[nagdu] Fw: NFB Imagineering Our Future: The blind take the driver's seat

Peter Donahue pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com
Tue Feb 1 23:19:44 UTC 2011


Hello again everyone,

    Here is the latest issue of Imagineering Our Future. Consider this a 
follow-on to my last message. All the best and stay warm.

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Riccobono" <JerniganInstitute at nfb.org>
To: <pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 2:31 PM
Subject: NFB Imagineering Our Future: The blind take the driver's seat


Graphic Logo: NFB Jernigan Institute
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http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Nj06QinClYpng2EFA3JBLg..

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http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=wR4GdA8e7qR1nqZQt-fIPg..

Imagineering Our Future

Issue 31

February 2011

In this issue:

*  Message from the Executive Director
*  What's New
*  Education
*  Braille Initiative
*  Advocacy
*  Straight Talk About Vision Loss
*  Product and Access Technology Talk
*  From the tenBroek Library
*  Independence Market
*  Parent Outreach
*  Spotlight on the Imagination Fund
*  NFB Calendar
*  Citation

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Wow, here we are on the other side of history. Our historic debut of a
car equipped with nonvisual interfaces allowing a blind person to
drive independently has occurred at the Daytona International Speedway
on January 29. I was deeply honored to represent the National
Federation of the Blind as the blind driver for that historic
demonstration. That historic drive was only one piece of our overall
Blind Driver Challenge project, which has taken the energy, intellect,
and commitment of many. Most importantly, we would not have reached
this moment without the commitment and enthusiasm of the members of
the National Federation of the Blind-those working to build
greater opportunities for the blind in local communities all over
America.

On Saturday I received the key to our Blind Driver Challenge(TM)
vehicle from Congressman John Mica, Chairman of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I climbed into the car,
prepared the nonvisual interfaces, and drove a 1.5 mile portion of the
famed speedway at Daytona. Much like the experience of blind people on
a daily basis, my path around the course took me past barriers which
had to be maneuvered and unexpected obstacles which had to be
overcome. During the drive I used nonvisual techniques to gather
information about the environment and I safely directed the car
through the winding course without incident. If I had doubts along the
way, I had my confidence fueled by the four hundred members of the
Federation who were in the stands to participate in this momentous
achievement for our organization.

While Saturday was a tremendously historic day for the blind of
America, I have to admit that Friday, January 28, was personally as
moving. During our last practice drive in a parking lot just outside
of the speedway, I had the opportunity to give my own family a lift.
You can only imagine the tremendous feeling of independence I felt
when I strapped my son and daughter into their car seats, invited my
wife to take the passenger seat, and jumped in to take them for a
spin. Sure, it was only a few laps around a parking lot, but it was a
tremendous beginning to a future full of opportunities. The NFB Blind
Driver Challenge is breaking new ground-making the seemingly
impossible possible.

Our historic achievement this weekend is just one of many made on a
daily basis by the National Federation of the Blind in communities
across the country. We need to continue to find more ways to build
more imaginative programs at an even greater rate of speed so that
more blind people have even greater opportunities in the future. We
continue to need your help in making those opportunities a reality.

As I said to the press this weekend, "In pursuit of the
seemingly impossible dream, the first mile of the journey is the most
tenuous. The blind have completed that mile, the roads to our dreams
are open, and the only limitation is our failure to stay in the
driver's seat until we reach our destinations."

See you out on the roads,

Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono

Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute

P.S. Please consider giving a financial contribution in honor of our
historic drive at Daytona. Visit
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3xaQDYMBuxK4nbCT9FI6rw.. today 
to make your
contribution to help drive opportunities in the future.

Featured NFB News

The BDC vehicle on the Daytona track. Photo Credit: Virginia Tech

Photo: BDC vehicle on Daytona International Speedway track

NFB Blind Driver Challenge(TM)

For the first time a blind individual has performed a task most people
thought impossible-driving an automobile. Mark Riccobono
was chosen to be the blind man behind the wheel of the Ford Escape
hybrid equipped with nonvisual technology in the NFB Blind Driver
Challenge(TM) (BDC). The demonstration was made at the
Daytona International Speedway on January 29, preceding the Rolex 24
at Daytona. Mr. Riccobono successfully navigated 1.5 miles of
track, without any assistance from a sighted person, including making
turns and avoiding obstacles, some of which were stationary and some
of which were thrown into his path at random from a van driving in
front of him.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=o4z-min73T6D_9vjDwpZxg..

The historic debut of the nonvisual driving technology developed under
the NFB's Blind Driver Challenge(TM) initiative was a
phenomenon. Preliminary NFB BDC vehicle testing conducted with
Virginia Tech College of Engineering and TORC Technologies at the
Virginia International Raceway was reported on by
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=jsiOtxbME80NS_OTuq4xcw..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EX1S2t-baapjkOYPiVe1NQ..

WSLS 10-TV in Roanoke, Virginia. Excitement mounted as
NFB's press releases heralding the event, "Congressman
Mica to Participate in NFB Blind Driver Challenge(TM)"
and "Blind Man to Take to the Road at Daytona
International Speedway," were reported broadly.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1xh4ZIdBZqiw0RExgbm5Fw..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FAphlIpMTczUYeX-mt5VTw..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MvfTDB3ARJVfYx-fYBfmZg..

Just prior to the event, the AP put on the wire the article
"Blind driver to debut new technologies at Daytona," and
coverage in news outlets and blogs too numerous to mention followed,
including NPR,
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=XdzhuQyXpPaJ1NH-mxsOng..

The Miami Herald, Salon, CBS News,

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Htci-ui-LHe0fI2UWo7fyQ..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=sOEP1BwbdDFjr1gLbEGt0Q..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mpohIeOJWAEY1yURHElB8Q..

USA Today, Bloomberg, Yahoo! News, and CNET. Post

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=AGkx7jp4hrhsiNedn7OC3A..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FVGiLZulkWgodXcl8P3Hvw..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=d3g7n3aciT6LW04WG78muA..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WgWfbWBhoi5bpTP3QQk3NQ..

-demonstration articles appeared in the New York Daily News

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=saa2VURpanuYiv3MFFD57g..

, the Daytona Beach News-Journal

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=F0SIru69jgrP72om2Izz0g..

, ABC Action News, Gizmodo, and many others places local, national,
and abroad, and new stories appear even as we publish this
newsletter.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=H1f_Dp7zURoYnYPJinyx8Q..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1WQ2JcWi03O_Rd0Z2PaOag..

The development of the BDC project is nicely chronicled on the
Virginia Tech Blind Driver Challenge(TM) blog.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=IXW-tkj6joNIHSYvPCsW3A..

You can also obtain more information about the NFB Blind Driver
Challenge(TM) by visiting the official BDC Web site,
www.blinddriverchallenge.org.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=iZYVzAjAjW1ojrDUdvwI_w..

Education

Catch the Literacy Bug!

Photo: Catch the Literacy Bug bulletin board

This spring-themed bulletin board features twenty-six large, colorful
butterflies. A hefty tree trunk made out of corrugated cardboard
anchors the left side of the board. Two green egg-crate caterpillars
climb the tree trunk side by side. The caterpillar on the left has the
numbers 1, 2, and 3 going down his back, and the one on the right has
the numbers 4, 5, and 6. The caterpillar segments represent the layout
of the Braille cell. Two-thirds of the way up the trunk, a hollow
provides a resting place for a small print/Braille board book. A few
inches farther up the trunk a tree branch juts to the right with a
small stuffed cardinal resting on it. At the very top of the bulletin
board, just above the bird's head, are leaves made of felt.

The display title in tactile print letters-Catch the Literacy
Bug!-extends across the middle of the board in a wave pattern.
Four circular pictures of blind children reading Braille fit snugly
between the waves. The Braille title of the board appears twice: once
superimposed on the word "literacy" in the center of the
display and again in the bottom left corner. Twenty-six butterflies
flit above and below the title. Each features one letter of the
alphabet. The spots on the butterflies' wings form jumbo Braille
letters; with dots 1, 2, and 3 on the left wings and dots 4, 5, and 6
on the right. For example, the "R" butterfly has dots 1,
2, and 3 on her left wing and dot 5 on her right wing. The butterfly
wings are made of craft foam, and the dots are made of textured paper.
The popsicle stick body of each butterfly bears its print letter once
and the standard-size Braille letter several times, embossed in a
column. Each butterfly is secured to the board with Velcro.
Interspersed across the board are smaller, three-dimensional
butterflies made of soft fabric. A real butterfly net continues the
line created by the title and extends past the right side of the
board. A few of the smaller fabric butterflies are caught in the net.
Visitors are invited to catch the literacy bug and move the alphabet
butterflies to the Velcro strip at the bottom of the board to spell a
word in Braille.



Braille Initiative

The January 2011 Braille Monitor features two very different articles
about Braille:

*  In "One Summer, Fifty Blind Children, Five States, and Six
BELLs," Natalie Shaheen and Jackie Otwell discuss the NFB
Jernigan Institute's Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
Learning (BELL) program.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Yg4KWe-aFa8cp4zgTcA-9A..

*  "The Top Ten Benefits of Tactile Reading for the
Sighted" gives Father Ephraim's reasons why sighted
people should learn to read Braille tactually.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=rVaNklHr1mSVtBELVsx8-w..



Advocacy

Once a year around the first week of February, several hundred NFB
members visit Washington, D.C., to inform Congress about issues of
importance to the blind. On the evening of January 31, delegates
representing NFB affiliates around the country-all fifty states,
D.C., and Puerto Rico-gathered to review our highest priorities
for the upcoming year in the opening session of the Washington
Seminar.

Riccobono and Lewis cut cake at January 31, 2011, BDC reception
following Washington Seminar Great Gathering-in Meeting.

Photo: BDC reception following gathering-in meeting

Three initiatives make up the legislative agenda that blind Americans
bring to the 112th Congress. We urge Congress to work with blind
Americans on these issues.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=7vBziLzLzcr4-xcbyzXJCg..

Issue 1: Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=W9XZmt0PtkqyRrYHlEqHQQ..

Create a bill which mandates that consumer electronics, home
appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology and software
provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual
means.

Issue 2: Ensuring Equal Education for Blind Children: Setting
Standards that Promote Excellence

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xI0CyBhlyOJRUQr3KSsM7g..

Establish a commission within the Department of Education to set
uniform national standards for the education of blind students in
grades K-12. The Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act and other existing laws and regulations do not currently provide
objective standards to measure the educational progress of blind
students.

Issue 3: Americans with Disabilities Business Opportunity Act

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=S_WPQLbxGc-nQ1H17-H5WA..

Enact legislation to increase business opportunities for disabled
Americans.

For more information about these priorities, please consult the
legislative agenda and fact sheets.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JZAvHWZ_cW4g0GwBK_nNvQ..

Blind Americans want to have economic security, increased opportunity,
and full integration into society on a basis of equality.
Enactment of these legislative proposals will represent important
steps toward reaching these goals. We need the help and support
of each member of Congress. Our success benefits not only us,
but the whole of America as well.

Straight Talk About Vision Loss

Photo: The BDC vehicle on the Daytona track

The Jernigan Institute presents to our Straight Talk About Vision Loss

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3WgpA7HyqP6l_UU0rA0fiQ..

viewers videos of another kind-a video produced by the
Associated Press prior to the Blind Driver Challenge(TM)
demonstration at Daytona International Speedway, "First
Person: Tech Lets the Blind Take the Wheel."
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VAmruM_vVvXdoJrZIBgYyg..

Four hundred NFB members traveled to Daytona to witness history. For
those of you who could not make the trip, download a podcast of trackside
coverage of the drive and a recording of the live audio stream of the
press conference following it.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=URc1Q_jfmXZ9MVgTuHAtzA..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=cH9jOvQ1icZ94JNyNpGjdw..

Foxnews.com linked to WOFL FOX 35-TV in Orlando's morning
program interview with the blind driver, Mark Riccobono.
Mark's radio and TV interviews continued

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=OofiMzVXDKH6nA8AXkhIig..

clear to KABC-TV Los Angeles
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=s4F_KtCo71sN-GodqW_yGA..

on a coast-to-coast satellite media tour.

For additional information, see NFB's digital news release,
where we've collected audio and video clips of the actual drive
and on-site interviews with Mark Riccobono and Dr. Marc Maurer.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Tvu5XRjsjbPLYLavAsCzMQ..



Product and Access Technology Talk

The Access Technology team has started the year with a flurry of
activity, some of which you can find reported on the Access Technology
blog. Our annual visit to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
proved to be very fruitful, and some of our more exciting finds are
written up in the blog. You'll find ways to grill with your
smartphone, exercise with it, charge it wirelessly . . . as well as a
few items that don't relate to smartphones. Keep an eye on the
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FfNjUZm2eomeEHRiC7-5kQ..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=yPKFYCP2ta92rT8ES_NrFA..

Braille Monitor for a more in-depth review of that same trip.

The home front in Baltimore meanwhile played host to a group of
educators visiting the National Center during the EDUCAUSE
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. After
hearing the case for accessibility in education made by our own Tony

Olivero while speaking at the conference (in conjunction with Dan
Goldstein from Brown, Goldstein &
Levy, and Professor Jonathan Lazar from Towson University),
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=RJyZE4DFGPTYl42Rke2mNA..

attendees were welcomed to the Jernigan Institute by Dr. Maurer and
given a tour of the building by Mark Riccobono, and they ended their
visit by exploring the International Braille and Technology Center.

The team is delighted to congratulate Newegg on their re-certification
at the Gold Level of the NFB Nonvisual Accessibility Web
Certification. Newegg continues to be a market leader in their field
and we applaud their work.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=-uUCCHg17fWtYXuCagYF-Q..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=DRNg5FLhqUPmQjQNUmFL3A..

In other news, you will also find a quick review of two solutions that
give blind users access to otherwise inaccessible Internet music
services, Rhapsody and Pandora, on the Access Technology Blog.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xNPUQrwnjvpZzjmtHqTjPQ..

And with that, we look forward to another year of exciting new finds
and improved accessibility.



>From the tenBroek Library

The Federation in Africa and Asia-Independence from Colonialism
and Independence from Custodialism!

We're pleased to inform Federationists-and all who support
the right of blind people to lead independent lives-that the
tenBroek Library has received two cartons of material from Alan
Calhoun, grandson of Isabel Grant. You don't have to be too much
of an old-timer in the NFB to remember Dr. Grant. And if you
don't remember her, you ought to make a point of learning about
her. A friend and co-worker of Jacobus and Hazel tenBroek, Isabel
Grant came to prominence in the NFB during the 1950s and remained an
active Federationist until her death in 1977.

Dr. Isabelle Grant preparing Braille books to ship overseas.

Photo: Dr. Isabelle Grant

Dr. Grant lost her vision to glaucoma as an adult, in mid-career,
while a teacher and administrator in the Los Angeles public school
system. She fought back against attempts to deprive her of the right
to work in her chosen profession, and she was determined to
demonstrate to the world that a newly blind woman could function
independently wherever she went.

And, boy oh boy, did she demonstrate this!

Grant became proficient in Braille and twice won Fulbright
scholarships that enabled her to go to Asia and Africa. She traveled
alone-visiting some newly independent countries that lacked many
of the basic amenities expected by most Americans-with the aim
of encouraging her fellow blind to organize themselves, assert their
own independence, and participate fully in public life. Using
Grant's letters to Jacobus tenBroek, Lou Ann Blake of the
Jernigan Institute staff published an excellent introduction to
Grant's life and work in the

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=75U_tY47lRG_qXWUejCaEg..

Braille Monitor of March 2007.

Though a fairly small collection, the Isabel Grant Papers comprise an
extremely rich source for research on the history of the organized
blind. The collection includes correspondence, notes for articles,
photographs, awards, and a complete draft of an unpublished book on
her travels in the third world. Included are typed letters, Braille
notes, and handwritten material. We will begin processing this
collection soon and will announce its availability as soon as it is
ready for use by researchers.

The 2011 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium

Registration is now open for "Bridging the Gap between the
Disability Rights Movement and Other Civil Rights Movements,"
April 14-15, 2011, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. The 2011 Jacobus
tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will consist of plenary sessions and
workshops facilitated by distinguished law professors, practitioners,
and advocates who will discuss issues such as how to translate what
worked for the civil rights movements to the disability rights
movement, how the disability community can learn to speak with one
voice while respecting and maintaining its diversity, and how to erase
the misconception that disability rights is not a civil rights issue.

Documentation for CLE credits will be provided. The registration
fee is $175, or $25 for students. A limited number of
scholarships to cover the registration fee will be available to
individuals with demonstrated financial need.

To learn more about the symposium and its sponsorship opportunities,
download the agenda, and register online, please visit the symposium
Web site, or contact Lou Ann Blake, JD, Law Symposium Coordinator, for
additional information.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=IF8Dnp7wxuvluHm3PdP5og..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5w-BnhkX997U5e5KFLEZoA..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hMzT7OBpouu-DgZhujJEUQ..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=8GThru4RpaOC5K21Ez4E6A..
lblake at nfb.org

Independence Market

The National Federation of the Blind is characterized by its positive
approach to dealing with severe vision loss and blindness. We
know from our own experience that armed with self-confidence grounded
in good alternative, nonvisual blindness skills, we can live
independent, productive, and fulfilled lives. We encourage each
other to take charge of our own lives, that is, to get back in the
metaphorical driver's seat. The literature we produce and
distribute through our NFB Independence Market plays a vital role in
inspiring us to strive to reach our potential.

With the NFB Jernigan Institute's Blind Driver Challenge(TM)
initiative we are pushing the envelope to drive technological
innovation farther to develop nonvisual interfaces which will enable
blind people to compete in new arenas in the future. Two
articles in particular, available through the NFB Independence Market,
discuss the NFB Jernigan Institute's work and the vision of the
Blind Driver Challenge(TM).

*  "Driving Independence and Innovation Through Imagination:
The NFB Blind Driver Challenge(TM)," first published in
2009, which explains the BDC's background and goals, and

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=gEXu0KoPpxXGMzZecODgCQ..

*  Mark Riccobono's 2010 convention address, "Calling
All Drivers: Advancing Leadership, Collective Action, and the
Boundaries of Independence."

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FCPQYDwvY9C_xjxbvHnCpA..

These articles, like much of our literature, can be viewed online.
there's also a procedure to order hard copies in various
formats. For further information contact the Independence Market
staff by e-mail or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xKqedk8H-oJiFb_yWX_BxA..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=764bAumO44WRpCZfSPmWew..
IndependenceMarket at nfb.org

Parent Outreach

Do You Want a Scholarship for College?

To recognize achievement by blind scholars, the National Federation of
the Blind annually offers blind college students in the United States
and Puerto Rico the opportunity to win one of thirty national
scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. The thirty winners
are also assisted to attend the 2011 NFB Annual Convention in Orlando,
Florida. For further information, including eligibility
requirements, the online application form, and the checklist detailing
all required documents, go to the 2011 Scholarship Program page.
The deadline is March 31, 2011.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9pXA0veVeHnKi4-4dRC2Sg..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=YZ2gD_4RoD9MGcCT9wm2EA..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mGpo2L9_QRFHsbC4TuFx8Q..

Spotlight on the Imagination Fund

Eric Guillory

Photo: Eric Guillory

The Imagination Fund provides support to the affiliates and divisions
of the National Federation of the Blind through grants for many types
of projects and programs. The National Federation of the Blind
of Louisiana applied for and was awarded an Imagination Fund grant to
hold an informative and fun student seminar. The seminar,
designed to provide outreach and education, attracted blind high
school and college youth from all across the state.

Eric Guillory, the Director of Youth Services at the Louisiana Center
for the Blind, believes that "projects like these highlight and
reaffirm the importance of the work of Federationists to mentor and
otherwise provide support and opportunity for the blind of all ages
and their families."

The success of this seminar is illustrated by Dimitrios Kouniaris, a
senior at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, who said the
"thought-provoking discussions and mentoring opportunities
helped each of us to grow and reinforced a very important
truth-that it is okay to be blind and that we can be successful
in spite of the low expectations of others."

To learn more about this empowering seminar, please visit the
Louisiana student seminar Web page.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3OfPOd_OEjRgxxS0PtbTqg..



NFB Calendar

January 29, 2011 Blind Driver Challenge(TM) first public
demonstration at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway,
Daytona Beach, Florida.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=PVQDTz5PbUM4dhMFymw_WA..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=CyUzTXUsELWRAFWVeQrjTA..

January 31-February 3, 2011 NFB Washington Seminar,
Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, S.W.; Washington, D.C.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=HRCr_gIkIm_PcDGx9ib7Sw..

February 1, 2011 Registration deadline for NFB
Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) program.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=qFDCOPCDyl7fVBsXqz5cQg..

March 1, 2011 NFB 2011 Youth Slam application
deadline.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KISW5JKGh_aj3jkrWUW7-Q..

March 31, 2011 Deadline for 2011 NFB college scholarship
applications.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=8WlzMs9ISdFxq7A7Zd0HkA..

March 31, 2011 Deadline for Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
nominations.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9Uz5HBVFypjqVjwK-NRlrg..

April 8-12, 2011 Leadership and Advocacy in
Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program, Baltimore and D.C.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=vk5H2grkREbT1IA0lLdVBw..

April 14, 2011 Deadline to apply for financial assistance to
attend National Convention. For details, contact Kenneth Jernigan
Convention Scholarship Fund chairman Allen Harris or read
"Convention Scholarships Available," January 2011
allen.harris at dwx.com

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0bMv8eUNJd4Xc9oKzEnoOw..

Braille Monitor.

April 14-15, 2011 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law
Symposium, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute,
Baltimore. Registration is now open!
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ksTb7o_rGSKaN33Uu9w9vQ..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ylYIbhH-kwpn8SU7KkxCEQ..

May 15, 2011 Distinguished Educator of Blind
Children Award nominations close. Go to the December Braille
Monitor article for details.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VpKZZ-qS43moy0CI0mAobg..

June 1, 2011 National Convention
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ajadc-0tEVFlKITtlGszPw..

block of rooms released. Rooms are already filling up
fast. To make your reservation, call (866) 996-6338.

July 3-8, 2011 The 71st Annual NFB National Convention, Rosen
Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Gn6tBdlP7j4iXAgmOilyew..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VM3KZw0vVV_TTfQ6WjJyfg..

; More details are found in the 2011 Convention Bulletin

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=m1xdl1Y5Mk4kdfsX_h0EGA..

.

The National Convention draws approximately three thousand people each
year.
Become a sponsor or exhibitor for the largest gathering of the blind
in the country!
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=pgzve1bHlZvXjETweMoWaA..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=OEGO7fsASOgnt5MLm5xFCQ..

July 17-23, 2011 The 3rd Biennial NFB Youth Slam, Towson
University, Maryland.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JljMQfar_AeRrPfcx68gqQ..

Citation

Hello, the blind made history today, what did you do today? #NFBBDC
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5uUsZHl20mFsq18VvFl_Hg..

-Mark Riccobono's tweet following independent drive
around Daytona International Speedway road course, January 29, 2011
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=O_9sZG21xp9Ss_Z8SC5Gaw..



Back to Top
#Top

Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute's
Imagineering Our Future.







Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail





Photo: Group on white water raft


Support the Jernigan Institute through the Imagination Fund
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_5d0Bk-JNQGBgrYSa3Ejyw..

Photo: Young woman playing flute

Interesting links:

Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Rwpd44OsRtHcKiYJ-FVX9g..

National Center for Blind Youth in Science
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=U9HA6WsNQ7OHPI1TBt6D9A..

Access Technology Tips
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=V7phN6LhW8jrRHCBGH5nuw..



Photo: Youth practicing martial art

Blogs:

Access Technology
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0s_f9kQB5VODEhJpUvtJLg..

Voice of the Nation's Blind
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=O45jF4o9qxCJLdgq_dce7A..



Photo: Senior couple

Publication archives:

Future Reflections
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9lLzObEh6-idc-UFOzVBzA..

Braille Monitor
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=4mUuZ1c0wk0DFSrWNPOfiA..





Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug





Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind

Photo: Blind little girl with cane

Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book

Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations

Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe

Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner

Visit us at nfb.org
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=gl6rfn7jJ8-KTaPhkX3S6A..



Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity



Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 Fax (410)
659-5129 E-mail
JerniganInstitute at nfb.org

JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future

Visit us at www.nfb.org
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=oNDUjKvZz-naT7ybG4HqlQ..



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American Institute of Philanthropy logo

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=PKMd41-ma-1wVEVYoHiXNA..



The National Federation of the Blind meets the rigorous Standards for
Charity Accountability set forth by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and
is Top-Rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Forward this newsletter.
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If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe,
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