wright From: Shirley Grauel [mailto:sgrauel at sidebyside2inc.com] Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 7:32 PM To: sbwright95 at att.net Subject: Student Committee The NFB of Missouri Student Committee will be meeting on Friday evening at 9:00. Chair, Shirley Grauel will be hosting the event We will have an "Open Forum" approach Some Topics to be discussed will include/but not be limited too: * Transitioning * Self Advocacy * Beneficial Technology * Utilizing your strengths All Students are encouraged to come and join in on the discussions. It is a great opportunity to network and get to know one another. Please check the agenda for the meeting room assignment. I look forward to seeing you there!