[Nationalharbor] Braille Spectator

[Melissa Ann Riccobono]

Hello everyone,

Below, you will find our latest issue of the Braille Spectator. Enjoy! If
you would rather read our news letter online, it will soon be available at 

http://www.nfbmd.org

 

Also, it will be on the local channel of NFB Newsline soon.

 

Happy reading!

 


The Braille Spectator, Fall 2014


IN THIS ISSUE:  You will read about honors received by two of our strong
Federation leaders, Janice Toothman and Ruth Sager, learn about our victory
with the State Board of Elections regarding an online ballot marking tool
which can be used when marking absentee ballots, and read an informative
article regarding which agencies serving people with  disabilities in
Maryland pay minimum wage and which do not.

Also featured is an article describing the resounding success of our Braille
Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Program (BELL) and an article
describing our two newly formed chapters. 

Editor's Note: We are pleased to present our first all e-mail issue of the
Spectator. By publishing the newsletter in an e-mail format only, we will be
able to send out more frequent updates, and use the funds normally spent to
print the newsletter for other purposes. If you are on a chapter or division
listserv, you will receive the newsletter in your in-box. The Spectator will
be put on our website, (nfbmd.org), NFB NewslineR, and in a variety of other
places. We are maintaining our existing database, so people not subscribed
to NFBMD listservs will still receive the newsletter. 


     Newly Designed Website


Please take the time to check out our newly designed website,
http://www.nfbmd.org, which is packed full of resources and information for
parents, students, and  people losing vision. Also featured are local
vendors who provide training , sell assistive technology, and offer
adjustment to blindness programs. Success stories written by blind people
will be featured on a monthly basis. Special thanks go to Steve Brand who
put all the material submitted to him on the site. Sharon Maneki, Melissa
Riccobono, Melissa Lomax, and Lloyd Rasmussen also deserve much credit for
researching information to ensure its accuracy.  


 


Message From the President


By Melissa Riccobono


Welcome to the first email version of the National Federation of the Blind
of Maryland Braille Spectator. We are hopeful that by providing this news
letter via email, NFB Newsline, and on our website, we will be able to bring
content to you more often, and cut costs associated with printing and
mailing the Spectator. A thank you to Judy Rasmussen for her work as the
editor of this news letter. Judy is always in need of articles for The
Spectator. Please send her articles, or ideas for articles, to
judayras at sprynet.com. Or, you can call Judy at 301-946-8345.


As many of you know, the annual convention of the National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland will take place at the Sheraton Baltimore North in Towson,
Maryland, November 14-16, 2014. Please consider joining us for this
fantastic event, which will include special kick off celebrations for the
75th year of the National Federation of the Blind, which begins November 16.
Our national representative, Ron Brown, will provide his experience and
perspective. We will be offering opportunities to participate in Zumba Gold,
salsa dancing, iDevice demonstrations, and a workshop about Unified English
Braille on Friday. We will also have a large exhibit hall filled with
technology demonstrations and local and national resource providers. Oh, and
did I mention meetings for parents of blind children, blind seniors,
individuals who are deaf blind, and blind students? Friday evening will
bring a meeting of our Resolutions Committee, and our first Terific Trivia
Challenge.


Saturday will bring a meeting for guide dog users, our general convention
session, lunches for seniors and parents, and, of course, a wonderful
banquet.


Sunday allows us the chance to come together for one more session, which
will include celebrations of the 75th year of the National Federation of the
Blind, and a presentation by a United States Senator representing Maryland
in Washington, D.C. I hope to see many of you at our convention. If you
cannot attend, please consider tuning in to our convention stream at
http://www.nfbmd.org


 


Honoring Ruth Sager: "Our Most Amazing Senior" on National Senior Citizens
Day 2014 


Editor's Note:  Ruth Sager deserves recognition for her creativity in
applying the Federation's philosophy to all levels of adjustment training
for blind seniors.  Congratulations, Ruth!

by Michele Moon

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan and the U.S. Congress declared that every
August 21 in perpetuity should be recognized as "National Senior Citizens
Day," in honor of older Americans who have contributed so much to our way of
life.
As such, Lisa D'Aloise and I of Orlando Senior Housing have chosen to
recognize and honor an exceptional woman we have grown to know and respect
over the past several months.

Ruth Sager

OrlandoSeniorHousing.com's "Most Amazing Senior" on National Senior Citizens
Day 

 

 
<http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHhV4d3Aeno/U_UZQ2NlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAVo/JMJATA-Q1T8/s
1600/Photo+-+posed+1+-+Ruth+Sager+(2).jpg>
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHhV4d3Aeno/U_UZQ2NlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAVo/JMJATA-Q1T8/s1
600/Photo%2B-%2Bposed%2B1%2B-%2BRuth%2BSager%2B%282%29.jpg

 

(Ruth standing in the  BISM Senior Services office)

 

Ruth is the President of the Seniors Division of the National Federation of
the Blind. Lisa and I recently got to know Ruth when she invited us both to
speak on senior housing issues at the NFB annual convention in Orlando.

A woman who is devoted to making life better for individuals who are
sight-impaired, Ruth also serves as an instructor in Baltimore with Blind
Industries and Services of Maryland <http://www.bism.org/> .

I asked Ruth to share with us a bit of her life story and inspiration.

by Ruth Sager

As a young person finishing my academic studies, I moved from Wisconsin to
the Washington DC metro area with the hope of finding a job. During my
search, I met some blind people, most of whom were employed by the
government and held professional jobs. They invited me to a meeting of the
local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. <https://nfb.org/>   

At the meeting, I discovered that one of the young men there was running for
local public office. This really made me think about greater possibilities.
It had never occurred to me that anyone with a significant disability could
attempt to do such a thing. I found this group energetic and invigorating
and they were purposeful in their quest to find and fight for equal
opportunity--for employment, housing, and lifestyle choices.

The group had a positive focus and a willingness to change the status quo,
while working towards improving conditions and changing laws. I was
challenged not only to think of my own needs and desires but to realize I
was a part of a social minority in this country and should become actively
involved in this organization.

 

 
<http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oADGFM8asS0/U_Ud3r6ueLI/AAAAAAAAAV8/oXtLMtpgv0E/s
1600/Photo+-+teaching+cane+travel+1+-+Ruth+Sager+(2).jpg>
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oADGFM8asS0/U_Ud3r6ueLI/AAAAAAAAAV8/oXtLMtpgv0E/s1
600/Photo%2B-%2Bteaching%2Bcane%2Btravel%2B1%2B-%2BRuth%2BSager%2B%282%29.jp
g

(Ruth teaching travel to a senior student)

 

As time moved on, I eventually chose to become an instructor at one of the
training centers established by the National Federation of the Blind in
Ruston, Louisiana.  I became one of the few blind cane travel instructors in
the nation at that time, and then moved on to teach independent living and
home management to newly blind adults.  

I continued my work in this same capacity when I again moved back to the
East Coast and began work at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland as an
independent living instructor. In 1998 I began working exclusively with
seniors who were losing vision. I visited them at home and then created and
implemented a training program to enable seniors to learn non-visual
techniques they can employ to remain active and self sufficient in their
homes and communities.  

The idea that "Collectively working together, we can change what it means to
be blind," became my mission when I joined the National Federation of the
Blind thirty-six years ago. I have been assigned a variety of tasks and
challenged to take on several leadership positions within the federation as
I moved through rearing my children and finding a career choice living in
several different states. I have had the opportunity to work with and meet
many hundreds of blind people over the years who have inspired me and taught
me how to live the life I want. This is the  legacy I want to pass on to
others.

 

 
<http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyO9Sa6QvdQ/U_UicxUf9AI/AAAAAAAAAWI/gM7JVliU8nY/s
1600/Photo+-+teaching+Independent+Living+1+-+Ruth+Sager+(2).jpg>
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyO9Sa6QvdQ/U_UicxUf9AI/AAAAAAAAAWI/gM7JVliU8nY/s1
600/Photo%2B-%2Bteaching%2BIndependent%2BLiving%2B1%2B-%2BRuth%2BSager%2B%28
2%29.jpg

(Ruth shows a senior non-visual kitchen techniques)

 

At our 2014 convention in Orlando, the Seniors Division of the NFB focused
on housing issues for blind seniors. I hope this focus and discussion will
spur conversations within Federation chapters nationwide as to options in
senior living and what responsibilities are entailed in maintaining the best
quality of life possible for each senior. 

Whether they are a newly blind senior struggling to maintain independence or
an individual who has been blind most of their life but who has now attained
"seniorhood," knowledge about our options and how to access those options is
so important. We can then be proactively accountable for planning our future
as far as the physical space we live in and the financial management of our
personal affairs. We can therefore control as much of our future destiny as
our sighted colleagues using our abilities and talents to promote our
personal desires and continue living the kind of life we want.

 

 
<http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4eojZ3lh04/U_UdTV_lmcI/AAAAAAAAAV4/JG3AJNB7qmE/s
1600/photo1+(2).jpg>
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4eojZ3lh04/U_UdTV_lmcI/AAAAAAAAAV4/JG3AJNB7qmE/s1
600/photo1%2B%282%29.jpg

Michele and Ruth

(Ruth and the author Michele Moon, conversing)

 
<http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZeApXq-Y-0/U_UjIgFSBdI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/6OPUtxeUvGY/s
1600/Photo+-+posed+2++-+Ruth+Sager+(2).jpg>
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZeApXq-Y-0/U_UjIgFSBdI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/6OPUtxeUvGY/s1
600/Photo%2B-%2Bposed%2B2%2B%2B-%2BRuth%2BSager%2B%282%29.jpg

(Ruth in front of a tactile sculpture showing a child reading a book)

Ruth, thank you for your exceptional work over the years and for your
ongoing dedication!

 

Ruth Sager

OrlandoSeniorHousing.com's "Most Amazing Senior" 

National Senior Citizens Day

August 21, 2014

 


Arc Baltimore Honors Intern For Service to Dundalk Center


>From the Dundalk Eagle

Editor's Note: Janice Toothman has an indomitable spirit and drive.  If you
ask her to do something, she will get it done! Janice has been a Federation
leader for a long time, and we will definitely rejoice with her when she
finds employment in her chosen field.

Wednesday, 16 July 2014 

By Nicole Rodman

Janice Toothman perseveres in the face of a challenge.
She has lived with congenital defects and illnesses that have led her to go
blind and mostly deaf, yet she does not let that slow her down.
Now, Toothman's drive to succeed has earned her an award from The Arc
Baltimore.

A psychology graduate student at Towson University, Toothman feels compelled
to help others facing their own challenges. "I wanted to become a
psychologist so that I could help others cope with psychological effects of
living with their disabilities or chronic medical conditions," she
explained. 

Toothman came to The Arc Baltimore's Dundalk Center as an intern last
September. Her internship ended in May. At the Dundalk Center, Toothman
counseled clients, wrote case notes and participated in client meetings.
Through it all, she never let her disabilities slow her down.

She used a braille note-taking device to write up case notes, do web
searches and send e-mails. She also used a personal FM system, consisting of
a microphone that clients would wear, in order to hear clients clearly
during counseling sessions.

Toothman also overcame personal adversity during her internship, including
repeated hospitalizations and the death of her sister. She returned to the
Dundalk Center each time, eager to continue helping her clients.

"I empathized with the clients at the Arc Baltimore in Dundalk," she
explained. "I know what it is like to feel powerless and to feel you have no
control over your own life."

Toothman's dedication did not go unnoticed. Sandy Shiflett, director of the
Dundalk Center, nominated Toothman for The Arc Baltimore's Intern Service
Award. Toothman received the honor during a recent ceremony. "I thought she
was outstanding," Shiflett said of Toothman. "With all of her disabilities,
she was able to communicate with our individuals here."

Toothman is quick to note that she had much support along the way, including
help from Shiflett, her supervisor Karyn Harvey, Arc receptionist Tony
Ciampaglia, the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program and the
National Federation of the Blind. She also credits her faith for keeping her
strong.

Toothman is now looking for a paid position so that she can earn her
counseling license. Though she is moving on, Toothman will always look back
fondly on her time at The Arc Baltimore's Dundalk Center.

 


Towson University Gets Patent For Technology to Help Blind Internet Users 


Team creates audio CAPTCHA

Editor's Note: The following article from the Baltimore Sun shows that
thanks to the efforts of Jonathan Lazar and his students  at Towson
University, we are making slow, but steady progress in eliminating the
CAPTCHA barrier to navigating websites.  Many Federationists participated in
Dr. Lazar's CAPTCHA sound study. He has been a champion of an accessible
Internet for the blind for many years. We look forward to seeing the
SoundsRight CAPTCHA being widely adopted. 


Description: Anne Taylor and Dr. Jonathan Lazar

(caption for image) Anne Taylor, Director of Access Technology, Jernigan
Institute, National Federation of the Blind, uses braille and QWERTY
keyboards in the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind.
Dr. Jonathan Lazar, professor of Computer and Information Sciences at Towson
University, is working with her on a technology that makes CAPTCHA, a
website security feature, accessible to blind people. (Kim Hairston,
Baltimore Sun / April 14, 2014) 


By Carrie Wells, The Baltimore Sun 

April 27, 2014

While blind people can browse the Internet through a variety of means, there
is often one thing that stops them cold-a security feature known as a
CAPTCHA that's designed to distinguish human users from robots.

CAPTCHAs, in which a user must identify the letters in a distorted image,
are commonly used to block automated bots from grabbing up all the tickets
for an event, signing up for thousands of email addresses in a short period
of time or unfairly swaying the results of an online poll. They have drawn
criticism from advocacy organizations for the blind for being too difficult
to use, but last month, Towson University
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/education/colleges-universities/towson-un
iversity-OREDU0000148.topic>  secured a U.S. patent for a new kind of
CAPTCHA that's intended to be easier for those with limited or no eyesight.

With Towson's SoundsRight CAPTCHA, users listen to a series of 10 random
sounds and are asked to press the computer's space bar each time they hear a
certain noise-a dog barking, a horse neighing-among the other sounds. The
developers say it is superior to Google's
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/economy-business-finance/computing-inform
ation-technology-industry/google-inc.-ORCRP006761.topic>  current audio
alternative CAPTCHA, citing studies showing that version's failure rate of
50 percent for blind users.

"Blind people are capable of doing everything that a visual person can on
the Internet," said Jonathan Lazar, a Towson professor who has led a group
of graduate and outside researchers on the project. "We just try to come up
with some equivalent features that make it easier."

"Some people are unaware that blind people can use the Internet," Lazar
added.

The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is still in a "beta" version, Lazar said, and the
developers are hoping a real-world rollout will help identify any necessary
tweaks.

The Towson researchers worked closely on testing with the National
Federation of the Blind, which is headquartered in the Riverside
neighborhood of Baltimore. Anne Taylor, the Federation's Director of access
technology, said there are several types of software available for blind
users to read the text on a web page aloud. Taylor, who is blind, said not
being able to use visual CAPTCHAs could impede a blind person's ability to
enjoy the benefits of the Internet and hurt their ability to hold a job.

A sighted person could help a blind user with the visual CAPTCHAs, she said,
but the blind want to be independent on the Internet. Further, since many
CAPTCHAs are on web pages that ask for personal financial information, she
has concerns about privacy.

"The Internet is such an important and integral part of our daily lives
now," Taylor said. "Just think of how many hours you spend on the web as a
sighted individual. Would you really want to have someone with you all that
time?"

CAPTCHA, which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/science-technology/computing-information-
technology-industry/alan-turing-PEHST00000279.topic>  to tell Computers and
Humans Apart, was introduced as a concept by computer scientist Alan Turing
in 1950. The term was coined in 2000 by researchers at Carnegie Mellon
University who developed an early Web page test program for Yahoo. The
CAPTCHAs protect from automated hacking programs that can also leave spam
comments on blogs, attack protected passwords and send junk email.

Tim Brooks, the chief software developer on the SoundsRight project since
2010, said the audio CAPTCHA can be embedded into any Web page and
customized by the webmaster. Brooks said its script could be tweaked to be
used in any number of different languages or have users identify any number
of sounds. An organization for train enthusiasts, he said, could potentially
have users identify the sounds of different types of trains.

The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is just as secure as the traditional visual
CAPTCHAs, he said. Sighted users can use the audio CAPTCHA as well, or a web
page could give the option of either a visual CAPTCHA or the SoundsRight
CAPTCHA, he said. The only potential downside to the technology is that it
takes about 30 to 40 seconds to complete, versus less than 10 seconds for a
visual CAPTCHA, Brooks said.

"A lot of people don't have that kind of patience," he said.

The Towson CAPTCHA project was the brainchild of then-undergraduate student
Jon Holman in 2007 as a class project, Lazar said. In a 2007 focus group,
blind users identified visual CAPTCHAs as the biggest impediment to their
using the Internet independently. Several other students, faculty members
and outside researchers have assisted in developing the technology since the
project began.

"We've always done the evaluation with blind users at every step," Lazar
said. "This was research that was done because blind users were telling us
this was important."

The project was partially supported with a $50,000 grant from the Maryland
Technology Development Corp., Lazar said. The researchers went through
several different prototypes, rejecting those that weren't found to be
secure enough.

The SoundsRight CAPTCHA is in use on the National Federation of the Blind's
website, and the organization is working to encourage various groups and
businesses to adopt it.

"We are all one step away from a sudden disability, so why not make the
Internet an inclusive place for everybody?" Taylor said.

 


NFBMD on the Move


Local chapters are obviously a vital part of any affiliate. Active chapters
educate the public about blindness, strengthen  its members, and give people
opportunities to participate in activities, often outside  their comfort
zone. It is the goal of our affiliate to have as many thriving chapters as
possible. However, there are many rural counties in Maryland where
transportation and other factors make it difficult to get people together. 

Since this year is the 75th anniversary of the National Federation of the
Blind, every state is making a concerted effort to strengthen existing
chapters and to form new ones. The Federation's goal is to form 75 new
chapters in 75 days between September 2 and November 16.

Chapters at large are a vital part of every affiliate. For several months,
Mike Bullis, a long-time Federationist,  has been running our chapter at
large. Thanks, Mike, for taking on this task. Mike asked that   others help
with this important mission.  Sharon Maneki stepped up to the plate and
began calling people in the Annapolis, Hagerstown and Frederick areas, as
well as people who, for various reasons, cannot attend their local chapter
meetings.   

On September 16, our  revitalized chapter at large  was reborn. A total of
24 people participated in the call, which is encouraging and demonstrates
the need for such a chapter.  The chapter at large will meet every third
Tuesday of the month. The meeting will begin with the playing of the
Presidential Release-a monthly message from National Federation of the Blind
president, Mark Riccobono, at 7:30 PM. The meeting will last  no more than
90 minutes. Federation events, both local and national, will be discussed.
The number to call if you wish to participate is:  1-605-475-3215; access
code 720125. After dialing the access code, push the pound key, and you will
be connected to the conference. Minutes of the meetings will be sent to
anyone who supplies us with an e-mail address. Questions about the chapter
at large should be directed to Sharon Maneki, 1-410-715-9596.  E-mail:
nfbmd at earthlink .net. We look forward to talking with many of you.   

On June 19th, the Timonium-Lutherville-Cockeysville (TLC) chapter of the
NFBMD came into existence. The new officers are as follows: President Mary
Jo Hartle; Vice President Mellissa Treaster; Secretary Jesse Hartle;
Treasurer Eileen Rivera Ley. The board members are Nicole Fincham, Latonya
Phipps, and Scott White. We welcome the TLC chapter into our Federation
family, and are sure that we will be hearing more from this new chapter.


Status Of Subminimum Wage For Disabled Workers in Maryland


Editor's Note: For several years, we have been working to convince the U.S.
Congress to pass HR 831, the Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act.
We are pleased to report that the following Maryland Congressmen are
cosponsors of this important legislation: Elijah Cummings, Donna Edwards,
and Chris VanHollen. The following article from the Baltimore Sun gives a
good presentation of this issue from the perspective of Maryland
organizations. 


'Subminimum Wage' for Disabled Workers Called Exploitative


By Alison Knezevich, The Baltimore Sun 

June 14, 2014

At a noisy warehouse off Veterans Highway in Millersville, a young woman
concentrates as she pokes black shoelaces into cardboard packaging. In
another room, workers slowly count tiny bottles of hair products, placing
them in plastic bags that will end up as samples in salons.

To some, these workers with developmental disabilities are getting valuable
on-the-job training and the self-respect that comes with employment. Others
say they're being exploited-because wages in the facility, run by a
nonprofit, are as low as 25 cents an hour.

A nearly 80-year-old exemption in the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act allows
employers across the country to pay so-called "subminimum" wages to hundreds
of thousands of people with disabilities. In Maryland, some disabled workers
have been paid as little as a penny an hour in recent years, according to
documents obtained by The Baltimore Sun through public-information laws.

One person was paid 68 cents an hour to assemble trophies, records from the
U.S. Department of Labor
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/government/u.s.-department-of-la
bor-ORGOVV0000360.topic>  show. Another received an hourly rate of $3.20 to
do laundry for a uniform company. And one made $2.44 an hour to sweep, mop
and straighten shelves at a thrift store.

A debate about the wages paid to these disabled workers has divided
nonprofits in Maryland and nationally. Opponents say the system is holding
back participants, feeding a cycle of low expectations and dependency. Under
the exemption, there is no limit on how long workers can hold the low-paying
jobs.

"You set people's expectations very low, you say this is all you could ever
hope for-and then that's what you're stuck with," said Chris Danielsen of
the Baltimore-based National Federation of the Blind, which has been trying
for years to eliminate the subminimum wage. "What's really between people
with disabilities and their dreams, and having a normal productive life, is
the low expectations," he said.

Some nonprofits that serve people with disabilities defend the program-known
as 14(c) for the exemption in federal labor law-as a tool to help workers
find employment. The jobs provide a paycheck while the workers gain
training. Without it, they might not get any work at all, supporters say.

"This gives them the ability to work and still earn money and gain
self-esteem with medical and behavioral supports still in place," said Vicki
Callahan, executive director of the nonprofit Opportunity Builders Inc.,
which employs the people working in the Millersville warehouse. "A lot of
people who walk through this building would say, 'I never thought they could
do work.' The fact is, they can-with support."

All sides agree that the unemployment rate
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/jobs-workplace/unemployment-layoffs/unemp
loyment-rate-EVBAE00014.topic>  among people with disabilities is troubling.
Just over 19 percent of disabled people work-compared with 68 percent of all
Americans 16 and older, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Those who favor the 14(c) program say that without it, the numbers would be
even bleaker. "Many employers are not willing to give these folks a chance,"
said Martin Lampner, CEO of Chimes, a Baltimore-based nonprofit that offers
services for people with developmental disabilities.

Debate about the subminimum wage drew attention in 2012, when the National
Federation of the Blind urged a boycott of Goodwill Industries
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/social-issues/goodwill-industries-interna
tional-ORNPR000148.topic>  because of its CEO's half-million-dollar salary,
but efforts to abolish the 14(c) program began decades ago.

Rep. Gregg Harper
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/government/gregg-harper-PEPLT007
850.topic> , a Mississippi Republican, has been an ally of the Federation of
the Blind in the campaign. He has sponsored the Fair Wages for Workers with
Disabilities Act, which would phase out the 14(c) program over three years.

To Harper, the low wages are a form of discrimination, one that is stopping
people from reaching their full potential. "We believe that what we're
seeing is just extremely unfair," said Harper, whose son, Livingston, has
the intellectual disability Fragile X syndrome.

The issue again gained a national spotlight in February, when President
Barack Obama signed an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay
all workers-including the disabled-$10.10 per hour.

In Maryland, advocates had hoped that this year's political focus on raising
the state's minimum wage would bring attention to disabled people earning
subminimum pay, but no one introduced legislation to address the issue. "If
you're speaking about wages and improving living conditions, then you have
to have that discussion with the entire workforce," said Dan Schmitt, a
board member of the Arc of Maryland, which has joined the campaign to end
the subminimum wage.


Pay based on productivity


Through the U.S. Department of Labor, employers can apply for a Special
Minimum Wage Certificate, which gives them permission to pay less than the
federal minimum wage-currently $7.25 an hour-to workers who have
disabilities. Maryland has about 45 such employers, according to the
department.

Most are nonprofits that serve people with disabilities. Some employ a
handful of workers, while others employ hundreds, paying wages that can vary
widely. The nonprofits often contract with businesses that need the services
disabled workers can provide. These job sites, where people with
disabilities work apart from others, are sometimes called sheltered
workshops.

Employers calculate the pay of a 14(c) employee based on how much the worker
can produce compared to a person who doesn't have disabilities. For
instance, if an able-bodied person can clean a bathroom in 20 minutes and it
takes a disabled worker 40 minutes to do it, the worker would be paid half
the prevailing wage in the area for a janitor.

The pay can be different for workers doing the same job, depending on their
ability. In the kitchen of a cafe in Northwest Baltimore run by Chimes, for
instance, Cindy Iames, 58, earns $4.44 an hour helping to prepare food. John
Britt, 28, who also works in the kitchen, makes $7.55 an hour-more than the
minimum wage.

At the Opportunity Builders warehouse, payment is based on a wage of $10 per
hour, Callahan said. A worker who can do half as much as an able-bodied
person would make $5 per hour. But some workers earn more than $9 an hour,
she said.

The nonprofit fills 15 to 20 contracts a month, with an emphasis on
packaging, assembly and distribution.

Callahan and others say people with complex disabilities often need support
that they can't get from other employers. On a recent morning at Opportunity
Builders, one worker needed a staff member to help him count bottles of hair
products and another laid his head down as his peers filled the packages.

Severna Park
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/us/maryland/anne-arundel-county/severna-p
ark-PLGEO100100602100000.topic>  resident David Lawrence, 44, earned an
average of 99 cents an hour last year at Opportunity Builders. The
intellectually disabled man has been with the organization for about 20
years. Earning a paycheck is an important part of his life, said his father,
a member of the nonprofit's board. "He doesn't realize what he can or can't
buy with it," Chet Lawrence said. "But the fact that he gets it is a very
uplifting experience." The most important thing, he said, "is for David to
be doing something that he likes, that is productive. ... If we insist upon
him getting the minimum wage, I believe all the work would basically dry
up."

Supporters of the special wage certificates point out that most agencies
that use them provide a spectrum of job-training services and that working
under the 14(c) program can help some people develop enough skill to get
jobs in the community at a conventional rate of pay. "We intend to move them
into the community because that's ultimately our objective," said Dan
Kurtenbach, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley,
which holds a 14(c) certificate.

Opponents point to a 2001 investigation by the Government Accountability
Office, the investigative arm of Congress
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/politics/government/u.s.-congress-ORGOV00
00131.topic> , which found that only 5 percent of those in sheltered
workplaces end up finding jobs in the community. And they say that the
premise of the subminimum wage-basing a wage for the disabled on a lesser
productivity-is inherently discriminatory.

"No matter what your level of productivity, the minimum wage is set
nationwide for all workers," said Cari DeSantis, the CEO of Melwood, a
nonprofit in Prince George's County
<http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/us/maryland/prince-georges-county-PLGEO10
0100615000000.topic>  that serves and employs people with disabilities.
Among other services, its employees do janitorial work for government
agencies and groundskeeping for businesses and other organizations.

Melwood for many years used the 14(c) program to pay a subminimum wage to
its workers. But DeSantis said it bothered her. She thought of the workers
in Melwood's greenhouses, which provide plants to clients, including the
Kennedy Center
<http://findlocal.baltimoresun.com/northwest/performing-arts/touring-shows/t
he-kennedy-center-washington-theater> .  "The thought of having paid him or
her less than minimum wage just strikes me as wrong," DeSantis said.

Last summer, DeSantis led a policy change, and all of Melwood's workers now
make at least minimum wage. The shift cost Melwood about $50,000; the
organization says it has covered the added expense through administrative
efficiencies.

At The Arc Baltimore, which serves people with developmental disabilities,
administrators have been "on a steady path to eliminate the payment of
subminimum wage," Executive Director Steve Morgan said. But because the
workers might not be as productive as those that private employers can find
elsewhere, the Arc continues to pay some employees a lower wage.

"It can be challenging for us to find private contracts where a company is
paying us enough to pay everyone minimum wage," Morgan said.


Relic of old attitudes?


In the 1970s and 1980s, Baltimore resident Charles Biebl worked in a
sheltered workshop. He screwed parts onto the backs of telephones, and was
paid per phone. He remembers a week in 1975 when he worked overtime and
still earned just "$15 and some change." "The philosophy was, 'They ought to
be happy, be thankful for what they have,'" said Biebl, 61, who is blind and
lives in East Baltimore with his 92-year-old mother.

Biebl calls the end of subminimum wage "way overdue." "We do want to be
productive, just like anybody else," he said.

Last year, the federal government began investigating Rhode Island's system
of employment for intellectually and developmentally disabled workers. It
concluded that the state relied too much on programs that kept such workers
separated from others. In a settlement this year, Rhode Island agreed to
provide more opportunities for work in mainstream jobs.

Vermont phased out its sheltered workshops over 20 years, with the last one
closing in the early 2000s, said Bryan Dague, a research associate at the
University of Vermont's Center on Disability and Community Inclusion.
Vermont was a pioneer in developing the concept of community-based
employment and set up pilot projects that were replicated across the state.
While some agencies resisted, "the sheltered workshops just eventually
closed down," Dague said.

The state took a gradual approach, limiting and then prohibiting funding for
sheltered workshops and "enclaves," where a group of people with
disabilities worked separately from others at a business, said Jennie
Masterson, supported employment services coordinator at the Vermont Division
of Disability and Aging Services. When the last sheltered workshop closed,
about 50 people worked there, she said. Roughly 90 percent found employment
in the community.

She did not have an estimate of the overall costs involved in the
switchover. But as an example, she said the state provided $50,000 for the
agency running the last sheltered workshop to hire a full-time job developer
to help individuals find employment. Vermont also increased each
individual's Medicaid allotment to cover the cost of employment and support
services.

Dague says the debate over 14(c) is not simply about wages. "There's very
low expectations in sheltered workshops," Dague said. "You can just sort of
sit around not doing anything. ... It's not an environment where they're
really going to learn either the work skills or the social skills that
they're going to need to function in the community."

Over time, a shift in attitudes has led to "greater and greater
integration," of people with disabilities, said Ari Ne'eman, president of
the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. "We've certainly seen that in housing,"
Ne'eman said. "Now it's time to do the same within the context of
employment."

 


BELL Program A Huge Success


Since 2008, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland has hosted the
National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
Learning (BELL) program. Being the first state to begin this program, we
feel especially proud  that from the vision of Maryland parents, the program
has now spread to 23 states. We look forward to the day when the National
Fedeeration of the Blind BELL program is a reality in every state.

This is the third year we have held two BELL programs, one at our National
Center in Baltimore, and the other at the Reid Temple in Glen Dale. A total
of 17 children,  ranging in age from 4 to 13, participated in the two
programs. Seven students participated for the first time-two of whom had
been in this country for less than a year. Imagine learning English and
braille at the same time!  Both students thrived and greatly benefitted.

Going on field trips to the Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, to the Jewish Museum, to the Children's Museum, to the Aquatic
Center (the adults were worn out after being chased around the pool at least
20 times) and of course, to the playground every day, gave students a chance
to practice using their canes in a variety of situations.  Often, kids with
visual impairments are left out of activities on the playground.  Walking
across the monkey bars by yourself, learning to push yourself in the swing,
and going down the big slide are all a part of growing up that every child
needs to experience. It is gratifying to   see how students who were afraid
to walk up and down stairs last year have progressed, and are now doing it
with ease.

Vision teachers who visit the program are excited about what we are doing,
and see the progress students are making in both braille and other
non-visual techniques.

Carlton Walker, a teacher of the visually impaired in Pennsylvania, and
president of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, served
as the lead teacher in Glen Dale.  Mary Jo Hartle, an educator and mom, was
the lead teacher in Baltimore.  Karen Anderson, an education major from
Nebraska who plans to become a teacher of blind students, also helped
greatly with preparation and worked hard to make the Baltimore program a
success. The program wouldn't have run so smoothly without our dedicated and
fun-loving volunteers, who ranged in age from 18 to 82.

On the last day of the program, everyone gathered at the National Federation
of the Blind Jernigan Institute for a day of fun for the kids and learning
for the parents. A carnival, featuring approximately 20 different booths,
allowed kids to throw darts, find small objects in a tub of bubble wrap,
play listening games, jump through hula hoops to the braille cell, and much
more. Thanks to the four NFB summer interns who planned this event. Parents
participated in a seminar run by Melissa Riccobono and Sharon  Maneki. The
finale  was a delicious lunch and giving of goody bags filled with "cool
stuff" to each participant. 

Plans are under way to continue braille classes for our BELL students during
the school year. Building relationships with blind adult role models, and
encouraging students to continue developing good reading and writing habits
will require ongoing dedication and determination.  However, we are up to
the challenge! 


 


Do Maryland Congressmen Support the TEACH Act?


Three of Maryland's eight Congressional representatives support the TEACH
Act (the Technology, Education and Accessibility in College and Higher
Education Act, H.R. 3505). Representatives Chris Van Hollen, Elijah
Cummings, and Donna Edwards, are co-sponsors of this legislation.  We
appreciate their support and urge voters to remember who our friends are in
the November 4 election. The TEACH Act would require that the United States
Access Board create guidelines which industry could use in preparing
accessible college course materials.

On June 10, 2014, John Cheadle, a long-time Federationist, wrote to Jane
Williams from Congressman Andy Harris' staff.  Here is how Mr. Cheadle
explained the importance of this act and why every Congressman should
support this legislation:

 

Dear Jane:
Our blind son is now 36 years old.  His story of success is a long and
arduous one.  Briefly, after struggling through the public school system and
enduring poor attitudes on the part of many teachers and administrators,
appealing (and prevailing on) IWRP issues, he spent six years achieving his
B.A. Degree. All of this in Maryland!   A large issue in the extension of
his college experience was his and the University's inability to obtain
material in a format he could access.  H.R. 3505 will go a long way in
resolving the problems he encountered and prevent similar experiences for
blind students in Maryland.  Please encourage Representative Harris to
co-sponsor this bill.

I should tell you that we are quite proud of his accomplishments.  After
several years of hunting for employment he did enter the high-tech field and
has progressed rapidly up the career ladder.  He is now married and has a
one year old son.  He works in web-content administration for NBC Digital at
Rockefeller Center in New York City.  I believe that if the elements of H.R.
3505 had been in place when he was working his way through the education
maelstrom, he would have entered his career field much earlier and therefore
would have been a contributing member of society much longer.  Passage of
H.R. 3505 will benefit all citizens.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

John A. Cheadle

 


Will Government by the People Become a Reality in Maryland?


By Sharon Maneki 

In President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which he delivered on November
19th 1863, he stated that "government of the people, by the people, for the
people, shall not perish from the earth." Government by the people must
include all of the people. Full participation in the voting process has been
a challenge for blind persons. Although the general public has been able to
vote in secret and independently for centuries, the blind did not gain this
opportunity until technology changed in the 21st century. Before technology
improvements, blind people had to vote using the assistance of a sighted
person, so our ballot was never private. Despite advances in technology, the
right of blind persons to have full participation in the voting process is
under attack in Maryland.   

For more than a decade, the NFBMD has been working with the Maryland Board
of Elections to enhance the ability of blind persons to cast a secret ballot
independently. We first gained this right in the 2002 election. We have
spent the remaining period protecting our voting rights as Maryland
officials have tried to make up their mind about the type of voting machines
to use in its elections. Throughout discussions in the legislature and at
state board of elections meetings, Federationists have been present so that
the blind would not be forgotten in the decision making process. Maryland is
scheduled to use new voting machines for the 2016 elections, but they are
still determining the specific type. We are hopeful that the new voting
machines will be accessible so that we may continue to vote independently
and in secret. 

Maryland recently developed an online ballot marking system to satisfy its
obligation to provide timely absentee ballots to individuals serving in the
military. The National Federation of the Blind worked with officials to make
sure that this system would be accessible. Many members of our affiliate
tested and commented on the system. It is a good system and is very
accessible. 

The new online absentee ballot marking system allows an individual to mark
his ballot independently. The voter must print the ballot and mail it to the
appropriate board of elections. While we encourage blind persons to go to
the polls, there are times when using an absentee ballot is necessary. Many
Deaf-Blind individuals are unable to independently use voting machines at
the polls because of the lack of Braille displays. Using an absentee online
ballot marking tool will enable Deaf-Blind individuals to cast a ballot
independently and in secret because they can use their own technology to
accomplish the task. 

The State Board of Elections refused to allow persons with disabilities to
use the online absentee ballot marking system in the June 2014 primary. The
National Federation of the Blind sued the Board of Elections for restricting
the rights of disabled persons to cast a secret ballot independently. Here
is how the Baltimore Sun described the problem:


Advocates for Blind Sue Maryland Election Officials


Group seeks secret absentee voting for disabled in June primary

May 20, 2014|By Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun

The National Federation of the Blind has sued Maryland election officials,
charging that their April decision not to approve a system that would make
it easier for disabled people to cast absentee ballots privately violates
federal law.

The Baltimore-based federation filed suit this week asking the U.S. District
Court to order the State Board of Elections to provide that technology in
time for the June 24 primary election.

"The right to a secret ballot that can be filled out privately and
independently is just as important to people with disabilities as it is for
other voters," said federation spokesman Chris Danielson.

The board decided April 24 to overrule its professional staff's
recommendation that it allow the use of ballot-marking technology, an
electronic tool that allows a blind person or someone who doesn't have use
of their arms to mark their absentee ballots on their computers before
printing them out and sending them in. Special audio systems can help
disabled voters who go to the polls, but some blind and other disabled
voters say they have had to ask for help in casting an absentee ballot. 

Board members were swayed by arguments by some computer scientists and
ballot security advocates that the system has shortcomings that would open
the door to widespread voter fraud.

The decision outraged advocates for the disabled because they had worked
with the elections board staff for months to help develop the technology.

The system the state rejected was not true Internet voting because a paper
ballot would still have had to be sent to the board. However, the system
would have allowed voters to download blank ballots to their computers and
fill them out using programs designed to help them vote. Three Maryland
voters with different disabilities joined the federation in bringing the
suit and seeking an injunction so they can vote absentee in the primary.
They are Melissa Riccobono, who is blind and heads the group's Maryland
chapter; Kenneth Capone of Elkridge, who has cerebral palsy and can't use
his arms or legs; and Janice Toothman of Bowie, who is blind and has
impaired hearing.

The lawsuit charges that the board's decision deprives each of the
opportunity to vote "privately and independently." That, the suit says, is a
violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act and another federal law.

Linda H. Lamone, the election board administrator and the lead defendant in
the case, said she could not comment on the suit.

When the board fell two votes short of the four needed to certify the
system, advocates for ballot security were delighted. Michael Greenberger, a
University of Maryland law professor and founder of its Center for Health
and Homeland Security, said at the time that "sanity prevailed." He had
warned that if adopted, Maryland's voting system would have been the most
subject to fraud in the country."

Cathy Kelleher, president of Election Integrity Maryland, said she hadn't
seen the suit but backed the board's refusal to certify the system. "Until
it's made safe for everyone's use, there is no reason to rush into this,"
she said.

Riccobono said she's not willing to wait. "I understand the concerns, but I
also understand that everything has some type of risk," she said. "I'm
concerned that if we wait until something's completely safe, we're never
going to get there."

Riccobono said she had to have friends mark her ballot in the past and
hasn't been comfortable with it. "That's my business who I vote for," she
said.

 <mailto:michael.dresser at baltsun.com> michael.dresser at baltsun.com

 

Readers should know that the U.S. District Court did not order State
officials to allow the ballot marking system to be used in the primary
election because the judge needed more information and more time to make his
decision. 

With the assistance of the NFB, long time Federationist Janice Toothman
filed an additional complaint against the Maryland State Board of Elections
because of her experience trying to vote in the June primary. Here is how
MarylandReporter.com described this complaint:


Blind Voters Suing Elections Board in Hope of Online Ballot


By Glynis Kazanjian

Glynis at MarylandReporter.com July 8, 2014

A blind voter who had a "horrific" experience voting during the primary
election has filed a new complaint against the state election board, adding
to the list of grievances in a lawsuit initiated by the National Federation
of the Blind in May.

One of the original plaintiffs, Janice Toothman, is seeking an unspecified
amount of damages for what she says was a bungled voting experience that
left her without the ability to vote privately or independently. Toothman,
52, is deaf and blind with a limited ability to hear.

Toothman said in her efforts to vote, she was unable to hear sound in the
headset provided by a precinct in Bowie. Election officials offered to read
ballot selections to Toothman, but Toothman rejected the offer saying it
took away her right to vote in the same way as individuals without
disabilities-a right guaranteed through the American for Disabilities Act.


Voting card not properly programmed


Election officials eventually determined Toothman's voting card was not
properly programmed as a "non-visual ballot," an observation Toothman
originally offered. Toothman's voting card was updated which allowed for
sound in the headset, but Toothman said she had difficulty hearing due to
background noise in the voting station and the low volume of the head set.

"Ms. Toothman voted based on her occasional ability to hear and recognize
candidates' name," said Jessica Weber, an attorney with Brown Goldstein and
Levy, the law firm representing the plaintiffs. "This is not how Ms.
Toothman wishes to vote; she wants to vote privately and independently and
with the confidence that she is casting her vote correctly."


Damages sought to encourage equal opportunity


Weber said one of the purposes of seeking compensatory damages was to
prevent situations like this from happening again.

In the court filing,
<http://marylandreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Federation-of-blind-
vs.-State-Board-of-Elections.pdf> Toothman, and other disabled voters, are
suing the State Board of Elections for denying individuals with disabilities
an equal opportunity to cast absentee ballots through the use of an online
ballot marking tool, a device that is currently available only to overseas
and military voters.


Online ballot marking to be discussed at Thursday meeting


The next state board meeting is set for 2 p.m. Thursday  in Annapolis, and
blind and disabled voters opposed to the online ballot marking tool are
scheduled to address the board.

The state election board failed to certify the device last April so that all
voters, including the disabled, could mark their ballots online. An informal
voice vote showed the board lacked the four votes out of five needed to
certify.

Board members dissented after considering a security assessment conducted on
the online ballot marking tool, combined with testimony from some Internet
security experts who say the electronic delivery system is still highly
vulnerable to fraud. "I think we should do this incrementally," State
Election Board Vice Chairman David McManus, a Republican, said at the April
meeting. "I am not convinced the delivery system is safe. If the delivery
works in the primary and the general, I could change my mind. The Internet
is a very vast complicated system."

Since the April meeting, the make-up of the board has changed. Democrat
Rachel McGuckian, one of the dissenting votes, has since resigned and now
serves on the State Ethics Commission. McGuckian was replaced by Janet
Owens, the former county executive of Anne Arundel County.


Online ballot marking could be considered for general election


Some voting advocates believe there is a movement to certify the online tool
for use in the general election, despite the security concerns of some board
members and IT security experts. A supermajority of four votes would still
be required.

One of the attorneys representing the National Federation of the Blind is a
partner at the law firm Brown Goldstein and Levy, the same law firm that
represented State Election Administrator Linda Lamone earlier this year in a
lawsuit related to controversial campaign finance guidelines issued by
Lamone for the 2014 primary election.

Weber said her firm looked into the potential conflict of interest in suing
a former client and determined there was none.

The precedent of using online ballot marking systems in the US already
exists. 17 states currently have 

absentee online ballot marking systems and there have been no problems
concerning security. Four of the 17 allow persons with disabilities to use
the absentee online ballot marking system. Maryland will not be breaking new
ground or doing anything revolutionary by allowing persons with disabilities
to use their online absentee ballot marking system.    

Thanks to the decision by U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett issued on
Sep. 4, 2014, disabled voters will be able to use the online ballot marking
system in the November election.  It is interesting to note that the ACB of
Maryland joined with other parties to oppose use of this system by the
disabled.  Here is how the Washington Post covered this victory.  


U.S. Judge: Md. Must Let Disabled Mark Absentee Ballots Online in Nov.
Elections


taken from the WashingtonPost.com September 5th 2014

by Spencer S. Hsu and Jenna R. Johnson September 4

A federal judge on Thursday ordered Maryland to allow disabled voters in
November to fill out absentee ballots online before printing and mailing
them to election officials.

The National Federation of the Blind and three individuals who are deaf,
blind or palsied sued the Maryland State Board of Elections to activate the
computer ballot-marking tool, which the board developed with help from the
federation.

The tool was available to absentee voters in the state's 2012 primary
elections and to overseas voters that November. However, an improved version
that makes it easier for people with disabilities to use the tool was not
certified by the election board for use this fall.

The lawsuit was opposed by the American Council of the Blind of Maryland;
two organizations that work to promote election security, VerifiedVoting.org
and SAVEourVotes.org; and three individuals, with different disabilities,
who say the new software is still not accessible to them and is vulnerable
to being hacked.

In a 33-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett, sitting in
Baltimore, said the board's decision denied disabled plaintiffs "meaningful
access to the State's absentee ballot voting program as mandated by the
Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act."

Bennett wrote that "earlier uses of the tool appear to have been uneventful,
and there has been no evidence of security breaches connected to that use."

In Maryland, anyone can vote by absentee ballot. People who need assistance
can submit a form to have someone help them fill out their ballots before
they are signed and returned.

The online ballot-marking tool allows disabled voters to use computer
technology - such as a mouse or voice-recognition software-to mark ballots
privately and independently, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit said. About 5
percent of Maryland voters cast absentee ballots, and a fraction of them are
disabled.

"This ruling is a victory for Maryland voters with disabilities and puts
election officials across the nation on notice that full and equal access to
voting includes access to absentee ballots, as well as to the voting
equipment used at polling places," Mark Riccobono, president of the National
Federation of the Blind and the husband of one of the plaintiffs, said in a
statement.

But opponents said computer "spyware" could be used to reveal an absentee
voter's choices to a third party. They also said the state election board's
computer server could be hacked while a completed ballot was being prepared
for printing, giving the hacker information on a voter's choices.

Pamela Smith, president of VerifiedVoting, said the tool "recklessly ignores
important privacy and security risks. ... Forcing this tool to be available
in its current state severely compromises voter privacy and may call the
results of Maryland elections into question."

Nikki Baines Charlson, deputy administrator of the state election board,
said the board is reviewing the opinion but will be ready to activate the
tool once absentee ballots are sent to voters Sept. 19. "It's not online
voting," Charlson said. "It's a way to mark your ballot. It's a
sophisticated pencil."

David R. Paulson, a spokesman for state Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler,
said the office is reviewing the opinion, and he declined to comment.

The ruling comes as a partisan battle over ballot access rages in many
states, with Democrats generally seeking expanded access to protect voters'
rights and Republicans generally seeking limits to protect against voter
fraud.

Bennett's ruling noted that spyware and hacking pose some security risk, but
he also said a computer security firm-approved by an outside auditor who was
retained by the election board-found the tool to be secure. He wrote that an
expert called by plaintiffs testified that the tool posed "no additional
risks that did not exist in other methods already available to voters."

A 2013 state law required the five-member election board to certify the
ballot-marking tool by a supermajority, or four-fifths, vote. The board's
three Democrats voted for certification at a July 10 meeting. One
Republican, Charles Thomann was absent, and the other, David J. McManus Jr.,
voted no.

On Thursday, Thomann said he remained uncertain as to how he would have
voted, and he deferred to McManus, saying, "I'll agree with whatever he
says." McManus declined to comment.

A partial survey of states by the election board's staff found that only
Alaska and Delaware were making an online ballot-marking tool available to
voters with disabilities this year, the judge wrote, although several states
do so for some overseas voters.

 

On September 22, 2014, the Maryland Attorney General decided to appeal Judge
Bennett's decision.  He is asking the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in
Richmond, VA, to throw out the Judge's decision for future elections.
Disabled voters will be able to use the online ballot marking tool in the
November 2014 election.  However, the future use of this tool will be
determined by the appeals court.

Judge Bennett's Sep. 4  decision is an important victory for both the blind
of Maryland and for the blind of the nation.  The National Federation of the
Blind of Maryland, along with our parent organization the National
Federation of the Blind, will continue to press for the removal of barriers
to our right to vote independently and in secret. Technology permits full
participation in our Democratic government. We will not allow the State to
deprive us of full participation. It is time for government by the people to
include the blind and become a reality in Maryland.  

 


SPECTATOR SPECS


Deaths


We are sorry to report the death of Patricia Winebrenner on January 7, 2014.
Pat died at the Frostburg Rehabilitation Center after a very long illness.
She served as a member of the NFBMD Board of Directors during the 1980s and
was the President of the Mountain City chapter. She never let her numerous
health problems get in the way of accomplishing her goals. 

On March 14, 2014, Allen McGinley died as a result of complications from
diabetes. Allen was president of the Appalachian Trail Chapter. He loved to
play the guitar and was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who
needed his assistance. Allen had a great sense of humor and we will miss his
friendly spirit.

On April 4, Jearl Conrad lost his long battle with cancer. Jearl was a
long-time Federationist who served as President of the Greater Cumberland
Chapter for many years. Jearl was employed at Blind Industries and Services
of Maryland in Cumberland for more than 20 years. For a time, he also
operated a facility in the Business Enterprise Program at the Allegany
County government office. Jearl was dedicated and diligent in every task
that he performed.

We are sorry to report the sudden death of Sammie Gaillot. Sammie was a
member of the Tri-County Chapter. He and longtime Federationist Angela
Cummings were married on Valentine's Day 2014. We will miss his kindness and
caring ways.

In early August, we learned of the death of Jerry Brooks after a long
illness. Jerry was a pioneer and one of the first blind social workers to be
hired by the state of Maryland. Jerry had been a member of the Greater
Baltimore chapter and most recently belonged to the Baltimore County
chapter.  Jerry was a staunch Federationist and we will miss his persistence
and perseverance. 

May they rest in peace.


Graduations


Melissa Lomax, President of the MD Association of Blind Students, earned her
BA in English from UMBC in December 2013. She plans to attend graduate
school. In the meantime, Melissa is one of the coordinators of the youth
services programs at BISM.

In December 2013, Courtney Curran obtained a BA in Electronic Media and
Film, with an emphasis in radio, from Towson University. Courtney obtained
employment at the Social Security Administration, where she works as an
insurance specialist.

Janice Toothman, a longtime leader in the Sligo Creek chapter and secretary
of the Deaf-Blind division of the National Federation of the Blind, earned
an MA in Counseling Psychology in May 2014 from Towson University. She plans
to pursue a career in counseling. Read about Her achievements earlier in
this issue. 

In May 2014, Nathan Clark received his Associates degree from Carroll
Community College. Nathan currently attends the Adjustment to Blindness
program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. When he completes this
program, Nathan will continue to pursue his college studies.

On May 29, 2014, Jason Polansky graduated from Catoctin High School in
Thurmont. Jason plans to attend college after he completes the Adjustment to
Blindness Program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind.


Wedding Bells


On October 26, 2013, Cheryl Fogel and Beth Hatch were married in Baltimore.
They moved from New Mexico in 2012 and joined the Greater Baltimore Chapter.
Beth works for the US Department of Defense, and Cheryl is obtaining a Ph.D.
in Anthropology from New Mexico State University. Congratulations to these
newlyweds!


New Babies


In September 2013, Mary Jo and Jesse Hartle welcomed their second child,
Jesse Jr., into the world. Jesse, the dad, is part of our national advocacy
and policy team and a strong voice for the blind on Capitol Hill. In
addition to raising two active children, Mary Jo and Jesse are active
leaders in the affiliate. Mary Jo is the president of our new TLC chapter
and Jesse is its secretary.

Jason and Sue Adkins had their second son Noah, in November, 2013. Big
brother Jacob and the rest of the family are doing well.  Jason is president
of the Greater Cumberland chapter.    

In March 2014, Melissa and James Treaster started their new family with the
birth of their first child Connor. Melissa Burch Treaster was the first
president of our Tri-county chapter. Melissa and her family now reside in
the Baltimore area and are members of the TLC chapter. Melissa serves as
vice President of this chapter. 

On July 27, 2014, Nikki and Frankie Tippett became the proud parents of
Gavin Tippett. They are rejoicing at the birth of their son. Nikki is the
president of the Tri-County chapter. 

On August 15th 2014, Meghan Sidhu and Brien West became proud parents of
their first Child, Catherine Dhillon. Meghan Sidhu is the General Counsel
for the National Federation of The Blind. 

Congratulations to the new parents.


First Grandchild


Tracy Hall Hennigan and Clarence Hennigan are proud to announce the birth of
their first grandchild. Their granddaughter Ja-Nyahh came in May, and Tracy
and Clarence are enjoying their new role. They are both members of the
Greater Baltimore Chapter and Tracy serves on the chapter board. 


Achievement


Joe Schissler, a member of the Central Maryland chapter, won first place at
the Howard County Fair for his hand-carved wooden table. Joe is also a
recent graduate of the BISM SAIL Program. At BISM, one of the things Joe
learned was that he could continue his woodworking hobby, even though he no
longer has vision. Joe now has a long list of wood-working projects to do. 

 

 

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