[nfb-db] Your Input On Accessible Voting Is NeededRe: nfb-db Digest, Vol 58, Issue 16
Catherine Miller
guillcat at gmail.com
Wed Nov 13 17:54:22 UTC 2013
I am intimidated by the talking voting machine. I was trained on the device twice, but it still terrifies me to think about trying to use it. It's very complicated to try to follow this device and know what to do and when to do it.
Another problem I have is that the people who guide me to the booth are not trained in sighted guide ttecniques.They seem very nervous about what to do, they run me into the furniture, and are just in general unknowledgeable about my needs. I try to be a self advocate, but thhe simply are not in the listening mode.
Sent from my iPad
> On Nov 13, 2013, at 5:13 AM, nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Your input on accessible voting is needed! (Blake, Lou Ann)
> 2. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (heather albright)
> 3. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (Scott Davert)
> 4. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (The Pawpower Pack)
> 5. survey on disability (heather albright)
> 6. Re: survey on disability (Scott Davert)
> 7. Re: survey on disability (heather albright)
> 8. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (DELCINA M BROWN)
> 9. Re: NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution (Janice Toothman)
> 10. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (Janice Toothman)
> 11. Why the UN Convention matters and why we must support it (Mussie)
> 12. Re: NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution (Randy Pope)
> 13. Re: survey on disability (Randy Pope)
> 14. Re: survey on disability (The Pawpower Pack)
> 15. Re: My thoughts on training centers blind, and deaf blind.
> (Marsha Drenth)
> 16. Re: NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution (Marsha Drenth)
> 17. Re: NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution (Randy Pope)
> 18. Re: NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution (heather albright)
> 19. Re: Your input on accessible voting is needed! (Marsha Drenth)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:48:54 +0000
> From: "Blake, Lou Ann" <LBlake at nfb.org>
> To: "'nfb-db at nfbnet.org'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID:
> <623520895d734e14afcb4d31345f92b8 at BN1PR07MB341.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Dear List Members:
>
> As one of the activities the National Federation of the Blind is conducting under our 2013-2014 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we are hosting a focus group of deaf-blind voters. The purpose of this focus group is to learn from deaf-blind individuals about the types of barriers they currently face in casting a private and independent ballot, and about the types of personal access technology used by the deaf-blind that could remove these barriers. This information will be provided to voting technology researchers and developers during a seminar hosted by the NFB in December 2013.
>
> The focus group will be conducted via the NFB deaf-blind listserv. A total of four questions will be posted to the list one at a time for discussion and input from the list members.
>
> The first question for the focus group is:
>
> 1. What are the barriers you currently face that prevent you or make it difficult for you to cast a private and independent ballot?
>
> Please respond to this question by 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The second question for the focus group will be posted to the list on Thursday, November 14.
>
> Thank you in advance for your participation in this important discussion! If you have any questions, please contact:
> Lou Ann Blake, HAVA Project Manager
> National Federation of the Blind
> lblake at nfb.org<mailto:lblake at nfb.org>
> 410-659-9314, ext. 2221.
>
>
>
>
> Take the stress out of this year's holiday shopping with NFB's Bid for Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register<http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=bid-for-equality> to make your Bid for Equality. The future is in your bid!
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>
> Message: 2
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 08:23:23 -0600
> From: "heather albright" <kd5cbl at gmail.com>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID: <A1008AEF3C51470B8198140346C3E833 at supersystem>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> The machines in where I live don't have braille output, only audio! Heather
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 10:29:41 -0500
> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID:
> <CAOHXxEb7HuUORW_M7fUwEhjL3-Atx+n76siQHKjaNJGZWCGAyw at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Good morning, Lou ann and others.
> That is the biggest barrior that I see as well. The solution seems to
> be to have SSP's to help with this, but they're not always available,
> and even if they were, that is not what I'd call a private vote. I
> remember speaking with a few of the manufacturers back in 2011 when
> they were in Baltimore, and they seemed to think that most people
> didn't use braille and were focusing only on audio only solutions. If
> their mode of thinking has yet to change, I would strongly urge you to
> make this point again in December.
>
> Thanks for reading,
> Scott
>
>> On 11/12/13, heather albright <kd5cbl at gmail.com> wrote:
>> The machines in where I live don't have braille output, only audio! Heather
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:43:19 -0600
> From: The Pawpower Pack <pawpower4me at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID: <FAE2D36A-1924-422F-BF3E-8BA8A9C6755A at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Hello Lou Anne and others,
> There is not braille access, thus I must use an ssp to help me vote. Therefore, my vote is not private.
> Rox
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Nov 12, 2013, at 7:48 AM, "Blake, Lou Ann" <LBlake at nfb.org> wrote:
>>
>> Dear List Members:
>>
>> As one of the activities the National Federation of the Blind is conducting under our 2013-2014 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we are hosting a focus group of deaf-blind voters. The purpose of this focus group is to learn from deaf-blind individuals about the types of barriers they currently face in casting a private and independent ballot, and about the types of personal access technology used by the deaf-blind that could remove these barriers. This information will be provided to voting technology researchers and developers during a seminar hosted by the NFB in December 2013.
>>
>> The focus group will be conducted via the NFB deaf-blind listserv. A total of four questions will be posted to the list one at a time for discussion and input from the list members.
>>
>> The first question for the focus group is:
>> 1. What are the barriers you currently face that prevent you or make it difficult for you to cast a private and independent ballot?
>>
>> Please respond to this question by 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The second question for the focus group will be posted to the list on Thursday, November 14.
>>
>> Thank you in advance for your participation in this important discussion! If you have any questions, please contact:
>> Lou Ann Blake, HAVA Project Manager
>> National Federation of the Blind
>> lblake at nfb.org
>> 410-659-9314, ext. 2221.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Take the stress out of this year?s holiday shopping with NFB?s Bid for Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register to make your Bid for Equality. The future is in your bid!
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:31:02 -0600
> From: "heather albright" <kd5cbl at gmail.com>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfb-db] survey on disability
> Message-ID: <9AF8E36CCE3142EC912B52B210E905A2 at supersystem>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
>
> Dear Fellow Federationists:
>
>
> Please consider participating in the survey below. I have taken the survey
> myself. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you have any questions, I can be
> reached by e-mail or at 410-659-9314, extension 2218. Your responses will be
> kept confidential. The overall survey results will be made available to
> everyone.
>
>
> Go here now
>
>
> John G. Par?, Jr.
>
> Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy
>
> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
>
> 200 East Wells Street
>
> Baltimore, Maryland 21230
>
> Telephone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2218
>
> Cell phone: (410) 917-1965
>
> Fax: (410) 685-5653
>
> Email: jpare at nfb.org
>
>
>
>
>
> Take the stress out of this year?s holiday shopping with NFB?s Bid for
> Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday,
> Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register to make your Bid for
> Equality. The future is in your bid!
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbnet-master-list mailing list
> Nfbnet-master-list at nfbnet.org
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:46:27 -0500
> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
> Message-ID:
> <CAOHXxEaZhH7nz0vAPuKLiHRdD9suyCy+ZTzBiOGu2z4f=uGPGQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> Hi heather.
> Sorry, but the links that say "here" and "now" are not clickable. Do
> you have links to the page you can provide?
>
> Thanks so much!
> Scott
>
>> On 11/12/13, heather albright <kd5cbl at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Fellow Federationists:
>>
>>
>> Please consider participating in the survey below. I have taken the survey
>> myself. It takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you have any questions, I can be
>> reached by e-mail or at 410-659-9314, extension 2218. Your responses will be
>>
>> kept confidential. The overall survey results will be made available to
>> everyone.
>>
>>
>> Go here now
>>
>>
>> John G. Par?, Jr.
>>
>> Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy
>>
>> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
>>
>> 200 East Wells Street
>>
>> Baltimore, Maryland 21230
>>
>> Telephone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2218
>>
>> Cell phone: (410) 917-1965
>>
>> Fax: (410) 685-5653
>>
>> Email: jpare at nfb.org
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Take the stress out of this year?s holiday shopping with NFB?s Bid for
>> Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday,
>>
>> Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register to make your Bid for
>> Equality. The future is in your bid!
>>
>>
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbnet-master-list mailing list
>> Nfbnet-master-list at nfbnet.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:57:52 -0600
> From: "heather albright" <kd5cbl at gmail.com>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
> Message-ID: <1D6DB03D3FD34F5B849A4C4B16F5F26A at supersystem>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Oh sorry Here is the exact link:
> http://web-polling.com/Survey3.aspx?sID=28954449
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:08:37 -0500
> From: "DELCINA M BROWN" <delcenia at prodigy.net>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID: <3AF5561D23CC4ED3B31C8F2213DC98E1 at johne38069127c>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> First, with the audio, when I sit down and load the machine with the ballot I have to wait till it is done loadin meanwhile it takes some time before I can hear what it is saying. As it is loading I have to keep pressing the up button on the volume and when it comes up it is still too low. It does not help that the machine is not located in a good spot. They say that the machine should be facing the wall that way my back is to the wall. In other words it should not be anything between me and the wall. Yes, I am able to turn the screen off so that no one can see it. However it is still sitting out in the open and I really do not have privacy. Also, the background noise does not help. Las time I had the poll workers around me wanting to help they did not realize they are not helping when they stand behind me and hold a conversation while I am voting. Each poll siste is suppose to be checked out the night before election. I do not believe they are following through with this. I say this because I have went to vote first thing in the morning at 7:00 a.m. and the machine is not working correctly. Each poll site is to have a poll worker (I forget the proper title) that is suppose to be trained on how to use the machine. Most of them do not know how to use the machine.
>
> best regards
> Delcenia
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Blake, Lou Ann
> To: 'nfb-db at nfbnet.org'
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 8:48 AM
> Subject: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
>
>
> Dear List Members:
>
>
>
> As one of the activities the National Federation of the Blind is conducting under our 2013-2014 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we are hosting a focus group of deaf-blind voters. The purpose of this focus group is to learn from deaf-blind individuals about the types of barriers they currently face in casting a private and independent ballot, and about the types of personal access technology used by the deaf-blind that could remove these barriers. This information will be provided to voting technology researchers and developers during a seminar hosted by the NFB in December 2013.
>
>
>
> The focus group will be conducted via the NFB deaf-blind listserv. A total of four questions will be posted to the list one at a time for discussion and input from the list members.
>
>
>
> The first question for the focus group is:
>
> 1. What are the barriers you currently face that prevent you or make it difficult for you to cast a private and independent ballot?
>
>
>
> Please respond to this question by 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The second question for the focus group will be posted to the list on Thursday, November 14.
>
>
>
> Thank you in advance for your participation in this important discussion! If you have any questions, please contact:
>
> Lou Ann Blake, HAVA Project Manager
>
> National Federation of the Blind
>
> lblake at nfb.org
>
> 410-659-9314, ext. 2221.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Take the stress out of this year's holiday shopping with NFB's Bid for Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register to make your Bid for Equality. The future is in your bid!
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-db mailing list
> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:41:34 -0500
> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> Message-ID: <5282927E.9090006 at verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed"
>
> Randy,'
> Your point is well said. However, when operating on a dead-line, I don't
> always think as clearly as I could have written things.
> Janice
>> On 11/11/2013 9:21 PM, Randy Pope wrote:
>>
>> Thank Janice for posting the SSP resolution, Janice
>>
>> Not meaning to be critical but facilitators is not really the word I
>> would use in describing the roles of the SSPs. To facilitate in this
>> content implied that the SSPs has some control in conveying the
>> communication, vision and guiding information. Instead I would use
>> assistance or to assist which mean that the DB person has full control
>> of the information. I think this kind of thinking would aligned with
>> the NFB thinking of being self-independent.
>>
>> See the difference?
>>
>> Randy
>>
>> *From:*nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] *On Behalf Of *Janice
>> Toothman
>> *Sent:* Monday, November 11, 2013 6:54 PM
>> *To:* NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List; Burnell Brown; Arlene
>> Naulty; Joe Naulty; janice.toothman at verizon.net; Matthew Pettit;
>> Marcus Simmons; Tracie Inman; Cathy Miller
>> *Subject:* [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
>>
>> Hi Everyone,
>> I will paste the Maryland State SSP Resolution for 2013 as Passed Below:
>>
>> Regarding the creation of a statewide Support Service Providers
>> Program for deaf-blind people
>>
>> WHEREAS, Deaf-blind people rely on Support Service Providers (SSPs) to
>> facilitate communications, and to provide environmental and
>> situational information so that they can participate in all aspects of
>> community life, thereby reducing reliance on family members and
>> friends for these tasks; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the SSPs are not responsible for providing personal care or
>> serving as interpreters as required by law at legal and medical
>> appointments, i.e., SSPs must serve only as facilitators, not decision
>> makers; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, Maryland currently has a few regional programs that supply
>> SSPs to deaf-blind residents who live in certain designated
>> localities, leaving many deaf-blind individuals with no assistance; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, these regional programs vary in the quality and extent of
>> services available; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maryland Department of Disabilities is to
>> coordinate services and to advance the rights and interests of people
>> with disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is the right agency
>> in Maryland state government to create a statewide Support Service
>> Providers Program; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, service programs are most successful when the consumers who
>> use the service play an integral part in the planning and development
>> of the program: NOW, THEREFORE,
>>
>> BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland,
>> in Convention assembled this tenth day of November, 2013, in the city
>> of Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization strongly urge the
>> Maryland State Department of Disabilities to create a plan with input
>> from stakeholders that leads to the enactment of a statewide Support
>> Service Providers Program so that all deaf-blind Maryland citizens may
>> fully participate in all aspects of community life; and
>>
>> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly encourage the
>> Maryland Department of Disabilities to immediately begin planning for
>> this program so that it can be included in the Governor's 2016 budget.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Janice
>> Secretary
>> Deaf-Blind Division/NFB
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:53:11 -0500
> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID: <52829537.20402 at verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed"
>
> Every year I go and the card that they insert does not work. It does
> not load properly. They volume is too low and they do not have braille
> output. Plus, it is really annoying when you do not want to vote for a
> particular position that you have to wade through all the candidates and
> at the end it prompts you that you have under elected. It makes the
> process extremely time-consuming; 45 minutes. It is very frustrating
> when you know who you want to vote for but have to sort your way through
> the ballot.
> Janice
>> On 11/12/2013 3:08 PM, DELCINA M BROWN wrote:
>> Hello everyone,
>> First, with the audio, when I sit down and load the machine with the
>> ballot I have to wait till it is done loadin meanwhile it takes some
>> time before I can hear what it is saying. As it is loading I have to
>> keep pressing the up button on the volume and when it comes up it is
>> still too low. It does not help that the machine is not located in a
>> good spot. They say that the machine should be facing the wall that
>> way my back is to the wall. In other words it should not be anything
>> between me and the wall. Yes, I am able to turn the screen off so that
>> no one can see it. However it is still sitting out in the open and I
>> really do not have privacy. Also, the background noise does not help.
>> Las time I had the poll workers around me wanting to help they did not
>> realize they are not helping when they stand behind me and hold a
>> conversation while I am voting. Each poll siste is suppose to be
>> checked out the night before election. I do not believe they are
>> following through with this. I say this because I have went to vote
>> first thing in the morning at 7:00 a.m. and the machine is not working
>> correctly. Each poll site is to have a poll worker (I forget the
>> proper title) that is suppose to be trained on how to use the machine.
>> Most of them do not know how to use the machine.
>> best regards
>> Delcenia
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> *From:* Blake, Lou Ann <mailto:LBlake at nfb.org>
>> *To:* 'nfb-db at nfbnet.org' <mailto:%27nfb-db at nfbnet.org%27>
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, November 12, 2013 8:48 AM
>> *Subject:* [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
>>
>> Dear List Members:
>>
>> As one of the activities the National Federation of the Blind is
>> conducting under our 2013-2014 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant
>> from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we are
>> hosting a focus group of deaf-blind voters. The purpose of this
>> focus group is to learn from deaf-blind individuals about the
>> types of barriers they currently face in casting a private and
>> independent ballot, and about the types of personal access
>> technology used by the deaf-blind that could remove these
>> barriers. This information will be provided to voting technology
>> researchers and developers during a seminar hosted by the NFB in
>> December 2013.
>>
>> The focus group will be conducted via the NFB deaf-blind listserv.
>> A total of four questions will be posted to the list one at a time
>> for discussion and input from the list members.
>>
>> The first question for the focus group is:
>>
>> 1.What are the barriers you currently face that prevent you or
>> make it difficult for you to cast a private and independent ballot?
>>
>> Please respond to this question by 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday,
>> November 14, 2013. The second question for the focus group will be
>> posted to the list on Thursday, November 14.
>>
>> Thank you in advance for your participation in this important
>> discussion! If you have any questions, please contact:
>>
>> Lou Ann Blake, HAVA Project Manager
>>
>> National Federation of the Blind
>>
>> lblake at nfb.org <mailto:lblake at nfb.org>
>>
>> 410-659-9314, ext. 2221.
>>
>>
>>
>> Take the stress out of this year's holiday shopping with NFB's Bid
>> for Equality national online auction: *Black Friday, Nov. 29, to
>> Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3*. View our must-have donations and register
>> <http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=bid-for-equality>
>> to make your Bid for Equality. The future is in your bid!
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>>
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>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:05:54 -0800
> From: "Mussie" <gmussie9 at hotmail.com>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfb-db] Why the UN Convention matters and why we must
> support it
> Message-ID: <COL127-DS12B866DE047F60E3CAA40085FE0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Dear fellow citizens,
> Let us briefly look at the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
> and why we must work to defeat misinformed efforts to seek the failure of the CRPD.
> Some political groups are pushing hard to defeat the CRPD because they assert it
> threatens American sovereignty, among other things. But not only is this wrong ?
> the Convention draws inspiration from the Americans with Disabilities Act, which
> was passed with 91 senators voting favorably in 1990. With more than 100 ratifications
> so far, why would these groups think the U.S. should not ratify something that its
> own national law inspired? It doesn?t make sense for a nation to endeavor to enact
> a landmark disability rights legislation but object to the ADA for the entire world.
> Moreover, the assumption that the Convention would affect U.S. laws and allow world
> bodies to determine the direction of disability rights in America is just simply
> untrue and, in fact, threatens America?s image and contradicts its commitment to disability
> rights at home.
> Now, there is an opportunity for anyone who cares about equality to send a message
> to the U.S. Senate, by signing a petition below. You are also letting the few groups
> who are working to defeat the Convention know how their actions could negatively
> impact Americans with disabilities, veterans and everyone else who care about our
> global leadership and the advancement of human rights worldwide. You are also making
> it easier for our communities to further advance disability rights at home.
> Sign the petition and spread the message. Don?t let the opportunity to have an impact
> slip away. Forward this to anyone. The more signatures there are, the more pressure
> on the Senate. If you haven?t already made your voice heard, please go here:
> http://www.petition2congress.com/12320/show-your-commitment-to-liberty-justice-around-world-america/
> .
> Thank you so much,
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 17:55:48 -0500
> From: "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org>
> To: "'NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> Message-ID: <002a01cedffa$54067350$fc1359f0$@aadb.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Janice,
>
> I fully understand your situation. It's tough to find the time. Just
> wanted to let you know that your time is deeply appreciated.
>
> Randy
>
> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Janice Toothman
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 3:42 PM
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
>
> Randy,'
> Your point is well said. However, when operating on a dead-line, I don't
> always think as clearly as I could have written things.
> Janice
> On 11/11/2013 9:21 PM, Randy Pope wrote:
> Thank Janice for posting the SSP resolution, Janice
> Not meaning to be critical but facilitators is not really the word I would
> use in describing the roles of the SSPs.? To facilitate in this content
> implied that the SSPs has some control in conveying the communication,
> vision and guiding information.? Instead I would use assistance or to assist
> which mean that the DB person has full control of the information.? I think
> this kind of thinking would aligned with the NFB thinking of being
> self-independent.
> See the difference?
> Randy
> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Janice Toothman
> Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 6:54 PM
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List; Burnell Brown; Arlene Naulty; Joe
> Naulty; janice.toothman at verizon.net; Matthew Pettit; Marcus Simmons; Tracie
> Inman; Cathy Miller
> Subject: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> ?
> ?? Hi Everyone,
> I will paste the Maryland State SSP Resolution for 2013 as Passed Below:
> Regarding the creation of a statewide Support Service Providers Program for
> deaf-blind people
> WHEREAS, Deaf-blind people rely on Support Service Providers (SSPs) to
> facilitate communications, and to provide environmental and situational
> information so that they can participate in all aspects of community life,
> thereby reducing reliance on family members and friends for these tasks; and
> WHEREAS, the SSPs are not responsible for providing personal care or serving
> as interpreters as required by law at legal and medical appointments, i.e.,
> SSPs must serve only as facilitators, not decision makers; and
> WHEREAS, Maryland currently has a few regional programs that supply SSPs to
> deaf-blind residents who live in certain designated localities, leaving many
> deaf-blind individuals with no assistance; and
> WHEREAS, these regional programs vary in the quality and extent of services
> available; and
> WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maryland Department of Disabilities is to
> coordinate services and to advance the rights and interests of people with
> disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities; and
> WHEREAS, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is the right agency in
> Maryland state government to create a statewide Support Service Providers
> Program; and
> WHEREAS, service programs are most successful when the consumers who use the
> service play an integral part in the planning and development of the
> program: NOW, THEREFORE,
> BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in
> Convention assembled this tenth day of November, 2013, in the city of Ocean
> City, Maryland, that this organization strongly urge the Maryland State
> Department of Disabilities to create a plan with input from stakeholders
> that leads to the enactment of a statewide Support Service Providers Program
> so that all deaf-blind Maryland citizens may fully participate in all
> aspects of community life; and
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly encourage the
> Maryland Department of Disabilities to immediately begin planning for this
> program so that it can be included in the Governor?s 2016 budget.?
> Sincerely,
> Janice
> Secretary
> Deaf-Blind Division/NFB
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-db mailing list
> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:05:45 -0500
> From: "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org>
> To: "'NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
> Message-ID: <002b01cedffb$b83c7bc0$28b57340$@aadb.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Much appreciated for this survey except for one issue. It's not low vision
> friendly.
>
>
>
> Randy
>
>
>
> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of heather
> albright
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 2:58 PM
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
>
>
>
> Oh sorry Here is the exact link:
>
> http://web-polling.com/Survey3.aspx?sID=28954449
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 17:27:48 -0600
> From: The Pawpower Pack <pawpower4me at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
> Message-ID: <68353647-7CE3-4FB0-A867-0695550D36B6 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> It's also not braille display friendly, as the graphics are not labeled.
> Rox
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Nov 12, 2013, at 5:05 PM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org> wrote:
>>
>> Much appreciated for this survey except for one issue. It?s not low vision friendly.
>>
>> Randy
>>
>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of heather albright
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 2:58 PM
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] survey on disability
>>
>> Oh sorry Here is the exact link:
>> http://web-polling.com/Survey3.aspx?sID=28954449
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:30:52 -0500
> From: Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] My thoughts on training centers blind, and deaf
> blind.
> Message-ID: <E4968109-5CFA-45FA-82CE-A5C17E5B924E at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> carrie,
> Your not the only one to think that if a deaf, or deafblind person who wanted to go to an NFB should have the same experience as the rest of the students, but it just does not work that way. Not at this point.
> again, I won't go into a huge amount of details, but the person who asked me to originally write the resolution, actually voted down the resolution in the end. Many of those people who are in my local chapter, voted it down. *shrug* I don't get it.
> Yes we will keep on fighting.. the NFB has that saying, "changing what it means to be blind". Instead of for us, it should say, "changing what it means to be Deafblind".
>
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
>
>> On Nov 11, 2013, at 7:22 PM, Kerri Kosten <kerrik2006 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Everyone:
>>
>> First, the freedom bell is what a student gets after they graduate
>> from the center. You have a graduation ceremony where the director
>> talks about you, then all the students and staff say something.
>> The freedom bell is a bell with an eagle on top. This resembles flying
>> away and having freedom.
>> On the bottom it has the date of your graduation, it has your name,
>> and it says "together we are changing what it means to be blind."
>> Not every student gets them. I have known of a few students who just
>> received certificates of achievement. But, if you truly complete the
>> program and do all the work and such you get a freedom bell.
>> You are right that I do have enough hearing that I use speech to
>> communicate. Though my hearing loss affects my travel, for the most
>> part I am able to communicate with people.
>> If a person could not hear enough to communicate and relied
>> exclusively on ASL it would be isolating once the interpreter left.
>> Hmm, I don't have an answer right offhand but there should be some
>> kind of solution so that a student who only relies on ASL can still
>> attend an NFB center and have an enjoyable and fulfilling ttraining
>> experience.
>> Marsha, I am glad the resolution passed, but it angers and saddens me
>> that it faced so much contraversy from the "vanilla" blind people. We
>> definitely need to keep educating them.
>> Though I have enough hearing that I don't need to use an SSP,
>> deaf-blind people who need to use one have as much right to the same
>> independence and such that a person who is just blind enjoys.
>> We can't give up. If we keep fighting and educating, we can change
>> their perceptions.
>> Though it faced in my opinion unfair contravercy, it is good that it
>> passed in not only PA but MD.
>> Through education and not giving up and speaking up and making the NFB
>> notice us, we can make a difference and change perceptions.
>> Kerri
>>
>>> On 11/11/13, Randy Pope <randy.pope at aadb.org> wrote:
>>> Marsha,
>>>
>>> Can you post the resolution?
>>>
>>> Randy
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marsha Drenth
>>> Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 1:05 PM
>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] My thoughts on training centers blind, and deaf
>>> blind.
>>>
>>> Janice and all,
>>> As I sent this list an email yesterday morning, I wanted to reply to
>>> anice's
>>> post below and give an update.
>>> The resolution that I wrote up, did pass, not exactly in the form that I
>>> had
>>> hoped but it did pass, with lots of contraversy. If the board is interested
>>> in hearing about the issues, I would be happy to discuss this offlist. I
>>> would also be interested in seeing MD's resolution.
>>>
>>> Janice I am sorry to hear that the ALD did not work. We tried an induction
>>> loop, which is not hard to set up, nor expensive. If there is someone who
>>> is
>>> a techno guru in your state, we can pass along the spects.
>>> that is great that someone voiced for you. I relied heavily on my sign.
>>> Even
>>> with the loop system, people from the audiance would speak, and of course I
>>> could not hear them. Now I will say that my state president, got in the
>>> habit of repeating what people who were not using a microphone would say.
>>> But even when we were at meals, or just socializing, it was hard to hear in
>>> a crowd.
>>>
>>> Not that this will necessarily help you Janice with learning sign, I have
>>> been told that there are deaf culture courses at the Community college of
>>> Philadelphia. I will be looking into this. But I do know it was mentioned
>>> some place. I was also told that alot of ITP, Interpretor training programs
>>> at universities or community colleges offer them. So if interested in deaf
>>> culture, looking at ITP within your state might be worth looking into.
>>>
>>> I can't say for sure why the resolution I wrote, had so much much
>>> contraversy. I would venture to say that the vanille blind, no disrespect
>>> meant here, are afraid of what they do not understand in regards to
>>> deafblindness, our special needs. I also think, that the NFB promotes
>>> independence, but because we as people who are DB, need, desire, and want
>>> SSP, its sort of threatening to blind persons who have, are, and still
>>> working for their independence. I can say atleast that is what I sort of
>>> figured out from my state this weekend. Education will only help us to
>>> defunk that idea.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Marsha drenth
>>> Sent with my IPhone
>>>
>>>> On Nov 10, 2013, at 8:51 PM, Janice Toothman
>>>> <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi Randy,
>>>> I am very curious as well. I hope to learn tactile ASL. I do not want
>>>> my
>>> total blind to limit my ability to learn something.
>>>>
>>>> I do not think I have ever had so much talk at a NFB State Convention
>>> about adapting and learning skills so that blindness becomes a "nuisance"
>>> rather than a disability. It was motivating; but when the ALD did not work
>>> and Christine Telford from DORS was sometimes permitted by her boss to
>>> voice
>>> for me so I could hear. I find it very frustrating much of the time to to
>>> the lack of hearing.
>>>>
>>>> However, the SSP resolution was unanimously passed.
>>>> Janice
>>>>
>>>>> On 11/7/2013 11:06 AM, Marsha Drenth wrote:
>>>>> Randy,
>>>>> I'd like to know more about these methods in how to learn ASL? Very very
>>> curiously.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Marsha drenth
>>>>> Sent with my IPhone
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Nov 7, 2013, at 10:33 AM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Hey Scott,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Whatever you do, don't let these people advise you to stick the
>>>>>> Rochester method. That is a very bad idea. Many of the DB people
>>>>>> would not have the patience to communicate with those using this
>>>>>> method.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> With the right people, you will...not maybe....you will master ASL
>>> somehow.
>>>>>> There are deaf ASL teachers out there who would be willing to work
>>>>>> with people like you. For those DB people who cannot see, there are
>>>>>> other method to teach ASL. I know of several who are teaching ASL
>>>>>> to totally blind students, successfully,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Randy
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Scott
>>>>>> Davert
>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 8:33 PM
>>>>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] My thoughts on training centers blind, and deaf
>>> blind.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi marsha.
>>>>>> Sadly, my vvocabulary is maybe 100 signs. The classes until very
>>>>>> recently have been so infrequent that I haven't benifited much from
>>>>>> them. My receptive skills are certainly better than my actual
>>>>>> signing ones. People have started to tell me that I should just
>>>>>> stick with the Rochester method, but I want to keep trying to learn,
>>>>>> you
>>> know?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Scott
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 11/6/13, Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> Hi Gene,
>>>>>>> sounds like you have some things to do. In all due time it will get
>>> done.
>>>>>>> Good luck, perhaps you will get to come up while I am there.
>>>>>>> Keep us updated.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Marsha drenth
>>>>>>> Sent with my IPhone
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Nov 5, 2013, at 10:00 PM, "gene richburg"
>>>>>>>> <gene5402 at austin.rr.com>
>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hi Marsha, well I have either some time in Jan or Feb, but that
>>>>>>>> hasn't been determined yet. I still have to develop my iep plan
>>>>>>>> with dars, the department of asistive rehabilitation services,
>>>>>>>> HKNC can't give me a date with out that I e p plan, but I have to
>>>>>>>> have a prep meeting that will include my mom and everyone else.
>>>>>>>> We were gonna have it on the 24th of october, but Molly Rimer had
>>>>>>>> a death in the family, her niece passed away that morning at age
>>>>>>>> 22, or 23, I for get which, so hopefully things will work out on
>>>>>>>> the 8th of this month, then after the prep meeting then we will be
>>>>>>>> able to develop the actual I e p. The reason I need a prep
>>>>>>>> meeting, is so my mom can help me figure out what I will be able
>>>>>>>> to expect from Dars, and what they will expect of me. It's really
>>>>>>>> frustrating, I was supposed to get in back in either august but
>>>>>>>> couldn't because every one that was helping me with the
>>>>>>>> application totally dropped the ball, and me and my
>>>>>> mom finally had to step in and straighten everything out,.
>>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- From: Marsha Drenth
>>>>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 4:19 PM
>>>>>>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] My thoughts on training centers blind, and
>>>>>>>> deaf blind.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Jean, yes I did receive the student handbook. I got it from the
>>>>>>>> admissions person at HK and see. I think I also read that they do
>>>>>>>> provide the vibrant call alert system. I'm interested in seeing that.
>>>>>>>> Do you have a start date?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Marsha drenth
>>>>>>>> Sent with my IPhone
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Nov 5, 2013, at 4:52 PM, "gene richburg"
>>>>>>>>> <gene5402 at austin.rr.com>
>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hi Marsha, did you receive the HKNC student handbook? I don't
>>>>>>>>> know if they provide consumers, or what ever they call people who
>>>>>>>>> come there, but I think they provide some kind of vibra call
>>>>>>>>> system, but I didn't get that part very clearily, I'll have to go
>>>>>>>>> back and read that, perhaps Scott can clear that up for sure.
>>>>>>>>> But if you need the handbook, I can email you off list and atatch it
>>> to the message.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- From: Marsha Drenth
>>>>>>>>> Sent: Monday, November 04, 2013 8:26 PM
>>>>>>>>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] My thoughts on training centers blind, and
>>>>>>>>> deaf blind.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Maurice,
>>>>>>>>> I think hands down that no one will argue with you that if
>>>>>>>>> someone is in need of blindness skills training, and if they are
>>>>>>>>> just blind with no additional disablity, then going to a NFB
>>>>>>>>> training center is the
>>>>>> best.
>>>>>>>>> With that said, I am not just blind, but severely hard of
>>>>>>>>> hearing. I have chosen to go to HKNC because of two main reasons,
>>>>>>>>> I do not need blindness skills. I was blind before I lost my
>>>>>>>>> hearing. But I do need the skills in order to live as a deafblind
>>>>>>>>> person. I have traveled with a cane, with a guide dog, read
>>>>>>>>> braille, and am able to use technology. The problem lays in that
>>>>>>>>> I also can't hear. There is only one center in this country that
>>>>>>>>> can train a person who is both blind and hard of hearing. With
>>>>>>>>> that said, most persons who go to HKNC, are in need of a
>>>>>>>>> audiologist who has worked with the dual sensory loss. An in
>>>>>>>>> house audiologist who understand the needs of blind persons,
>>>>>>>>> visually impaired persons, and those who also who are deaf, hard
>>>>>>>>> of hearing and or hearing impaired; is something that an NFB
>>>>>>>>> center does not have. Just because I have made this desicion,
>>>>>>>>> doesn't not mean that I am less of a person, less of an NFB
>>>>>>>>> member, or
>>>>>> think less of the philosophy.
>>>>>>>>> Its awesome that you had a successful experience at the CCB. And
>>>>>>>>> I am also not sure, of your hearing issues. But if I am reading
>>>>>>>>> your message correctly, your saying those persons who go to an
>>>>>>>>> NFB center,
>>>>>> are better.
>>>>>>>>> This is the sort of attitude that divides a group. The NFB
>>>>>>>>> centers are no less better than HK, nor is HK better than an NFB
>>>>>>>>> center. Its just different, serves different disabilities, different
>>> needs.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I have heard of both good and bad experiences at the HK center,
>>>>>>>>> jsut as I have heard of persons going through an NFB center. I
>>>>>>>>> just know that for me, with my hearing loss, it would not be
>>>>>>>>> successful to go to a NFB center. For them to ask me to listen to
>>>>>>>>> traffic in order to indicate when its safe to cross. I can't hear
>>>>>>>>> traffic. It would not be viable for me to have an NFB center to
>>>>>>>>> tell me, listen for the water boiling, I can't hear it boil. The
>>>>>>>>> techniques are different,
>>>>>> similar but different.
>>>>>>>>> Granted I haven't been there yet to begin my training. My
>>>>>>>>> desicion was one I made for me. But with that said, I can
>>>>>>>>> understand why other deafblind persons make the same desicion.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Its unfair to say that HK is not what blind, or deafblind people
>>>>>>>>> should be going to for training, especially if you haven't been
>>>>>>>>> there
>>>>>> yourself.
>>>>>>>>> I would say that all blind persons should be tolerant of those of
>>>>>>>>> us who have different needs, are in need of different skills than
>>>>>>>>> just those you learn as a blind person.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Marsha drenth
>>>>>>>>> Sent with my IPhone
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On Nov 4, 2013, at 6:19 PM, maurice mines <kd0iko at icloud.com>
>>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Good afternoon, I have been thinking for quite some time as I've
>>>>>>>>>> read emails on this list recently, that it might be of some
>>>>>>>>>> benefit to talk about the benefits of attending an NFB training
>>>>>>>>>> center. Of course the question that many on this list will ask
>>>>>>>>>> why are you even discussing this? Because I've heard a lot
>>>>>>>>>> recently a.k.a. read a lot recently that the feeling seems to be
>>>>>>>>>> that HK in C is apparently
>>>>>> be only game in town.
>>>>>>>>>> But I believe that if my past experience at the Colorado Center
>>>>>>>>>> for the blind is any indication of how and if the training
>>>>>>>>>> centers handle death blindness, one need not have very much worry
>>> about.
>>>>>>>>>> Remember that the training is very individualized. So what may
>>>>>>>>>> work for you and what level of deaf blindness you have, it may
>>>>>>>>>> not reflect how they deal with your neighbor at all. Also as far
>>>>>>>>>> as I understand the training centers do reach out to resources
>>>>>>>>>> to help that training happen appropriately. So you're not going
>>>>>>>>>> into the great void of the unknown. Also it is good to know that
>>>>>>>>>> based on my experience we found alternative techniques not only
>>>>>>>>>> to blindness but the issues surrounding the lack of hearing. And
>>>>>>>>>> of course we discuss the options should one's hearing get worse.
>>>>>>>>>> I guess one getting at here is that if you are considering going
>>>>>>>>>> to a training center I think that's the first part, the second
>>>>>>>>>> part is actually figuring out which one you should go to and the
>>>>>>>>>> reasons why you want to go to it? I think that based on
>>>>>>>>>> everything I've read and people I've talked to that all three of
>>>>>>>>>> our centers can handle this well. I think a comment by a current
>>>>>>>>>> staff member made when I was a student at the Colorado Center
>>>>>>>>>> for the blind came out of it
>>>>>> conversation regarding the disabilities that is neither deaf
>>>>>> blindness were just great blindness.
>>>>>>>>>> It surrounds my at that time anyway great fear of writing anything.
>>>>>>>>>> The staff member said quote you can't just not right. The
>>>>>>>>>> translation that I took away from that and have come to realize
>>>>>>>>>> in the years since I graduated from the Colorado Center for the
>>>>>>>>>> blind, you can't just not live life because you can't hear
>>>>>>>>>> ordered their blindness involved. And depending on what you have
>>>>>>>>>> to do, in many respects you have to get out there and just plain
>>> live one's life.
>>>>>>>>>> Another thought of course comes to mind in many of the writings
>>>>>>>>>> and things that are second national president Dr. Jernigan when
>>>>>>>>>> he spoke about not throwing the nickel. I guess it kind of blows
>>>>>>>>>> down to accept help when you need it and of course find ways of
>>>>>>>>>> not accepting it if you don't. And last but not least he
>>>>>>>>>> believed in blind people and I extend this adept line people
>>>>>>>>>> blending into society when in wherever it is possible. Just some
>>>>>>>>>> food for thought on a rainy Monday afternoon. I'd certainly
>>>>>>>>>> would like to read some of the thoughts that you all may add to
>>>>>>>>>> this. But I'll just leave it at this I have an abiding belief in
>>>>>>>>>> all of the training centers and what they can do in the fact
>>>>>>>>>> that the NFB difference is that they care not just there for a
>>>>>>>>>> paycheck. But because they care and
>>>>>> believe in turning out capable and competent people.
>>>>>>>>>> Sincerely Maurice mines. Phone 360-524-0791, work/school email
>>>>>>>>>> address, Maurice.mines at PCC.edu.
>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> -----
>>>>>>>>> No virus found in this message.
>>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>>>>>>> Version: 2014.0.4158 / Virus Database: 3629/6810 - Release Date:
>>>>>>>>> 11/05/13
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -----
>>>>>>>> No virus found in this message.
>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>>>>>> Version: 2014.0.4158 / Virus Database: 3629/6810 - Release Date:
>>>>>>>> 11/05/13
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:37:36 -0500
> From: Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> Message-ID: <F21BB188-65B0-48C8-8336-898200B50BFD at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Randy,
> I would have to disagree, with you on the wording and the meaning behind it.
> As someone who has been in the NFB for most of my life, 35plus years, the NFB does not want assistance. They want nothing to do with assistance, it all about the independence, to the extreme. If you ask for help or in this case assistance, your looked down upon. I am not saying everyone does this, but many NFB people do. they take that NFB philosphy to the extreme. Its not something I agree with, as we all need help or assistance at some point in our life. But having to prove something to world, is not necessarily the right thing to do all of the time..
>
> Just my opinion,
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
>
>> On Nov 11, 2013, at 9:21 PM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org> wrote:
>>
>> Thank Janice for posting the SSP resolution, Janice
>>
>> Not meaning to be critical but facilitators is not really the word I would use in describing the roles of the SSPs. To facilitate in this content implied that the SSPs has some control in conveying the communication, vision and guiding information. Instead I would use assistance or to assist which mean that the DB person has full control of the information. I think this kind of thinking would aligned with the NFB thinking of being self-independent.
>>
>> See the difference?
>>
>> Randy
>>
>> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Janice Toothman
>> Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 6:54 PM
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List; Burnell Brown; Arlene Naulty; Joe Naulty; janice.toothman at verizon.net; Matthew Pettit; Marcus Simmons; Tracie Inman; Cathy Miller
>> Subject: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
>>
>>
>> Hi Everyone,
>> I will paste the Maryland State SSP Resolution for 2013 as Passed Below:
>>
>> Regarding the creation of a statewide Support Service Providers Program for deaf-blind people
>>
>> WHEREAS, Deaf-blind people rely on Support Service Providers (SSPs) to facilitate communications, and to provide environmental and situational information so that they can participate in all aspects of community life, thereby reducing reliance on family members and friends for these tasks; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the SSPs are not responsible for providing personal care or serving as interpreters as required by law at legal and medical appointments, i.e., SSPs must serve only as facilitators, not decision makers; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, Maryland currently has a few regional programs that supply SSPs to deaf-blind residents who live in certain designated localities, leaving many deaf-blind individuals with no assistance; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, these regional programs vary in the quality and extent of services available; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maryland Department of Disabilities is to coordinate services and to advance the rights and interests of people with disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is the right agency in Maryland state government to create a statewide Support Service Providers Program; and
>>
>> WHEREAS, service programs are most successful when the consumers who use the service play an integral part in the planning and development of the program: NOW, THEREFORE,
>>
>> BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in Convention assembled this tenth day of November, 2013, in the city of Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization strongly urge the Maryland State Department of Disabilities to create a plan with input from stakeholders that leads to the enactment of a statewide Support Service Providers Program so that all deaf-blind Maryland citizens may fully participate in all aspects of community life; and
>>
>> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly encourage the Maryland Department of Disabilities to immediately begin planning for this program so that it can be included in the Governor?s 2016 budget.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>> Janice
>> Secretary
>> Deaf-Blind Division/NFB
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:07:40 -0500
> From: "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org>
> To: "'NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> Message-ID: <000a01cee00c$c03dfb80$40b9f280$@aadb.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Marsha,
>
>
>
> Interesting point. I was thinking in this way, like Assistant to the President of a corporation. I can ensure you that these ?Assistant? are not look down in the business world. In many case they often have more respects than the officer in these position. So when using assistant to the DB person, it would implied that the DB person is in control. Thought?
>
>
>
> Randy
>
>
>
> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marsha Drenth
> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6:38 PM
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
>
>
>
> Randy,
>
> I would have to disagree, with you on the wording and the meaning behind it.
>
> As someone who has been in the NFB for most of my life, 35plus years, the NFB does not want assistance. They want nothing to do with assistance, it all about the independence, to the extreme. If you ask for help or in this case assistance, your looked down upon. I am not saying everyone does this, but many NFB people do. they take that NFB philosphy to the extreme. Its not something I agree with, as we all need help or assistance at some point in our life. But having to prove something to world, is not necessarily the right thing to do all of the time..
>
>
>
> Just my opinion,
> Marsha drenth
>
> Sent with my IPhone
>
>
> On Nov 11, 2013, at 9:21 PM, "Randy Pope" <randy.pope at aadb.org> wrote:
>
> Thank Janice for posting the SSP resolution, Janice
>
> Not meaning to be critical but facilitators is not really the word I would use in describing the roles of the SSPs. To facilitate in this content implied that the SSPs has some control in conveying the communication, vision and guiding information. Instead I would use assistance or to assist which mean that the DB person has full control of the information. I think this kind of thinking would aligned with the NFB thinking of being self-independent.
>
> See the difference?
>
> Randy
>
> From: nfb-db [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Janice Toothman
> Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 6:54 PM
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List; Burnell Brown; Arlene Naulty; Joe Naulty; janice.toothman at verizon.net; Matthew Pettit; Marcus Simmons; Tracie Inman; Cathy Miller
> Subject: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
> I will paste the Maryland State SSP Resolution for 2013 as Passed Below:
>
> Regarding the creation of a statewide Support Service Providers Program for deaf-blind people
>
> WHEREAS, Deaf-blind people rely on Support Service Providers (SSPs) to facilitate communications, and to provide environmental and situational information so that they can participate in all aspects of community life, thereby reducing reliance on family members and friends for these tasks; and
>
> WHEREAS, the SSPs are not responsible for providing personal care or serving as interpreters as required by law at legal and medical appointments, i.e., SSPs must serve only as facilitators, not decision makers; and
>
> WHEREAS, Maryland currently has a few regional programs that supply SSPs to deaf-blind residents who live in certain designated localities, leaving many deaf-blind individuals with no assistance; and
>
> WHEREAS, these regional programs vary in the quality and extent of services available; and
>
> WHEREAS, the purpose of the Maryland Department of Disabilities is to coordinate services and to advance the rights and interests of people with disabilities so they may fully participate in their communities; and
>
> WHEREAS, the Maryland Department of Disabilities is the right agency in Maryland state government to create a statewide Support Service Providers Program; and
>
> WHEREAS, service programs are most successful when the consumers who use the service play an integral part in the planning and development of the program: NOW, THEREFORE,
>
> BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, in Convention assembled this tenth day of November, 2013, in the city of Ocean City, Maryland, that this organization strongly urge the Maryland State Department of Disabilities to create a plan with input from stakeholders that leads to the enactment of a statewide Support Service Providers Program so that all deaf-blind Maryland citizens may fully participate in all aspects of community life; and
>
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization strongly encourage the Maryland Department of Disabilities to immediately begin planning for this program so that it can be included in the Governor?s 2016 budget.
>
> Sincerely,
> Janice
> Secretary
> Deaf-Blind Division/NFB
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-db mailing list
> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 18
> Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 21:49:26 -0600
> From: "heather albright" <kd5cbl at gmail.com>
> To: "NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] NFBMD 2013-04 SSP resolution
> Message-ID: <098C14C616324E97A08B61961C72C4F9 at supersystem>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> Yes, i sometimes say they are like the borg, creating dromes and you have to
> assimilate to be accepted! At least that is what I sometimes get at the
> conventions! Heather
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 19
> Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 06:13:18 -0500
> From: Marsha Drenth <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Your input on accessible voting is needed!
> Message-ID: <B89FFABA-B9F7-4209-A835-FA28DFF53CAE at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> LouAnn,
> I would have to agree with the others in this regard. first as someone who does still have a little bit of hearing left, the quality of the voices used are not loud enough or good enough for a hard of hearing person to successful use. I would also agree that having braille would be one option for being able to vote independently. I look forward to answering the other questions to come..
>
> Marsha drenth
> Sent with my IPhone
>
>> On Nov 12, 2013, at 8:48 AM, "Blake, Lou Ann" <LBlake at nfb.org> wrote:
>>
>> Dear List Members:
>>
>> As one of the activities the National Federation of the Blind is conducting under our 2013-2014 Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we are hosting a focus group of deaf-blind voters. The purpose of this focus group is to learn from deaf-blind individuals about the types of barriers they currently face in casting a private and independent ballot, and about the types of personal access technology used by the deaf-blind that could remove these barriers. This information will be provided to voting technology researchers and developers during a seminar hosted by the NFB in December 2013.
>>
>> The focus group will be conducted via the NFB deaf-blind listserv. A total of four questions will be posted to the list one at a time for discussion and input from the list members.
>>
>> The first question for the focus group is:
>> 1. What are the barriers you currently face that prevent you or make it difficult for you to cast a private and independent ballot?
>>
>> Please respond to this question by 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, November 14, 2013. The second question for the focus group will be posted to the list on Thursday, November 14.
>>
>> Thank you in advance for your participation in this important discussion! If you have any questions, please contact:
>> Lou Ann Blake, HAVA Project Manager
>> National Federation of the Blind
>> lblake at nfb.org
>> 410-659-9314, ext. 2221.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Take the stress out of this year?s holiday shopping with NFB?s Bid for Equality national online auction: Black Friday, Nov. 29, to Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3. View our must-have donations and register to make your Bid for Equality. The future is in your bid!
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
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>
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>
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