[NABS-L] August 2018 NABS Notes
Melissa Carney
carne23m at mtholyoke.edu
Mon Sep 3 02:59:12 UTC 2018
Good evening NABSters,
It's hard to believe that the summer is already drawing to a close. It has
been a packed few months, from the excitement of the 2018 national
convention, to our various jobs, internships, and much-needed vacations. I
hope that you all had a chance to take a deep breath, relax, enjoy some time
in the sun, and recharge for a brand-new semester. Feel free to read about
what NABS has been up to during the month of August. Please find the link to
our online version of the NABS notes below, followed by the notes
themselves. A copy of the NABS notes is also attached to this email for your
convenience. We continuously strive to update and improve the format and
content of our monthly bulletin, so your suggestions and recommendations are
much appreciated. What resources would you like us to share? Are there
specific topics that you would like us to cover? What general feedback do
you have? Don't hesitate to let us know.
Good luck on the start of your classes!
http://nabslink.org/content/nabs-notes-august-2018
NABS Notes: August 2018
In this issue, you will find:
* President's Note
* Meet the New NABS Board
* New Resource - NABS Phone Number
* Follow Us on Instagram
* Space Available Program
* Accessibility User Research Collective
* Museum Experience Survey
* NABS Committee Updates
* Student Division Spotlight
* NABS Facebook Group
President's Note
Thank you! Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for trusting my
leadership and vision for our organization. Thank you for lending an extra
hand in expanding our reach even further then we already have. Thank you for
being honest in feedback, open in suggestions, and constant in dedication. I
appreciate you. It's been almost two months since our National Convention;
and the effort and commitment from our leadership, whether NABS Board or
committees, is unmeasurable. It is an amazing feeling, as a leader, to have
so much faith and energy in the future of this strong organization. With
whatever amount of effort you can give, we appreciate you; for representing
blind people in a positive way, you are doing life right. I want to take a
moment to tell you good luck this semester. Whether you are starting
college, entering another year of high school, or going an alternative
route, you are pushing your limits every day in this changing world. We are
here to provide resources; and we want you to contact us.
Meet the New NABS Board!
Please read below to learn more about the newly elected 2018 NABS board.
Additionally, you will find each member's contact information and the states
for which they serve as a liaison.
President: Kathryn Webster
nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:nabs.president at gmail.com>
I am so honored to serve as President of this fine organization. After
graduating with my Bachelors of Science degree in Data Analytics and
Statistics from Wake Forest University in the spring of 2017, I began my
career at Deloitte Consulting, LLP as a Strategy & Data Analyst. Part-time,
I am the Coordinator of Project RISE, NFB of Virginia's transition program
for blind youth. I plan to pursue my MBA in the fall of 2019 in order to
take my experience to the next level. I enjoy spending time with friends and
family, lounging on the beach, reading non-fiction books, and traveling the
world to gain cultural understanding through different lenses. I have a
passion for giving back. The National Federation of the Blind taught me that
it is my duty to shower fellow blind students with endless resources,
support, friendship, and advice to equalize the playing field. We are as
capable, willing, eager, and ready, if not more, than our sighted
counterparts. Let's break down those misconceptions and build our vast
network while changing what it means to be blind! Excited to connect with
you!
First Vice President: Syed Rizvi
syedrizvinfb at gmail.com <mailto:syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
Hey NABSters! I'm from Longmeadow, Massachusetts and attend college at the
University of Texas at Austin. There, I am pursuing a major in Government
and attaining a minor in Philosophy. I lift for the UT Austin Power Lifting
team and am very involved in on-campus organizations that cater to South
Asian and Muslim students. When I'm not hitting the text books, mosque, or
gym, I am bonding with friends and family over delicious food. As a proud
graduate of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, the Federation has made all
my wildest dreams come true. I hope I can do the same for you!
Contact me regarding the following states:
. Alaska
. California
. Hawaii
. Minnesota
. New Jersey
. Texas
. Utah
.Washington
Second Vice President: Kenia Flores
kenia.flores at furman.edu <mailto:kenia.flores at furman.edu>
Hello, fellow Federationists! I am currently a junior at Furman University,
where I am majoring in Politics and International Affairs. After graduating,
I plan to attend law school to equip me with the knowledge and expertise to
become a civil rights attorney. Outside of my commitments as a student,
mentor, and advocate, I enjoy rock climbing, spending time at the beach with
a good novel in hand, and attending concerts. I, along with my fellow board
members, are looking forward to preparing our fellow students with the
necessary tools and confidence to ensure success in the classroom and
beyond. We want to help you turn your dreams into reality, so please do not
hesitate to reach out to us. Together, let's go build the National
Federation of the blind with love, hope and determination!
Contact me regarding the following states:
. Alabama
. Georgia
. Illinois
. Iowa
. New Mexico
. South Carolina
. Vermont
Treasurer: Dustin Cather
cather.dustin at gmail.com <mailto:cather.dustin at gmail.com>
My name is Dustin Cather, and I am proud to serve as your Treasurer of NABS.
I am a senior at Oregon State University studying Political Science via
their online program. I live in the small town of Pekin Illinois, where I am
a cook for an upscale restaurant. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with
my cat Oakley, and playing the trombone. I am looking forward to working
with a lot of you during my time with NABS!
Contact me regarding the following states:
. Florida
. Hawaii
. Massachusetts
. Kansas
. New York
. South Dakota
. Wyoming
Secretary: Melissa Carney
carne23m at mtholyoke.edu <mailto:carne23m at mtholyoke.edu>
I am thrilled to serve on the NABS board and work with all of you! I am
originally from the small town of Deep River, Connecticut. I am a senior at
Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, pursuing a double major in English
and Psychology. After receiving my Bachelor's, I plan to obtain my doctorate
in clinical psychology. In addition to my academic interests and career
goals, I am passionate about disability rights and advocacy, resolving
access barriers, and fostering independence and mentorship within the
community. I am conducting research on accessibility at IBM over the summer,
and will be interning with the National Council on Independent Living in the
fall. I serve as the president of the Connecticut Association of Blind
students, secretary of the Massachusetts Association of Blind Students, and
a Peer Mentor for incoming freshmen with disabilities at Mount Holyoke. In
my free time, I enjoy reading science fiction, writing poetry, running, and
any other recreational outdoor activity. I am an avid horseback rider and
skier, as well as a competitive singer. I always enjoy meeting new students,
hearing your stories, and giving advice or encouragement when needed, so
feel free to reach out!
Contact me regarding the following states:
. Arkansas
. Delaware
. Indiana
. Maryland
. Mississippi
. New Hampshire
. Oklahoma
Board Member 1: Mausam Mehta
Mausam.mehta00 at gmail.com
I am thrilled to work with the National Student Division to build our
momentum and exceed our goals. I am from a small town in Virginia, and I'm
working towards a bachelor's in Business Administration and Information
Technology at the University of Virginia. Outside of my exciting work with
NABS, I love breathing the air of new and strange places, reading
frightening suspense novels, and petting fluffy animals. I'm so honored to
be a part of NABS, and I can't wait to see where our dreams will lead us!
Contact me regarding the following states:
.Kentucky
.Louisiana
.Nebraska
.Oregon
.Virginia
Board Member 2: Tarik Williams
williams.tarik20 at gmail.com <mailto:williams.tarik20 at gmail.com>
I grew up in Pennsylvania, where I was part of my high school basketball
team. Sports has always been a huge part of my life, so after I lost my
vision, I still wanted to be a part of a team. I joined the marching band,
which I participated in all 4 years of college. After becoming Mr. West
Chester and graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts in English, I decided that
before I went onto graduate school to become a VR counselor, I should
increase my assistive technology skills so I decided to go to Louisiana
Center for the Blind. While there, I realized that my passion was to work
hands on with students and so I decided to go to Louisiana Tech University
to get a Master's in Counseling and Guidance, with certifications in
Orientation and Mobility and Rehabilitation Teaching. After graduation, I
accepted a job at SAAVI Services for the Blind where I teach Cane travel and
is a program advisor. If you want to be on my good side, just tell me how
much you love the Dallas Cowboys and how awesome LeBron James is and you are
set!
Contact me regarding the following states:
.Montana
.North Dakota
.Pennsylvania
.Ohio
.Puerto Rico
.Rhode Island
.Washington, DC
Board Member 3: Janae Burgmeier
janae.burgmeier at gmail.com <mailto:janae.burgmeier at gmail.com>
I am from Des Moines, Iowa and have been an NFB member for 12 years,
however I have become a more active member over the past 3 years. I am
currently obtaining a Master's degree in Business Administration, while
working at Wells Fargo as a financial Crimes Specialist. I also serve in the
local community as a board member for the Des Moines chapter of New Leaders
Council, as well as the Statewide Independent Living Council. I enjoy
participating in Pub trivia with friends, hiking, reading, and traveling to
new and exciting places. I am so excited to get involved and continue to
build the Federation.
Contact me regarding the following states:
.Colorado
.Connecticut
.Michigan
.Nevada
.Tennessee
.West Virginia
.Wisconsin
Board Member 4: Justin Salisbury
president at alumni.ecu.edu <mailto:president at alumni.ecu.edu>
I am thrilled to be back on the NABS Board in the exact same position I
held from 2012 to 2014, and I am even further thrilled to be serving with
such a phenomenal group of student leaders on this new board. I am taking
classes in education and public administration as I prepare for a PhD
program in education. I am particularly interested in programs focusing on
education leadership and policy analysis, as well as social and cultural
foundations of education. It is an honor to be welcomed back into student
leadership as I return to higher education. I grew up mostly in rural
northeastern Connecticut and joined the National Federation of the Blind
through the Connecticut affiliate in 2008, thanks to our scholarship
program. I thought I would take the money and run, but I found something
greater than a scholarship check. I have served six years as a student
division president between Connecticut, North Carolina, and Hawaii. I hold a
Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and economics from East Carolina University.
After college, I attended the Louisiana Center for the Blind in a gap year
before a PhD program in agricultural and applied economics at the University
of Wisconsin-Madison. That year of training changed my life, and I became
obsessed with helping other blind people achieve the freedom and empowerment
that can come from training at an NFB training center. I also dove headfirst
into the legislative work of the Federation. I stopped writing my
dissertation and left UW-Madison to attend Louisiana Tech University, where
I earned a master's degree in teaching cane travel. Today, I teach cane
travel at a training center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Contact me regarding the following states:
.Arizona
.Idaho
.Maine
.Missouri
.North Carolina
New Resource - NABS Phone Number
Our leadership wants to provide an outlet for students to voice concerns,
seek advice, and learn about resources you may otherwise not be familiar
with. With that, we launched our very own NABS phone number, where a NABS
leader is on call to speak with blind students across the country. Please
call 410-417-8360.
Follow Us on Instagram
NABS has an Insta account now, so follow us @NABSLink!
Space Available Program
The John McCain National Defense Authorization Act was recently signed into
law. It contains language expanding eligibility for the Space Available
program that will allow Vietnam-era veterans who are blind or have other
disabilities to travel on military flights if space is available. The press
release is at available at:
https://nfb.org/military-space-available-accommodation-expanded-more-veteran
s-disabilities.
Accessibility User Research Collective
The below research participant solicitation is being provided for
informational purposes only. The National Federation of the Blind has no
involvement in this research, but we believe that it may contribute to our
research mission.
The Accessibility User Research Collective (AURC) is looking for people who
are blind or have very low vision to take part in ongoing research projects
that we conduct as a research partner for Microsoft. The goal of these
studies is to use real feedback from real people to assist Microsoft in
improving the usefulness and accessibility of their apps and products. The
studies can include emailed surveys, in-person interviews or focus groups.
Joining the AURC doesn't mean you will be inundated with survey requests.
Only when a study requires someone with a specific disability is that person
contacted; and they are free to turn down the request if it comes at an
inconvenient time for them. The privacy and anonymity of participant
personal information, both in the database and during any studies they
participate in, is protected by strict HIPPAA requirements as well as by
special research security protocols that are required for studies involving
human subjects.
The studies usually provide a modest monetary stipend as thanks for
participating; and from conversations with study participants, they value
the opportunity to help to improve the accessibility and usefulness of apps.
If you decide to join us, you can sign up to our database by filling out a
survey at this link: <https://is.gd/AURCmemberform>
https://is.gd/AURCmemberform
AURC web site: https://accessibilityuserresearchcollective.org/
Museum Experience Survey
The below research participant solicitation is being provided for
informational purposes only. The National Federation of the Blind has no
involvement in this research, but we believe that it may contribute to our
research mission.
Cheryl Fogle-Hatch, Ph.D. (an independent archaeologist and museum
professional) and Don Winiecki, Ed.D., Ph.D. (a professor at Boise State
University) are conducting survey research to identify experiences of blind
and visually-impaired individuals at museums. If you choose to complete the
survey it will take you about 15 to 20 minutes. More information about the
survey and the research is included below.
Survey URL:
<https://boisestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23HYlClohjBVQah>https://bo
isestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23HYlClohjBVQah
Eligibility: The survey is intended for individuals who are (a) 18-years old
or older, (b) blind or visually-impaired, and (c) who have visited one or
more museums in the past.
NABS Committee Updates
Get involved!
* Legislative Advocacy Committee
When: third Sunday of the month | 8pm eastern
Chair: Kenia Flores (kenia.flores at furman.edu
<mailto:kenia.flores at furman.edu> )
Co-Chairs: Rilee Sloan and Justin Salisbury
* Fundraising Committee
When: Second Sunday of the month | 8pm eastern
Chair: Kathryn Webster (nabs.president at gmail.com
<mailto:nabs.president at gmail.com> )
Co-Chairs: Harry Staley, Dustin Cather, and Elizabeth Rouse
* Outreach Committee
When: first Monday of the month | 9pm eastern
Chair: Janae Burgmeier (Janae.burgmeier at gmail.com
<mailto:Janae.burgmeier at gmail.com> )
Co-Chairs: Melissa Carney, Elizabeth Sheeler, and Matt Gip
Web Master: Dustin Cather (cather.dustin at gmail.com
<mailto:cather.dustin at gmail.com> )
* Special Projects
When: Meetings as Needed
Chairs: Syed Rizvi, Tarik Williams, and Mausam Mehta
Student Division Spotlight
Are you curious to see what your fellow students are up to? Please check out
the following updates from several of our proud divisions.
Please note: All text was taken directly from our state student division
leadership and not amended in any way.
* Arizona
We are eared up and ready to rock during our 2018 State Convention. We have
some great events planned for the student seminar as well as some wise
speakers to share their knowledge during the annual business meeting. As per
custom we will be holding elections for the Arizona Association of Blind
Students board. We are excited to pass the baton to the next generation of
leaders and support them in the work that is being done. Thank you so much
to the current board and we wish them well as they continue to build this
federation in other leadership roles. Shout out to Tarik Williams, who is
graciously representing our national student division during our 2018 State
Convention! Thanks for reading!
NABS Facebook Group
Join our Facebook group by visiting:
<https://m.facebook.com/groups/173482726798026>
https://m.facebook.com/groups/173482726798026
The National Association of blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
Nfbstudents.org
(203) 273-8463
Melissa Carney
Secretary | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
(860) 391-9319
Carne23m at mtholyoke.edu
|
www.nabslink.org <http://www.nabslink.org>
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