[nabs-l] Convention in Orlando for 5 Years
Koby Cox
kobycox at gmail.com
Mon Jul 11 20:01:53 UTC 2011
Can you email me off list?
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 11, 2011, at 2:28 PM, Rachael Vacanti <revacanti at gmail.com> wrote:
> I agree with Chris and Sherri. I haven't seen the old schedule, but that's
> beside the point. I flew down Saturday and didn't leave until the next
> Saturday. You think I'd have time for fun right? Wrong. I didn't get out
> of the hotel once. I meant to go places, like the beach, Citywalk and Bubba
> Gump Shrimp, but I couldn't get there. Why? Because there were too many
> things to do at convention. Convention was awesome and I had a great time,
> but I really wanted to go out and explore Florida a bit more. I looked at
> the agenda and technically, the first 3 days weren't "required". General
> sessions didn't start until Wendsday.
>
> One thing I think might also help convention, is if they announce the state
> cacus. I missed mine cause I had only heard about it once and I don't think
> he even told me where it was. The states should get them sorted out before
> convention and email their state this is when and where it is. I know that
> not everything can be perfect at a thing like this, but they did a very good
> job. For my first time, it was pretty good.
>
> Rachael
>
> On Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM, <nabs-l-request at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
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>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. [Blindtlk] Convention in Orlando for 5 years (Chris Nusbaum)
>> 2. Re: question about brail to word program? (Chris Nusbaum)
>> 3. Re: [acb-l] polling place access issues to this day in mi
>> (Josh Gregory)
>> 4. Re: question about NLS WebBraille (Katie Wang)
>> 5. accessible blog and journal sites (bookwormahb at earthlink.net)
>> 6. Re: accessible blog and journal sites (Joshua Lester)
>> 7. Re: accessible blog and journal sites (bookwormahb at earthlink.net)
>> 8. Thanks for the Help at National Convention (Elizabeth)
>> 9. Re: accessible blog and journal sites (Joshua Lester)
>> 10. aim problem (Amy Sabo)
>> 11. Re: aim problem (Humberto Avila)
>> 12. iPal for sale (David Andrews)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:00:41 -0400
>> From: Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com>
>> To: NABS list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>, NFBMD list <nfbmd at nfbnet.org>,
>> NFB
>> history list <nfb-history at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] [Blindtlk] Convention in Orlando for 5 years
>> Message-ID: <4e19dac7.874de50a.44bf.ffffb86a at mx.google.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>>
>>
>> ---- Original Message ------
>> From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com
>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Convention in Orlando for 5 years
>> Date sent: Sat, 9 Jul 2011 19:59:44 -0400
>>
>> It was announced at the convention that conventions from 2013
>> through 2017
>> will be held in Orlando. I wish we could extend the length of
>> the convention
>> back to how it was and NFB would
>> organize tours for Wednesday afternoon. That way, people could
>> get excited
>> about Orlando and have time to go places. I liked the old
>> schedule much
>> better. If we are going to keep people here for five years in a
>> row, we need
>> to give them ample opportunity to take advantage of all there is
>> to do in
>> Orlando. Besides, I like the banquet the night before the last
>> day of
>> convention.
>>
>>
>> Sherri Brun
>> "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other
>> plans." John
>> Lennon
>>
>> Check out http://www.raceforindependence.org/goto/Sherri.Brun
>>
>> E-mail: flmom2006 at gmail.com
>> NFBF Newsline? chair
>> www.nfbnewsline.org
>> Vice-president NFB Greater Orlando Chapter
>> http://nfbfgoc.org
>> Secretary FDCP INC
>> www.fdcp.org
>> Chair Orange County Disability Advisory Committee
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> for blindtlk:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dotkid.
>> nusbaum%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:07:57 -0400
>> From: Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com>
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing
>> list<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] question about brail to word program?
>> Message-ID: <4e19dc7c.4f76e50a.0805.ffffb9de at mx.google.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> You could also join the BrailleNote list, where users of the
>> BrailleNote can talk about tips and tricks regarding the BN and
>> ask questions when they're having technical problems. Here's the
>> link: www.list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote. In
>> the mean time, if you'd like, I can post your question to the BN
>> list and forward you any responses off list. Hope this helps!
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)
>>
>> The I C.A.N. Foundation helps visually impaired youth in
>> Maryland have the ability to confidently say "I can!" How? Click
>> on this link to learn more and to contribute:
>> www.icanfoundation.info or like us on Facebook at I C.A.N.
>> Foundation.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Humberto Avila" <avila.bert.humberto2 at gmail.com
>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Sat, 9 Jul 2011 22:54:22 -0700
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] question about brail to word program?
>>
>> Are you trying to convert the Braille Note native format
>> documents into word
>> documents. If you want to do so, you will have to use your
>> Braille note to
>> do it because there is no program that will translate and convert
>> Keyword
>> Braille format (kwb) documents into Microsoft word (.doc)
>> documents, unless
>> you want to convert you .kwb files into .BRF files, and then use
>> a program
>> in your PC to convert .BRF files into .doc files--you will need
>> Duxbury
>> Braille translator (which costs about $900 for the license if you
>> don't
>> already have it--you can although try it for free but some
>> functions will be
>> disabled)
>> I hope this was helpful to you. Feel free to send another
>> message off list
>> if you can and I will give you more instructions--this is good
>> practice for
>> me because I will be a teacher of the blind teaching assistive
>> technology.
>> Cheers, Humberto
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org
>> [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
>> Of Andi
>> Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 5:27 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: [nabs-l] question about brail to word program?
>>
>> I am sure this is a silly question but I have to ask. I use to
>> use my brail
>>
>> note quite a bit but now I use my laptop more, I was wondering if
>> there is a
>>
>> program to change the files from the brail document to a word
>> document?
>> Please keep in mind I am not very tech savvy so the simpaler to
>> use the
>> better, but I still want it to do a good job. thank you so much
>> for your
>> help.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: David Andrews
>> Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 1:47 PM
>> To: promotion-technology at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: [nabs-l] GW Micro Announces Readit Wand: First Portable
>> Camera
>> Reading System to Support Touchscreen
>>
>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>> GW Micro Announces Readit Wand: First Portable Camera Reading
>> System
>> to Support Touchscreen
>> for People with Low Vision
>> Fort Wayne, Indiana (July 8, 2011) - GW Micro, Inc. (
>> www.gwmicro.com)
>> and VisionAid International Ltd (
>> www.visionaid-international.com)
>> are proud to announce the Readit Wand! The Readit Wand is a
>> portable
>> camera that
>> connects to a computer to instantly magnify and read documents
>> for
>> the visually impaired.
>> Easily read mail, bills, bank statements, books, and more with
>> ease
>> using the Readit
>> Wand. Everything read with the Readit Wand will be read in a
>> clear,
>> human-sounding
>> voice. The ability to read all of these items makes Readit Wand
>> the
>> perfect tool
>> for the classroom, at home, or at work.
>> The camera weighs just 1.1 pounds and easily connects via USB.
>> The
>> 5-megapixel camera
>> is highly accurate and extremely fast, allowing for recognition
>> in as
>> little as two
>> seconds. The stylish and compact Readit Wand allows for
>> automatic
>> multi-language
>> switching when other languages are installed. The portability
>> and
>> multiple language
>> support make it the ideal tool for students who are learning a
>> foreign language.
>> Readit Wand comes with exceptionally powerful software that
>> allows
>> you to save, load,
>> import, and export documents, including PDFs. Importing PDF
>> files
>> into the Readit
>> software enables users to read PDF files that originally are
>> inaccessible because
>> they are displayed as graphics. Readit Wand also allows you to
>> save
>> documents as
>> a Word document, txt file, rtf, or even save your document as an
>> MP3
>> file to listen
>> to it on your favorite MP3 player.
>> The Readit Wand software contains an easy to use, easy access
>> toolbar
>> designed specifically
>> for low vision users. The toolbar provides the ability to adjust
>> the
>> size of the
>> clear, colorful icons, which give instant access to all the basic
>> controls enabling
>> low vision users to capture their document, change the view to
>> their
>> preference and
>> more at the click of a button.
>> Low vision consumers will greatly benefit from the 3 different
>> types
>> of highlights,
>> as well as six different ways to display text, allowing low
>> vision
>> users to customize
>> the software to their personal preference.
>> When connected to a touchscreen monitor, the Readit Wand is the
>> first
>> portable camera
>> to enable touchscreen support, allowing low vision users the
>> ability
>> to interact
>> with the software by simply using their fingers! This means no
>> more
>> tracking the
>> cursor, which provides direct interaction between the user and
>> the
>> Readit software,
>> creating the best possible user experience.
>> GW Micro is the exclusive master distributor for the Readit Wand
>> in
>> the U.S., developed
>> and manufactured by VisionAid International, located in the
>> UK. Readit Wand will
>> be available soon from GW Micro and GW Micro dealers.
>> For more information on the Readit Wand, visit
>> www.gwmicro.com,
>> email
>> sales at gwmicro.com
>> , or call GW Micro at (260) 489-3671.
>> GW Micro, Inc. (
>> www.gwmicro.com)
>> has been a trusted pioneer in the adaptive technology industry
>> since 1990,
>> and
>> continues to lead with innovative, customer driven solutions.
>> VisionAid International, Ltd (
>> www.visionaid-international.com),
>> established in 2002, is dedicated to producing fast, effective
>> and
>> simple to use
>> devices for people who are partially sighted and blind that make
>> reading a pleasure
>> once again.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/adrianne.
>> dempsey%40g
>> mail.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/avila.ber
>> t.humberto2
>> %40gmail.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> for nabs-l:
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>> sbaum%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:20:18 -0400
>> From: Josh Gregory <joshkart12 at gmail.com>
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing
>> list<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] [acb-l] polling place access issues to this day
>> in mi
>> Message-ID: <4e19ed7d.907fe50a.6655.ffffc150 at mx.google.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> Hi,
>> OK, my thoughts. They are, at the moment, each other's
>> competetors/enemies/whatever. So, at the moment anyway, I doubt
>> it.
>> Best,
>> Josh
>>
>> sent from my Apex
>> Email: joshkart12 at gmail.com
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing
>> list<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:30:00 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] [acb-l] polling place access issues to this
>> day in mi
>>
>> I forwarded this because since the NFB is working to ensure
>> accessible voting and was the driving force behind the Help
>> America Vote Act (HAVA.) So, we might be able to work jointly
>> with ACB on this. What does
>> everyone think?
>> Chris
>>
>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)
>>
>> The I C.A.N. Foundation helps visually impaired youth in
>> Maryland have the ability to confidently say "I can!" How? Click
>> on this link to learn more and to contribute:
>> www.icanfoundation.info or like us on Facebook at I C.A.N.
>> Foundation.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Joshua Lester <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Date sent: Fri, 8 Jul 2011 20:25:02 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] [acb-l] polling place access issues to this
>> day in mi
>>
>> Chris, why are you forwarding stuff from the ACB?
>> Blessings, Joshua
>>
>> On 7/8/11, Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Thoughts on this?
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities
>> motto)
>>
>> The I C.A.N. Foundation helps visually impaired youth in
>> Maryland have the ability to confidently say "I can!" How? Click
>> on this link to learn more and to contribute:
>> www.icanfoundation.info or like us on Facebook at I C.A.N.
>> Foundation.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>
>> ---- Original Message ------
>> From: "joe harcz Comcast" <joeharcz at comcast.net
>> Subject: [acb-l] polling place access issues to this day in mi
>> Date sent: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 10:05:31 -0400
>>
>> A Call to Action ?
>>
>> Unfinished Business to Ensure Michigan Voters with Disabilities
>> Have Access to the Polls in 2012
>>
>> A Public Report on
>> Polling Place
>>
>> Accessibility in Michigan
>>
>> Public Report by
>>
>> Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc.
>>
>> 2011
>>
>> Acknowledgements
>>
>> Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service (MPAS) is Michigan?
>> designated agency to advocate and protect the legal rights of
>> persons with disabilities, mandated
>> by federal and state law. MPAS receives funding from the
>> Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the center for
>> Mental Health Services ?Substance
>> Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the
>> Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Social Security
>> Administration, the State of Michigan
>> and from private donations.
>>
>> Funding for this report has been made possible through the U.S.
>> Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
>> Children and Families, and the
>> Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The contents are
>> the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily
>> represent the official views
>> of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
>>
>> 2011 by Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. This
>> publication may be reproduced in part or in its entirety for
>> noncommercial purposes as long
>> as appropriate credit is given.
>>
>> Table of Contents
>>
>> Executive
>>
>> Summary..........................................................
>> ...................................................5
>>
>> Midterm
>>
>> Report...........................................................
>> .........................................................6
>>
>> Michigan? Polling Place Accessibility
>>
>> Project..........................................................
>> .........7
>>
>> Communicating Accessibility Problems with Election
>> Officials......................................10
>>
>> Next
>>
>> Steps............................................................
>> ..............................................................11
>>
>> In
>>
>> Summary..........................................................
>> ..............................................................11
>>
>> Accessibility Rate Per
>>
>> County...........................................................
>> ................................13
>>
>> Executive Summary
>>
>> In Michigan, voters with disabilities face obstacles at voting
>> locations often because their polling place lacks physical
>> accessibility. The Help America
>> Vote Act (HAVA) acknowledged the unique obstacles faced by
>> voters
>> with disabilities and authorized funding for the federally
>> mandated Protection and Advocacy
>> Voting Access programs (PAVA) to help remove barriers.
>> Unfortunately, this vital mandate has been targeted for
>> elimination in the President? proposed
>> 2012 budget.
>>
>> HAVA charged Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, (MPAS),
>> and other Protection & Advocacy agencies with helping to ensure
>> the full participation of
>> individuals with disabilities in the electoral process,
>> including
>> registering to vote, casting a ballot, and accessing polling
>> places.
>>
>> The PAVA program at MPAS is designed to ensure that every
>> eligible Michigan resident receives equal access to their
>> polling
>> location and has the opportunity
>> to cast an independent secret ballot. MPAS staff members are on
>> the ground providing advice, technical assistance, and training
>> to election officials about
>> voting accessibility across the spectrum of disabilities. The
>> agency also provides outreach and training to voters with
>> disabilities, poll workers, and
>> service providers. MPAS and the Secretary of State of Michigan
>> partnered over the past six years working toward this goal,
>> which
>> has been effective in
>> increasing physical access to polling locations throughout
>> Michigan.
>>
>> Voting is a fundamental right protected by the United States
>> Constitution, upheld by the Supreme Court and subject to intense
>> public scrutiny each election
>> cycle. Provisions within these protections prohibit
>> discrimination against people with disabilities in the electoral
>> process. Exercising their Constitutional
>> right, however, has continued to be a challenge for individuals
>> with disabilities despite changes made to federal and state laws
>> intended to ensure full
>> participation.
>>
>> Key Summary
>>
>> ? Disability advocates have visited 95% (3,457) and
>> reviewed the exterior of polling locations in Michigan.
>>
>> ? Upon initial review, Michigan Protection and Advocacy
>> Service found that only 75% of 3,457 Michigan polling places
>> were
>> compliant under the Americans
>> with Disabilities Act.
>>
>> ? After working with state and local officials, it is
>> anticipated that Michigan? accessibility rate will be increased
>> to 90% in 2012.
>>
>> ? Of the locations that were inaccessible, 60% had one
>> barrier, 30% had two types of barriers, and 6% had three or more
>> types of barriers.
>>
>> ? Only six of the 84 counties in Michigan were 100%
>> physically accessible upon initial visit.
>>
>> ? MPAS continues to receive complaints regarding the
>> AutoMARK, Michigan? accessible ballot marking device.
>>
>> Michigan has made great strides toward accessibility at the
>> polls. This report will highlight the steps taken to ensure
>> that
>> all polling locations throughout
>> Michigan are accessible to voters with disabilities. In
>> addition, the report will offer recommendations for Michigan to
>> achieve and maintain an accessibility
>> rate of 100%.
>>
>> 2010 Mid Term Report
>>
>> Acknowledging widespread irregularity throughout the country,
>> Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002. HAVA
>> included sweeping legislation
>> intended to modernize the electoral system for all voters,
>> including those with disabilities. The Help America Vote Act
>> reinforced the application of
>> Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504
>> of the Rehabilitation Act. Furthermore, in 2004, Michigan
>> lawmakers amended Michigan election
>> law (Public Act 92 of 2004) to require the removal of physical
>> barriers at polling locations. Irrespective of both federal and
>> state law, 25% of Michigan's
>> voting locations continued to be inaccessible for the November
>> 2010 general election. To achieve an all-encompassing voting
>> standard for the fifty states,
>> HAVA included two key components for the disability community:
>>
>> ? All polling places must have at least one voting system
>> which allows all citizens to cast a ballot privately and
>> independently, whether or not one
>> has a disability.
>>
>> ? States must ensure accessibility at all public polling
>> places in a manner compliant with the Americans with
>> Disabilities
>> Act (ADA).
>>
>> Accessible Voting System
>>
>> In 2004, the disability community and the Michigan Secretary of
>> State? Bureau of Elections (BOE) carefully assessing which
>> accessible device would best
>> fit the needs of Michigan voters, and in 2006 selected the
>> AutoMARK. The AutoMARK is an accessible ballot marking device
>> that can be used by all voters
>> with or without disabilities.
>>
>> Although every polling location is equipped with the AutoMARK,
>> each municipality is responsible for making sure it is set up
>> and
>> operating properly. Unfortunately,
>> MPAS continues to receive complaints about the AutoMARK. Voter
>> complaints have included the following: the AutoMARK was boxed
>> up on Election Day, unplugged,
>> jammed up, turned off, or set up so other voters could see the
>> ?ecret?ballot. Complaints concerning jammed ballots have been
>> greatly reduced since the
>> last round of updates were completed. Because the AutoMARK is
>> used only on Election Day, MPAS relies on voter feedback to
>> correct these kinds of problems.
>> MPAS continues to monitor and respond to complaints as they
>> arise.
>>
>> Accessible Polling Places
>>
>> Under HAVA, the federal government allocated money to assist
>> with
>> the purchase of accessible equipment like the AutoMARK, but also
>> to help municipalities
>> make their polling places physically accessible. Congress
>> recognized that in order for people to use the accessible voting
>> machines, the building must
>> also be accessible so voters can access the polling location and
>> voting equipment. It is the local election officials?
>> responsibility to make sure all
>> polling locations are accessible on Election Day. To help cover
>> the expense for removing barriers at polling locations, the
>> Michigan BOE administers a
>> grant program called Access for All, under the U.S. Department
>> of Health and Human Services with funding allocated through
>> HAVA,
>> to help the state comply
>> with HAVA. In most circumstances, the Access for All grants
>> cover all costs associated with accessibility upgrades for
>> polling locations.
>>
>> When Michigan? State Plan to implement provisions under HAVA
>> was
>> initiated in 2004, municipal clerks were required to complete an
>> accessibility checklist
>> to determine whether or not their locations were accessible.
>> This was one of the state? first attempts to gather information
>> on Michigan? polling place
>> accessibility. During this time, MPAS and other organizations
>> were working closely with individual election officials on
>> polling location reviews and
>> were also training the municipal clerks on the accessibility
>> requirements. MPAS also spent a considerable amount of time
>> assisting clerks with assessing
>> the accessibility of their polling locations and helping them
>> apply for Access for All grant money. MPAS found that the
>> accessibility data provided by
>> clerks was not, in certain instances, wholly reliable.
>>
>> MPAS brought this to the Bureau of Election? (BOE) attention
>> and
>> shared independent accessibility reviews with them. The BOE has
>> since increased efforts
>> to ensure the accuracy of reporting by improving communication
>> and requiring additional documentation from the clerks.
>>
>> In 2008, MPAS started to assess municipal polling locations
>> randomly, without notifying the election official in advance.
>> After compiling this data on
>> polling locations statewide, the systemic issue of
>> inaccessibility became a heightened concern. Once these
>> concerns
>> were communicated to the Bureau of
>> Elections, they backed a new initiative in 2010 dramatically
>> increasing their involvement in the advancement of polling place
>> accessibility.
>>
>> This same year, the federal government began reviewing how the
>> states were spending HAVA funds. This fueled speculation that
>> the federal government would
>> eliminate the monies available under HAVA, since some states had
>> not spent their money, rather placing it in an account and
>> allowing the funds to gain
>> interest. Concerned that Congress would pull the allocated
>> funds
>> completely, which would prevent municipalities from accessing
>> money to make polling places
>> accessible, MPAS, along with the Michigan Bureau of Elections,
>> embarked on a project to ensure 100% accessibility at all
>> Michigan polling places.
>>
>> Michigan? Polling Place Accessibility Project
>>
>> In 2010, Michigan started building the framework of a statewide
>> plan to reach 100% polling place accessibility. MPAS and the
>> Bureau of Elections strengthened
>> their partnership in order to achieve this goal. Within this
>> plan, MPAS would review the exterior of all locations throughout
>> the state. Michigan has
>> approximately 3,600 polling places in total. MPAS had already
>> gathered information on 530 polling places prior to 2010,
>> therefore, did not revisit those
>> locations (some were initially accessible and others MPAS worked
>> closely with clerks to improve accessibility. MPAS is still
>> working with clerks to bring
>> the remaining 57 of the 530 polling locations into compliance).
>> MPAS was able to visit the remaining 2,927 polling locations in
>> 2010.
>>
>> Overall, MPAS conducted on-site reviews of at least 95% of the
>> polling places in Michigan.
>>
>> The on-site reviews conducted in 2010, exposed nearly 25% of the
>> polling places that remained physically inaccessible as required
>> by the Americans with
>> Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines.
>>
>> Of the 3,457 polling locations noted above, 2,927 were assessed
>> between May-August 2010. Using the ADAAG as a benchmark to
>> determine physical accessibility,
>> over 800 polling locations within the 2,927 locations visited,
>> had physical barriers failing to comply with the ADAAG ?
>> barriers
>> that create potential
>> difficulties to voters with disabilities on Election Day.
>>
>> Barriers can prevent people with disabilities from fully
>> participating in all aspects of society because of their
>> disability. This might include architectural
>> barriers, physical barriers, communication barriers, attitudinal
>> barriers, cultural barriers, etc. Throughout this project,
>> MPAS?
>> reviews focused primarily
>> on physical and external barriers, which are defined as
>> something
>> material that blocks passage. Physical barriers addressed in
>> this report include objects
>> in the environment such as inaccessible doors or doorways,
>> inaccessible elevators or lack thereof, inaccessible door
>> hardware, inaccessible parking, etc.
>>
>> Among the 2,927 polling locations visited in 2010, 28% did not
>> meet accessibility standards. Based on discussions with the BOE
>> in 2008, when MPAS completed
>> the unannounced visits, clerks were not only notified with a
>> letter from MPAS concerning accessibility, but they were also
>> notified by the Bureau of Elections.
>> MPAS and the BOE required prompt reply about the municipalities
>> plans to meet ADA requirements. The letters contained a
>> photograph of the problem area(s),
>> along with the appropriate ADAAG citation. Within a five month
>> period, letters were sent to over 440 municipalities concerning
>> approximately 800 polling
>> locations.
>>
>> As shown below, 28% of the polling places visited in 2010 had
>> some type of physical barrier present at the time of review.
>>
>> The following chart highlights the most common number of
>> physical
>> barriers discovered at each location.
>>
>> A majority of the locations reviewed had only one physical
>> barrier present. While the largest and most frequent problem
>> was
>> related to parking, the types
>> of barriers at each location varied as shown in the following
>> chart.
>>
>> Text Box: Parking Signs: locations that had accessible parking
>> but no signs posted Parking: locations that had no parking
>> designated or noncompliant access
>> aisles Pathway: barriers that existed between access aisles
>> and
>> entryway Entrance: problems such as door width, door
>> thresholds, door hardware, vestibules,
>> etc. Ramps/Curbs: problems with curb cuts, ramps, handrails,
>> thresholds greater than 1 inch, etc.
>>
>> Communicating Accessibility Problems with Election Officials
>>
>> After completing the on-site reviews, MPAS notified municipal
>> clerks of locations where barriers were discovered. Within a
>> four-month period, over 440
>> letters were sent to election officials. By the end of 2010,
>> 88%
>> of those clerks responded back to MPAS with a plan of
>> correction.
>> In addition, MPAS
>> provided technical assistance to the election officials on how
>> to
>> improve access to their polling location in order to come into
>> compliance. Based on
>> the responses received from clerks, 43% informed us they were
>> would make the changes required; 31% corrected the barriers at
>> the polling locations; 9%
>> were going to apply for Access for All grant; and the remaining
>> responses varied from clerk using temporary equipment.
>>
>> When a clerk informed MAPS that the work was completed, MPAS
>> required documentation from each clerk proving or stating that
>> the work had been completed,
>> including photographs and/or copies of purchase orders. A
>> majority of the clerks responded either with a plan of
>> correction
>> for spring 2011 or with a
>> statement that the work was completed. MPAS is still waiting
>> for
>> some clerks to confirm that the work was done sufficiently.
>> Once
>> the removal of barriers
>> at these locations has been verified, MPAS expects Michigan?
>> polling place accessibility rate to rise to nearly 90 % ?--
>> one of the highest in the nation.
>> There remains, however, substantial work to be completed in the
>> city of Detroit in order to reach this goal. The remaining 12%
>> of clerks, who did not respond
>> to MPAS or the Bureau of Election with a plan of correction,
>> will
>> become a 2011 priority in order to attain 100% accessibility.
>>
>> NEXT STEPS
>>
>> While the focus of this report has been on reaching the 90%
>> accessibility rate, there would still be approximately 10% of
>> polling locations in Michigan
>> that are not accessible to all voters. Some clerks disagree
>> with
>> the findings and MPAS is working with those clerks.
>>
>> In 2011, MPAS will be re-visiting a number of polling locations
>> that are still recorded as being inaccessible, breaking them
>> into
>> three categories: failure
>> to communicate; work promised but documentation still needed;
>> and
>> locations requiring review by MPAS.
>>
>> MPAS will focus attention on election officials who have failed
>> to respond to MPAS communication attempts. This may involve
>> revisiting the location (some
>> clerks correct the problem even when they fail to respond),
>> attending city council/township meetings, filing official HAVA
>> complaints, and/or pursuing
>> legal action under different funding sources. MPAS?goal has
>> always been to educate clerks and assist them with improving
>> access first by proposing solutions
>> to removing barriers.
>>
>> In 2011, MPAS will also direct its attention to monitoring the
>> correction plans that election officials have submitted to
>> ensure
>> that barriers are removed.
>> MPAS will review the remaining 150 polling locations that have
>> not been visited yet.
>>
>> In Summary
>>
>> Throughout the 2010 project, the partnership between MPAS and
>> the
>> Michigan Bureau of Elections (BOE) was crucial. The state
>> reinforced the necessity of
>> accessible elections. They followed up with each municipality
>> whose polling place was noted as being inaccessible in order to
>> determine the jurisdiction's
>> planned course of action. In addition, the BOE coordinated and
>> extended Michigan's polling place improvement grant well into
>> the
>> fall to assist municipalities
>> in removing barriers to voting at no cost.
>>
>> Local election officials can either upgrade their polling places
>> (with or without grant funds), or relocate the polling place to
>> an accessible site. The
>> Bureau of Elections reports that due to the 2010 project, they
>> have seen a large increase in the number of municipalities
>> applying for grant money. In
>> an effort to assist with the project, the BOE extended the
>> typical grant cycle by two months, giving clerks additional
>> opportunity to respond to MPAS?
>> letter and correct the problem(s) by using grant funds. The
>> Michigan Bureau of Elections received 74 grant applications, the
>> largest amount ever received
>> in one grant cycle. Of those 74 grant applications, 66
>> applicants received letters from MPAS seeking a plan of
>> correction - 89% of those who applied.
>> A large number of municipalities have pledged to apply when the
>> next grant period opens in early 2011.
>>
>> If the HAVA/PAVA program survives the President? proposed
>> budget
>> cuts, MPAS looks forward to continuing the partnership with the
>> Secretary of State, ensuring
>> all elections are accessible to all voters. Additionally, MPAS
>> encourages clerks to reach out to local disability groups for
>> future trainings. Listed
>> below are additional recommendations moving forward.
>>
>> Summary/Recommendations:
>>
>> ? Local clerks must be required to notify the Bureau of
>> Elections prior to relocating polling places.
>>
>> ? Accessibility checks should be completed when clerks
>> change polling locations, to verify accessibility. Reports
>> (with
>> photographs) should be submitted
>> to the Bureau of Elections.
>>
>> ? New polling locations must be required to adhere to the
>> Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
>>
>> ? The advisory committee in charge of amending the State
>> Plan (under HAVA) should re-convene and identify ways to hold
>> clerks accountable and implement
>> model oversight programs.
>>
>> ? Access for All grant money should be available
>> throughout
>> the year, so accessibility problems can be addressed anytime
>> they
>> arise.
>>
>> ? The Bureau of Elections and local clerks should continue
>> working with disability advocacy organizations to complete
>> year-round polling place accessibility
>> audits and training to clerks.
>>
>> Accessibility Rate by County
>>
>> Table with 9 columns and 85 rows
>>
>> County
>>
>> Polling Locations
>>
>> Visited
>>
>> Accessible
>>
>> Barriers Discovered
>>
>> Percent Visited
>>
>> % Accessible of those Visited
>>
>> Now Complete
>>
>> % Now Accessible
>>
>> Alcona
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> Alger
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 50%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Allegan
>>
>> 37
>>
>> 37
>>
>> 35
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 97%
>>
>> Alpena
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 53%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 60%
>>
>> Antrim
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 60%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 73%
>>
>> Arenac
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> Baraga
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> 17%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 33%
>>
>> Barry
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 83%
>>
>> Bay
>>
>> 49
>>
>> 48
>>
>> 36
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 98%
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> Benzie
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 46%
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> Berrien
>>
>> 57
>>
>> 57
>>
>> 43
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Branch
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> 53%
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 88%
>>
>> Calhoun
>>
>> 46
>>
>> 43
>>
>> 34
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> 79%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> Cass
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> Charlevoix
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 69%
>>
>> Cheboygan
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> Chippewa
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> 72%
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> Clare
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 84%
>>
>> 81%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> Clinton
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 26
>>
>> 24
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> Crawford
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> Delta
>>
>> 21
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> 55%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 60%
>>
>> Dickinson
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 40%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 73%
>>
>> Eaton
>>
>> 36
>>
>> 36
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 83%
>>
>> Emmet
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Genesee
>>
>> 119
>>
>> 109
>>
>> 84
>>
>> 25
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 79%
>>
>> Gladwin
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 65%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> Gogebic
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 90%
>>
>> Grand Traverse
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 27
>>
>> 27
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Gratiot
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> Hillsdale
>>
>> 21
>>
>> 21
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 57%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> Houghton
>>
>> 31
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> 41%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 64%
>>
>> Huron
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 29
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 97%
>>
>> 62%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 79%
>>
>> Ingham
>>
>> 95
>>
>> 81
>>
>> 78
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 85%
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> Ionia
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 82%
>>
>> Iosco
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Iron
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 50%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> Isabella
>>
>> 25
>>
>> 25
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 76%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 80%
>>
>> Jackson
>>
>> 47
>>
>> 45
>>
>> 34
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 76%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 80%
>>
>> Kalamazoo
>>
>> 97
>>
>> 97
>>
>> 79
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 81%
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Kalkaska
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> Kent
>>
>> 209
>>
>> 207
>>
>> 174
>>
>> 33
>>
>> 99%
>>
>> 84%
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Keweenaw
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 80%
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Lake
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 53%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> Lapeer
>>
>> 24
>>
>> 24
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 83%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> Leelanau
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 62%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 69%
>>
>> Lenawee
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 90%
>>
>> Livingston
>>
>> 48
>>
>> 45
>>
>> 35
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> Luce
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> Mackinac
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> 50%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 60%
>>
>> Macomb
>>
>> 235
>>
>> 233
>>
>> 188
>>
>> 45
>>
>> 99%
>>
>> 81%
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 88%
>>
>> Manistee
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 73%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> Marquette
>>
>> 29
>>
>> 29
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 13
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 55%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 59%
>>
>> Mason
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 15
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 65%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> Mecosta
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 82%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> Menominee
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 88%
>>
>> 57%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 57%
>>
>> Midland
>>
>> 38
>>
>> 29
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 76%
>>
>> 76%
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 90%
>>
>> Missaukee
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 82%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Monroe
>>
>> 42
>>
>> 36
>>
>> 27
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Montcalm
>>
>> 26
>>
>> 25
>>
>> 21
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 84%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> Montmorency
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Muskegon
>>
>> 72
>>
>> 71
>>
>> 68
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 99%
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 99%
>>
>> Newaygo
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 79%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Oakland
>>
>> 410
>>
>> 380
>>
>> 292
>>
>> 88
>>
>> 93%
>>
>> 77%
>>
>> 46
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Oceana
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> Ogemaw
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> Ontonagon
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> 30%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 30%
>>
>> Osceola
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 18
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 78%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 89%
>>
>> Oscoda
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 83%
>>
>> Otsego
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 7
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 90%
>>
>> Ottawa
>>
>> 88
>>
>> 88
>>
>> 79
>>
>> 9
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 90%
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 95%
>>
>> Presque Isle
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 81%
>>
>> Roscommon
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 11
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> Saginaw
>>
>> 75
>>
>> 75
>>
>> 61
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 81%
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> Sanilac
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 26
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 87%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 97%
>>
>> Schoolcraft
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 60%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 80%
>>
>> Shiawassee
>>
>> 27
>>
>> 27
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 10
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 74%
>>
>> St. Clair
>>
>> 52
>>
>> 48
>>
>> 44
>>
>> 4
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> 92%
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 98%
>>
>> St. Joseph
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 17
>>
>> 12
>>
>> 5
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 71%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 82%
>>
>> Tuscola
>>
>> 25
>>
>> 24
>>
>> 16
>>
>> 8
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 67%
>>
>> 2
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> Van Buren
>>
>> 23
>>
>> 22
>>
>> 19
>>
>> 3
>>
>> 96%
>>
>> 86%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 91%
>>
>> Washtenaw
>>
>> 106
>>
>> 100
>>
>> 70
>>
>> 30
>>
>> 94%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 0
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> Wayne
>>
>> 568
>>
>> 519
>>
>> 325
>>
>> 194
>>
>> 91%
>>
>> 63%
>>
>> 28
>>
>> 68%
>>
>> Wexford
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 20
>>
>> 14
>>
>> 6
>>
>> 100%
>>
>> 70%
>>
>> 1
>>
>> 75%
>>
>> Total
>>
>> 3635
>>
>> 3457
>>
>> 2579
>>
>> 878
>>
>> 95.10%
>>
>> 74.60%
>>
>> 289
>>
>> 83%
>>
>> table end
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>> for nabs-l:
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>> sbaum%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:01:14 -0400
>> From: Katie Wang <bunnykatie6 at gmail.com>
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] question about NLS WebBraille
>> Message-ID:
>> <CA+6VNgMyPtC8awLRoQhU091dof4rjGOiFVS4bBx+gsDuOzYY5w at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Chris, there is no Download button on Web Braille. Instead, when you
>> are taken to the book itself, just press Space with s on your Braille
>> Note and you will be prompted for where you would like to save the
>> file and what you would like to name it. NLS saves each braille volume
>> of a book in a separate file, so you will have to do this multiple
>> times if you are dealing with a book that is in more than one volume.
>> I have been a Web Braille user for many years and find it a great
>> resource, although I have come to rely on Bookshare more in the past
>> few years for pleasure reading since it has a much larger, more
>> current collection.
>> Lea, I don't think you are doing anything wrong on your end-- It
>> might be a NLS database issue. I would suggest contacting your state
>> NLS library again and see if they can get you some sort of technical
>> support contact info. Someone from the central program that
>> administers the Web Braille service might need to look into your
>> situation.
>> Hope this helps!
>> Katie
>>
>>
>> On 7/10/11, Lea williams <leanicole1988 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> I tried to sing up with this sight and when I log in it says my user
>>> name and password is wrong. I have called and gotten it changed three
>>> times and it still says it. wonder what I am doing wrong.
>>>
>>> On 7/9/11, Chris Nusbaum <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> I have a question for all you NLS Web Braille users! I recently
>>>> registered for WebBraille, and am looking forward to all it has
>>>> to offer. But I do have this question: when I click on a link
>>>> for a book, where can I find a link, button, or something where I
>>>> can download the BRF file(s) onto my BrailleNote? I tried to
>>>> download Walking Alone and Marching Together last night, and when
>>>> I clicked on the link, it put me into the actual book to read
>>>> online, but I wanted to download the book to read it in my
>>>> BrailleNote's book reader at a later date. How can I do this?
>>>> Thanks!
>>>>
>>>> Chris
>>>>
>>>> "A loss of sight, never a loss of vision!" (Camp Abilities motto)
>>>>
>>>> The I C.A.N. Foundation helps visually impaired youth in
>>>> Maryland have the ability to confidently say "I can!" How? Click
>>>> on this link to learn more and to contribute:
>>>> www.icanfoundation.info or like us on Facebook at I C.A.N.
>>>> Foundation.
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leanicole1988%40gmail.com
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Lea Williams
>>>
>>> Phone;
>>> 704-732-4470
>>> Skipe;
>>> Lea.williams738
>>> Facebook
>>> http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001775297080
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bunnykatie6%40gmail.com
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:46:14 -0400
>> From: <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>> Message-ID: <B4037C3F7D6A496095F21D0D96442BCF at OwnerPC>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I?m interested in starting a blog or maybe more than one blog.
>> So what accessible sites are there? Do bloggers generally write first
>> person stories, or about things they see that are more objective?
>> Any of you have a blog? How often do you update it? Is it possible to
>> upload photos to it to go along with your story? Or maybe you need sighted
>> help to post photos?
>> What about audio? What format do audio clips need to be in?
>> Can you have more than one blog on the same site? Can
>> you write as much as you want or is there a word limit?
>> I enjoy writing and I?d like to share with friends and family. I figured
>> blogging would be a neat way to write stories about myself, life and my
>> opinions on things like books, technology, and religion.
>>
>> What site can you write like a journal about yourself?
>>
>>
>> Thanks.
>> Ashley
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:50:08 -0500
>> From: Joshua Lester <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu>
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAO83KOvcw3DpL1u2R9+g_RvWhXLH2gmZrbgwOouBK5VD3jm5RQ at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>>
>> Ashley:
>> Why not start an accessible forum, online, for blind people?
>> I've found an accessible one.
>> V Bulletin, is quite accessible, with an audio captcha, (if they still have
>> it.)
>> To see 2 forums, from V Bulletin, here are some examples.
>> www.apostolicfriendsforum.com, and www.goodnewscafe.net.
>> Blessings, Joshua
>>
>> On 7/10/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I?m interested in starting a blog or maybe more than one blog.
>>> So what accessible sites are there? Do bloggers generally write first
>>> person stories, or about things they see that are more objective?
>>> Any of you have a blog? How often do you update it? Is it possible to
>>> upload photos to it to go along with your story? Or maybe you need
>> sighted
>>> help to post photos?
>>> What about audio? What format do audio clips need to be in?
>>> Can you have more than one blog on the same site? Can
>>> you write as much as you want or is there a word limit?
>>> I enjoy writing and I?d like to share with friends and family. I figured
>>> blogging would be a neat way to write stories about myself, life and my
>>> opinions on things like books, technology, and religion.
>>>
>>> What site can you write like a journal about yourself?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>> Ashley
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jlester8462%40students.pccua.edu
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 7
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:42:30 -0400
>> From: <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
>> To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>> Message-ID: <AF7D2C5148FE4AC39D1C45AA2B6941EB at OwnerPC>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
>> reply-type=original
>>
>> Joshua,
>> What is a forum like? Isn't that for a group of people to discuss something
>> common?
>> Is that how a forum differs from a blog?
>> This would be a good idea if I had several people interested in a forum.
>> I'll see about it. I have a beep ball team and that was one of the things I
>> wanted to blog about. But yes if more people want to post online, I'd like
>> the idea of a forum. A blog would be more for my writings, if I do it.
>>
>> I'll check those links out and I'm glad to know they are accessible.
>>
>> Ashley
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Joshua Lester
>> Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2011 8:50 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>>
>> Ashley:
>> Why not start an accessible forum, online, for blind people?
>> I've found an accessible one.
>> V Bulletin, is quite accessible, with an audio captcha, (if they still have
>> it.)
>> To see 2 forums, from V Bulletin, here are some examples.
>> www.apostolicfriendsforum.com, and www.goodnewscafe.net.
>> Blessings, Joshua
>>
>> On 7/10/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I?m interested in starting a blog or maybe more than one blog.
>>> So what accessible sites are there? Do bloggers generally write first
>>> person stories, or about things they see that are more objective?
>>> Any of you have a blog? How often do you update it? Is it possible to
>>> upload photos to it to go along with your story? Or maybe you need
>> sighted
>>> help to post photos?
>>> What about audio? What format do audio clips need to be in?
>>> Can you have more than one blog on the same site? Can
>>> you write as much as you want or is there a word limit?
>>> I enjoy writing and I?d like to share with friends and family. I figured
>>> blogging would be a neat way to write stories about myself, life and my
>>> opinions on things like books, technology, and religion.
>>>
>>> What site can you write like a journal about yourself?
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>> Ashley
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jlester8462%40students.pccua.edu
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40earthlink.net
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 8
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:52:18 -0400
>> From: Elizabeth <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
>> To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Thanks for the Help at National Convention
>> Message-ID: <COL118-W1316868A320E5058F0232FBA450 at phx.gbl>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I have done my best to thank everyone individually for the help they have
>> provided me over the past week. However, I thought I would also send out a
>> general message to thank anyone I may have missed along the way. My
>> convention may not have gone the way I wanted it to go, but it was exactly
>> what I needed for reasons I am not willing to share on such a public email
>> list.
>>
>> Since the last time I checked the messages on this list was before
>> convention, it is quite possible that someone may have already said what
>> happened, or at least their version of the story. However, I have already
>> shared my version of the story about a million times by now, so if you are
>> curious as to what happened, you will just have to wait for another time.
>>
>> The bottom line is that I am going to be just fine. I just wanted to show
>> my appreciation to those who may have helped me along the way.
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Elizabeth
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 9
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:22:03 -0500
>> From: Joshua Lester <jlester8462 at students.pccua.edu>
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>> Message-ID:
>> <CAO83KOviXamrW81HF9NX+T4LZ7M9pU3mnTrmuGYO794JtGARSg at mail.gmail.com
>>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>>
>> Yes.
>> Are you familiar with the beap baseball?
>> I just heard about it, on the DJD Invasion.
>> Blessings, Joshua
>>
>> On 7/10/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>>> Joshua,
>>> What is a forum like? Isn't that for a group of people to discuss
>> something
>>> common?
>>> Is that how a forum differs from a blog?
>>> This would be a good idea if I had several people interested in a forum.
>>> I'll see about it. I have a beep ball team and that was one of the things
>> I
>>> wanted to blog about. But yes if more people want to post online, I'd
>> like
>>> the idea of a forum. A blog would be more for my writings, if I do it.
>>>
>>> I'll check those links out and I'm glad to know they are accessible.
>>>
>>> Ashley
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Joshua Lester
>>> Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2011 8:50 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] accessible blog and journal sites
>>>
>>> Ashley:
>>> Why not start an accessible forum, online, for blind people?
>>> I've found an accessible one.
>>> V Bulletin, is quite accessible, with an audio captcha, (if they still
>> have
>>> it.)
>>> To see 2 forums, from V Bulletin, here are some examples.
>>> www.apostolicfriendsforum.com, and www.goodnewscafe.net.
>>> Blessings, Joshua
>>>
>>> On 7/10/11, bookwormahb at earthlink.net <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> I?m interested in starting a blog or maybe more than one blog.
>>>> So what accessible sites are there? Do bloggers generally write first
>>>> person stories, or about things they see that are more objective?
>>>> Any of you have a blog? How often do you update it? Is it possible to
>>>> upload photos to it to go along with your story? Or maybe you need
>> sighted
>>>> help to post photos?
>>>> What about audio? What format do audio clips need to be in?
>>>> Can you have more than one blog on the same site? Can
>>>> you write as much as you want or is there a word limit?
>>>> I enjoy writing and I?d like to share with friends and family. I figured
>>>> blogging would be a neat way to write stories about myself, life and my
>>>> opinions on things like books, technology, and religion.
>>>>
>>>> What site can you write like a journal about yourself?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks.
>>>> Ashley
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> nabs-l:
>>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jlester8462%40students.pccua.edu
>>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40earthlink.net
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nabs-l mailing list
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> nabs-l:
>>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jlester8462%40students.pccua.edu
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 10
>> Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:50:20 +0000 (UTC)
>> From: Amy Sabo <amylsabo at comcast.net>
>> To: "BLIND STUDENTS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF" <NABS-L at NFBNET.ORG>,
>> "OF BLIND STUDENTS, COLORADO ASSOCIATION" <CABS at NFBNET.ORG>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] aim problem
>> Message-ID:
>> <
>> 1760385386.319978.1310359820794.JavaMail.root at sz0144a.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net
>>>
>>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>> hello all,
>>
>> i hope that you are all doing well. i'm having problems with the latest
>> version of aim. i have tried tabbing to all of the features on it to change
>> the settings on it but, jfw won't let me do that. is there a way in where i
>> can access aim with jfw? are there speciall scripts for jfw that i can use?
>>
>> thanks again and, i will talk to you all soon!
>>
>>
>> hugs,
>> amy
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 11
>> Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:35:34 -0700
>> From: "Humberto Avila" <avila.bert.humberto2 at gmail.com>
>> To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'"
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] aim problem
>> Message-ID: <0FCAE1D24B6A42BD8B6BF6FDF4002DEE at HumbertoAvila>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> The last thing I heard about AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was about 2 years
>> ago on a podcast about JAWS and instant messaging (by the way, it was the
>> FS
>> cast). Maybe they have updated the software and now it is inaccessible with
>> JAWS? I don't know...but, what version of JAWS are you using? Which
>> operating system? Which version of aim?
>> Cheers, Humberto
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf
>> Of Amy Sabo
>> Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2011 9:50 PM
>> To: BLIND STUDENTS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF; OF BLIND STUDENTS, COLORADO
>> ASSOCIATION
>> Subject: [nabs-l] aim problem
>>
>> hello all,
>>
>> i hope that you are all doing well. i'm having problems with the latest
>> version of aim. i have tried tabbing to all of the features on it to change
>> the settings on it but, jfw won't let me do that. is there a way in where i
>> can access aim with jfw? are there speciall scripts for jfw that i can use?
>>
>> thanks again and, i will talk to you all soon!
>>
>>
>> hugs,
>> amy
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>>
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/avila.bert.humberto2
>> %40gmail.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 12
>> Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:50:05 -0500
>> From: David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>
>> To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: [nabs-l] iPal for sale
>> Message-ID: <auto-000019992102 at mailfront3.g2host.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Eye Pal for sale. $1299
>>> I can be contacted via email at mbrianwooten at gmail.com
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Brian
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>> End of nabs-l Digest, Vol 57, Issue 13
>> **************************************
>>
> _______________________________________________
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