[Nfbf-l] NFB of Palm Beach May Newsletter

Tue May 1 12:45:03 UTC 2018

NFB OF PALM BEACH MAY NEWSLETTER 

Let's recite the NFB Pledge:

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.

Greetings Federation Family! The National Federation of the Blind Palm Beach
Chapter is honored to have you at our monthly meeting on Saturday May 12th
at Duffy's 11935 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL from 11:00 AM to 1:00
PM. During this meeting, our guest speaker will be Erica L. Richardson from
Bankers Life, which is the marketing brand of Bankers Life and Casualty
Company, Medicare Supplement insurance policies sold by Colonial Penn Life
Insurance Company and select policies sold in New York by Bankers Conseco
Life Insurance Company (BCLIC). If you are in need of Stability, Security,
and Integrity, please join us.  

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much!

Helen Keller

Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary from the NFB Palm Beach Chapter if you
are celebrating any special occasions this month. Enjoy each moment like it
is your last and many blessings!

Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

 <https://www.flrules.org/gateway/department.asp?id=6> DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION
 <https://www.flrules.org/gateway/organization.asp?id=195> State Board of
Education

The Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind announces a public meeting
to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: May 3, 2018, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: Hilton Palm Beach Airport, 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach,
Florida 33406. Telephone: 1 (888) 670-3525, Participant Passcode:
1242528392# <tel:1%20(888)%20670-3525;1242528392%23> 

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Public Forum of The Florida
Rehabilitation Council for the Blind. The Division of Blind Services helps
individuals with visual impairments to achieve employment and independence
under Title 1 of the Rehab Act. The public forum is for consumer input on
the effectiveness of those services.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: The Division of Blind
Services, 325 West Gaines Street, TurlingtonBuilding Room 1114, Tallahassee,
Florida 32399. Phone: (850) 245-0329 <tel:(850)%20245-0329> , Email:
<mailto:Selena.Sickler at dbs.fldoe.org> Selena.Sickler at dbs.fldoe.org.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any
person requiring special accommodations to participate in this
workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 10 days before the
workshop/meeting by contacting: The Division of Blind Services, 325 West
Gaines Street, TurlingtonBuilding Room 1114, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
Phone: (850) 245-0329 <tel:(850)%20245-0329> , Email:
<mailto:Selena.Sickler at dbs.fldoe.org> Selena.Sickler at dbs.fldoe.org.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the
Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

For more information, you may contact: The Division of Blind Services, 325
West Gaines Street, Turlington Building Room 1114, Tallahassee, Florida
32399. Phone: (850) 245-0329 <tel:(850)%20245-0329> , Email:
Selena.Sickler at dbs.fldoe.org.

State Convention Info:

The annual State Convention is quickly approaching and the State Affiliate
is diligently working to make it a memorable one.  The National Federation
of the Blind of Florida is a thriving force within our state. The excitement
of general session, various workshops, social activities, music, friends,
and so much more is around the corner with state convention.  

The state convention will be held over Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-28, 2018
at Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, 2225 North Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607.
To make your room reservations, please call the Hilton Tampa Airport
Westshore at 813-877-6688. When calling, ask for the National Federation of
the Blind of Florida Convention room rate (code NFB) of $104.00 per night.
Rooms are reserved on a first-come first-served basis.

.              May 3rd is the deadline to book your room for state
convention with

our special room rate. You can do this by calling  813-877-6688

.              May 8th is the deadline to pre-register for convention and
banquet.

Remember the price will go up $5 each at the door and banquet tickets are
limited. You can do this by calling 813-837-1100.

.              May 10th is the deadline to announce your chapter or division

auction basket details, so it can be posted on the web.

The agenda will be out for review by May 1st, and we encourage you to check
your email for more updates.

The National Federation of the Blind of Florida has begun working to protect
and preserve the rights of blind parents in our state. We are seeking
information, stories and experiences from blind parents in retaining or
receiving their parental rights. If you are interested in working with the
Legislative Concerns Committee on this issue, please contact Camille Tate at
<mailto:ctate2076 at att.net> ctate2076 at att.net or (321) 372-4899. 

Fundraiser Info:

Introducing our Amazing Trio Bundle raffle!

All of the details of this raffle are found below for your convenience: 

The great part about this raffle is that there are 3 prizes and 3
opportunities to win!!! For only $5 individuals will have an opportunity to
win:

1st prize: I Pad Pro, or the cash value of $800 2nd prize: $500 Uber or Lift
gift cards, or the cash value 3rd Prize: $200 Travel voucher, or the cash
value

Winners do not have to be present to win, and the drawing will take place on
July 8, 2018 at our National convention in Orlando.

In addition this fundraiser starts once you receive your tickets, and will
go through our national convention. If you are not attending the national
convention, all tickets, stubs, and funds must be return to Paul Martinez no
later than June 30th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paul Martinez by your
preferred method of choice by phone 813-390-5720.

Collaboration made this fundraiser and Collaboration will make this
fundraiser successful.

NFB of Palm Beach Spaghetti Sale!!!

Where: The Braille Club, 4801 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL

When: Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost:$10 donation

Please come out and support the programs of the chapter; we greatly
appreciate your support. 

Our Public Commitment to One Another as Represented in our Official Code of
Conduct Statement

by Mark Riccobono

Having the opportunity to serve as an elected representative in the National
Federation of the Blind is an extreme honor and one that brings with it the
expectation that we will do our best to represent all blind people and make
them proud. In an effort to formalize standards that have long been a part
of the expectations we have for leaders and members at all levels in the
Federation, the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind
has written a document embodying the principles we will uphold as national,
affiliate, and chapter leaders. Federationists will recognize that this
document formalizes and presents in some detail the long-held conduct
expected of our leaders and makes clear our promise to be the kind of
diverse and welcoming organization represented by our brand.

The standard we expect from our leaders mirrors those we expect of members
and embodies promises we make to one another as we interact at our chapter
meetings and at conventions of the National Federation of the Blind. A
primary one is to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone who
attends. Our meetings welcome those from diverse backgrounds who have made
advancing the good of the blind a goal that is so important in their lives
that they commit their time and treasure to securing it. Everyone who
attends our events can expect to be safe, to be treated with courtesy and
respect, and to be appreciated for who they are. We make no distinction
based on age, race, gender, religion, educational level, sexual orientation,
or one's affiliation or lack thereof with a political party or ideology.
Here is the formal pledge that we make to one another to ensure that the
Federation is representative, welcoming, and open to all who are engaged in
our cause.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CODE OF CONDUCT

I. Introduction

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. The Federation
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
live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. To help carry
out the Federation's vital mission, this Code of Conduct sets forth policies
and standards that all members, especially Federation leaders, are expected
to adopt and follow.

II. Diversity Policy

The National Federation of the Blind embraces diversity and full
participation as core values in its mission to achieve equality,
opportunity, and security for the blind. We are committed to building and
maintaining a nationwide organization with state affiliates and local
chapters that is unified in its priorities and programs and is directed by
the membership. We respect differences of opinion, beliefs, identities, and
other characteristics that demonstrate that blind people are a diverse cross
section of society. Furthermore, the organization is dedicated to continuing
to establish new methods of membership and leadership development that
reflect the diversity of the entire blind community. In promoting a diverse
and growing organization, we expect integrity and honesty in our
relationships with each other and openness to learning about and
experiencing cultural diversity. We believe that these qualities are crucial
to fostering social and intellectual maturity. Intellectual maturity also
requires individual struggle with unfamiliar ideas. We recognize that our
views and convictions will be challenged, and we expect this challenge to
take place in a climate of tolerance and mutual respect in order to maintain
a united organization. While we encourage the exchange of differing ideas
and experiences, we do not condone the use of demeaning, derogatory, or
discriminatory language, action, or any other form of expression intended to
marginalize an individual or group. The National Federation of the Blind
does not tolerate discrimination on the basis  of race, creed, color,
religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national
origin, citizenship, marital status, age, genetic information, disability,
or any other characteristic or intersectionality of characteristics.

III. Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy The National Federation
of the Blind will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed,
color, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation,
national origin, citizenship, marital status, age, genetic information,
disability, or any other characteristic or intersectionality of
characteristics. Harassment on the basis of any of these characteristics
similarly will not be tolerated. Although this Code of Conduct establishes a
minimum standard prohibiting discrimination and harassment, nothing in this
Code should be interpreted to limit in any way a person's right to report
abuse or harassment to law enforcement when appropriate.

Sexual harassment is prohibited by  state and federal law and also will not
be tolerated by the National Federation of the Blind. Complaints of
harassment may be lodged by a female against a male, by a female against a
female, by a male against a male, or by a male against a female. Sexual
harassment is defined as "unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual
favors, sexually motivated physical  contact, or other verbal or physical
conduct or communication of a sexual nature." The following conduct is
either considered conduct that by itself is sexual harassment, or that has
the potential risk of causing sexual harassment to occur, and this conduct
is therefore prohibited:

unwelcome inappropriate physical contact or touching; repeating of sexually
suggestive jokes/references/innuendoes and comments about an individual's
body/sexual prowess/physical attributes/dress; the use of sexually
derogatory language/pictures/videos toward/about another person; the use of
inappropriate sexual gestures; sexually suggestive propositions; and
explicit or implicit threats that failure to submit will have negative
consequences.

Under this policy, harassment can be verbal, written, or physical conduct
that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because
of his or her race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status,
citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by
law; or that of his or her relatives, friends, or associates, and that a)
has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive
environment; b) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
an individual's performance or involvement in the organization; or c)
otherwise adversely affects an individual's opportunities for
participation/advancement in the organization.

Harassing conduct includes epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping;
threatening, intimidating or hostile acts including bullying; denigrating
jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or
aversion toward an individual or group that is placed on walls or elsewhere
on the organization's premises or circulated by email, phone (including
voice messages), text messages, social networking sites, or other means.

IV. Social Media and Web Policy

All members of the Federation, but especially officers of the Federation as
well as those in leadership positions such as state affiliate presidents,
should follow these recommended guidelines when making comments online,
posting to a blog, using Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/YouTube/

Pinterest/Instagram/similar tools, and/or using other platforms that fall
under the definition of social media:

Promote the mission and branding message of the organization in
comments/posts.

Recognize that you are morally and legally responsible for comments/pictures
posted online.

Be aware that the audience includes members and nonmembers of the NFB, both
youth and adults, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Refrain from using profanity/derogatory language.

Post/respond with integrity. Though you may disagree with a post, be
respectful and factual. Do not fight or air personal grievances online.

Do not post materials that are inappropriate for children/minors to
view/share/read.

V. Conflict of Interest Policy

Each NFB officer, national board member, or state affiliate president
(hereafter Federation leader) is expected to take appropriate responsibility
to protect the Federation from misappropriation or mismanagement of
Federation funds (including funds of an affiliate, chapter, or division in
which the Federation leader assumes a leadership role).

Each Federation leader is expected to disclose the existence of any
potentially conflicting personal financial interest or relationship to the
full National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors and seek its review
and approval, as specified below. For example:

A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of his or her
receipt of salary or compensation of any kind from the Federation (including
an affiliate, chapter, or division).

A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of receipt by his or
her spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other close relative of salary or
compensation of any kind from the Federation (including an affiliate,
chapter, or division).

A Federation leader must seek board review and approval of any ownership
interest exceeding 5 percent in or of any salary, compensation, commission,
or significant tangible gift from any commercial venture doing business or
seeking to do business with the Federation (including an affiliate, chapter,
or division). This process will also apply to the review of such interests
involving spouses, parents, children, siblings, or other close relatives.

In reviewing matters brought pursuant to this section, the officer or
national board member seeking national board review and approval will
refrain from voting.

Each Federation leader shall take appropriate steps to avoid unauthorized or
inaccurate appearances or official endorsement by the Federation (including
an affiliate, chapter, or division) of any product, service, or activity
that has not been so endorsed. For example, because the Federation never
endorses political parties or candidates for elected office, any Federation
leader participating in the political process must take care to avoid
creating an appearance of official Federation endorsement.

VI. Policy While Interacting with Minors For purposes of this Code of
Conduct and consistent with most legal standards, a minor is any individual
under the age of eighteen. While interacting with any minor, a national
officer, national board member, or state affiliate president (hereafter
Federation leader) shall recognize that a minor cannot legally give consent
for any purpose even if said minor is verbally or otherwise expressing
consent. For example, a minor may say that he/ or she consents to physical
interaction. However, such consent is not valid or legal and should not be
accepted. A parent or guardian must be informed and consulted about any
action requiring consent from the minor. A Federation leader shall report
any inappropriate interactions between adults and minors to the minor's
parents and law enforcement when appropriate.

VII. Alcohol and Drug Policy

Although alcoholic beverages are served at some Federation social functions,
members and Federation leaders may not participate in any such functions in
a condition that prevents them from participating safely and from conducting
Federation business effectively or that might cause embarrassment to or
damage the reputation of the Federation. The Federation prohibits the
possession, sale, purchase, delivery, dispensing, use, or transfer of
illegal substances on Federation property or at Federation functions.

VIII. Other General Principles

In addition to the other policies and standards set-forth herein, national
officers, national board members, and state affiliate presidents (hereafter
Federation leaders) shall adhere to the following standards:

Federation leaders shall practice accountability and transparency in all
activities and transactions.

Federation leaders shall foster a welcoming environment at NFB meetings,
events, and conferences that is a cooperative and productive atmosphere for
all members and nonmembers.

Federation leaders shall interact with NFB staff in a professional manner
and follow proper channels of authority and communication.

Federation leaders shall positively promote the NFB through verbal and
written communication.

Whenever possible, Federation leaders and members are strongly encouraged to
handle conflicts or complaints involving other members privately, directly,
and respectfully. Nothing in this standard is intended to limit a Federation
leader's or member's right to pursue organizational change through
appropriate methods or to limit anyone's right to file a complaint for
violation of this Code when necessary.

IX. Violations and Complaint Procedure

Violations of this Code of Conduct,  after first being established through
the process set-forth below, are subject to disciplinary action by the
Federation. Such disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to
counselling, verbal and/or written reprimand, probation, suspension or
termination of officer/leadership duties, and/or suspension or expulsion
from the Federation.

Any complaint for a violation of this Code of Conduct shall be filed with
the Office of the President for the Federation. The President shall appoint
a committee of no more than four persons to investigate the complaint and
provide a recommendation for action or lack thereof. The committee shall be
comprised of persons not directly involved in the matters being raised and
who can be completely unbiased about the individuals and issues addressed in
the complaint. Every effort shall be made to appoint a committee reflecting
the broad diversity of individuals in the Federation.

Complaints shall be treated as confidential in order to protect the identity
and reputation of the person about whom the complaint is filed and the
person filing the complaint.

All complaints shall be filed as promptly as possible. Except under extreme
circumstances, no complaint shall be accepted or investigated after a year
from the time of the alleged violation of this Code.

Complaints that turn out to be false and used for the purpose of harassing,
intimidating, or retaliating against someone will be subject to the same
kind of disciplinary action enumerated above.

Any person dissatisfied with the resolution of a complaint may file an
appeal with the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors, which
may, in its discretion, take such action as it deems necessary. No national
board member shall participate in the consideration of an appeal under this
Code if such board member is the subject of the complaint or if such board
member cannot be completely unbiased, impartial, and fair while considering
the matter.

X. Minimum Standard

This Code of Conduct is intended to recite a minimum set of standards
expected of Federation members. It sets forth the spirit that the Federation
expects of all of its participants toward each other and toward those who
work with the Federation at all of its levels. It is intended to be
interpreted broadly to instill a respectful, cooperative, and welcoming
spirit in members and in the activities of the Federation.

XI. Federation Pledge and Acknowledgement of Code of Conduct I, (Federation
leader), pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National
Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for
the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to
abide by its Constitution. I further acknowledge that I have read this Code
of Conduct and that I will follow its policies, standards, and principles.

National Federation of the Blind National Convention Info: 

The National Federation of the Blind will hold its annual National
Convention during the week of July 3-8, 2018. The convention will be at the
Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, FL.  The 2018 room rates are singles
and doubles, $88; and triples and quads, $93. In addition to the room rates
there will be a tax, which at present is 12.5 percent. No charge will be
made for children under seventeen in the room with parents if no extra bed
is requested. Please note that the hotel is a no-smoking facility.

Call for your reservations at (866) 996-6338 or you may also write directly
to the Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida
32819-9357. The hotel will want a deposit of $100 for each room and will
want a credit card number or a personal check. If you use a credit card, the
deposit will be charged against your card immediately, just as would be the
case with a $100 check. If a reservation is cancelled before Friday, June 1,
2018, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise refunds will not be
made.  Preregister for the convention on the NFB website at www.nfb.org as
soon as possible.

Seattle Ends Subminimum Wages for Workers with Disabilities

National Federation of the Blind Commends Unanimous City Council Vote

Baltimore, Maryland (April 3, 2018): Seattle's city council unanimously
voted yesterday to ban the practice of paying the blind and other workers
with disabilities less than the city's minimum wage. The National Federation
of the Blind, which has led efforts to eliminate the practice at the local,
state, and federal level (including in Seattle), commended the move.

"We appreciate the leadership demonstrated in Seattle by rejecting
subminimum wages and, by extension, the underlying low expectations and
misconceptions about the capacity of people with disabilities," said Mark
Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "Even as we
continue to advocate for change in the United States Congress, we hope other
cities and states will emulate what Seattle and the states of Alaska,
Maryland, New Hampshire, and Vermont have done to promote fairness and
equality for workers with disabilities. Congratulations to the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington and its partners for achieving this
victory for blind and otherwise disabled citizens of Seattle."

*New Information: Just Us Blind Girls of Palm Beach Support Group 

Please come and join us at our regular monthly meeting which is every third
Wednesday of each month.

This is an organization for adult blind women. The purpose of the
organization is to show blind women that they can strive to be more
independent, self-sufficient, active and self-confident. There is a lot more
to come in the near future. Come and give us a chance; we are on the move.
All women are invited to come to our meetings.

Blind Divas gear up for empowerment pageant  

By  <http://connect.nj.com/user/bcarter/posts.html> Barry Carter

 <mailto:bcarter at starledger.com> bcarter at starledger.com,

Columnist, The Star-Ledger

People with sight say the oddest things to those who are blind.

"Oh, you're so pretty,'' like how can that be?

Danielle DiBello, 30, of Saddle Brook, who is legally blind, said she hears
that often and finds it irksome.

To her, it says blind people can't be attractive, letting the insensitivity
roll off her back.

Then there's this one that cracks up Joanna Mallard, 32, of Jersey City.

"Who dressed you today?''

"Nobody, I'm just living life,'' said Mallard, who lost her vision due to
retinal detachment 12 years ago.

What will they say June 2, when these women grace the stage in Newark during
the Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant 2K18?

Mallard and DiBello are among eight women to sign up first for the pageant
hosted by
<http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/02/turning_the_beat_around_to_see_be
yond_their_blindn.html> Eyes Like Mine Inc., a Newark nonprofit organization
that breaks down stereotypes and stigmas associated with the blind.

This is the second pageant the group has organized, an idea that its
president, Krystle Allen, thought of when she was a student at Essex County
College. As she walked to class, Allen said, she could hear students
referring to her as the "blind girl," a tag she didn't like.

"If they're going to call me something, they're going to call me Blind
Diva,'' said Allen, who likes to dress in style and wear her trademark
6-inch high heel shoes.

>From that experience, Allen and her vice president, Naquela Wright, who also
is blind, rolled out the pageant idea to empower visually impaired women.

For Mallard, the pageant is an opportunity to help others struggling with
blindness the way she once did.

"I was depressed and suicidal, because I felt like I was too young for
this,'' said Mallard, who was 20 at the time.

"It was a struggle, but once I got over the hump, I walk in the liberty
knowing that I'm more than my eyesight.''

Mallard is a poet, licensed foster parent and motivational speaker.

DiBello, after pulling herself through difficult times, such as depression,
is a licensed massage therapist and has sung in several talent shows.

Born blind in her left eye, DiBello said she became legally blind in her
right eye at 12 years old from retinal detachment. People were off-putting
and didn't know how to interact with her, she said.

"Oh, so you can see, but you can't see,'' said DiBello, remembering how she
was treated."I didn't fit into the blind world, and I didn't fit into the
sighted world.''

When she turned 20, DiBello accepted being blind and sought help on how to
live. "I can see a future, whereas I didn't before,'' she said.

Now DiBello can add Diva to her platform after she and a number of other
visually impaired women attended an informational session about the pageant
Saturday, February 10th at the Ashley Stewart clothing store in Newark.

They came from across the state: from Keyport, Plainfield and Irvington, to
Saddle Brook, Jersey City and Maplewood.

One contestant, Tekesha Saffold, 35, flew in from Palm Beach, Florida.

"I've always wanted to be a part of something like this,'' said Saffold, who
lost her sight nine years ago from retinal detachment.

Saffold said she had a hard time accepting her situation, thinking her sight
would return. Once she got past the denial, Saffold gradually became
comfortable with visual impairment and confident in her abilities. An avid
traveler, she graduated college with a bachelor's degree in social work and
is now president of the National Federation of the Blind for Palm Beach
County. This summer, she's planning a life-after-sight party to celebrate
her accomplishments.

"I don't look at my blindness as something that holds me back,'' she said.

Neither does Tara Invidiato, 33, of Keyport, who is entering the pageant for
another reason. Invidiato is deaf and blind. Her participation, she said, is
to reach the deaf-blind community.

"It's very hard for the deaf-blind to come out,'' Invidiato said."I'm trying
to show them that they have the power to come out and do anything they
can.''

She was born deaf, but Invidiato said losing her sight three years ago to
aggressive glaucoma was tough.

"I couldn't read anything. I couldn't talk,'' she said. "Without any
communication, that will drive you nuts." 

Invidiato learned Braille in 10 months and continued to use American Sign
Language. Today, she teaches individuals who are guides for blind people and
she is on the board of directors for the American Association of the
Deaf-Blind.

Eyes Like Mine takes pride in showing those of us with sight what the blind
community can do.

Two years ago, the organization had blind folks wearing out the dance floor
during its
<http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/04/these_dancers_have_all_the_right_
moves.html> Dancing With the Blind competition at Essex County College in
Newark. The dancers did salsa and hip-hop, liturgical and modern dance,
house music and tap dance routines.

The pageant should be just as riveting.

Allen is looking for more contestants to take part in the Blind Diva
competition. There will be workshops on public speaking, walking the runway,
make-up tutorials. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, which
happens to be The Club House, 205 Spruce St., Newark.

Come on out. Trust me, Eyes Like Mine won't disappoint.  Oh yeah, they want
us to dress to impress.

The Blind Divas certainly will.

Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or  <mailto:bcarter at starledger.com>
bcarter at starledger.com or 

 <http://connect.nj.com/user/bcarter/posts.html> nj.com/carter or follow him
on Twitter
<https://twitter.com/BarryCarterSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7C
twgr%5Eauthor> @BarryCarterSL

The mission of the National Federation of the Blind is to achieve widespread
emotional acceptance and intellectual understanding that the real problem of
blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the misconceptions and lack of
information which exist. We do this by bringing blind people together to
share successes, to support each other in times of failure, and to create
imaginative solutions.

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
Eleanor Roosevelt

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