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"Eyes on Maryland" January 2022 Note</h1>
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<span style="font-size:24px"><span style="font-family:comic sans ms,marker felt-thin,arial,sans-serif">Happy new year! Happy World Braille Day! Hoping you had a restful and much-needed break! Enjoy the snow today! <br>
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All events are always being updated on the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=f83673ce71&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Maryland TVI Portal</a></span></span>
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January 2022</h2>
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4: Louis Braille Birthday </p>
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5: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=efc2d49c1a&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
ParentConnect: A family support Group offered in partnership with the Virtual Parent Support Group Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind </a></p>
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6: eye.t live: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=d986813579&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Step by step demonstration on installing NVDA on Facebook live</a> 4 pm EST </p>
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6: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=17fe852349&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
APH CareerConnect Conversations series</a>. Lucy Greco, Accessibility Evangelist with the University of Berkley, California. 6 pm EST</p>
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7: MSB Outreach Low Vision Clinic. Contact <a href="mailto:sharonw@mdschblind.org" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
sharonw@mdschblind.org</a></p>
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7: Braille Challenge registration DEADLINE</p>
</li><li dir="ltr">11: Bridges Help Desk The Game of Life: Hacks for Financial Independence. 7:30 pm EST. Join Zoom Meeting:
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=e1cf846cf6&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84795525033?pwd=dXVWMFhkK2dlSXl5Q1pXVXZ5Nzcxdz09</a> Meeting ID: 847 9552 5033. Passcode: 126453
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17: MSB closed for MLK Day</p>
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<img align="center" alt="Your Recipe for Success Just Add Braille. Braillewriter with the words "A Dash of Determination" Refreshable Braille Display with the words "Mix in Career Education" and a cane with "Sprinkle in Self-advocacy". The words "Just add Braille in sim Braille. " width="417.36" class="m_-2943069422621028042mcnImage" style="max-width:862px; padding-bottom:0; display:inline!important; vertical-align:bottom; border:0; height:auto; outline:none; text-decoration:none" src="https://mcusercontent.com/da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03/images/01934253-4df5-1fce-e67f-d40ed0885340.png">
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Don’t Forget to Add Braille to Your Recipe for Success by signing up for the 2022 Maryland Regional Braille Challenge!</h1>
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<li>The Challenge will be virtual on Saturday, February 5th. </li><li>Contests will be proctored via video meeting (Zoom) and mailed prior to February 5th.
</li><li>A parent or household member must be present with the contestant during testing.
</li><li>Participants can be below, on, or above grade level. </li><li>A virtual award ceremony and parent workshops will also be held. Dates to be determined.
</li><li>More information to come once registration closes. </li><li>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> with any questions or concerns.
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What if I have a student who is just learning Braille? Try the NFB BELL Program that will be virtual too! This program is perfect for students in grades k-5 who are learning the alphabet or beginning to learn contractions and want to participate in fun non-competitive
Braille-related activities. <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a62f9dbe11&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">NFB BELL Exploration Registration
Form</a></p>
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REGISTRATION FOR BOTH PROGRAMS IS DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022</p>
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<font color="#888888"><font face="Verdana" size="4">Jacqueline Otwell</font></font></p>
<span style="font-size:15px"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><a href="mailto:jacquelineo@mdschblind.org" target="_blank">jacquelineo@mdschblind.org</a> </span></span>
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<strong>NFB Scholarship Opportunities</strong></h1>
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<strong>NFB National Scholarship Program</strong></h2>
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<strong>Each year, the NFB awards 30 merit-based scholarships totaling at least $120,000. </strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>Scholarships range in amount from $3,000 to $12,000.</strong> </li><li><strong>Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.</strong>
</li><li><strong>The 30 scholarship finalists are announced in the spring and attend the National Convention, where they are awarded a specific scholarship.</strong>
</li><li><strong>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on March 31, 2022.</strong>
</li><li><strong>To be eligible, applicants must:</strong>
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<li><strong>Be legally blind in both eyes;</strong> </li><li><strong>Reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico;</strong>
</li><li><strong>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the Fall of 2022 (one scholarship may be awarded to an individual who works full-time and attends school part-time); and</strong>
</li><li><strong>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (and all scholarship activities) in New Orleans, Louisiana from July 5 through 10, 2022 (scholarship finalists will receive convention financial assistance).</strong>
</li></ul>
</li><li><strong>To apply:</strong>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>Submit an application using the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=2cae655035&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
online application system for national NFB Scholarship</a> </strong><strong>or</strong>
</li><li><strong>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </strong><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=4cc21f79e6&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><strong>https://nfb.org/scholarships</strong></a><strong>.</strong>
</li></ul>
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<strong>NFB Maryland Scholarship Program</strong></h2>
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<strong>Each year, the NFB of Maryland awards the John T. McCraw Scholarship to </strong><strong>up to four </strong><strong>students </strong><strong>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. </strong><strong>NFBMD may award </strong><strong>a </strong><strong>scholarship to a former McCraw scholarship recipient. </strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>Scholarships are </strong><strong>merit-based and </strong><strong>awarded based on academic achievement</strong><strong>,</strong><strong> community involvement</strong><strong>, and leadership</strong><strong>.</strong>
</li><li><strong>Application materials must be submitted (online or postmarked) by 11:59PM on April 15, 2022.</strong>
</li><li><strong>To be eligible, applicants must:</strong>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>Be legally blind in both eyes;</strong> </li><li><strong>reside in Maryland or be pursuing post-secondary studies at a school in Maryland;</strong>
</li><li><strong>Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time</strong><strong> or part-time</strong><strong>, post-secondary course of study in a degree program in the Fall of 2022</strong><strong> and Spring of 2023 (priority will be given to full-time students)</strong><strong>;
and</strong> </li><li><strong>Attend the entire National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in </strong><strong>New Orleans, Louisiana </strong><strong>from July 5 through 10, 2022 and the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
in Towson, Maryland from November </strong><strong>11</strong><strong> – </strong><strong>13</strong><strong>, 2022 (scholarship finalists will receive convention </strong><strong>financial </strong><strong>assistance).</strong>
</li></ul>
</li><li><strong>To apply:</strong>
<ul type="circle">
<li><strong>Submit an application using the <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=580257ac29&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
NFB Maryland online application system</a> </strong><strong>or</strong> </li><li><strong>Download, complete, and email or mail in a hard copy application form by visiting: </strong><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=c89cad59a9&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline"><strong>http://nfbmd.org/scholarship</strong></a><strong>.</strong>
</li></ul>
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The Free Maryland Bridges Transition Helpdesk</h1>
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The Game of Life: Hacks for Financial Independence with the Bridges Helpdesk</h2>
January 11, 2022 07:30 PM<br>
We invite students to join us for an interactive session where we will learn about saving, spending, and benefits 101!<br>
Managing your benefits can be confusing, and how do you sort through these enormous letters that SSA sends anyway? It is possible to save more than $2,000 while on SSI and to have working experiences while still enjoying your SSI benefit. Want to learn how?
Join the Bridges Helpdesk on Tuesday, January 11 at 7:30 PM to learn about financial hacks to help you best manage your SSI benefits and beyond!<br>
<br>
Join Zoom Meeting: <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=566c380b5a&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84795525033?pwd=dXVWMFhkK2dlSXl5Q1pXVXZ5Nzcxdz09</a><br>
Meeting ID: 847 9552 5033<br>
Passcode: 126453<br>
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,84795525033# US<br>
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We Want to Hear From You!</h2>
As we enter 2022, the Free Bridges Helpdesk wants to put more of an emphasis on creating spaces to serve educators.<br>
We know that educator concerns and schedules vary widely, and we want to be sure to offer programming that meets your needs and fits into your calendar.<br>
Please consider taking <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=a7d4501ec2&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
this survey</a> to help us create events that are tailored to your experiences. Note that not all questions are required, so feel free to respond to as much or as little as you like.<br>
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Always Free and Confidential</h2>
The Free Bridges Helpdesk supports educators as well as 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.<br>
Please never hesitate to reach out to us — for anything. All inquiries are confidential, and we will never share information that identifies anyone who contacts the Helpdesk.
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Contact us</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=dae8c0e597&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=0422271595&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></ul>
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Access our information resources</h3>
Please check out our <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=28ac284e22&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Bridges Helpdesk website</a> and our <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=5e2339d3d4&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Bridges Blog (weekly Transition Tips)</a>.<br>
Check out, follow, or send a message through our <a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=b21675eeeb&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
Facebook page</a>.
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About us</h3>
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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Upcoming Bridges Helpdesk Transition Tip Tuesdays: RESOLUTIONS FOR RESILIENCE!</h2>
<ul>
<li>This month, the Free Bridges Transition Helpdesk discusses navigating the learning environment (both virtual and in-person).
</li><li>Topics will include:
<ul style="list-style-type:circle">
<li>January 4: Coaching Your Teachers on Accessibility </li><li>January 11: Controlling the Chat in On-line Classes </li><li>January 18: Hacks for Making Screenshots/Screenshares Accessible </li><li>January 25: Hacks for Making Text PDFs Accessible </li></ul>
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<strong>Research study for Spanish speaking families: Reflections of the 2020 – 2021 School Year by AFB</strong></h2>
<br>
<strong>We are looking for Spanish-speaking family members of children with visual impairments!</strong><br>
<br>
<strong>As you reflect over the 2020-2021 school year, do you want to share your experiences? We want to learn from YOU!!!</strong><br>
Researchers with the American Foundation for the Blind are conducting focus groups and a short survey to learn about your family’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. You will receive a $20 gift card for participating in a focus group. If you complete
the survey, you will enter a drawing to win a $50 gift card.<br>
We invite you to take part in our research study this winter.<br>
To learn more and sign up, click here:<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=093c116c29&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://afb.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y3y9EWDkIuARz8</a><br>
Or call: 212-502-7612<br>
<br>
- Espanol- <br>
<strong>Reflexiones sobre el año escolar 2020 - 2021</strong><br>
<br>
<strong>¡Estamos buscando familiares hispanohablantes de niños que vivan con alguna discapacidad visual!</strong><br>
<br>
<strong>¿Quisiera compartir a cerca de sus experiencias del año académico 2020 – 2021? ¡Nosotros estamos interesados en aprender sobre ellas!
</strong><br>
<br>
Los investigadores de American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) están buscando participantes para grupos focales y un pequeño cuestionario para aprender sobre sus experiencias durante la pandemia del COVID-19.
<strong>Usted recibirá una tarjeta de regalo de $20 si participa en un grupo focal. Si participa en la encuesta, será inscrito a una rifa y tendrá la oportunidad de ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $50.
</strong><br>
<br>
Lo invitamos a que participe en nuestro estudio este invierno.<br>
Para aprender más y inscribirse, seleccioné aquí:<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=96ae86804a&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">https://afb.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y3y9EWDkIuARz8</a><br>
O llamé al 212-502-7612.<br>
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LBPD Calendar</h2>
The Maryland State Library is proud to introduce the Maryland Day by Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar. The print version of this calendar is designed to be a “Forever” calendar, meaning it can be used over again, year after year. You can print the calendar
from home, for FREE. In the online version of the calendar, found under Calendar Pages, you will find inter-activities, videos, and printable games designed to engage and entertain! We hope that this calendar provides your family with a love of learning to
span the entire year, from January to December.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=7285c2dcc4&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">Access the Calendar here</a><br>
<br>
Just a note, I'm working on a text-only version of the Calendar that can be read with a screen reader... the calendar is currently a non-accessible PDF. <br>
<br>
Contact: Ashley M. Biggs<br>
<a href="mailto:ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">ashley.biggs1@maryland.gov</a>
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Accessibility Tip: Color </h1>
<span style="font-family:arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:14px">Color plays multiple roles in documents and presentations. You want to make sure your presentations and documents are readable by all, even if they cannot see at
all, or they are color blind. Some things to keep in mind</span></span><br>
<div style="text-align:left">1. Make sure color is not the only means of conveying information. Do not color code a graph or chart for example, instead use shapes or a different method.<br>
2. Make sure your text is in high contrast to your background color. Light blue background with white text is not easy to read for example. If you are unsure if the contrast is sufficient, use the
<a href="https://maryland.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=da8f913f82891276e85e5bd03&id=ed0e0ba311&e=f570d81d7e" target="_blank" style="color:#007c89; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline">
color contrast analyzer</a><br>
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Questions or comments: email conchita.hernandez @ <a href="http://maryland.gov" target="_blank">
maryland.gov</a> </td>
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MSDE · 3501 Taylor Ave · Baltimore, MD 21236-4406 · USA <br>
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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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