[Nfb-new-hampshire] {Disarmed} Fwd: JI Newsletter - Curiosity and Exploration
Penny Duffy
pennyduffy at gmail.com
Fri Aug 10 20:22:46 UTC 2012
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mark Riccobono <JerniganInstitute at nfb.org>
Date: Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 3:54 PM
Subject: JI Newsletter - Curiosity and Exploration
To: Abigail Duffy <pennyduffy at gmail.com>
[image: Graphic: NFBJI logo]*Imagineering Our Future*
*Issue 44* *August 2012*
*In this issue:*
- *Message from the Executive Director <#139122cf11d49eaa_Executive>*
- *Featured NFB News* <#139122cf11d49eaa_News>
- *Education <#139122cf11d49eaa_Education>*
- *Braille Initiative* <#139122cf11d49eaa_BrailleInitiative>
- *Advocacy <#139122cf11d49eaa_Advocacy>*
- *Product and Access Technology Talk <#139122cf11d49eaa_Technology>*
- *From the tenBroek Library <#139122cf11d49eaa_Library>*
- *Independence Market <#139122cf11d49eaa_Independence>*
- *Spotlight on the Imagination Fund*<#139122cf11d49eaa_ImaginationFund>
- *NFB Calendar <#139122cf11d49eaa_Events>*
- *Citation <#139122cf11d49eaa_Quote>*
*[image: Graphic: section divider]*
*Message from the Executive Director*
Dear Friends,
**
*[image: Mark Riccobono]*
*Mark Riccobono*
We recently completed the first NFB Project Innovation--a summer program of
inquiry-based learning where blind students chose their own investigations
and worked with blind mentors to complete and present their findings. While
eating lunch one afternoon, I listened as two of our senior innovators
(blind high school-aged students) debated different approaches to
constructing a space elevator. It warmed my heart to observe this
conversation--a result of our work to inspire and engage blind youth in
science, technology, engineering, and math in ways that previously had not
been imagined.
How is curiosity fueled and how do we help it not to burn out? I thought
about this earlier this week as I rocked my daughter to sleep, and my son
sat by my side to hear the story I was to tell. My daughter asked to hear
about Elmo. Any parent knows that it can sometimes be challenging to
generate new stories that are interesting to the listener and the
storyteller. I began to tell a fantastic tale about how Elmo and his team
of friends including Dr. Big Bird, Landing Commander Cookie Monster, and
Mission Specialist Count built a rover to land on Mars. When I reached the
end of the story, my daughter was asleep (she is only two, after all) but
my son was still engaged. I asked him if he would like to watch the footage
of the real landing of NASA's Curiosity rover that had occurred earlier in
the morning. We pulled up YouTube and watched some of the videos of the
seven minutes of
terror<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=500&qid=32937>.
Austin was fascinated by the landing. He said he definitely wants to be an
engineer and a "spaceship flier" when he grows up.
Unfortunately, we find blind young people every week who have been
conditioned out of their natural curiosity. What would happen if "wait
here" and "don't touch" were replaced with encouragement to move and
explore? A key element in improving the education of blind children is to
start with engaging rather than extinguishing their natural curiosity. That
is a significant part of the educational programming of the NFB and our
Jernigan Institute. We need to do more; and we need to explore innovative
methods to bring more tactile resources to blind students. The Curiosity
rover is now beaming back pictures from
Mars<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=624&qid=32937>.
However, the display of data gathered from the rover does not have to be
visual. Data can be transformed into tactile models and images. The data
could be turned into different audio tones which might reveal patterns that
are not evident visually. If we had more blind people engaged in the
analysis of data coming from missions like that which include the Curiosity
rover, would we learn something new about our universe?
I do not know if Austin or the two senior innovators who debated space
elevators will become engineers, mathematicians, or flight specialists.
What I do know is that the more we can keep their curiosity burning, and
the more we encourage them to have the confidence to explore their
interests (even into areas that have not previously been explored), the
greater the outcomes will be for them and for the broader society. I am
curious about what the future holds for these young innovators and I
appreciate that organizations like NASA and the National Federation of the
Blind are fueling the curiosity of the next generation.
Sincerely,
[image: Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono]
Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director
NFB Jernigan Institute
P.S. I would like to offer a challenge to each of you who receives this
newsletter. In an effort to spread the word about the essential work we
are doing in the National Federation of the Blind, I challenge each of you
to forward this message to at least one person and urge them to subscribe
to this newsletter. The more people who learn about our work the more
influence we have to create opportunities for the blind. I am interested to
know how much more curiosity about the capacity of blind people we can
spark by sharing the NFB vision for the future.
* [image: Graphic: section divider]*
* *
*NFB News*
*Highlights from the 2012 National Convention
*
****[image: Dr. Marc Maurer] Dr. Marc Maurer
If you weren't able to attend the national convention in July, or if you
just want to enjoy the highpoints again, here are the links to Dr. Marc
Maurer's 2012 Presidential
Report<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=448&qid=32937>and
the banquet speech, "The
Intersection of Law and
Love<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=449&qid=32937>".
Both speeches are also available in audio, as are the other speeches from
the general sessions, on the National Convention
Highlights<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=450&qid=32937>page
of the NFB Web site.
*October is Meet the Blind Month
*Over a decade ago, the National Federation of the Blind designated the
month of October as Meet the Blind Month. This is our coordinated
nationwide campaign to increase awareness of and support for the NFB.
During Meet the Blind Month, NFB chapters and affiliates conduct a variety
of activities to spread the message of our organization throughout local
communities.
This person-to-person awareness campaign is designed to increase the
understanding that the National Federation of the Blind is the country’s
prominent membership organization of blind people and that it is the
recognized resource when it comes to vision loss, blindness, and
rehabilitation. While NFB affiliates are engaged in community activities
all twelve months of the year, Meet the Blind Month provides a time for a
nationwide focus on public awareness.
Each October, NFB members interact with the public in a number of venues,
providing outreach to groups and individuals, including those who are
losing or have lost vision. Some of the highlights of Meet the Blind Month
have included: community service events hosted by local chapters, fashion
shows featuring blind models, and a community concert with the spotlight on
blind performers as well as local music sensations!
This year we are looking forward to another successful campaign. The
imagination, creativity, and eagerness of our members are always on full
display during October. Be sure to keep an eye out in your area--you might
discover one of our members hosting a literature table, teaching a lesson
to school children, or even reading a story in Braille at library story
time. You can follow
@NFB_Voice<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=560&qid=32937>and
use the hashtag #MTBM12 on Twitter to keep up with the many exciting
events during October!
*Appalachian Trail Hike*
**[image: Lou Ann Blake and Maurice Peret]
*Lou Ann Blake and Maurice Peret *
In July two members of the NFB of Maryland, Lou Ann Blake (Bum Knees) and
Maurice Peret (Blind Wanderer), successfully hiked the Maryland section of
the Appalachian Trail. Lou Ann, an employee of the NFB working in the
Jernigan Institute, and Maurice, a teacher of blind adults, completed the
hike to "raise awareness of what is possible for individuals who are blind
when the positive attitudes and high expectations of the National
Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFB of Maryland) are coupled with
proper training in the alternative techniques of blindness". The forty-one
mile route connects a string of state parks, including a ridge crest
section of South Mountain State Park. The elevation along that portion of
the trail ranges from 230 feet to 1,800 feet. More information can be found
in the press release<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=451&qid=32937>
.
This year is the seventy-fifth anniversary of the completion of the
Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), in conjunction
with other organizations, will be hosting a celebration in Harper's Ferry,
WV <http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=452&qid=32937>,
on the weekend of August 11-12. A contingency from the Greater Baltimore
chapter of the NFB of Maryland, an affiliate of the National Federation of
the Blind, will be attending on Saturday, August 11, and marching in the
parade.
[image: Graphic: section divider]
*Education*
*Braille Symposium*
The National Federation of the Blind, a leading champion for Braille, is
excited to announce the NFB Braille Symposium, which will provide
professionals, blind people, and other interested parties with an
opportunity to learn about and discuss promising practices in Braille
instruction and teacher preparation in Braille. The symposium will take
place September 27-29, 2012, at the Jernigan Institute, and will feature
sessions in three formats: vignettes from blind people on how Braille is
being used today, presentation/discussion sessions on promising practices,
and problem-solving sessions.
*
*Speakers will include leading experts who will discuss the most innovative
work that is being done on Braille today. Presentation topics will include:
• teaching the Braille code efficiently and effectively
• providing high quality Braille instruction to blind adults
• current practices in Braille instruction at the university level for
future teachers of the blind
• integrating Braille instruction into the classroom reading curriculum
• integrating Braille and print
Problem solution sessions will focus on:
• the large caseloads teachers have to manage
• setting up future teachers for success in their university Braille
courses while maintaining high standards
Visit the Braille Symposium Web page at
www.nfb.org/BrlSym<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=393&qid=32937>to
register now. You will also find information on how to reserve a room
at
the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor or at the NFBJI.
To participate in discussions about the Braille Symposium on Twitter
before, during, or after the event follow the hashtag #BrlSym.
*Project Innovation - The Students*
****[image: Aubrie Davis Potato Battery] ** Aubrie Lucas making a battery
from a potato
Last month, from July 24-29, the NFB Jernigan Institute was abuzz with
innovation for our latest STEM program—NFB Project
Innovation<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=453&qid=32937>.
Eighteen Junior Innovators (third through sixth grades) and nine Senior
Innovators (ninth through twelfth grades) participated in the NFB’s
first-ever program incorporating student-initiated learning and students
from two different age groups. These twenty-seven students represented
nineteen affiliates including Puerto Rico.
The twenty-seven young people worked with the educators at the NFBJI for
the ten weeks leading up to the program to develop an investigation of
their choosing. During the program the students conducted their
investigations, making modifications as they encountered barriers and
unexpected variables, as often happens in true inquiry-based science.
Through this process the students learned that failure does not have to be
negative and that in science you are more likely to fail than you are to
succeed; but either way you will learn information that will advance your
work.
** [image: Kyle Beasley and the Mentos project]
*Kyle Beasley and the Mentos project*
The Innovators loved having control over the content they learned at the
program. They left knowing that they have the capacity to take control and
be in charge of their own learning and, more importantly, their lives.
Watch out world, these young people are going to make things happen!
In addition to learning a great deal of STEM content, the Senior Innovators
had the opportunity to develop their mentoring and leadership skills.
Senior Innovators helped the Junior Innovators work through the challenges
they faced while doing their investigations, encouraged them during
recreational activities like rock climbing, and role-modeled the use of
alternative techniques. All of the high-school students shined in their
mentoring role—even those who originally thought they weren’t good at
working with young children. We look forward to having these young adults
as mentors and leaders in the organization for years to come.
*Project Innovation - The Parents*
*[image: Parent with white canes and sleep shades]*
*Parents learning cane travel*
While the student participants in NFB Project Innovation were hard at work
on their investigations, their chaperones were participating in a separate
seminar which included information and activities relevant to parents and
family members of blind children. The parent/family education piece was
organized by Carla McQuillan, an early-childhood educator and long-time
Federationist, and Kim Cunningham, who serves as second vice president of
the NFB’s National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC) and
president of the Texas Organization of Parents of Blind Children (TOPBC).
Chaperones had the opportunity to network with other parents as well as
hear from blind adults on a wide range of topics including access
technology, cane travel and what they wish their parents had known. Parents
also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on cooking-without-looking
and cane travel activities. The families spent an evening at Baltimore’s
Inner Harbor enjoying the sights and dining at local restaurants. The
highlight of the program was Innovation Expo, held Saturday afternoon, when
chaperones had the opportunity to see the projects the innovators had been
working on during the program. It was a pleasure to host these families and
we look forward to seeing them at future NFB events.
*BELL Program*
Summer is ending and as it does, so ends the fourth year of the NFB BELL
program<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=454&qid=32937>.
This summer we had more programs in more states than ever before. The
states ringing bells this summer were Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana,
Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and
Virginia. Those eleven states held twenty-one programs!
BELL, which stands for Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning, is
designed to provide intensive Braille instruction to blind and low-vision
children during the summer months. This program is meant to serve students
who are not currently receiving enough Braille instruction in school or who
could benefit from Braille enrichment over the summer.
If you have any questions about the NFB BELL program or would like to know
how to make your state an NFB BELL state in 2013, please contact Emily
Gibbs at egibbs at nfb.org or 410-659-9314 extension 2407.
* **[image: Graphic: section divider]*
*Braille Initiative*
*Braille Certification Training Program*
Under a contract with the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS), the National Federation
of the Blind administers the courses leading to NLS certification of
Braille transcribers and proofreaders. Successful completion of these
rigorous courses requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of
the students. We congratulate the following individuals, who earned
certification during the month of June 2012:
*Literary Braille Transcribing*
*California
* Ricardo Emilio Perez, Encino
DeWayne Searles Upshaw, Folsom
Sarah Marguerite Vaughn, Simi Valley
*Georgia
* David James Eatherly, Macon
Ladji Akil Ruffin, Macon
*Indiana
* Bradly Ervin, Bunker Hill
Samuel Lee Moore, Bunker Hill
Russell N. Small, Bunker Hill
Jacob Stoner, Bunker Hill
*Kentucky
* William Gene Freeman, Louisville
*Massachusetts
* Katherin Marie Halpin, Sommerville
*Michigan
* Tyler Colton, Jackson
*Minnesota
* Robin Durand, Minneapolis
*Nevada
* Catherine Ann Quigley, Las Vegas
*New Jersey
* Maureen Moniz, Convent Station
*New York
* Jean Wegman Blasioli, Spencerport
*North Carolina
* Charles L. Harris, Laurinburg
*Oklahoma
* Elpidio Cornejo, Sayre
*Oregon
* Rebecca Lynn Potterf, Salem
*Texas
* Linda Jean Branham, Gatesville
Louesa Williams Luckey, Gatesville
Donna Faye Moore, Borger
*Literary Braille Proofreading*
*Texas
* James Shaffer, Pflugerville
*Washington
* Shonda Foster, Vancouver
*Music Braille Transcribing*
*Iowa*
Louis Jonathan Cutwright, Anamosa
[image: Graphic: section divider]
***Advocacy*
*True Good Will Win in the End*
**Members of the National Federation of the Blind continue to fight the
antiquated perceptions that result in low expectations prohibiting people
with disabilities from reaching their full potential. For years blind
people have been discouraged and denied the opportunity to receive the
education and training necessary to be successful. There have been limited
opportunities for the blind to obtain employment in any but the most menial
jobs. As a result of the hard work of over 50,000 members of the National
Federation of the Blind, we now have blind lawyers, doctors, engineers,
scientists, etc.
Still today, we are plagued with archaic laws and policies that prohibit us
from reaching the ambitious goals we set for ourselves. Section 14(c) of
the Fair Labor Standards Act (the same law that guarantees American workers
the federal minimum wage) allows the Secretary of the United States
Department of Labor to grant Special Wage Certificates to employers,
permitting them to pay their workers with disabilities less than the
federal minimum wage. Under Section 14(c), there is an entire population
of people who, based on their characteristic of having a disability, are
denied equal pay, effective education and training services, security of
wage protections, and the fundamental liberty of opportunity supposedly
guaranteed to every American citizen.
This is a long-standing example of discrimination resulting from the
misunderstanding and lack of information about the capacity of people with
disabilities, which has been sustained by a warped sense of compassion.
Some say that there are those with such significant disabilities that they
cannot be productive employees. They assert that allowing these poor
unfortunate individuals to engage in some type of work activity provides
them with a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. We disagree with this
insulting condemnation of the capacity of people with disabilities. It is
our belief and our experience that when they are provided the proper
training and support, all people--even those with significant
disabilities--can acquire a job skill deserving remuneration of at least
the federal minimum wage. Those who do not believe in the individual’s
employment capacity should not be charged with the responsibility of
providing employment services. Moreover, there is no sense of self-worth
or accomplishment when your vocational future is limited to a segregated
work environment earning pennies per hour.
Most people are simply unaware that it is legal to pay people with
disabilities less than the minimum wage. We will be working to end this
discriminatory practice by conducting public awareness informational
protests on August 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. local time at Goodwill
Thrift Store locations across the country. Goodwill, a household name and
the self-proclaimed leader in providing employment services for people with
disabilities, pays their workers with disabilities less than the federal
minimum wage. Although most Goodwill-affiliated agencies pay their workers
with disabilities the minimum wage, others have chosen to limit the
vocational potential of these individuals by paying them pennies per hour.
The Goodwill agencies that value their workers with disabilities by paying
at least the federal minimum wage are setting an example for the others to
follow, and they can provide the technical assistance necessary for the
others to adopt a similar business model that pays a competitive wage to
every employee. We are hopeful that the public pressure from our
informational protest will encourage Goodwill to adopt a corporate policy
to pay all of their workers with disabilities at least the federal minimum
wage and to assist in bringing this discriminatory practice to an end.
As a charitable organization, the National Federation of the Blind stands
in stark contrast to those nonprofit organizations that profit from their
portrayal of people with disabilities as helpless, hopeless individuals.
Where as many organizations feel it is their responsibility to be
custodians of people with disabilities, the National Federation of the
Blind, an organization “of” blind people, promotes the independence and
full participation of the blind. We will continue to fight the good fight
for our full participation, and the true good will win in the end.
*[image: Graphic: section divider]*
*Product and Access Technology Talk*
August is the month when our Access Technology Team plans what will happen
in the fall and spring. With that in mind, we have created a YouTube
video to promote the Tactile Graphics Conference in November, showing and
telling why tactile graphics are so critical. It can be viewed at
http://bit.ly/NeFDq4<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=455&qid=32937>
.
In other areas, we’re revamping the International Braille and Technology
Center to bring it up to date--one end of the embosser area is being
changed over completely to improve efficiency when we’re producing Braille,
and to improve accessibility to those working in and touring the area.
Meanwhile at the other end of the IBTC we’re replacing some of our dutiful
but rather overwhelmed computers with new, shiny black ones that will
handle their workload more gracefully.
As we talk of updates, our other grand endeavor, the annual update of
the *Technology
Resource List*, is once more in progress. Wish us diligence and courage as
we plough through all that is out there in the way of access technology.
We also have a review up on our blog of Apple’s brand new Mountain Lion OS
for the Mac, highlighting what’s new, what’s good, and what is less so.
More blog posts on new releases will be up shortly.
*From the tenBroek Library* **
[image: Braille books in the library]
*Braille books in the tenBroeck Library*
*Louis Braille lives at the tenBroek Library!*
Three and one-half years after his two-hundredth birthday, Louis Braille’s
life and achievements continue to be celebrated by blind people around the
world. And the tenBroek Library likewise encourages appreciation of the
man who made it possible for the blind to read.
So where is the Braille material in the tenBroek Library?
When asked about the purpose of the tenBroek Library and why our collection
is largely ink-print, Jernigan Institute staff members distinguish between
the mission of the tenBroek Library—which is to develop a research
collection about blindness and blind people—and that of the national
network of libraries for the blind—which provide reading material in
accessible formats, including Braille. (Of course, this distinction is
becoming less relevant as more information is available in digital
formats—but that’s another story.)
While we don’t seek out Braille material on just any subject (which is what
the NLS network does), we do acquire books and periodicals in Braille that
are about blindness and blind people. Our cataloging librarian, Carolyn
Baron, has recently been processing the books in our Braille collection,
some of which are not readily available elsewhere and all of which can be
consulted by visitors to the Jernigan Institute.
****[image: Tactile Portrait of Louis Braille] ** Tactile Portrait of
Louis Braille
We also continue to celebrate Louis Braille in our exhibit area. On a
table near the cataloged Braille books are a tactile portrait of Louis
Braille in profile and a model of the Louis Braille birthplace (the subject
of a fine article by Kenneth
Jernigan<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=457&qid=32937>).
The portrait is one of two hundred copies crafted by Ann Cunningham, our
colleague at the Colorado Center for the Blind.
Speaking of Ann Cunningham, we’re always pleased to have on display her
tactile panel celebrating the 2009 Louis Braille bicentennial dollar coin
and its travel to the International Space Station. Ann’s other work on
display here includes her five panels depicting Erik Weihenmayer’s ascent
of Mount Everest and her tactile portrait of Jacobus tenBroek.
When visiting the Jernigan Institute, please come to the tenBroek Library
and partake of our tactile exhibits and Braille books. Although most of
our resources are in print (and, increasingly, in digital formats), we do
love Louis Braille!
[image: Graphic: section divider]
*Independence Market *
*New Products at the Independence Market *
In the last Imagineering newsletter we shared information about some of the
new products available from the National Federation of the Blind
Independence Market. These objects were showcased at our national
convention in Dallas, Texas, this past July. As a service to our members
and the general public, the NFB Independence Market sells low-tech items
which enhance the independence of blind individuals. As promised, here are
details about more new product offerings.
**** [image: Talking Kitchen Scale]** Talking Kitchen Scale
Talking Kitchen Scale--Vox
3000<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=458&qid=32937>
:
This scale can weigh up to 6.6 pounds (3,000 grams). Items can be weighed
on the weighing platform or in the plastic bowl, which is included. The
bowl has a capacity of six cups. The scale also features a tare function,
which allows the user to zero out the weight already on the scale. AIK40T;
$35.00
[image: Sensational Blackboard] Drawing Board
Sensational Blackboard Raised Line Drawing
Board<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=459&qid=32937>
:
Use the Sensational Blackboard with standard copy paper and a pen or stylus
to easily create raised line drawings. Designed by Anne Cunningham, this
drawing board measures 9 by 11 1/2 inches. AIL26B; $30.00
**** [image: Diabetic Logbook]** Diabetic Logbook
Diabetic Logbook--Large
Print<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=460&qid=32937>(set
of three):
Use these handy logbooks to keep track of daily blood glucose levels,
diabetes medications and carbohydrates. Each booklet has thirty-one pages,
one for every day of the month, as well as a two-page exercise log. AIL36L;
$8.00
**** [image: White Cane] Folding, 7-Section Carbon Fiber Cane
NFB Type 8 Folding, 7-Section Carbon Fiber
Cane<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=461&qid=32937>:
At last year's national convention the NFB introduced a new seven-section,
carbon fiber, folding white cane, which became an instant hit. These
lightweight, well-balanced canes feature an easy-grip handle and a metal
glide tip. This year we added two shorter and two longer canes. These
folding canes are now available in lengths ranging from fifty-one to
sixty-five inches, in two-inch increments. ACJ##F; $40.00
For more information, please e-mail us at independencemarket at nfb.org or
call us at 410-659-9314 extension 2216. One of our staff members will be
happy to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern
Time. You may also request a print or Braille list of items that were new
at this year's convention, or a complete catalog in various formats.
[image: Graphic: section divider]
***The Imagination Fund*
*Making the Magic Happen!*
**We’re continuing our Text-to-Give campaign. The seventy texts we received
at national convention were a good lead into the effort this fall at the
state conventions. For those of you attending one of these gatherings, you
will learn how you can help spread the word about the campaign. Donations
to the Imagination Fund go toward supporting programs at the Jernigan
Institute, as well as those in local affiliates. Additionally, these funds
are used to provide substantial grants to various affiliates and divisions
for special projects. Remember, this funding doesn’t happen by magic,
although magic things happen when we fund our programs!
But don't wait until the state convention—you can text BLIND to 85944 to
make a $10 donation to the Imagination Fund now!
**
*[image: Graphic: section divider]*
*NFB Calendar*
*Upcoming Events*
Braille Symposium
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=393&qid=32937>–
September 27–30, 2012
Tactile Graphics Conference
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=395&qid=32937>–
November 30-December 1, 2012
*NFB Affiliate Conventions*
NFB of West Virginia<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=462&qid=32937>Convention
- August 3-5, 2012
NFB of South Carolina
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=463&qid=32937>Convention
- August 10-12, 2012
NFB of North Carolina
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=464&qid=32937>Convention
- September 6-9, 2012
NFB of Arizona
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=465&qid=32937>Convention
- September 7-9, 2012
NFB of Iowa
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=466&qid=32937>Convention
- September 28-30, 2012
NFB of Kentucky
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=467&qid=32937>Convention
- September 28-30, 2012
NFB of Hawaii
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=468&qid=32937>Convention
- September 29-30, 2012
NFB of Alaska
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=469&qid=32937>Convention
- October 5-6, 2012
NFB of Arkansas
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=470&qid=32937>Convention
- October 5-7, 2012
NFB of Illinois<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=471&qid=32937>Convention
- October 5-7, 2012
NFB of Nebraska
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=472&qid=32937>Convention
- October 11-14, 2012
NFB of California
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=473&qid=32937>Convention
- October 18-21, 2012
NFB of District of Columbia
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=474&qid=32937>Convention
- October 19-21, 2012
NFB of Indiana<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=475&qid=32937>Convention
- October 19-21, 2012
NFB of Michigan
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=476&qid=32937>Convention
- October 19-21, 2012
NFB of Washington<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=477&qid=32937>Convention
- October 19-21, 2012
NFB of Colorado
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=478&qid=32937>Convention
- October 25-28, 2012
NFB of Minnesota<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=479&qid=32937>Convention
- October 26-28, 2012
NFB of Oregon<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=480&qid=32937>Convention
- October 26-28, 2012
NFB of Maine
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=481&qid=32937>Convention
- October 27, 2012
NFB of Connecticut<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=482&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Georgia<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=483&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Kansas
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=484&qid=32937>Convention
- November 9-11, 2012
Montana Association for the Blind
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=485&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Nevada
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=486&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Ohio
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=487&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Pennsylvania
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=488&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Virginia
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=489&qid=32937>Convention
- November 2-4, 2012
NFB of Maryland<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=490&qid=32937>Convention
- November 9-11, 2012
NFB of New Jersey
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=491&qid=32937>Convention
- November 9-11, 2012
NFB of New York
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=492&qid=32937>Convention
- November 9-11, 2012
NFB of Texas
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=493&qid=32937>Convention
- November 9-11, 2012
NFB of Puerto Rico
<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=494&qid=32937>Convention
- November 11, 2012
[image: Graphic: section divider]
*Citation*
Nothing would help blind children more than being taught the techniques and
pleasures of exploration--touch, sound, taste, smell, and whatever vision
remains. It is hard to be curious about things if we do not know what those
things are like. It is hard to avoid dangers if we are unable to interpret
the cues our senses provide about our surroundings. It is hard to gain a
sense of aesthetics if we feel, listen, taste, or smell carelessly and
casually. And it is hard to get a job if we lack the skills to gain and
process information by effective reading and effective use and
interpretation of our senses.
We must make exploration a habit, a good habit, a pleasant and rewarding
habit. We must educate parents, teachers, and the blind themselves how to
observe with the mind engaged. This is not rocket science; in fact, it
requires no technology at all other than the biological technology we have
inherited from our evolutionary ancestors. How can anything be more
important?
--Dr. Geerat J. Vermeij, "Teaching Exploration: Correcting a Glaring Flaw
in the Education Of Blind
Children<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=499&qid=32937>."
*Braille Monitor*, Vol. 47, No. 9, October, 2004.
.
Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute’s *Imagineering Our Future*
.
Help make a significant difference in the lives of blind people across the
country.
*Make a Gift Today*<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=414&qid=32937>
Back to Top <#139122cf11d49eaa_Top>
[image: Photo: Youth Slam students]
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*Interesting links:*
Archive of Straight Talk About Vision Loss
Videos<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=416&qid=32937>
National Center for Blind Youth in
Science<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=417&qid=32937>
Access Technology
Tips<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=418&qid=32937>
TeachBlindStudents.org<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=419&qid=32937>
[image: Photo: Youth practicing martial art]
*Blogs:*
Access Technology<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=420&qid=32937>
Voice of the Nation’s
Blind<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=421&qid=32937>
[image: Photo: Senior couple]
*Publication archives:*
*Future Reflections<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=422&qid=32937>
*
*Braille Monitor<http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=423&qid=32937>
*
[image: Graphic: National Federation of the Blind logo]
[image: Photo: Mom and daughter hug]
[image: Photo: Hikers]
[image: Photo: Low-vision youth writing in Braille]
[image: Photo: Blind youth examining model of constellations]
[image: Photo: Girl trying out car the blind can drive]
[image: Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner]
[image: Graphic: Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity JI logo]
[image: Graphic: section divider]
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--Penny
----------
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