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April 2021 MSB Outreach Note</h1>
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April 2021</h3>
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We have some awesome events coming up you will not want to miss. Check them out below. <br>
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<span style="color:#000000">April upcoming events</span></h1>
<span style="color:#000000">You can check out the most up to date events on the </span>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=19f6aed29b&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#000000">Maryland TVI Portal</span></a><span style="color:#000000">. Email
<a href="mailto:conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov" target="_blank">conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov</a> to add your events to the Portal</span>
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<font color="#000000">April </font></h2>
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7: Webinar, <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d38ce8226b&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Conducting an Informal CVI Range Assessment Virtually During the 20-21 School Year</a>. 3 PM EST. </p>
</li><li>12: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7b6012e451&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Tech Trivia Challenge:</a> This event will be held using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Students in middle and high school will work in teams to participate in a Jeopardy style game show. Participation will be limited to 20 students. The theme for this
Tech Trivia Challenge will be screen readers. Questions will involve JAWS, NVDA, Chromevox and VoiceOver. Prizes will be awarded. Registration deadline is April 6.
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15: Deadline for NFB <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=32bb42d085&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Maryland Scholarship application </a></p>
</li><li>17: Transition LITE Program: Contact Contact Bethany Martin, Manager of Youth and Education Services. Phone: 202-573-9661 (cell). E-mail:
<a href="mailto:bmartin@clb.org" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
bmartin@clb.org</a> </li><li>23: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1f7777346b&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Voyage Into The Deep (Introducing the rest of space).</a> 3:30 PM EST. For Blind and Low Vision Students. The Universe is a big place, so we'd better get started on our tour. From "nearby" landmarks like the Moon, to distant galactic clusters, buckle up for
a tour of the highlights of Space. We'll talk about stars, black holes, galaxies, and other fascinating topics. Join instructor Josh Urban on a trip across the light years to learn about the incredible Universe we live in.
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Let's Celebrate Braille Statewide on June 1, 2021!</h1>
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The qualifiers for the National Braille Challenge are going to be announced on June 1st so let's celebrate Braille by wearing our favorite Braille Challenge t-shirt or other kind of Braille shirt! Blindness professionals, students and other staff are enouraged
to participate! Mark your calendar and more details to come so stay tuned! </p>
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<span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#000000">TECH TRIVIA CHALLENGE! </span></strong></span></span></h1>
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<span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-size:18px">Monday, April 12th at 4 pm EST</span></span></p>
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It’s April Fools’ Day, but we’re not fooling around about the Tech Trivia Challenge! Our 1st Tech Trivia Challenge—Screen Reader Edition is Coming; Don’t Miss Out!! The Maryland School for the Blind’s Outreach Department and the Free Bridges Helpdesk invite
High School and Middle School Students join us for a Jeopardy-style Tech Trivia Challenge focusing on screen readers. <br>
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Be ready to answer questions about: JAWS, ChromeVox, VoiceOver (On a Mac) and NVDA<br>
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You will work in teams via the Zoom platform. You will have the opportunity to preview some questions (without answers) prior to the event. Teams will be assigned the day of the event.<br>
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What about prizes? We have PRIZES!<br>
All participants will receive a stress relief shark from Freedom Scientific as well as an annual license or renewal for JAWS or Fusion or ZoomText. Freedom Scientific/Vispero is also donating a Focus 14 Blue 5<sup>th</sup> Generation refreshable braille display.
Individuals who participate in the Tech Trivia Challenge will have the opportunity to enter a contest to win this fabulous prize!<br>
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Space is limited to 25 students and you must register in advance by April 6. Students who live outside of Maryland will be put on a waitlist and will be notified by April 7th if space is available.<br>
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<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=62eb423851&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Register for the Tech Trivia Challenge here</a><br>
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Questions? E-mail Jackie Otwell at <a href="mailto:jacquelineo@mdschblind.org" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
jacquelineo@mdschblind.org</a><br>
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Bridges Help Desk event: Ordering In and Hanging Out</h1>
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May 11</h3>
For Transition age students <br>
May 11 is National #EatWhatYouWant Day, and that’s what we plan to do! In this Bridges Helpdesk Outreach activity, students will get together in a Zoom room and discuss how to use meal delivery services, such as DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub. We will practice
with the services on the computer and smartphones and determine which we like best (in terms of accessibility and what is offered nearby). Next comes the fun part: each participating student will receive (via email or text) a gift card to purchase dinner from
the service they choose. They will enter that information into the service and place their orders for dinner.<br>
While we wait for our food to arrive, we will visit with one another. How are things going? Any plans for summer? What did you order for dinner?<br>
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Registration coming soon. Email the HelpDesk with any questions about the event: <a href="mailto:helpdesk@imagemd.org" target="_blank">
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<span style="color:#000000">Request FREE accessibility training for your staff </span></h2>
<span style="color:#000000">If you reside in Maryland, and work in a school system, you can request accessibility training for your staff. To do so email
</span><a href="mailto:conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#000000">conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov</span></a>
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<span style="color:#000000">Learning about Space for Blind and Low Vision Students<br>
2-part webinar series in 1-hour sessions</span></h1>
<div><span style="color:#000000">Session 2: Voyage into The Deep (Introducing the rest of space)</span></div>
<br>
<span style="color:#000000">April 23. 3:30 pm EST<br>
We'll talk about stars, black holes, galaxies, and other fascinating topics. Join instructor Josh Urban on a trip across the light years to learn about the incredible Universe we live in. <br>
<br>
<strong>Educational Objectives: </strong>In this class, students will learn:</span>
<ul>
<li><span style="color:#000000">How far a Light Year is</span> </li><li><span style="color:#000000">The scale and distance of the observable universe </span>
</li><li><span style="color:#000000">A variety of astronomical objects: Moons, Planets, Stars, Star Clusters, Nebulae, Galaxies, and Black Holes</span>
</li><li><span style="color:#000000">How astronomers observe, including radio astronomy (listening vs. seeing), and theoretical pursuits </span>
</li></ul>
<span style="color:#000000"></span><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e28ae7e801&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:#000000"><em>Register
for Session 2 here</em></span></a> </td>
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Steering Committee and Bridges Help Desk Tips Document</h1>
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Check out a recently published document published by MSDE and created in collaboration with the Maryland State Steering Committee for Programs Serving Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired and the Maryland IMAGE Center Bridges Transition Helpdesk. This
document provides information on how to make content accessible for all. Feel free to share with your educators.
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d45e09b840&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Tips for Classroom Teachers to Make Content Accessible for All Students </a> </td>
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<span>Last CVI Webinar from MD/DC AER and the State Steering committee Serving Visually Impaired Students </span></h1>
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Apr 7, 2021 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)<br>
Topic:<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=f6a40c392e&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"> Conducting an Informal CVI Range Assessment Virtually
During the 20-21 School Year</a><br>
Register in advance for this webinar. This webinar will NOT be recorded. </div>
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The Bridges Project Helpdesk</h1>
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<span style="font-size:16px">Upcoming Bridges Helpdesk events</span></h2>
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Transition Tip Tuesdays</h3>
April: ABLE Accounts—Are They for Me? Series on the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=94f972b509&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Free Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page</a>
<ul>
<li>April 6: What are ABLE Accounts, and What Are the Benefits? </li><li>April 13: Who Qualifies for an ABLE Account, and How Can Funds Be Spent? </li><li>April 20: How Much Can Go into an ABLE Account, and How Can I Set One Up? </li><li>April 27: Other Important information about ABLE Accounts </li></ul>
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National Library Week on Facebook (April 5-9)</h3>
Highlighting sources of accessible books and news sources on the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=bdfcb92907&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Free Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page</a>
<ul>
<li>April 5: NLS and BARD </li><li>April 6: Bookshare </li><li>April 7: Free and low-cost braille books </li><li>April 8: Learning Ally </li><li>April 9: NFB-NEWSLINE<sup>®</sup> </li></ul>
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National Volunteer Week (April 18-24)</h3>
Highlighting skills needed for volunteer work and paid employment with national experts in blindness and low vision employment David DeNotaris and Eileen Rivera Ley
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Always Free and Confidential</h2>
The Free Bridges Helpdesk supports educators, students and families of blind/low vision students everywhere in Maryland. Our dedicated blind adults and blindness education experts are eager to help with questions, concerns, and ideas and to invest the time
to ensure that you get thorough and helpful answers. All inquiries are confidential, and we will never share information that identifies anyone who contacts the Helpdesk.
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Contact us</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=dfefcf07a7&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Accessible web form</a>
</li><li>Send us a <strong>text</strong>: (410) 305-9199 </li><li><strong>Email</strong>: <a href="mailto:Helpdesk@imagemd.org" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Helpdesk@imagemd.org</a> </li><li>Visit our <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b549eaa9d0&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Bridges Helpdesk website</a> </li><li><strong>Call</strong> (443) 320-4003, leave a <strong>voice mail message</strong>, and we will return your call
</li><li><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=569357a599&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Bridges Blog (weekly Transition Tips)</a>
</li><li>Bridges <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a782627ef8&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Facebook page</a>
</li></ul>
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.
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<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><strong>NFB Maryland Scholarship deadline: April 15</strong></span></h1>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Each year, the NFB of Maryland awards the John T. McCraw Scholarship to up to four students with a combined maximum total of $10,000. Though the Scholarship
Committee will determine the amount awarded to each individual scholarship finalist, the minimum amount per scholarship is $2,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500. NFBMD may award a scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient. </strong></span></span>
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<li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.</strong></span></span>
</li><li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2021.</strong></span></span>
</li></ul>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>To be eligible, applicants must:</strong></span></span>
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<li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Be legally blind in both eyes</strong></span></span>
</li><li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Be a resident of Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;</strong></span></span>
</li><li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time or part-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022
(priority will be given to full-time students); and</strong></span></span> </li><li><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind virtually from July 6 through 11, 2021 and the annual convention of the
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland in Baltimore, Maryland from November 12 – 14, 2021 (scholarship finalists will receive convention financial assistance).</strong></span></span>
</li></ul>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>To apply: </strong></span></span><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ea6d90fb29&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Submit
an application using the online application system</a> </strong></span></span> </td>
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<strong>NFB BELL<sup>®</sup> Academy In-Home Edition: Applications Now Open!</strong></h1>
The National Federation of the Blind is offering three virtual programs of the NFB BELL Academy this summer to prepare blind and low-vision children to grow into confident and independent blind people by enhancing their education. Options are available for
beginner, intermediate, and advanced students for the following dates:
<ul>
<li>Session 1 - June 7-18, 2021 </li><li>Session 2 - July 19-30, 2021 </li><li>Session 3 - August 9-20, 2021 </li></ul>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a1e7b94d40&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">NFB Bell Academy </a><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=c0b17a038f&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">English
application</a><br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=8e5ff40b3e&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">NFB Bell Academy </a><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b6ee9bdc85&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Spanish
application</a><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=18d68d65f8&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"> </a>
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<strong>AER DC-Maryland Announcement</strong></h1>
t's been a tough year. Let's celebrate some people who rose above it. Nominate someone in our blind and low vision field for Best Educator, Best Rehab Specialist, Excellence in the Field, or Friend of the Blind. Go to our website and nominate away. Awards will
be presented at our DC-MD AER conference in October. Let's spread some good.<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ba8a459faf&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><strong>Download the Recognition of Excellence in the Field
of Blindness and Visual Impairment form</strong></a>.<br>
<br>
Friend of the Blind and Visually Impaired Community is to recognize contributions of an individual or a group affiliated with, but not primarily involved in, the education or rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairment. Accomplishments should include
providing goods or services which help foster independence and self-worth within the blind and visually impaired community. Examples may include a supermarket assisting in teaching a group class how to effectively shop, a community group donating white canes
to an agency, an airline making an effort to hire blind personnel in customer service, etc.<br>
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Happy nominating. </td>
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The 61st annual CTEBVI conference will be held online, April 15-17, 2021</h1>
<p style="margin:10px 0; padding:0; color:#757575; font-family:Helvetica; font-size:16px; line-height:150%; text-align:left">
Our conference brings blind and visually impaired students and their families together with the professionals who meet their educational and rehabilitation needs. The event features 80 professional workshops, Youth and Parent Institutes for students and families,
and a Virtual Exhibit Hall to showcase innovative products and resources. It is a unique opportunity for teachers, transcribers, students, families, and vendors to come together, to share techniques and best practices, and to build a supportive community.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=1bf0f73f91&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">More info on registration for CTEBVI conference here </a></p>
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<div>Conchita Hernandez<br>
<span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Arial; color:rgb(0,0,0); background-color:transparent; vertical-align:baseline">Statewide Blind and Low Vision Specialist</span></span><br>
Maryland State Department of Education<br>
Division of Special Education/Early <br>
Intervention Services<br>
200 W. Baltimore Street<br>
Baltimore, MD 21201-2595<br>
410-767-0812 office<br>
410-333-8165 fax<br>
<a href="mailto:conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov" target="_blank">conchita.hernandez@maryland.gov</a><br>
<br>
Click here <br>
<<a href="http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=MSDE&SurveyID=86M2956" target="_blank">http://www.doit.state.md.us/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?agencycode=MSDE&SurveyID=86M2956</a>><br>
to complete a three question customer experience survey.<br>
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