[Nfbc-info] May Presidents Note Book

Wed May 3 23:18:08 UTC 2017

Dear Fellow Federationists,

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind.  Every day we
work together to help Blind People live the lives they want. 

Truly, we are "Stepping Into The Future."

The National Federation of the Blind of California is proud to announce that
we have been successful with bringing Audio Description to the Pantages
Theatre in Los Angeles, California.  The launch date has been set and
Members and Friends of the Federation family will be celebrating this new
initiative on May 21, 2017.   Theatre lovers will enjoy the Musical: The
Bodyguard on May 21, 2017.  Thanks to the following who purchased tickets:
Charlotte Carrol, Jannette Steward, Joy Stigile, Robert Stigile, Juanita
Herrera, Arietta Woods, Dorothy Monroe, Deirdre Williams, Art Melworm,
Felice Melworm, Lynda-Judith Hargrave, Tina Thomas, and Ever Lee Hairston.
Special thanks to Lynda-Judith Hargrave who committed her time and effort to
this project to bring it to fruition.

Announcement

The officers and board members of the National Federation of the Blind of
California will meet for their first in-house retreat on May 6 and 7, 2017
at the Lighthouse in San Francisco.

Ever Lee Hairston, President

Bryan Bashin, First Vice President

Robert Stigile, Second Vice President

Shannon Dillon, Secretary

Rochelle Houston, Treasurer

Jim Barbour, Board Member

Charlotte Carroll, Board Member

Timothy Elder, Board Member

Jana Littrel, Board Member

Carla Scroggins, Board Member

Karen Steele, Board Member

Carman Weatherly, Board Member

Reminder

Please remember to pre-register for the National Federation of the Blind
Convention by May 31.   You can register on-line at
<http://nfb.org/convention/preregistration.php>
NFB.org/convention/preregistration.php. 

Legislation Update

The Access Technology Affordability Act of 2017, H.R. 1734 and S. 732 (ATAA)

The definition of "qualified access technology" in the Access Technology
Affordability Act is: "hardware, software, or other information technology
the primary function of which is to convert or adapt information that is
visually represented into forms or formats useable by blind individuals."

These bills will facilitate the purchase of access technology for blind
people by creating a refundable, per person tax credit.  To learn more go
on-line to
<https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1734/text>
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1734/text

With respect to NLS funding for refreshable Braille displays, it appears
that this is more likely to occur in fiscal year 2019. As a result we are
pivoting our NLS funding efforts to focus on the preservation of the funding
that occurs via the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA). These funds are
distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  Please
check with your state library for the blind and ask them if they receive
LSTA funding. Please report this information to John Pare, Executive
Director for Advocacy and Policy at  <mailto:JPare at nfb.org> JPare at nfb.org
or phone 410-659-9314 ext. 2218.

Warm regards,

Ever Lee Hairston, President

National Federation of the Blind of California

O:  818.217.8330

H:  323.654.2975

 <mailto:ever.hairston at gmail.com> ever.hairston at gmail.com

California Association of Guide Dog Users Chapter

The chapter will be having a fundraiser by selling tickets by members of
C.A.G.D.U. at all NFB functions and to the public. The tickets are 1 for $5
and 5 for $20. The drawing will be held at our state convention in November.
Winner not need to be present.

First prize: $250 Target gift card

Second Prize: $150 Amazon gift card  

Third Prize: $100 Starbucks gift card.

Christina Thomas President California Association of Guide Dog Users Chapter

Pathfinder Chapter

Presents Karaoke Night May 27, Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  The
fundraiser will be held at the Hawthorne Moose Lodge, 13212 Inglewood Ave,
Hawthorne Ca

Donation:  $20.00 per person.  Join us for singing contest, dancing &
refreshments.

  $100.00 prize for the winner.  Please RSVP by May 20, 2017

To Jannette Stewart @ (310) 293-1053

Rochelle Houston, President Pathfinder Chapter

Treasurer, National Federation of the Blind of California

Shasta Cascade Chapter

They will be hosting their annual fundraising Wine Tasting Event on June 17,
2017, Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

Hors d'oeuvres will be served and you will be tasting wine from six
vineyards.  We will be holding a raffle with some great prizes. There will
be vendors there selling crafts that are handmade as well as jewelry.

It will be held at the home of Karen and Dick Steele, 30562 Witherow Road,
Shingletown, CA 96088

For more information call:  Debbie Worstman 530.646.7149 or Karen Steele
530.355.8812

Debby Worstman, President Shasta Cascade Chapter

Coming soon:

National Federation of the Blind BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and
Learning) Academy in Southern California.

Children ages 4 to 12. July 24th to 28th 2017.

Twin Vision Books Division of the American Action Fund

18440 Oxnard Street Tarzana, CA 91356.

 For information, please contact:

Carmen Weatherly 909.486.2004

Or Charlotte Carroll 310.625.6558

Joy Stigile, Editor