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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>QUE PASA<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>June 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Quarterly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(Published in March, June, September, and December)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Adelmo Vigil, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E-mail: Avigil74@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(575) 921-5422<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>James Babb, Editor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E-mail: jim.babb@mysero.net<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(505) 291-3112<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tonia Trapp, Assistant Editor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E-mail: tltrapp.7.467@gmail.com <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(505) 856-5346<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>To submit an article or recipe for possible inclusion in this newsletter, please email it to jim.babb@mysero.net. </span><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>By submitting your article or other material, you are agreeing to the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*You assert that your article does not violate any confidentiality, copyright, or other laws, and that it is not intended to slander, defame, or mislead. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*The NFB of New Mexico (NFBNM) has the discretion to publish and distribute the article either in whole or in part.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*NFBNM is authorized to edit the article for formatting, length and content. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*NFBNM reserves the right to not publish submissions for any reason.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><w:Sdt SdtDocPart="t" DocPartType="Table of Contents" DocPartUnique="t" ID="49173746"><p class=MsoTocHeading>Contents<o:p></o:p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;color:windowtext;font-weight:normal'><w:sdtPr></w:sdtPr></span></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647670">PREAMBLE<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>3</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647671">EDITOR’S NOTE<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>3</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647672">PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>4</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647673">BLIND NEW MEXICANS ONE STEP CLOSER TO HAVING AN ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE BALLOT<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>5</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647674">2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>7</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647675">CREATING OPTIONS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>8</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647676">SAGE DIVISION ON THE MOVE IN 2017<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>9</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647677">TEACHING BLIND KIDS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>11</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647678">QUESTIONS AND TRICKY ANSWERS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>12</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647679">WINDOWS 10 IS NOT TO BE FEARED<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>.. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>13</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647680">THE FUTURE OF TALKING BOOKS FOR THE BLIND<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>.. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>15</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647681">A FORWARD MOVE FOR BLIND HAM RADIO OPERATORS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>16</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647682">GOOD EATING<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>.. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>17</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc2><a href="#_Toc483647683">Corn on the Cob (Microwave Version)<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>17</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc2><a href="#_Toc483647684">Green Chili Cheese Rice<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>17</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647685">USEFUL WEBSITES, APPS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>18</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoToc1><a href="#_Toc483647686">MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS<span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>. </span><span style='color:windowtext;display:none;text-decoration:none'>19</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></w:Sdt><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647670">PREAMBLE</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico (NFBNM) is a 501(c)(3) consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our own personal experience that with training and opportunity, it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with discrimination based on the public’s ignorance and misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating New Mexicans about the abilities and aspirations of New Mexico’s blind citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(Adapted from NFB of Ohio newsletter.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647671">EDITOR’S NOTE</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Jim Babb, Editor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Hello Federationists and Friends, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Thank you all for sending to me your articles, recipes and announcements. Without these we would not have a newsletter; in fact, we had no March issue because we received only one article. That missing quarterly Que Pasa newsletter is the first in the 14 years that I have been your editor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I also want to thank Tonia Trapp, Assistant Editor, for her help in organizing the articles, topics, etc, also for the last 14 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I was saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Hayes, a long time friend of mine. When I was a student at the Alamogordo Orientation Center, he supervised students in the woodshop. He coached me in making two items that I still have and use: a lazy susan and a rolling pin made on a wood lathe. These items were made while I was wearing sleep shades! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I also would like to welcome to New Mexico Mary Rose Willows, who comes to us from California. Mary held many important positions in the National Federation of the Blind of California and at the national level, including Affiliate President in California for 8 years. She was also a teacher for 27 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647672">PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Adelmo Vigil, President, NFB of New Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>G</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>reetings </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ederation </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>amily:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Together with love, hope and determination, we transform dreams into reality. We have been busy with the business of growing the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ederation in New Mexico and throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>In January several members of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico traveled to Washington</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> D</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>C</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>.</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> to be part of the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>W</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ashington </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>S</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>eminar. Our own Kaity Ellis took </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>on </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>the challenge </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>of </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>set</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ting</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> the appointments with all of our </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ongressmen and </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>s</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>enators. She did a great job. Thank you Kaity for your help </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>with </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>this task. </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Tara Chavez, P</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>resident of the Albuquerque </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>C</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>hapter</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>, </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>and Linds</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>y Sloan</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> Albuquerque Chapter </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>S</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ecretary</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> were </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>also </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>part of the delegation, and they presented the issues in a professional manner to our </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>r</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>epresentatives and </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>s</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>enators.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I want to thank the board of directors and everyone who worked hard in planning our state convention on March 30 through April 2, 2017. </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I especially </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>thank all who attended the convention. We appreciate and enjoyed having Mrs. Carla McQuillan with us to share her knowledge and experience with our members and friends. All of her presentations were awesome</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>, and I want to t</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>hank </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>her </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>for </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>doing </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a great job. It was great to see everyone who attended the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Now we are getting ready for our National Convention in Orlando on July 10 through July 15. If you have not attended </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>an NFB N</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ational </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>C</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>onvention</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> you are missing out on a great experience. The National Convention is the largest gathering of the blind in this country. It is a demonstration of how we can live the life we want. I look forward to seeing many of you in Orlando.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>As for our New Mexico </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ffiliate</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> we will be planning several activities throughout the state in the fall. We will once again plan a leadership seminar at the end of October. During the month of October</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> I want to encourage local </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>c</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>hapters to recruit new members, while planning activities for White Cane Day and </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>M</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>eet the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>B</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>lind </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>M</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>onth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I am sure that most of you have heard that in the last few months</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>,</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'> we have lost two long</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>-</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>time </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ederationist</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>s</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>. Mr. Andy Baca worked building the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ederation since the early 70s. He was active in the local chapters and in the state </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>a</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ffiliate to the end. Mr. Larry Hayes joined the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico in the 90s. He was president of the San Juan Chapter </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>in Farmington </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>until he moved to Alamogordo where he was the president of the White Sands Chapter. </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>He also served as First Vice President and Treasurer for the state affiliate. In addition to his work with the Federation, he touched many lives as an employee of the New Mexico Commission for the Blind. </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We will miss Andy and Larry</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>: T</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>hey both left a legacy for us to follow as the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>F</span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ederation family. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We call on members of each local chapter and division to help build the </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>National </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Federation </span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>of the Blind </span><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>of New Mexico. Together we can change what it means to be blind for children, youth and adults of all ages in New Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=BG style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647673">BLIND NEW MEXICANS ONE STEP CLOSER<br>TO HAVING AN ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE BALLOT</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Don Burns and Curtis Chong<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>As any blind person who has ever voted absentee knows, there is no way right now for a blind voter to mark the printed paper absentee ballot without having to rely on the help of a person who can see the print. This effectively makes it impossible for the blind voter to cast a truly secret ballot. As long as there was nothing available to solve this problem, blind voters simply accepted the situation and concentrated on other issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This changed in 2014, when the National Federation of the Blind, working with election officials in the state of Maryland, pushed for and got a fully-accessible online ballot-marking tool in that state. For the first time in history, blind voters were able to cast a truly secret printed absentee ballot. They did this by logging on to a secure website using the access technology of their choice, marking the ballot using an accessible web form, downloading the appropriately-marked ballot to their computers, printing the ballot, and mailing it in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At our 2015 convention, the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico unanimously adopted Resolution 2015-01, which declared that it was high time for blind voters in New Mexico to have an accessible online ballot-marking tool of its own. Federationists worked with Kari Fresquez, Director of Elections in the Office of the Secretary of State, and through her efforts, New Mexico was able to obtain at no charge the software developed by the state of Maryland for its accessible online ballot-marking tool. Pieces of this software were incorporated into the fully-accessible online voter registration page that was released by the New Mexico Secretary of State in January of 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>In the summer of 2016, Federationists from around the state sent letters to their representatives and senators calling on them to support the concept of an accessible online ballot-marking tool that blind voters could use to mark the printed absentee ballot. One of our letters caught the attention of Representative Tomás Salazar, who took a keen interest in our desire to have an accessible paper absentee ballot and set about getting a bill drafted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>On January 12, 2017, Representative Salazar introduced HB98 which, among other things, directed the Secretary of State to establish procedures by which blind or visually impaired voters might independently mark their ballots. Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto joined Representative Salazar as a co-sponsor, and a good friend of the Federation, Representative Jane Powdrell-Culbert, spoke eloquently in support of HB98 on the House floor. During the 2017 legislative session, Federationists made numerous trips to the Round House in Santa Fe, circulated letters to legislators urging their support for HB98, and testified at committee hearings. Don and Nancy Burns spent a lot of full days at the Round House circulating letters, attending legislative hearings, and urging individual legislators to support HB98.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The upshot of our efforts was that on Friday, March 24, HB98 passed both the State House and Senate without opposition. Now this bill, which wasn't going to cost the state any money, needed to be signed by Governor Susana Martinez.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>During the following week, Don and Nancy Burns learned that the governor was having a legislative wrap-up luncheon in downtown Albuquerque. They decided to go to this event, hoping to gain an opportunity to encourage the governor to sign a piece of legislation which would help blind New Mexicans to gain independent access to the paper ballot. Don was able to raise the question of HB98 at the luncheon, and he was naturally surprised to hear the governor say that HB98 was not on her desk. We wondered what was happening to our bill. We also wondered if the letters and phone calls we were directing to the governor's office were having any effect. As it turned out, some administrative procedure had resulted in HB98 being delayed, but in the end, it did reach Governor Martinez's desk, and on April 6, she signed the bill into law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Federationists may remember that in 2014, we expressed strong disappointment with then-Secretary of State, Dianna Duran, for the failure of her office to involve and consult with the blind community during the evaluation and certification of the less-than-desirable voting machines we now use today. That was then, and this is now. Today, we enjoy a positive working relationship with New Mexico's current Secretary of State, Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Not only did Secretary Toulouse Oliver testify in favor of HB98 before various legislative committees, she personally spoke to our membership at our convention this year along with Kari Fresquez, New Mexico's Director of Elections, and Senator Daniel Ivey-Soto, the Senate co-sponsor of HB98. In the current climate of good will and support from our Secretary of State, blind New Mexicans stand a very good chance of having an accessible online ballot-marking tool in the foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647674">2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Peggy Chong<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This year's NFB of New Mexico scholarship winner is Kaity Ellis, a student at the Western New Mexico University, pursuing a Master's degree in social work. The presentation of the award was held at the annual banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico on Saturday, April 2, 2017 at the Sheraton Uptown Hotel in Albuquerque.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Along with the $1,000 scholastic award, many of Kaity's expenses will be paid for her to attend the NFB National Convention to be held this year in Orlando, Florida. There she will also attend the national Student Division meeting during the convention, meeting many other blind students from around the country. Kaity was elected president of the NFB of New Mexico Student Division during our state convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Earlier this year, Kaity attended her first Washington Seminar in January. Although it was her first seminar, Kaity showed a great deal of initiative by making the appointments with our elected officials for the group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>We congratulate Kaity on being our scholarship winner, and we look forward to working right alongside her as we pursue security, equality and opportunity for blind New Mexicans. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647675">CREATING OPTIONS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Nancy Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>My lifelong purpose has been working with people who are blind or have another disability. The California Department of Rehabilitation is where I have accomplished much of this work. As a professional who happens to be blind, it was my desire to be the positive role model whom many of my clients could benefit from observing. Also because of my blindness, it was much easier for me to say that blindness is not a handicap but simply a challenge for which there are many options to pursue. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>It seems to me that support groups are generally a good addition to any training in which a blind person may be involved. One necessary component for such a group is, of course, confidentiality. A relaxed atmosphere with a competent facilitator is generally a draw for individuals who could benefit from such support. Sharing concerns, fears, and successes with others is a stepping stone to gaining independence. I have personally facilitated many such support groups both in California and now in New Mexico. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>My husband Don has become an important adjunct leader for the new group known as Creating Options. He presents the point of view of a male who has overcome vision loss. His background is in industrial construction management. After completing training in the New Mexico Commission for the Blind facility in Alamogordo, he was hired on as a mobility instructor. Our combined skills, backgrounds, and interests have come together to create a new support group here in Albuquerque. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This group has been named Creating Options, because it is my belief that there are many options for a person experiencing vision loss. The New Mexico Commission for the Blind has been totally supportive of our group and has provided not only a location, but staff who are involved in distributing information about the Creating Options meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Creating Options meets at the New Mexico Commission for the Blind, 2200 Yale Blvd. SE, on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to noon with the exception of July. We cordially invite anyone in Albuquerque who is experiencing vision loss to attend this group. Family and friends are always welcome. We provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere over a cup of coffee. We would be pleased to have you participate in Creating Options. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647676">SAGE DIVISION ON THE MOVE IN 2017</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Pat Munson<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The focus of this year's SAGE (Senior Action Group Energy) Division meeting for blind seniors, held at the National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico State Convention, was discussing and providing tips for self-advocacy when interacting with family and friends, the medical community, and the general public. Some of us have been blind for decades and have found support and camaraderie in the NFB for a long time, but those who are new to blindness need much assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Family and Friends: As we age, some of us are dependent on our family or friends to help, but misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about blindness can sometimes interfere with good communication in those situations. Often, people trying to assist us simply do not know about blindness skills. Let's take the white cane as an example: Most people realize that the white cane can be used to show others that the senior either cannot see, or cannot see well; but the cane can also provide the blind person a lot of useful information. For instance, a blind person can use their cane to find a chair. However, sighted persons don't know how to explain where the chair is and which way it is facing. So we can facilitate more effective communication with our family and friends by explaining what kind of information we need.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Medical providers: In terms of interacting with the medical community, recommendations included the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*Keep all medications in a single box or container so they are all in one place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*Label medication bottles tactilely so that each bottle can be easily identified. For instance, use puff-paint to apply a raised print number to the medication bottle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*All the important data about a medication can be recorded so the blind person can order refills. Also some drugstores have talking prescription bottle information.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>*When visiting a doctor or lawyer, or attending meetings, record the conversation for future reference.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>General Public: Many sighted folk think it is fine to push, pull or grab the blind senior. Some of us who are trained in blindness skills simply stand still and quietly tell the "helper" that we are not to be touched without our permission.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>On the lighter side of things, we had two fundraisers at the SAGE meeting where we raffled off baskets of good things to eat and drink. We thanked those who donated items. The Federation always needs more funds to further the progress of the blind.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Elections were held with the following results: Nancy Burns, President; ShaRon Dandy, Vice President; Pat Munson, Secretary; Urja Lansing, Treasurer; and Caroline Benavidez, Board Member.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Before adjournment, SAGE Division president Nancy Burns reminded attendees that she hosts a monthly meeting at the Commission for the Blind in Albuquerque. Call Nancy at 505-922-1939 for dates, location and time. Blind and low vision seniors can benefit by being a member of a group or groups, for as older folks know, we all have much to learn!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647677">TEACHING BLIND KIDS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Gail Wagner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Editorial Note: After teaching blind children for thirty-three years, Gail Wagner is retiring at the end of June. We wish her all the best! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>T - Teaching typing and technology<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>E – Educating the public<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>A – Awesome students<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>C – Cane travel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>H – Hope for the future<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I – Independence<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>N – Never saying “I can’t”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>G – Getting prepared for the future<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>B – Braille<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>L – Laughter and love<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I – IEPs<a name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>N – Navigating the environment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>D – Demonstrating abilities<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>K – Keeping positive<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I – Instruction in alternative techniques<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>D – Dedication<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>S – Support from the NFB and POBC<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647678">QUESTIONS AND TRICKY ANSWERS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Nancy Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Training in the use of the long white cane is an essential tool for most successful blind or visually impaired people. The white cane is actually an extension of the sense of touch. This incredible tool keeps us from falling down stairs, helps to locate doorways, etc., and allows us to travel safely. An additional skill necessary for safe travel is, of course, the ability to listen carefully to pedestrian traffic, vehicle flow and other environmental sounds. Along with these skills, a blind person must be comfortable in his own skin. What does this mean? Even with good training in the use of the white cane, or guide dog, there must be the confidence to ask questions of another pedestrian or perhaps even step inside a business if there is no foot traffic. When there is any doubt about the route a blind or visually impaired person is taking, it is much safer to ask and confirm the proper route to take. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Asking questions of the sighted public can be tricky. Most people are accustomed to driving and find it difficult to answer inquiries from a blind person in a meaningful manner. The business or location in question may seem like just a few blocks down the street to a sighted driver; however, it may in actuality be many blocks. In this instance, it is good to stop occasionally to confirm that the desired location is still within reach. Although generalizations are not always appropriate, in my experience it appears that sighted people have difficulty distinguishing right from left. When a person answers my question with one of these directions, I find it more accurate to point and ask, "This direction?" These interactions with society become more comfortable with experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>These sometimes frustrating circumstances came to mind after a recent trip to Santa Fe. My husband Don has been appointed to serve as Legislative Director for the NFBNM, which has resulted in his taking numerous trips to the Capitol. I frequently accompany him, and we are both long-time cane users, but our first trip to Santa Fe proved to be extremely challenging. Our first mistake was that when the Rail Runner announced "South Capitol," we assumed that meant the Capitol: not so. We asked the conductor before exiting the train which way it was to the Capitol, but he had no idea. Once off the train, we began asking people for directions, and no one seemed to know. We walked and asked to no avail. The freezing temperature and blowing wind did nothing to ease our anxiety and discomfort. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Someone finally told us that "around the corner" was a coffee shop where we could get transportation. This was another example of inaccurate information given by a sighted person. We walked until we smelled coffee and felt we had finally hit pay dirt; but again, not so. We were told that the Quick Ride was for state employees only. The South Capitol stop serves only state buildings. We ventured into one of these state buildings and were able to enjoy the warmth while continuing to ask directions. This area is approximately four miles from the Round House and not walkable, at least on such a cold and windy day. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>At this point, the benefits of reading the Braille Monitor came through loud and clear. We had just learned about a program called Go Go Grandparent, a service for those of us who choose not to use smart phones, thereby limiting our use of Uber or Lyft services. Don had signed us up just the day before the Santa Fe trip. In a matter of minutes we had an Uber cab which took us, finally, to the Capitol building. Perseverance and our own ability to problem-solve got us to the Round House where we completed our mission. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647679">WINDOWS 10 IS NOT TO BE FEARED</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Curtis Chong<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Those of us who are blind and who use Windows computers have believed for many years that the best operating system for the blind was Windows 7. We have been told that of all the operating systems out there, Windows 7 is the most accessible, the most stable, and the most friendly to nonvisual users. Up until August of last year, I myself held this belief.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>When the Windows 10 operating system was first released back in the summer of 2015, I waited a few months and then, in November, I took the insane step of installing this operating system onto my home computer. The experiment was not successful. One update, which hit my system on a Saturday night, caused all of my audio to stop working, which made the computer completely inaccessible to me. I decided to roll back to Windows 7, and I stayed there until last August. This is when Microsoft released what it called the Anniversary Update edition of Windows 10.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I am pleased to tell you that this time, the experiment was quite successful. I noticed right away that Narrator, the free screen reading program from Microsoft, actually worked well enough for me to use it as a way to get the system up and running before installing JAWS for Windows, my screen reader of choice. While attending the National Federation of the Blind convention held last summer in Orlando, I talked extensively with Microsoft representatives and obtained the details I needed to work with Narrator, and before I did anything on my computer, I contacted the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk at 1-800-936-5900 to be sure that I obtained the correct link to the software that would upgrade my system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Since that time, I have installed Windows 10 on both my work and home systems, and I have even updated to the latest Creators Update.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Today, when you buy a new computer, you will find it very difficult to get one with Windows 7 as the operating system. Businesses which sell computers will tell you that Windows 7 updates take a very long time to install (they have to leave the system running overnight). They prefer it if you buy Windows 10 outright.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I want to say right off that Windows 10 is nothing for us as blind people to fear. As long as you are using current screen access technology and configure your system as I will outline here, Windows 10 will feel very much like Windows 7. In Windows 10, you still have the Windows Desktop, and the Start Menu can still be reached by pressing the Windows key. The Windows Explorer program (now called File Explorer) works the same as it did in Windows 7 as long as you make some minor tweaks to the configuration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>So, if you are contemplating getting a Windows 10 system, here are some things that need to be done before it can function the way a Windows 7 machine works.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1. Change the default web browser to Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox (the latter needs to be installed since it does not come with the operating system). Microsoft Edge, the newest web browser from Microsoft, still does not work well with screen reading software.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2. If you want to read PDF documents, you need to install Adobe's Acrobat Reader DC software. It will not work to use another PDF reading program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>3. For email and word processing, while there are some free and accessible programs out there, I recommend that you bite the bullet and pay for a Microsoft Office 365 subscription. A personal license (which allows Office to be run on only one machine) costs only $70 per year. If you want the free accessible email and word processing programs, feel free to contact me directly at curtischong@earthlink.net.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>4. The File Explorer program (the new name for what we used to call Windows Explorer) does require a few minor tweaks to feel the way Windows Explorer feels in Windows 7. Again, if you want or need help with this, feel free to contact me directly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>The bottom line here is that Windows 10 is not an operating system to be feared or avoided. The only real requirement is for you to ensure that you have the most current screen reading or enlargement technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647680">THE FUTURE OF TALKING BOOKS FOR THE BLIND</a> <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Jim Babb<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>I recently spoke with John Mugford, the Director of the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. He said their staff has been reduced due to budget issues. I have noticed that they are less responsive and seldom pick up the phone when I call. A message greets you saying that they are probably on another line or away from their desk. They do eventually return your call. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>He said some states such as Iowa are using an innovative system where they put a patron's book list (several books) on a single National Library Service (NLS) cartridge. So they basically have a shelfless system, since books are not on single cartridges. He said the next generation of Talking Book Players (maybe 5 years away) will have wireless capability, and requested books will be pushed from the cloud. He said that there will still be a regional component of the NLS.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647681">A FORWARD MOVE FOR BLIND HAM RADIO OPERATORS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Mike Langner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Many years ago, back in my UNM days, I hooked up a circuit that allowed a blind ham radio operator to tune his shortwave transmitter by listening to a tone that varied in pitch with the tuning. The method was crude, but effective. Now here’s an example of how far we’ve come since then. On top of that, it was developed by a couple of blind ham radio operators!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Amateur radio now offers a specialized communications ham radio program that works with JAWS to allow digital (that is, teletype-like) modes on amateur radio for blind operators. The most popular of these modes is called PSK31. This is good news for every amateur radio operator with low vision or who may be blind. Here’s the story from the National Amateur Radio Association, the American Radio Relay League:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Free App Allows Blind Hams to Work PSK31<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>(April 5, 2017)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>A new, free app--Accessible Digipan (http://accessibledigipan.org)--has been released that allows blind hams to operate PSK31. The download includes the app, audio tutorials, detailed written guides, and additional helpful resources, plus DigiPan PSK31 and PSK63 software. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>ARRL member Richard McDonald, KK6MRH, and Jim Snowbarger, WA0PSS--both blind--developed the program. "Until now, blind hams worldwide have not had any accessible program to work PSK31," McDonald said. "Now they do." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Accessible Digipan brings together the most popular screen reader, JAWS, and DigiPan, McDonald said, and the app will work with many different kinds of rigs, interfaces, and Windows versions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647682">GOOD EATING</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Toc483647683">Corn on the Cob (Microwave Version)</a><o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>by Coby Livingstone<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Place one corn cob, still in the husk, in the microwave and cook it for 4 minutes. I recommend microwaving one cob at a time. Use a thick towel or potholder when you remove the cob from the microwave, as it will be HOT! Cut the bottom off and peel. The silk comes off pretty easily with the husks, but there still might be a couple of stray strands. Butter it up, and add salt & pepper--even a touch of New Mexico green chili. Happy eating!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Toc483647684">Green Chili Cheese Rice</a> <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>from Gail Wagner<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This is a recipe I got from the mom of one of my students about 30 years ago: yummy then and yummy now. A wonderful side dish. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>2 cups instant minute rice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Dash of garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Dash of salt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1 cup sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>8 oz cubed Monterey Jack cheese<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>1/2 cup chopped green chili (hot or mild)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Boil 2 cups of water. Remove from stove and stir in 2 cups minute rice, garlic and salt. Let sit covered 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Stir in sour cream, cheese and green chili. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Put into greased oven-safe dish and bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>To make it into a main dish meal, add cooked diced chicken, sausage or hamburger. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647685">USEFUL WEBSITES, APPS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.woot.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.woot.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>This is Amazon’s deep discount site. You will see different items every time you visit it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.creditscorecard.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.creditscorecard.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Go here to get your real (FICO) score for free. This very same score from the three national credit bureaus will cost you about $15.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.froogle.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.froogle.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Find deep discounts on numerous items including computers, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.peekyou.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.peekyou.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Do a free background check on yourself or others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.blindbargains.com"><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>www.blindbargains.com</span></a><br><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>They search the web and find bargains on Amazon, Wal-Mart, and similar online stores for a variety of items such as laptops, dirt devil vacuums, wallets, chocolates and many blind-accessible items. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Toc483647686">MEETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS</a><o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>July 10-15: NFB National Convention held in Orlando, Florida <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>July 23-29: NFB Youth Slam held at Towson University in Maryland <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>September 9 (Saturday): New Mexico State Fair Parade, Albuquerque <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>September 12-17: BLAST, Nashville, Tennessee (This is for blind vendors)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>November 6-8: Dare to be Remarkable Training Conference, Baltimore, Maryland <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>