From emitchell927 at icloud.com Wed Apr 8 14:53:01 2020 From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 10:53:01 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Braille learning Message-ID: <1E719F64-327A-435F-A6A8-C63667C926E7@icloud.com> Anyone willing to teach me Braille? I really want to learn this skill. My support system however doesn?t know what to do however. I feel like there?s a wall between me and Braille Anyone willing to teach me Emma Jane Mitchell Sent from my iPhone From QSFord at outlook.com Wed Apr 8 15:13:56 2020 From: QSFord at outlook.com (Qualik Ford) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 15:13:56 +0000 Subject: [MDABS] Braille learning In-Reply-To: <1E719F64-327A-435F-A6A8-C63667C926E7@icloud.com> References: <1E719F64-327A-435F-A6A8-C63667C926E7@icloud.com> Message-ID: Dear Emma, There?s several different ways you could learn braille. One would be through Hadley. It?s a free online schooling platform that allows you to learn braille. The second would be to find someone to teach you Braille. That?s a little difficult right now since everyone?s kind of stuck in the house. Do you have access to a Braille writer? Or do you have access to any braille technologies such as a Braille note or Braille display? ?The Power to change the world comes from the power to change ourselves.? > On Apr 8, 2020, at 10:54 AM, Emma Mitchell via MDABS wrote: > > Anyone willing to teach me Braille? > I really want to learn this skill. > My support system however doesn?t know what to do however. I feel like there?s a wall between me and Braille > Anyone willing to teach me > Emma Jane Mitchell > > Sent from my iPhone > _______________________________________________ > MDABS mailing list > MDABS at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for MDABS: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/qsford%40outlook.com From sharon.mi.kim22 at gmail.com Wed Apr 8 15:19:55 2020 From: sharon.mi.kim22 at gmail.com (Sharon Kim) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 11:19:55 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Braille learning In-Reply-To: References: <1E719F64-327A-435F-A6A8-C63667C926E7@icloud.com> Message-ID: Hello Emma, I've had experience teaching braille over the phone, but Quallic's question is important. That can only work virtually if you have something to write braille with, and something to read it with. My former student had a braille note with a braille keyboard. We were able to practice reading and writing braille that way. On 4/8/20, Qualik Ford via MDABS wrote: > Dear Emma, > There?s several different ways you could learn braille. One would be through > Hadley. It?s a free online schooling platform that allows you to learn > braille. The second would be to find someone to teach you Braille. That?s a > little difficult right now since everyone?s kind of stuck in the house. Do > you have access to a Braille writer? Or do you have access to any braille > technologies such as a Braille note or Braille display? > > > > ?The Power to change the world comes from the power to change ourselves.? > >> On Apr 8, 2020, at 10:54 AM, Emma Mitchell via MDABS >> wrote: >> >> Anyone willing to teach me Braille? >> I really want to learn this skill. >> My support system however doesn?t know what to do however. I feel like >> there?s a wall between me and Braille >> Anyone willing to teach me >> Emma Jane Mitchell >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> _______________________________________________ >> MDABS mailing list >> MDABS at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >> MDABS: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/qsford%40outlook.com > _______________________________________________ > MDABS mailing list > MDABS at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for MDABS: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/sharon.mi.kim22%40gmail.com > -- Hope is the thing with feathers that perches within the soul, that sings the tune without words and never stops at all. Emily Dickenson From emitchell927 at icloud.com Wed Apr 8 15:49:43 2020 From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell) Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2020 11:49:43 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Braille learning In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: No, I do not. I wish i did. Emma Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 8, 2020, at 11:21 AM, Sharon Kim via MDABS wrote: > > ?Hello Emma, > I've had experience teaching braille over the phone, but Quallic's > question is important. > That can only work virtually if you have something to write braille > with, and something to read it with. > My former student had a braille note with a braille keyboard. > We were able to practice reading and writing braille that way. > > >> On 4/8/20, Qualik Ford via MDABS wrote: >> Dear Emma, >> There?s several different ways you could learn braille. One would be through >> Hadley. It?s a free online schooling platform that allows you to learn >> braille. The second would be to find someone to teach you Braille. That?s a >> little difficult right now since everyone?s kind of stuck in the house. Do >> you have access to a Braille writer? Or do you have access to any braille >> technologies such as a Braille note or Braille display? >> >> >> >> ?The Power to change the world comes from the power to change ourselves.? >> >>> On Apr 8, 2020, at 10:54 AM, Emma Mitchell via MDABS >>> wrote: >>> >>> Anyone willing to teach me Braille? >>> I really want to learn this skill. >>> My support system however doesn?t know what to do however. I feel like >>> there?s a wall between me and Braille >>> Anyone willing to teach me >>> Emma Jane Mitchell >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> _______________________________________________ >>> MDABS mailing list >>> MDABS at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> MDABS: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/qsford%40outlook.com >> _______________________________________________ >> MDABS mailing list >> MDABS at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for MDABS: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/sharon.mi.kim22%40gmail.com >> > > > -- > Hope is the thing with feathers that perches within the soul, that > sings the tune without words and never stops at all. > Emily Dickenson > > _______________________________________________ > MDABS mailing list > MDABS at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/mdabs_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for MDABS: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/mdabs_nfbnet.org/emitchell927%40icloud.com From nfbmd at earthlink.net Tue Apr 14 18:22:09 2020 From: nfbmd at earthlink.net (nfbmd ) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:22:09 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Make a difference for Blind People Message-ID: <003401d61289$a4227730$ec676590$@earthlink.net> Hello All, Here is an opportunity to make a big difference for blind people. Let's let Congress, in particular, the Maryland Delegation hear from us. Read Stephanie Flynt's message below and take action quickly. Thanks. Sharon Dear Federation Family: We find ourselves in unprecedented times, but the advocacy and legislative priorities of the Federation have not been stopped. In fact, we are working harder than ever before to ensure that our rights are protected and that we receive the benefits we need in a timely and efficient manner. We are currently working to include a provision in the next coronavirus aid legislation that will eliminate the five-month waiting period for SSDI payments as well as the 24-month waiting period for Medicare benefits. If enacted, this provision would amend section 223 of the Social Security Act to include language for a temporary waiver of the waiting period for cash payments for SSDI. We would also propose an amendment to section 226 of the Social Security Act to include temporary waivers of the waiting period for Medicare benefits. Both of these waivers would apply to people with disabilities who are determined eligible between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. In these times of uncertainty it is critical that we have access to these disability and Medicare benefits as quickly as possible. We are asking you to call your senators and representative and urge them to include this provision in the coronavirus aid legislation. When you call or email, you might say something like the following: "Hello, my name is [your name] and I am a constituent of [your senator/representative]. I live in [city, state]. I am calling to urge [your senator/representative] to support language that would waive waiting periods for SSDI payments and medicare benefits during this national crisis. It's no secret many Americans are losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with disabilities. As it currently stands, persons with disabilities wait up to 5 months before their benefits begin and 24 months before they are Medicare-eligible. To address this situation, the National Federation of the Blind requests the following actions: For individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits-The requirement for an initial 5-month waiting period be waived, effective March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This waiver should be included in Section 223 of the Social Security Act. Similarly, a waiver of the 24-month Medicare waiting period should be included in Section 226 of the Social Security Act. You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking for the office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you email your representative or senators, please copy Stephanie Flynt at sflynt at nfb.org . While Capitol Hill is physically closed, congressional staff are telecommuting in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Rest assured that your calls and emails continue to make a significant difference. It is best to call or email the relevant staffer in your member of Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate staff person for any Senate or House office, please email Jesa Medders at jmedders at nfb.org . Stephanie Flynt Government Affairs Specialist National Federation of the Blind P (410) 659-9314, Extension 2210 E: sflynt at nfb.org www.nfb.org/advocacy Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lashawn.myles at maryland.gov Fri Apr 17 20:18:59 2020 From: lashawn.myles at maryland.gov (LaShawn Myles -LBPH-) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 16:18:59 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Wanted: Teens for TAB @ MD LBPH Message-ID: [image: america-41776_1280.png] [Image: Uncle Sam dressed in patriotic colors, pointing at audience] *The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)* Wants YOU! Join the *Teen Advisory Board* (TAB) The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) consists of a group of teens in *grades 9 - 12* who are interested in making a difference in teen services and programs at the MD LBPH library. *What are the specific activities of teens who serve on the TAB? * Plan and promote teen library programs/ services @ MD LBPH Make suggestions for ways to promote the teen collection Assist with library programs for children Meet and work with other teens and have fun at the library *To learn more, join the TAB meeting via teleconference on April 29th from 6:00- 7:00 p.m. * *Registration is required**. The conference call number, access code, and any materials will be sent to the email address used for registration. * *Register at: TAB Registration Form * Please contact LaShawn Myles, Youth Services Librarian: lashawn.myles at maryland.gov | 410-230-2455 with questions. -- LaShawn Myles Youth Services Librarian Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Maryland State Library 415 Park Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603 410-230-2455 <(410)%20230-2454> (office) 410-333-2095 <(410)%20333-2095> (fax) lashawn.myles at maryland.gov Click here to complete a three question customer experience survey. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: america-41776_1280.png Type: image/png Size: 542249 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: changingMD.png Type: image/png Size: 10938 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: TAB registration.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 321699 bytes Desc: not available URL: From QSFord at outlook.com Tue Apr 28 18:58:20 2020 From: QSFord at outlook.com (Qualik Ford) Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:58:20 +0000 Subject: [MDABS] Maryland student division announcement Message-ID: Dear students, Today at 7 PM The Maryland student division will be having a one hour conference call to allow Maryland students to connect with each other. The chat will not be formal and will just be a way to unwind and communicate with other students. The chat will take place on the student division conference line at 712-832-8330 The access code is 942-8489 Can?t wait to see you there! Please share this with all your friends. ?The Power to change the world comes from the power to change ourselves.? From nfbmd at earthlink.net Tue Apr 28 19:24:16 2020 From: nfbmd at earthlink.net (nfbmd ) Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:24:16 -0400 Subject: [MDABS] Time to Contract Congress Message-ID: <002601d61d92$a3968630$eac39290$@earthlink.net> Hello All, Please read john Pare's message because we have two jobs to do with Congress. First, we must get more co-sponsors for the Access Technology Affordability Act. Maryland is doing a good job. We only need Congressmen, Brown, Harris and Hoyer. All of the rest of the delegation is on board because they have already co-sponsored. Second, we must contact our two Senators and each Congressman to ask them to eliminate the waiting period for Medicare and SSDI benefits. Let's get started on these tasks ASAP. Thanks, Sharon. Read below: Dear Fellow Federationists: As President Riccobono mentioned in yesterday's Notebook, the Senate will be returning to Washington on May 4 with the House of Representatives possibly returning later in the month. When they return, one of the first items on their agenda will most likely be a fourth coronavirus relief package. Our goal is to have Congress include the text of the Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA) and a provision to eliminate the waiting periods for SSDI and Medicare in the next bill. There are two parts to this plan. For ATAA, the most effective way to have it included in the bill is for you to call or email your representative and two senators and ask them to cosponsor the ATAA (H.R. 2086/S. 815). More cosponsors means more general support for the legislation, which gives it a greater chance of being written into the bigger bill. We currently have 83 cosponsors in the House (H.R. 2086) and 22 cosponsors in the Senate (S. 815). These cosponsor counts are impressive, but we need even more cosponsors to ensure it is included in the next coronavirus relief bill. A complete list of current cosponsors is included at the end of this email. If you notice your representative or senator's name on that list, then just disregard the first paragraph of the below script when you call or email. Because we don't have any standalone legislation for the elimination of the SSDI and Medicare waiting periods, we will have to let them know how important this is, and how much it would benefit all blind Americans if it were included in the bill. When you call or email, you might say the following: "Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent of [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME]. I live in [CITY, STATE]. I would like to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to cosponsor the Access Technology Affordability Act [H.R. 2086 in the House/S. 815 in the Senate]. This legislation removes an employment barrier commonly experienced by blind Americans who cannot afford the high cost of access technology by creating a refundable tax credit in the amount of $2,000 to offset the cost of these technologies. In the wake of the coronavirus an employment bill for blind Americans is needed more than ever. I am also calling to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to support language that would waive waiting periods for SSDI payments and medicare benefits during this national crisis. It's no secret many Americans are losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those with disabilities. As it currently stands, persons with disabilities wait five months before their SSDI benefits begin and 24 months before they are Medicare-eligible. Please include language to temporarily waive these waiting periods in the next coronavirus relief legislation. Thanks." You can contact your member of Congress by calling the Capitol Switchboard and asking for the office in question. The number is 202-224-3121. If you email your representative or senators, please copy John Pare at jpare at nfb.org . Your calls and emails do make a difference. It is best to call or email the relevant tax staffer in your member of Congress's office. If you need the name and email of the appropriate staff person for any Senate or House office, please email Jesa Medders at jmedders at nfb.org . We need both of these items more than ever. Not only do we need the ATAA to help facilitate getting more blind Americans into the workforce, we also need it to help us with independent living at home. Also, Americans with disabilities who become eligible during the COVID-19 pandemic should not have to wait 5 and 24 months to receive their SSDI and Medicare benefits. While we are in favor of removing these waiting periods permanently, there is no question that they should be eliminated during the pandemic. I know most of you have written or called on these topics but I urge you to email or call again. This is our opportunity to improve employment possibilities for blind Americans. This is our opportunity to make our voices heard. This is our opportunity to help Americans with disabilities who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. We must take this opportunity and we will succeed! John Pare National Federation of the Blind 410-659-9314, extension 2218 Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: