From doula.jarboe at gmail.com Mon Jul 4 23:31:24 2022 From: doula.jarboe at gmail.com (doula.jarboe at gmail.com) Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2022 17:31:24 -0600 Subject: [NFB-DB] Multiple Disability group at National convention Message-ID: <163401d88ffe$2cfe5440$86fafcc0$@gmail.com> Greetings All, I hope everyone is getting ready for a great Convention. Tomorrow, The Multiple Disability group will have our meeting. I wish I knew how to get the Zoom information into the agenda on Crowd Compass, but I don't. I'm trying to spread the information in the ways I am able to. If you would like to attend virtually, please find the Zoom information below. Warmly, Doula Time: Jul 5, 2022 01:00 PM-03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83439354954?pwd=d0JjWjJmeW9SMzJmaXpueko2ck1EUT09 Meeting ID: 834 3935 4954 Passcode: 1111 One tap mobile +13462487799,,83439354954# -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From delcenia at prodigy.net Mon Jul 4 23:53:42 2022 From: delcenia at prodigy.net (Delcenia Brown) Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2022 18:53:42 -0500 Subject: [NFB-DB] Multiple Disability group at National convention In-Reply-To: <163401d88ffe$2cfe5440$86fafcc0$@gmail.com> References: <163401d88ffe$2cfe5440$86fafcc0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <32A66511-7757-412B-A9FD-4205F7809CA7@prodigy.net> If you are in New Orleans, which room is the meeting? Is this on Tuesday at 1? Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 4, 2022, at 6:33 PM, Doula Jarboe via NFB-DB wrote: > > ? > Greetings All, > > I hope everyone is getting ready for a great Convention. Tomorrow, The Multiple Disability group will have our meeting. I wish I knew how to get the Zoom information into the agenda on Crowd Compass, but I don?t. I?m trying to spread the information in the ways I am able to. If you would like to attend virtually, please find the Zoom information below. > Warmly, > Doula > > Time: Jul 5, 2022 01:00 PM-03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) > > Join Zoom Meeting > https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83439354954?pwd=d0JjWjJmeW9SMzJmaXpueko2ck1EUT09 > > Meeting ID: 834 3935 4954 > Passcode: 1111 > One tap mobile > +13462487799,,83439354954# > > > _______________________________________________ > NFB-DB mailing list > NFB-DB at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ravensfan784 at gmail.com Wed Jul 6 21:00:00 2022 From: ravensfan784 at gmail.com (Maggie Stringer) Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Upcoming Webinars Message-ID: Passing along a few free webinars with the dates, times, and virtual information. FREE WEBINARS Assistive Technology for Low Vision Join us to learn how you can use assistive technology if you are a person with low vision or vision loss. Presenter: Kellie Blackwell Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, Noon to 1 PM EDT CART captioning and ASL Interpreting will be provided. This training is free. Register in advance for access to the live session and the recording for future viewing. Must Register Using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtceqvqDgtHN2omvaMiqRz-DnZbg1S1hmD?fbclid=IwAR05BO58ICwzFDw3qM39x3KzSY-rIddfUxmIsmJP0ID68C1DPMLFd6tYzpQ VoiceOver External Keyboard Basics with iPhone & iPad Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 1PM EDT Previously, we introduced VoiceOver gestures while working with an iPhone or iPad. While that option is always available, did you know there is a more efficient method of using an external keyboard to navigate, edit, and type large amounts of information if you already know how to work with a QWERTY keyboard? Join Rachel Reeves, Marisa Church, and Zhi Huang from Access Ingenuity to explore VoiceOver keyboard basics to increase your efficiency while using VoiceOver with your iPhone and iPad. Zoom lik: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84376825271?pwd=YBrES1bQpOh3pZvAWqpu9aWQt4ypjX.1 Meeting ID: 843 7682 5271 Passcode: 525671 One tap mobile +16699009128,,84376825271#,,,,*525671# US Ask an ADA Professional Question RE: Communication Requirements under the ADA Wednesday, July 13, 2022 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone Description During this new program individuals will have the opportunity to ask ADA professionals questions about Communication Requirements under the ADA. To ensure your question is answered during the session, individuals are highly encouraged to submit their questions ahead of time via the registration website (option to submit questions is available once you have registered for the session). To register: https://www.accessibilityonline.org/adapro/schedule/login?r=session_members Best Practices to Structure Accessibility Testing Presented on July 20, 2022 at 12pm EDT This webinar will cover common gaps in how organizations implement accessibility testing. These gaps complicate communication within an organization and lead to barriers for people with disabilities. Once the common gaps have been identified, we will review step-by-step instructions on how to reduce these gaps. Participants will leave with a clear plan for accessibility testing that is practical and sustainable. With this plan, organizations can increase the coverage and precision of their testing while decreasing the overall amount of test results. Register today: https://www.tpgi.com/webinar-july-20-at-12pm-et-best-practices-to-structure-accessibility-testing/ Snap&Read: 5 Essential Supports for Executive Function Tuesday, July 26th, 1:00 PM EDT How to Quickly Test Your Website for JAWS Screen Reader Compatibility from TPGI Register here: https://learningtools.donjohnston.com/webinar/snapread-5-essential-supports-for-executive-function/ Maggie Stringer Phone: (443) 750-0070 Email: ravensfan784 at gmail.com Community Service Facebook Page NFB Website NFB Ohio Website ?The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From scottdavert at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 13:28:23 2022 From: scottdavert at gmail.com (Scott Davert) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:28:23 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test Message-ID: Good morning all. I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained 2 tests. However, to do this test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is no way to know what app you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are an Android user, from the Google Play Store. After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must then register before you can go through the process of taking the test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver calls it, is treated as a text field. After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit confusing. Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when completing the process. Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t actually miss anything. The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, though your mileage may vary. Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items based on touch. One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in the pandemic up to this point. From marsha.drenth at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 13:56:24 2022 From: marsha.drenth at gmail.com (Marsha Drenth) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:56:24 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Scott, While at the NFB convention, I had a very similar experience. I don't remember the name of the test, but this one had a bar code on the box that I scanned and which provided me alot of information. It mentioned which app I needed to download, how to do the test, the items provided, how to connect to the test and a number of additional things. Yes it had me going through screen after screen, agreeing to this and that. when it came to the video, I was not able to hear it and needed my interpreters help to know what was happening in the video. I am a very advanced Iphone user, but I can't imagine someone else trying to take this test. i am very hard of hearing and totally blind. Do you Scott know who the manufactures of this test are using to test the covid testing product? There is alot more work to be done to making these tests fully accessible. Marsha drenth Sent with my IPhone Please note that this email communication has been sent using my iPhone. As such, I may have used dictation and had made attempts to mitigate errors. Please do not be hesitant to ask for clarification as necessary. > On Jul 14, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Scott Davert via NFB-DB wrote: > > ?Good morning all. > I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share > my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide > feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained > 2 tests. However, to do this > test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your > phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print > (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is > no way to know what app > you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can > order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term > ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The > one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It > can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are > an Android user, from the Google Play Store. > After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree > to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must > then register before you can go through the process of taking the > test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, > city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a > Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any > information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same > right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other > than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would > like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things > aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several > mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver > calls it, is treated as a text field. > After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with > their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do > so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I > agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in > your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit > confusing. > Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the > procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, > especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for > your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though > it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when > completing the process. > Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is > started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable > with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the > instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t > actually miss anything. > The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe > pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts > flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will > inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the > light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if > you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 > CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I > had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, > though your mileage may vary. > Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not > describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have > to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before > beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items > based on touch. > One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is > something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure > that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter > itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test > result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it > needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in > the pandemic up to this point. > > _______________________________________________ > NFB-DB mailing list > NFB-DB at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pawpower4me at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 14:03:16 2022 From: pawpower4me at gmail.com (Rox Homstad) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:03:16 -0500 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <22B28E01-9B54-4AD9-8219-1E2BD9CE84F7@gmail.com> As someone just coming out of the other side of COVID I've taken a bunch of tests over the last week. I didn't want to order the accessible ones because I wasn't sure if they would be usable by someone who is deafblind and I didn't want to take them from a hearing blind person who might be able to use them so I've been testing with my friend who also had covid when I did. The one thing that concerns me is that all of these tests rely on having internet or a smartphone and the advanced skill set to learn to use them and problem solve your way through the process. If we want to make a truly accessible test, it needs to work for those most marginalized, people without good internet, people who don't use smartphones on a more advanced level, etc. I understand that in theory this is a step in the right direction but from where I sit it doesn't seem like a very big one. I worry that now that the most tech savvy and wealthy among us now have this access that the advocacy for more accessible tests will slow down I realize this isn't a problem we will solve its just some things I've been thinking about. Rox'E and the Kitchen Bitches Soleil, Rowan, Phoenix https://sneakeezebra.wordpress.com/ pawpower4me at gmail.com > On Jul 14, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Marsha Drenth via NFB-DB wrote: > > ?Hi Scott, > While at the NFB convention, I had a very similar experience. I don't remember the name of the test, but this one had a bar code on the box that I scanned and which provided me alot of information. It mentioned which app I needed to download, how to do the test, the items provided, how to connect to the test and a number of additional things. Yes it had me going through screen after screen, agreeing to this and that. when it came to the video, I was not able to hear it and needed my interpreters help to know what was happening in the video. I am a very advanced Iphone user, but I can't imagine someone else trying to take this test. i am very hard of hearing and totally blind. > > Do you Scott know who the manufactures of this test are using to test the covid testing product? > There is alot more work to be done to making these tests fully accessible. > > > > Marsha drenth > Sent with my IPhone > Please note that this email communication has been sent using my iPhone. As such, I may have used dictation and had made attempts to mitigate errors. Please do not be hesitant to ask for clarification as necessary. > >>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Scott Davert via NFB-DB wrote: >>> >> ?Good morning all. >> I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share >> my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide >> feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained >> 2 tests. However, to do this >> test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your >> phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print >> (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is >> no way to know what app >> you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can >> order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term >> ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The >> one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It >> can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are >> an Android user, from the Google Play Store. >> After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree >> to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must >> then register before you can go through the process of taking the >> test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, >> city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a >> Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any >> information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same >> right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other >> than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would >> like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things >> aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several >> mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver >> calls it, is treated as a text field. >> After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with >> their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do >> so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I >> agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in >> your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit >> confusing. >> Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the >> procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, >> especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for >> your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though >> it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when >> completing the process. >> Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is >> started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable >> with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the >> instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t >> actually miss anything. >> The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe >> pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts >> flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will >> inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the >> light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if >> you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 >> CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I >> had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, >> though your mileage may vary. >> Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not >> describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have >> to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before >> beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items >> based on touch. >> One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is >> something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure >> that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter >> itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test >> result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it >> needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in >> the pandemic up to this point. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kat.bottner at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 14:06:20 2022 From: kat.bottner at gmail.com (Kat Bottner) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:06:20 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: <22B28E01-9B54-4AD9-8219-1E2BD9CE84F7@gmail.com> References: <22B28E01-9B54-4AD9-8219-1E2BD9CE84F7@gmail.com> Message-ID: <2E8EC25A-7BC5-4CEC-94B5-0546F17D07D6@gmail.com> I used those, and the only part that was frustrating to do independently was to put the five droplets of solution into the equalizer. I was able to use Aira to help with the rest, but still the packages were not labeled for a blind person to know what was what so we still needed some sort of cited assistance. > On Jul 14, 2022, at 10:04 AM, Rox Homstad via NFB-DB wrote: > > ?As someone just coming out of the other side of COVID I've taken a bunch of tests over the last week. I didn't want to order the accessible ones because I wasn't sure if they would be usable by someone who is deafblind and I didn't want to take them from a hearing blind person who might be able to use them so I've been testing with my friend who also had covid when I did. > The one thing that concerns me is that all of these tests rely on having internet or a smartphone and the advanced skill set to learn to use them and problem solve your way through the process. If we want to make a truly accessible test, it needs to work for those most marginalized, people without good internet, people who don't use smartphones on a more advanced level, etc. I understand that in theory this is a step in the right direction but from where I sit it doesn't seem like a very big one. I worry that now that the most tech savvy and wealthy among us now have this access that the advocacy for more accessible tests will slow down > I realize this isn't a problem we will solve its just some things I've been thinking about. > > > Rox'E and the Kitchen Bitches > Soleil, Rowan, Phoenix > https://sneakeezebra.wordpress.com/ > pawpower4me at gmail.com > >>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Marsha Drenth via NFB-DB wrote: >>> >> ?Hi Scott, >> While at the NFB convention, I had a very similar experience. I don't remember the name of the test, but this one had a bar code on the box that I scanned and which provided me alot of information. It mentioned which app I needed to download, how to do the test, the items provided, how to connect to the test and a number of additional things. Yes it had me going through screen after screen, agreeing to this and that. when it came to the video, I was not able to hear it and needed my interpreters help to know what was happening in the video. I am a very advanced Iphone user, but I can't imagine someone else trying to take this test. i am very hard of hearing and totally blind. >> >> Do you Scott know who the manufactures of this test are using to test the covid testing product? >> There is alot more work to be done to making these tests fully accessible. >> >> >> >> Marsha drenth >> Sent with my IPhone >> Please note that this email communication has been sent using my iPhone. As such, I may have used dictation and had made attempts to mitigate errors. Please do not be hesitant to ask for clarification as necessary. >> >>>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Scott Davert via NFB-DB wrote: >>>> >>> ?Good morning all. >>> I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share >>> my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide >>> feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained >>> 2 tests. However, to do this >>> test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your >>> phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print >>> (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is >>> no way to know what app >>> you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can >>> order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term >>> ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The >>> one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It >>> can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are >>> an Android user, from the Google Play Store. >>> After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree >>> to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must >>> then register before you can go through the process of taking the >>> test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, >>> city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a >>> Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any >>> information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same >>> right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other >>> than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would >>> like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things >>> aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several >>> mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver >>> calls it, is treated as a text field. >>> After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with >>> their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do >>> so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I >>> agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in >>> your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit >>> confusing. >>> Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the >>> procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, >>> especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for >>> your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though >>> it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when >>> completing the process. >>> Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is >>> started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable >>> with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the >>> instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t >>> actually miss anything. >>> The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe >>> pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts >>> flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will >>> inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the >>> light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if >>> you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 >>> CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I >>> had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, >>> though your mileage may vary. >>> Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not >>> describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have >>> to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before >>> beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items >>> based on touch. >>> One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is >>> something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure >>> that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter >>> itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test >>> result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it >>> needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in >>> the pandemic up to this point. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From scottdavert at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 14:54:40 2022 From: scottdavert at gmail.com (Scott Davert) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:54:40 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: <2E8EC25A-7BC5-4CEC-94B5-0546F17D07D6@gmail.com> References: <22B28E01-9B54-4AD9-8219-1E2BD9CE84F7@gmail.com> <2E8EC25A-7BC5-4CEC-94B5-0546F17D07D6@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi marsha. I'm not sure. I didn't know there was a QR code on the box, that would have been helpful information. Did the QR Code take you to a web page with the information in Safari? This info needs to be included somewhere. If you are totally blind and don't have sighted people to help you know there is a QR code available, how can you know? There is nothing that indicates on the box that one exists. At least, not on the one I received. Scott On 7/14/22, Kat Bottner via NFB-DB wrote: > I used those, and the only part that was frustrating to do independently was > to put the five droplets of solution into the equalizer. I was able to use > Aira to help with the rest, but still the packages were not labeled for a > blind person to know what was what so we still needed some sort of cited > assistance. > >> On Jul 14, 2022, at 10:04 AM, Rox Homstad via NFB-DB >> wrote: >> >> ?As someone just coming out of the other side of COVID I've taken a bunch >> of tests over the last week. I didn't want to order the accessible ones >> because I wasn't sure if they would be usable by someone who is deafblind >> and I didn't want to take them from a hearing blind person who might be >> able to use them so I've been testing with my friend who also had covid >> when I did. >> The one thing that concerns me is that all of these tests rely on having >> internet or a smartphone and the advanced skill set to learn to use them >> and problem solve your way through the process. If we want to make a truly >> accessible test, it needs to work for those most marginalized, people >> without good internet, people who don't use smartphones on a more advanced >> level, etc. I understand that in theory this is a step in the right >> direction but from where I sit it doesn't seem like a very big one. I >> worry that now that the most tech savvy and wealthy among us now have this >> access that the advocacy for more accessible tests will slow down >> I realize this isn't a problem we will solve its just some things I've >> been thinking about. >> >> >> Rox'E and the Kitchen Bitches >> Soleil, Rowan, Phoenix >> https://sneakeezebra.wordpress.com/ >> pawpower4me at gmail.com >> >>>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Marsha Drenth via NFB-DB >>>> wrote: >>>> >>> ?Hi Scott, >>> While at the NFB convention, I had a very similar experience. I don't >>> remember the name of the test, but this one had a bar code on the box >>> that I scanned and which provided me alot of information. It mentioned >>> which app I needed to download, how to do the test, the items provided, >>> how to connect to the test and a number of additional things. Yes it had >>> me going through screen after screen, agreeing to this and that. when it >>> came to the video, I was not able to hear it and needed my interpreters >>> help to know what was happening in the video. I am a very advanced Iphone >>> user, but I can't imagine someone else trying to take this test. i am >>> very hard of hearing and totally blind. >>> >>> Do you Scott know who the manufactures of this test are using to test the >>> covid testing product? >>> There is alot more work to be done to making these tests fully >>> accessible. >>> >>> >>> >>> Marsha drenth >>> Sent with my IPhone >>> Please note that this email communication has been sent using my iPhone. >>> As such, I may have used dictation and had made attempts to mitigate >>> errors. Please do not be hesitant to ask for clarification as necessary. >>> >>> >>>>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Scott Davert via NFB-DB >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>> ?Good morning all. >>>> I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share >>>> my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide >>>> feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained >>>> 2 tests. However, to do this >>>> test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your >>>> phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print >>>> (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is >>>> no way to know what app >>>> you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can >>>> order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term >>>> ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The >>>> one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It >>>> can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are >>>> an Android user, from the Google Play Store. >>>> After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree >>>> to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must >>>> then register before you can go through the process of taking the >>>> test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, >>>> city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a >>>> Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any >>>> information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same >>>> right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other >>>> than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would >>>> like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things >>>> aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several >>>> mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver >>>> calls it, is treated as a text field. >>>> After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with >>>> their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do >>>> so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I >>>> agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in >>>> your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit >>>> confusing. >>>> Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the >>>> procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, >>>> especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for >>>> your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though >>>> it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when >>>> completing the process. >>>> Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is >>>> started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable >>>> with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the >>>> instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t >>>> actually miss anything. >>>> The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe >>>> pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts >>>> flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will >>>> inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the >>>> light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if >>>> you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 >>>> CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I >>>> had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, >>>> though your mileage may vary. >>>> Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not >>>> describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have >>>> to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before >>>> beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items >>>> based on touch. >>>> One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is >>>> something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure >>>> that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter >>>> itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test >>>> result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it >>>> needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in >>>> the pandemic up to this point. >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> 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 > From scottdavert at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 14:58:33 2022 From: scottdavert at gmail.com (Scott Davert) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:58:33 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: References: <22B28E01-9B54-4AD9-8219-1E2BD9CE84F7@gmail.com> <2E8EC25A-7BC5-4CEC-94B5-0546F17D07D6@gmail.com> Message-ID: Rox. You are 100% correct. People who do not have smart phones don't have a way to do this, but how can it be done without some form of technology? Aira, in my opinion, doesn't even count as a solution. This also depends on money and whether you have a smart phone or not. About the best they could do is send braille instructions along with large print. Yes, I would measure it as a half step forward I suppose. Scott On 7/14/22, Scott Davert wrote: > Hi marsha. > I'm not sure. I didn't know there was a QR code on the box, that would > have been helpful information. Did the QR Code take you to a web page > with the information in Safari? This info needs to be included > somewhere. If you are totally blind and don't have sighted people to > help you know there is a QR code available, how can you know? There is > nothing that indicates on the box that one exists. At least, not on > the one I received. > > Scott > > On 7/14/22, Kat Bottner via NFB-DB wrote: >> I used those, and the only part that was frustrating to do independently >> was >> to put the five droplets of solution into the equalizer. I was able to >> use >> Aira to help with the rest, but still the packages were not labeled for a >> blind person to know what was what so we still needed some sort of cited >> assistance. >> >>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 10:04 AM, Rox Homstad via NFB-DB >>> wrote: >>> >>> ?As someone just coming out of the other side of COVID I've taken a >>> bunch >>> of tests over the last week. I didn't want to order the accessible ones >>> because I wasn't sure if they would be usable by someone who is >>> deafblind >>> and I didn't want to take them from a hearing blind person who might be >>> able to use them so I've been testing with my friend who also had covid >>> when I did. >>> The one thing that concerns me is that all of these tests rely on having >>> internet or a smartphone and the advanced skill set to learn to use them >>> and problem solve your way through the process. If we want to make a >>> truly >>> accessible test, it needs to work for those most marginalized, people >>> without good internet, people who don't use smartphones on a more >>> advanced >>> level, etc. I understand that in theory this is a step in the right >>> direction but from where I sit it doesn't seem like a very big one. I >>> worry that now that the most tech savvy and wealthy among us now have >>> this >>> access that the advocacy for more accessible tests will slow down >>> I realize this isn't a problem we will solve its just some things I've >>> been thinking about. >>> >>> >>> Rox'E and the Kitchen Bitches >>> Soleil, Rowan, Phoenix >>> https://sneakeezebra.wordpress.com/ >>> pawpower4me at gmail.com >>> >>>>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Marsha Drenth via NFB-DB >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>> ?Hi Scott, >>>> While at the NFB convention, I had a very similar experience. I don't >>>> remember the name of the test, but this one had a bar code on the box >>>> that I scanned and which provided me alot of information. It mentioned >>>> which app I needed to download, how to do the test, the items provided, >>>> how to connect to the test and a number of additional things. Yes it >>>> had >>>> me going through screen after screen, agreeing to this and that. when >>>> it >>>> came to the video, I was not able to hear it and needed my interpreters >>>> help to know what was happening in the video. I am a very advanced >>>> Iphone >>>> user, but I can't imagine someone else trying to take this test. i am >>>> very hard of hearing and totally blind. >>>> >>>> Do you Scott know who the manufactures of this test are using to test >>>> the >>>> covid testing product? >>>> There is alot more work to be done to making these tests fully >>>> accessible. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Marsha drenth >>>> Sent with my IPhone >>>> Please note that this email communication has been sent using my >>>> iPhone. >>>> As such, I may have used dictation and had made attempts to mitigate >>>> errors. Please do not be hesitant to ask for clarification as >>>> necessary. >>>> >>>> >>>>>> On Jul 14, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Scott Davert via NFB-DB >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>> ?Good morning all. >>>>> I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share >>>>> my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide >>>>> feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained >>>>> 2 tests. However, to do this >>>>> test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your >>>>> phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print >>>>> (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is >>>>> no way to know what app >>>>> you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can >>>>> order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term >>>>> ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The >>>>> one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It >>>>> can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are >>>>> an Android user, from the Google Play Store. >>>>> After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree >>>>> to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must >>>>> then register before you can go through the process of taking the >>>>> test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, >>>>> city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a >>>>> Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any >>>>> information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same >>>>> right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other >>>>> than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would >>>>> like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things >>>>> aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several >>>>> mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver >>>>> calls it, is treated as a text field. >>>>> After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with >>>>> their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do >>>>> so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I >>>>> agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in >>>>> your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit >>>>> confusing. >>>>> Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the >>>>> procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, >>>>> especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for >>>>> your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though >>>>> it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when >>>>> completing the process. >>>>> Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is >>>>> started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable >>>>> with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the >>>>> instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t >>>>> actually miss anything. >>>>> The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe >>>>> pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts >>>>> flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will >>>>> inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the >>>>> light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if >>>>> you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 >>>>> CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I >>>>> had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, >>>>> though your mileage may vary. >>>>> Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not >>>>> describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have >>>>> to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before >>>>> beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items >>>>> based on touch. >>>>> One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is >>>>> something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure >>>>> that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter >>>>> itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test >>>>> result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it >>>>> needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in >>>>> the pandemic up to this point. >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> 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 >> > From kendrick.deborah at gmail.com Thu Jul 14 15:47:30 2022 From: kendrick.deborah at gmail.com (kendrick.deborah at gmail.com) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:47:30 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <044201d89799$06ed11e0$14c735a0$@GMAIL.COM> Scott, Thank you so much for taking the time to share these thoughtful observations. I did one with AIRA assistance a couple months ago, and now have two of the accessible ones at the ready, but it sounds fairly daunting. I hope that when you got to the end of the process, your results were negative! Peace, Deborah -----Original Message----- From: NFB-DB On Behalf Of Scott Davert via NFB-DB Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2022 9:28 AM To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List Cc: Scott Davert Subject: [NFB-DB] Taking the at-home accessible Covid test Good morning all. I had to take a Covid test over the weekend and figured I would share my experience. Since I do not have any vision, I'm not able to provide feedback from that perspective. First, the box that arrives contained 2 tests. However, to do this test, you must download an app and pair the test analyzer to your phone through an app. The problem? If you can?t read the small print (through OCR or vision) instructions that come with the kit, there is no way to know what app you are looking for, as it?s not stated on the website where you can order the kit. Furthermore, searching the iOS App Store with the term ?accessible Covid-19 tests? will pull up the wrong application. The one needed for this process is called "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test." It can be Downloaded for the iPhone on the iOS App Store, or if you are an Android user, from the Google Play Store. After downloading the app, upon first launch, you will need to agree to let the app access Bluetooth and several other things. you must then register before you can go through the process of taking the test. They demand your first, middle and last name, date of birth, city and zip code. As someone without a disability, I could pick up a Covid test, or order my test, and won?t have to provide any information. Why should someone with a disability not have the same right? Since I do have that right, I give them fake information other than the state and Zip code. There are other things that they would like, such as your email address and phone number, but these things aren?t necessary. When on the registration page, there are several mislabeled buttons and the dropdown menu, or Picker Item as VoiceOver calls it, is treated as a text field. After filling out all of the information, you must then agree with their Terms of Service. On this screen, the button or checkbox to do so is simply labeled ?x?. The element on the app that says ?I agree?.? Is a link to these Terms Of Service and will open them in your web browser. It?s not a showstopper, but it can be a bit confusing. Next, you will be required to watch a video which outlines the procedure, even if you have done so the first time. For braille users, especially those without the ability to hear speech, be prepared for your braille display to go completely blank during the video. Though it may not happen to you, it is something I had happen both times when completing the process. Once the video ends, which should be roughly 5 minutes after it is started, you will be moved to the next screen which will be useable with braille. Though the video is not accessible via braille, the instructions give you the same information as the video, so you won?t actually miss anything. The first step they cover is turning on the analyzer. They describe pressing and holding a button for a few seconds until a light starts flashing slowly. After trying to connect through the app, it will inform you that you need to press and hold the button again until the light flashes quickly and then turns a solid green color. However, if you place the device close to your phone (they recommend 3 inches/7.5 CM), the app will indicate whether or not it was able to connect. I had to do this process 3 times before the connection was successful, though your mileage may vary. Since they do not cover the items listed in the kit, and also do not describe the various items at all, this could cause a person to have to pause and figure it out. I examined the package closely before beginning the instructions and was able to determine the various items based on touch. One of the perplexing things about the instructions is that there is something called a ?child adapter? on the swab. I was able to figure that out also, but since there was no description of the adapter itself, I again had to use guess work. I did manage to get my test result accessibly, but it was probably much more complicated than it needed to be. That said, this is a step forward from where we were in the pandemic up to this point. _______________________________________________ NFB-DB mailing list NFB-DB at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org From doula.jarboe at gmail.com Sat Jul 16 21:33:00 2022 From: doula.jarboe at gmail.com (doula.jarboe at gmail.com) Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2022 15:33:00 -0600 Subject: [NFB-DB] FW: Act now! Advocacy alert! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <052301d8995b$a006e630$e014b290$@gmail.com> Greeting All, I hope everyone had a fantastic Convention and are recovering. I thought this would be of some interest especially to those of you who use Cis or maybe knows someone who needs them. Enjoy. Warmly, Doula From: Paul Migliorelli Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2022 2:52 PM To: Doula Jarboe Subject: Fwd: Act now! Advocacy alert! Begin forwarded message: From: Volunteer Engagement Team > Date: July 16, 2022 at 2:40:31 PM MDT To: paulmigs at mysero.net Subject: Act now! Advocacy alert! ? Dear Cochlear Volunteer Community: ur non-profit partner, Ear Community has worked with Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) to author legislation that would mandate private insurance coverage for bone anchored and cochlear implants for children and adults aged 0-64. Currently, the legislation is with the House Energy & Commerce Committee awaiting a hearing. To get a vote on the House floor, the bill must be voted on in committee. There are several members of the committee who have not agreed to co-sponsor the bill and a hearing has stalled. If you are interested in advocating for this legislation, please visit the link below and email the members of the committee listed. A template of an email you can use to email the members of Congress is also below. Many thanks for your participation in this activity that could potentially grant access to these life-changing devices to both children and adults. Thank you! Link to Ear Community Website: https://earcommunity.org/about/allys-act-h-r-5485/ Sample Email: Dear Congressman X/Congresswoman X, My name is ____ and I would like to ask you to co-sponsor H.R. 477, a bipartisan piece of legislation also known as ?Ally?s Act?. Children and adults are often overlooked and denied access to hearing implants because private insurers exclude the devices from their coverage, even when medically necessary. For children with microtia and atresia, the lack of ear canals or external ear structures, make wearing any other type of hearing device impossible. Cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing systems allow children and adults access to life changing treatment, so they can thrive in the community, participate in the workplace, and enjoy a high quality of life. H.R. 477 would cost private insurers less than .30 cents per person/per year to cover the services under this bill. As a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, I would like to ask you to co-sponsor H.R. 477 so that a hearing can be scheduled for this legislation. Congressman David McKinley is one of the original co-sponsors as well as the only member of Congress who wears a cochlear implant. Congressman McKinley?s grandson wears a bone anchored hearing device as well, just like Ally, the young girl this bill is named for. Thank you, Name: Contact info: -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marsha.drenth at gmail.com Sat Jul 30 00:36:58 2022 From: marsha.drenth at gmail.com (Marsha Drenth) Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2022 20:36:58 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DB] Announcing the 2022 snarky guide dog T-shirt References: Message-ID: <41504744-1316-4F7C-9C8B-A18D4F69C58E@gmail.com> > Subject: [NAGDU] Announcing the 2022 snarky guide dog T-shirt > Reply-To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" > > ?Greetings, > > > > We are happy to announce the pre-order for our 2022 Snarky Guide Dog > T-Shirts has begun. > > > > This T-shirt is being sold as a fundraiser for the New York Association of > Guide Dog Users. however, as was the case last year, the shirt does not > contain the logo of the New York Association of Guide Dog Users, the > National Association of Guide Dog Users, the NFB, or any other > organization. We encourage individuals to join organizations such as the > NFB, the ACB, etc., or the specialized divisions within such organizations, > such as NAGDU, GDUI, etc. However, we wanted to provide a T-shirt that > would have appealed to, and be applicable to, guide and service dog > handlers, no matter what organization(s) they choose to belong to and no > matter what school their dog is from. Upon request, we?re happy to provide > information about the New York Association of Guide Dog Users, and we > certainly wouldn?t refuse a donation at any time that is not related to the > purchase of a T-shirt. However, this fundraising campaign is purely based > on our annual T-shirt sale. > > > > This year?s shirt is made of the same material as last year?s shirt. That > is, thin, of medium to high quality, and very soft. This year we have opted > for a shirt that is black, rather than blue. Most of the writing on the > shirt this year is produced in puff ink, just like the writing last year, > although our color is a very light, very bright blue. In addition to the > puff ink there is also some glitter ink in silver. The distribution of the > different inks and colors will be as follows: > > A black shirt feature?s the following message ?It isn?t dog fur its guide > dog GLITTER!? This message is presented on several lines, with a left > alignment, so that it appears as the body of a letter, albeit a very short > letter, where a graphic appears in the positioning, preceded by a dash, > such that it looks like it serves as a signature for the letter. The > graphic is a large paw print, facing with the toes upward, with braille > lettering contained within the paw print, the letters LOVE on the toes from > left to right, and the word DOG inside the heel of the paw print. The paw > print, the braille within it, the ? preceding it, and the word GLITTER! are > all presented in the silver glitter ink, with the rest being presented in > the light blue puff ink described above. The format of the shirts makes it > look as if the message is being sent from the guide dog to the general > public, having been signed with a paw print reading love dog, Where dog > functions as the sender, and love functions as the degreeting, such as > sincerely, cordially, etc. this T-shirt is a little bit more flashy than > last year, but we have selected colors and formatting that tend to be quite > gender neutral, and could read a little bit on the masculine side, with the > black, blue, and silver color combination. > > > > We strive to use messages that are fun, so that our purchasers can enjoy > wearing the shirt, so that our potential buyers will want to purchase the > shirt in the first place, and so that the public is more likely to not only > enjoy the shirt but be open minded and taken its message. While it is true > that it is not acceptable to bring a truly filthy dog into a public place, > regardless of the ADA and other such laws, it is equally true that a > well-groomed and clean dog, will shed a small amount of fur. This is not > the toxic substance, or menace to society, which some peoples over the top > reactions would seem to indicate. We want to send a message, in a fun and > snarky way, that a few guard hairs from the coat of a dog that is clean, > well-behaved, well groomed, and working hard, should be seen in a neutral, > or even perhaps, in a fun or appreciative way by those who happen to be > blessed with a small amount of guide dog glitter in their life when they > encounter a guide dog team. > > > > This year our shirts will be a little less expensive if you purchase more > than one. A single shirt will be $22, and any additional shirts will be > only $20 apiece. > > > > If you would like to purchase a shirt, you can use PayPal to > NYAGDUDivision at gmail.com. If you do not have a PayPal account, and would > like help setting one up, please feel free to reach out and we will help > you with that. > > > > If you do not have, and would not like to have, a PayPal account, please > contact me at Heather.L.Bird at gmail.com so that > we can work out an alternative payment arrangement. > > > > These prices include the price of the shirt, whether you need an extra > small up to a 4X. While we do pay a slight up charge to the manufacturers > of the shirts for plus size shirts, we do not pass this cost along to the > purchasers of our shirts, no matter what size they happen to be. This cost > also already includes the shipping, and there will be no additional > shipping cost, whether you purchase one shirt or 10, whether you are a mile > away from us or all the way across the country. > > > > We are utilizing a pre-order. Such as the one we used last year, which will > be three weeks in length this year, as we had many individuals who found > out about the shirts after we had already placed our order with the > manufacturer. Many of which took place within 1 to 7 days after we ended > the pre-order. > > > > The pre-order period begins today, Friday, July 29. Therefore, will end, > with us placing our order for the shirts, on Friday, August 19th. > > > > The turnaround time for the shirts to be completed should be like last > year, or shorter, as some supply chain issues have been improving, and we > will not have winter weather to contend with to impact the shipping of the > shirts to our manufacturer, or our shipping of the shirts out to those who > purchase them. Everyone who purchases a shirt will receive an email when we > order the shirts, another email when we receive the shirts, and an email > when their shirt is shipped. > > > > Last year, we purchased the type of shipping that included tracking > information. Out of around 90 shirts ordered, we had a grand total of one > shirt that did not arrive. And the tracking information for that shirt, > didn?t clarify things for us, as the date and time on which it was > delivered, did not enable the individual to find the shirt which may have > been misdelivered, porch pirated or otherwise gone astray. > > > > My experience with the blindness community, in particular, the guide dog > using community within the blind community, has been overwhelmingly > positive, so we will be operating on the honor system. This year we will > not be utilizing tracking information, and if you have not received your > shirt within the timeframe of the estimated shipping date we sent you, > please contact us, and we will do what we can to locate the shirt, and if > we cannot, then we will send out a replacement. > > > > To place an order, please send an email to NYAGDUDivision at gmail.com and let > us know the following information: > > ? Your full name as you would like it to appear on the shipping > address, especially important if you?re purchasing it as a gift and don?t > want someone else living with you to open it and find it prematurely. > > ? We will need your full shipping address including ZIP Code so > that we send it to the right place. > > ? We need to know how many shirts you would like to order, and what > quantity of each size you need, especially if you are purchasing multiple > shirts, and even more so if you are purchasing multiple shirts in a variety > of sizes. > > ? Please provide us with your email address that you would like > notifications to be sent to, especially if this email address is not the > one from which you are emailing us initially, otherwise we will simply > capture that from your email. > > ? We would also like a phone number, so that we can reach out to > you if we need to update you on anything specific to your shipment that > will not go out in the large, blind, carbon copy email that will go to all > individuals in a particular batch of shirts being shipped. > > > > You can also send questions to this email address, but if you need help > specifically with arranging a different payment method than PayPal, please > reach out to me at Heather.L.Bird at gmail.com . > Once you have sent us your information, please send your payment, to PayPal > at the same address to it you sent your email that is > NYAGDUDivision at gmail.com. > > > > Would you like to win a free T-shirt, or, an additional shirt for free to > your order? Then please see below. > > > > If you would like to be entered into a drawing for one free T-shirt, in the > size of your choice, please answer the following short survey questions, in > an email to Heather.L.Bird at gmail.com . I promise, > folks, these are not hard, or invasive questions. And if you answer all of > them, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free shirt, and we > will conduct that drawing before we order the shirts, so that we can add to > the order the free shirt in the size of the individual?s choice who has one > said shirt. you do not need to be purchasing one of our shirts this year to > fill out the survey and be entered to receive a free shirt from this year?s > order. > > 1. Last year, many people missed out on ordering a shirt, or have > expressed that they wish they had ordered an additional shirt. If we were > to do a re-print of last year shirt, would you be wanting to purchase one? > Just indicate a number from zero to however many you might want to buy, if > we were to do such a reorder of last year shirt, in addition to this year > shirt. Obviously, zero represents that you would not want a shirt, and > whatever number above zero you might indicate would let us know roughly how > many people might be wanting approximately how many shirts from a re-order. > > 2. This year shirt is worded in a way that is very specific to Guide > Dogs and Guide Dog handlers. We have an alternative shirt design, with the > same message, and logo, except, that it substitutes the words Service Dog > Sparkle in place of Guide Dog Glitter. You?ve got to love the > alliteration. Please indicate with a number, zero representing no interest, > and other numerical values representing the number of shirts that you might > want to purchase, or, the number of people you know, who are service dog > handlers, who might appreciate an alternative printing of this your shirt, > that says service, rather than Guide, dog on it. > > 3. We will never harvest anyone?s data, and would not in a million > years, dream of asking you to provide us with anyone?s contact information, > however, you should please feel free to forward this along to anyone who > might be interested, not only in a guide dog related shirt, but also in the > service dog related option, so that they may, if they wish, send us their > survey answers especially regarding this question and the previous > question. if you know of, any lists, forums, or other venues, where > advertising is allowed, this is very important, that are open to service > dog handlers of all types, where we might be able to promote an alternative > release of the shirt with the service dog wording, please share the name or > names of such venues with us so that we might post about such an > alternative release in the future. We absolutely will not post any emails > advertising this or future shirts on any lists where it is indicated that > either sales, or fundraisers, are not allowed. We would love to get the > word out, but we do not want to cause any hassle, or extra work, for list > or group moderators. > > > > And there you have it folks, if you have any additional questions regarding > this year?s T-shirt, please feel free to reach out, and please feel free to > share this wherever appropriate, and with whomever you think might be > interested. > > Heather Bird > > President > > New York Association of Guide Dog Users > _______________________________________________ > NAGDU mailing list > NAGDU at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NAGDU: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/marsha.drenth%40gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: