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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>FYI<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> Mark Riccobono [mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org] <br><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, April 03, 2014 12:13 PM<br><b>To:</b> Melanie Peskoe<br><b>Subject:</b> NFB Jernigan Institute Newsletter - It's April and Spring is Finally Here!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;caption-side: bottom;float:left'><tr style='float:left'><td width=700 style='width:525.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;float:left'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width=450 style='width:337.5pt;float:left'><tr style='float:left'><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p style='margin-right:15.0pt'><img id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/NFB_JI_logo.jpg" alt="Graphic: NFBJI logo"><strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>Imagineering Our Future</span></strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:4.5pt'><td width="30%" style='width:30.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:4.5pt'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:#FFA12D'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>Issue 63</span> </strong><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p align=right style='text-align:right'><strong><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>April 2014</span> </strong><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>In this issue:</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><ul type=disc><ul type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Executive" target=executive title="Link to Message from Executive Director" id="#executive">Message from the Executive Director</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><a href="#news" target=news title="What's News at the NFB" id=news><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>What's News at the NFB</span></a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#education" target=education title=education id=education>Education</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#BrailleInitiative" title="Braille Initiative">Braille Initiative</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Advocacy" title=Advocacy>Advocacy</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Technology" title="Access technology">Product and Access Technology Talk</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Library" title="Jacobus tenBroek Library">From the tenBroek Library</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Market">Independence Market</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Imagination">Imagination Fund</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#calendar" title=Events>NFB Calendar</a></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="#Citation" title=Citation>Citation</a></span><o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <b><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=Executive></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Message from the Executive Director</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Dear Friends,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>One of the tremendous benefits of working on behalf of a national organization is the opportunity for a diverse array of experiences while traveling around country to learn what blind people are doing in local communities. In the past month I had the opportunity to be in Louisiana and Missouri, spending time with members of the National Federation of the Blind. It is always interesting to witness how different the reaction can be to a blind man traveling independently and going through life like anyone else.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>On Sunday night I returned to Baltimore from my latest trip. I was happy to be back, so I hustled from the plane through the A terminal at Baltimore Washington International Airport to the curb where I was to meet the ride I had arranged. I had been standing on the curb in my suit, simply waiting for my ride for about five minutes, when a woman suddenly ran up to me. It was 9:30 p.m. on a Sunday night and she was the loudest thing around as the airport was fairly quiet. She informed me that I was standing on the curb and that I should step away so I would not fall off. I told her that I thought the curb seemed unlikely to give way, that I was certainly aware of where I was standing, and that I was simply waiting for my ride. She continued to insist that I step away from the curb because I was likely to fall off.</span><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 align=left><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=72 height=101 id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/riccobono-family.jpg" alt="Picture of a young Riccobono family"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Contrast this with yesterday afternoon when my wife Melissa—who is also blind—and I went to enjoy opening day of baseball season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. We traveled with our long white canes among the more than forty-six thousand fans, found concessions and our seats, and enjoyed the game with the crowd. Not once did someone worry we would suddenly fall out of the stands. Instead, the fact that we happened to be blind almost never came up, and when we asked questions to get directions we were always met with clear answers. It got me thinking about what the difference might be in these situations. Was it that there were two of us—does one blind person look helpless and lonely, and two look confident and supported? Was it that among forty-six thousand people there was no one that had low expectations for blind people? Or is this simply an expression that in some ways we have made significant progress, but that there are still members of the public who do not yet know that blind people have developed the tools and techniques to live the lives we want and pursue our dreams with ambition.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>In my travels, I meet blind people who are just coming to learn that they are not likely to simply tumble off a curb by standing on it, and that they can travel in a crowd of thousands confidently and independently. In the NFB we teach each other that blindness is not the tragedy that some might think and that we can learn to participate fully in all aspects of our society. The fact that members of the general public still run up to us and express low expectations for us is evidence that we have more work to do, and why our organization provides something different to blind people. Whether you are at the airport or attending a baseball game, I hope you take an opportunity to teach people about the work of the National Federation of the Blind and invite them to support our work.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Thank you for all you do,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><img border=0 width=160 height=40 id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/MAR_signature.jpg" alt="Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director</span><br><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB Jernigan Institute</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>P.S. The National Federation of the Blind has made a tremendous difference in my life. Will you help me make those resources available to the next generation by helping me meet my fundraising goal? Visit <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3288&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to fundraising page">https://app.mobilecause.com/public/social/9690</a> or text "mylife" to 71777 to get more information. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1029" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h2><a name=news></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>What's News at the NFB</span><o:p></o:p></h2><h3><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h3><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The seventh annual Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, "Disability Rights in the 21st Century: Creative Solutions for Achieving the Right to Live in the World," will take place at the Jernigan Institute on April 24-25, 2014. This year's symposium will examine cutting-edge strategies and arguments developed by disability rights advocates to achieve Dr. tenBroek's vision of equality of opportunity. Highlighting the 2014 symposium will be theme keynote speakers Jenny Hatch and Jonathan Martinis who will talk about "Justice for Jenny," the landmark case in which Ms. Hatch won the right to make her own decisions through supported decision-making, rather than being forced into a guardianship that she did not want and that would make all decisions for her. The luncheon keynote will be given by Catherine Lhamon, assistant secretary, Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education. With a format that includes workshops in addition to plenary sessions, the 2014 symposium will provide disability rights advocates opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and networking. The symposium agenda, link to online registration, and information about sponsorship opportunities can be found at <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3218&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium registration">https://nfb.org/law-symposium</a>.</span> <o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB Free Slate Program</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Do you need a new slate and stylus? Are you learning Braille and need to practice writing? Are your old labels looking a little shabby? We have the answer!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The NFB has started a new program whereby you can receive a free 4-line, 28-cell, Whozit metal slate and a round plastic stylus. The slate and stylus is the only device you can fit into your pocket/purse to take down notes, phone numbers, and the names of people you meet as readily as a person using a pen and paper. We believe Braille is vital to all blind individuals and should be available in every facet of a blind person’s life. You can order your free slate by visiting <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3219&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Slate and Stylus program">https://nfb.org/free-slate-program</a>. If you have questions, please e-mail us at <a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org" target="_blank" title="e-mail to slate and stylus">nfb@nfb.org</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Requests for Accommodations Based on Disability</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The NFB convention is designed and implemented to be accessible especially to blind people, in that materials are offered in accessible formats and other nonvisual aids are provided (therefore special requests for these items are not required). If you require specific accommodations based on your disability, other than the blindness-related accommodations mentioned above, in order to participate fully and equally in the convention, we urge you to let us know as soon as possible. Specific accommodations for which requests are required include requests for deaf or deaf-blind interpreters. Due to the size and complexity of this convention, as well as the need to appropriately plan for additional human and other resources, requests for specific accommodations must be submitted no later than May 31, 2014. In order to make a request please: 1) preregister for the convention by visiting <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3220&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to convention registration">http://nfb.org/registration</a>; and 2) send your specific request for accommodations in writing to the NFB Jernigan Institute via e-mail at <a href="Mailto:jerniganinstitute@nfb.org" title="E-mail to Jernigan Institute">jerniganinstitute@nfb.org</a>. Please include your name, the dates you plan to be at the convention, information on the best way to follow up with you, and your specific request. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>6 Dot Dash</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>We invite you to join in the fun of this year’s <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3293&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to 6 Dot Dash">6 Dot Dash: A 6K Race to Advance Braille Literacy</a> on June 8 at 8:00 a.m. The race will kick off at the NFB Jernigan Institute, winding through the Baltimore Inner Harbor before finishing back at the NFB. All proceeds from the race will go to the NFB, to eliminate the Braille literacy crisis in the United States and to ensure equality for the blind. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Research indicates that blind people who know and use Braille have higher rates of employment, self-confidence, and general social integration. Yet, only 10 percent of blind children are receiving instruction in Braille in the public schools. Additionally, there are not enough programs to teach Braille to blind adults. We need to move quickly to reverse this trend and establish stronger literacy programs—the 6 Dot Dash is one means of ensuring that we do not leave the blind behind. Come help us get every blind person to the literacy finish line.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To register online, please go to <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3221&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to 6 Dot Dash race registration">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6-dot-dash-tickets-10944440115</a>, or click on the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3294&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to print the 6 Dot Dash registration form">registration form</a> link to print and mail your registration. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Please contact Ilana Posner at (410) 659-9314, extension 2283, or at <a href="mailto:iposner@nfb.org" title="E-mail to Ilana Posner">iposner@nfb.org</a>, for sponsor information or with any questions.</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 align=center style='text-align:center'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1030" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></h2><h2><a name=education></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Education</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The year 2014 is already shaping up to be a productive and successful year for the NFB Jernigan Institute. On March 3, we once again celebrated Read Across America Day by broadcasting our love of Braille literacy across social media. We collected more photos and videos of people reading Braille across the country, and we encouraged affiliates to hold birthday parties for Dr. Seuss centered on Braille activities. Additionally, we held a Dr. Seuss Braille book giveaway. We had dozens of people enter and we were able to give away twenty Braille books! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>We also celebrated Pi Day on March 14, since the date can be written 3-14. We gathered activities and ideas to help promote Braille numeracy and the participation of blind people in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. While those may seem like subjects for older children, numeracy skills begin in early childhood, just like literacy skills. Number and shape recognition are great places to start. And, of course, pi is needed to calculate the area of a circle and pies are circular—the connection is easy to make! We celebrated the day with a slice of "pi" and hope you did, too.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Finally, we’re happy to announce that the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3296&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB BELL website">NFB BELL Web site</a> and <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3297&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB BELL application">application</a> are ready to go for this year’s season of NFB BELL programs. We’ve revamped the FAQ pages and made sure the application is ready for action. We can’t wait to hear all about everyone’s experience with the NFB BELL programs. Braille literacy affects every aspect of a blind person's life by opening doors of opportunity. We’re eager to see as many children as possible given the advantage of Braille literacy.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1031" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=BrailleInitiative></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Braille Initiative</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Braille Certification Training Program</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Under a contract with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS), the NFB administers the courses leading to NLS certification of Braille transcribers and proofreaders. Successful completion of these rigorous courses requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the students. We congratulate the following individuals who earned certification during the month of January 2013:</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><em><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Literary Braille Transcribing</span></em><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Alabama</span></strong><br><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Dontavious D. Little, Oxford </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Arizona</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Jeff M. Welch, Florence </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>California</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Tammy Lee Arevalo, Santee <br> Pamela Louise Brewster, LaHabra <br> Duane A. Lewis, Represa <br> James Alan McDaniels, Represa <br> Joseph Mathew Zito, Camarillo </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Florida</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Suzanne Kelner, Boca Raton</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Minnesota</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Greta Jeanine Koch, Little Canada </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Nevada</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Darrell Richard Escalanti-Smith, Las Vegas </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>North Carolina</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Calvin W. Locklear, Laurinburg</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Ohio</span></strong><br><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> David Edward Brody, Grafton</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Pennsylvania</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Deanna L. Buzzard, Cambridge Springs</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Texas</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Brandy Lynn Gonzales, Gatesville<br> Linda Carole Holland, Gatesville<br> Josefina G. Lerma, Gatesville<br> Elsie Castillo Moreno, Gatesville</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Washington</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Tanya C. Allison, Kirkland <br> Heather Lee Van Hooser, Gig Harbor</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Wisconsin</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br> Dale E. Voss, Oshkosh</span><br><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><em><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Literary Braille Proofreading</span></em><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Nebraska</span></strong><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong></span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>James Darrell Russell, Lincoln</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><em><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Mathematics (Nemeth) Braille Transcribing</span></em><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Michigan</span></strong><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong></span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Mario L. Madrid, Jackson</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><h2><em><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Music Braille Transcribing</span></em><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>South Dakota</span></strong><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong></span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Toby W. Ferguson, Sioux Falls </span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1032" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=advocacy></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Advocacy</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p> <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Help the NFB Ensure that Common Core Assessments Are Accessible: Complete the NFB’s <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3222&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to the Common Core Assessment Survey">Common Core Assessment Survey</a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>This spring, over one million students nationwide will participate in field tests, practice tests, and training tests aligned to the new Common Core State Standards. As the consortia selected by the United States Department of Education to design and administer these new assessments, Smarter Balanced and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) are required to provide accessible tests that measure students’ mastery of curricula, rather than reflect their disabilities. Appropriate and individualized accommodations must be available.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Since 2010, the NFB has advocated to both PARCC and Smarter Balanced regarding accommodations and accessible testing platforms. In January 2014, after PARCC confirmed that key accommodations would not be available with its field tests, including Braille, tactile graphics, and commercially available screen-reading software such as JAWS, effectively excluding blind students from participating in its field test, the NFB filed suit against the consortium, raising claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>On February 24, 2014, PARCC and the NFB reached a settlement agreement in which PARCC committed to working with the NFB to ensure that blind students are not left behind in the assessment process. Under the terms of the settlement, PARCC will make its practice tests accessible to blind students in spring 2014, and will consult with the NFB to ensure that all subsequent practice tests and assessments will be available at the time of deployment in accessible formats used by blind test-takers, including Braille files for embossing in hard-copy Braille, or via electronic access methods such as refreshable Braille displays and text-to-speech screen-reader software. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Though the NFB and PARCC have entered into a settlement agreement, our work is far from finished. We are continuing to gather information regarding both PARCC’s and Smarter Balanced’s field, practice, and training test availability and accessibility. Your feedback in this area is critical. As parents, students, and teachers, you can provide the NFB with valuable data reflective of the assessments’ use within your local school districts. Please complete the following survey and encourage other parents, students, and teachers to do the same: <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3222&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to the Common Core Assessment Survey">Common Core Assessment Survey</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>For more information, contact Valerie Yingling, paralegal, at <a href="Mailto:vyingling@nfb.org," title="E-mail to Valerie Yingling">vyingling@nfb.org,</a> or 410-659-9314, extension 2440.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The TEACH Act in Tennessee</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>James Brown, president of the Tennessee affiliate (NFBTN), knows firsthand the issues with accessibility in higher education from his time as a graduate student at Trevecca University. When he heard about the proposed national TEACH Act, he thought they could do something similar in his state. Working with the advocacy and policy team at the NFB Jernigan Institute, they determined that the basics were already done. They just needed sponsors. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>While James was at Washington Seminar, working on the TEACH Act at the national level, NFBTN's legislative coordinator, Joe Shaw, was working with the local Tennessee Legislature back home in Nashville. They were able to get a majority of the house and senate education committees members to sign up as sponsors in just two days.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Once back in Tennessee, James met with representatives from the Tennessee Board of Regents, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, arguing that their current reactive model to accessibility was not working, and that they needed to move to a more proactive model. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The bill (SB1692) unanimously passed the Tennessee Senate in mid-March, and passed the House (HB1857) on March 31. It is on its way to the governor's desk, where it is expected to be signed! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The bill, as amended, would set up a task force, making digital accessibility recommendations to ensure electronic accessibility in Tennessee's college and higher education system. The recommendations of the committee will go to the chairs of the house and senate education committees in December, where it is understood they will progress and become law. A summary of the bill can be found on the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3289&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to TN TEACH Act">Tennessee General Assembly Web site</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1033" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=Technology></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Product and Access Technology Talk</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The access technology team has safely returned to harbor after attending and presenting at CSUN (29th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference) in San Diego. With all five sessions successfully completed, we’re sharing the materials from the 3D-printing session on the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3223&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Access Technology Blog">Access Technology Blog</a>. The PowerPoint presentation may be of some interest, but the resource sheet is especially to the point.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The registration pages for our two fall events are now live. You can sign up for the Web Accessibility Training Day at <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3224&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Web Accessibility Day registration">https://nfb.org/web-accessibility-day</a>. This event, a mini-conference on Web accessibility, will be held at the NFB Jernigan Institute on September 9, and will provide those interested in Web accessibility with a host of sessions covering a variety of topics, from business implementations to HTML 5. October 15-17 we will be hosting the Train-the-Trainer event. Participants in this training will get hands-on instruction on new technology developments, as well as with less familiar subjects in accessibility. Registration and other information can be found at <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3225&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Train-the-trainers registration">https://nfb.org/training-the-trainers</a>. Note that space is limited.<br> </span><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1034" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><p><a name=Library></a><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>From the tenBroek Library</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Last December, we reported on the initial progress of our project to digitize the audio recordings of the NFB’s long-running series of books known as the Kernel Books. These collections of short stories, originally envisioned by past NFB President Kenneth Jernigan, were published from 1991 to 2006. Each one is filled with stories of the everyday experiences of blind people and is written by the very people who lived them. Our goal was to have the audio recordings for each of the thirty Kernel books available for download and streaming on the NFB Web site by mid-2014. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>We are pleased to report that as of March 31, we have reached the halfway mark on this project! A total of fifteen Kernel Books are now available in audio format at <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3226&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Kernel books">https://nfb.org/kernel-books,</a> and can be accessed as either individual stories or entire collections. New titles include early favorites, such as <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The Journey</span></em> (1994) and <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Standing on One Foot</span></em> (1993), as well as later additions to the series, such as <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Not Much of a Muchness</span></em> (2002) and <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To Touch the Untouchable Dream</span></em> (1998).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To celebrate the work completed, and to stir up excitement for the books still left to be digitized, here are a few of our favorite stories. They are all selected from this second batch of digitized books from one of the NFB’s most successful and inspiring publications. Please listen and enjoy! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3227&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to audio To Light a Candle with Mathematics"><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To Light a Candle with Mathematics</span></em></a> by Dr. Abraham Nemeth</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3228&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to audio The Wall to Wall Thanksgiving">The Wall-to-Wall Thanksgiving</a></span></em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> by Barbara Pierce</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3229&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to audio An Unplanned Walk in the Blizzard">An Unplanned Walk in the Blizzard</a></span></em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> by Cary Supalo</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1035" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"></span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=Market></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Independence Market</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The National Federation of the Blind actively promotes Braille literacy for blind and vision-impaired individuals of all ages. We know from the personal experiences of many of our members how empowering this important literacy tool can be at home, at school, and on the job. Some of our members have told moving stories about how heartbroken they were about not being able to read to their children, because they did not learn to read Braille themselves when they were young and their limited print-reading skills were no longer sufficient. Others talk about how rewarding it was to learn Braille after having lost vision later in life, because they now can read to their grandchildren, something they thought they would never be able to do after becoming blind. From learning proper spelling and punctuation, solving math problems, studying music, and making public presentations, to reading for fun, playing card and board games, making grocery and other to-do lists, and labeling spices and many more household items, Braille is simply invaluable to blind people of all ages. And you are never too old to learn. Moreover, you don’t have to be an expert, contracted-Braille speed-reader to find using Braille helpful in your everyday life.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The NFB Independence Market carries various products useful to Braille users of all skill levels. For the beginning adult student we have three different Braille curricula for learning the code: <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3271&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Beginning Braille for Adults">Beginning Braille for Adults</a></span></em>, <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3272&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to The McDuffy Reader">The McDuffy Reader</a></span></em>, and the <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3273&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Braille Series">Braille Series</a></span></em>. Students of any age may find the <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3274&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to AAF Handbook of Braille Contractions">American Action Fund Handbook of Braille Contractions</a></span></em> useful. This volume contains an alphabetical listing of Braille contractions and punctuation signs and is now available in two versions: either in Twin-Vision format (Braille interleaved with print) or Braille only. We also sell <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3275&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Braille Quick Reference Guides">Braille Quick Reference Guides</a></span></em> for Nemeth and Computer Braille, which list commonly used symbols for these codes. And, of course, a large number of <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3276&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to slates">slates</a> for writing Braille, different types of <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3277&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Braille paper">Braille paper</a>, and various <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3278&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Braille writing supplies">Braille labeling supplies</a> may be purchased from the Independence Market. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>For more information about any of these products, or to make a purchase, visit the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3279&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Independence Market">Independence Market online</a>, e-mail us at <a href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org" title="E-mail to Independence Market">independencemarket@nfb.org</a>, or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2216. We will be glad to answer any of your questions.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1036" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"></span><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=Imagination></a><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Imagination Fund</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Imagine Creating a Future Full of Opportunities for the Blind</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Uncle Whozit understands that fundraising is as simple as sharing a story.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>I have held a variety of roles in the National Federation of the Blind, each of them with their own unique challenges, benefits, and responsibilities. In each of these roles, I recognized the responsibility for giving back to the organization that has allowed me to maintain my independence and self-worth. I have also taken advantage of the opportunities I had to encourage others to support the work of the Federation. I reflect on the challenges, benefits, and responsibilities in a recent article in the <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Braille Monitor</span></em> as I encourage the readers to<a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3230&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Imagine Creating a World Full of Opportunities for the Blind"> Imagine Creating a Future Full of Opportunities for the Blind. </a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>As the chairperson of the NFB Imagination Fund, I have the distinct honor of promoting one of our most dynamic giving opportunities. Through the recruitment of Imaginators, who are members willing to engage potential funding sources in creative ways, we are able to fund our organization by developing relationships with those that may not be aware of the Federation. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>April brings us to the second month of our three-month-long Imagination Fund campaign to raise $300,000 for the development and implementation of the projects and programs of our NFB Jernigan Institute, our fifty-two affiliates, and approximately seven hundred local chapters. During this month, we will be continuing our effort to recruit Imaginators to serve in our army of fundraisers for the NFB. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The primary role of the Imaginator is to share the good news of the NFB. Whether as a blind person, a family member, or a friend, we all have a personal story to tell about how the Federation has allowed us to live the lives we want, and raising funds to continue the work of the Federation is a simple as sharing your story. There are many people that would readily offer to contribute their financial resources to help us continue to change what it means to be blind. We simply need to let them know how the philosophy, advocacy, training, and education offered by the National Federation of the Blind have positively affected our lives. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Remember, half of the funds raised through our Imagination Fund campaign support the development of groundbreaking programs at our NFB Jernigan Institute. The other half will be used to support the innovative projects of our state affiliates, chapters, and divisions.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Uncle Whozit needs you. If you have what it takes to be an Imaginator, contact me at <a href="Mailto:ImaginationFund@nfb.org" title="E-mail to Imagination Fund">ImaginationFund@nfb.org</a> and we will get you signed up. If you want to support an organization that recognizes that blindness does not define you or your future, make a donation by visiting <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3231&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to donate to the Imagination Fund">www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture</a>.</span> <o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1037" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name=calendar><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>NFB Calendar</span><o:p></o:p></a></h2><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Upcoming Events</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3218&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Law Symposium"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>, "Disability Rights in the 21st Century: Creative Solutions for Achieving the Right to Live in the World" – April 24-25, 2014</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3293&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to 6 Dot Dash"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>6 Dot Dash</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> at the NFB Jernigan Institute – June 8, 2014</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3232&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB Convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB National Convention</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> at the Rosen Center – July 1-6, 2014</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3224&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Web Accessibility Day"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Web Accessibility Day</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> at NFB Jernigan Institute – September 9 </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3225&qid=438670" title="Link to Train-the-trainers"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB Access Technology Train the Trainers</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - October 15-17</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Start of the NFB's 75th year – November 16, 2014</span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>State Conventions</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3234&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of New Mexico"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of New Mexico</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - April 4-6</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3235&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of Delaware convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of Delaware </span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>- April 11-12</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3236&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of New Hampshire convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of New Hampshire</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - April 11-13</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3233&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of Oklahoma"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of Oklahoma</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - April 11-13</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3237&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of Wisconsin convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of Wisconsin</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - April 11-13</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of South Dakota - April 25-26</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3238&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of Utah convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NFB of </span></a><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3238&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to NFB of Utah convention"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Utah</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> - May 8-11</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1038" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><h2><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'>Citation</span><o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>In the past we have been rejected, tolerated, and admired for the wrong reason—because of our blindness. We will find the strength and the resolve to change these attitudes so that we who are blind gain full acceptance. In so doing we will lose the high profile so often associated with blindness and will reach anonymity. We want no false admiration from those who think us their inferiors. Instead we insist on the real thing, with all the recognition that this implies. And we will not rest until we have it. Join me, and we will make it come true!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>--Marc Maurer. "The Search for Anonymity." Banquet speech, 1998 NFB National Convention, Dallas, Texas, July 9, 1998</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center;azimuth: center'> <img border=0 width=243 height=2 id="_x0000_i1039" src="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/Divider.gif" alt="Graphic: section divider"><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"'> </span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute’s <em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Imagineering Our Future</span></em>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Help make a significant difference in the lives of blind people across the country.</span><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 style='float:right'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=55 height=87 id="_x0000_i1040" src="https://nfb.org/images/civimages/accred_charity_ltr.jpg"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3239&qid=438670" title="Make a gift to the NFB"><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Make a Gift Today</span></strong> </a></span><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><a href="#Executive" title="Link Back to Top"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Back to Top</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-line-height-alt:4.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></td><td width="25%" valign=top style='width:25.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-spacing: 2px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:63.75pt'><td style='border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt;height:63.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <img border=0 width=100 height=67 id="_x0000_i1041" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/youth-slam.jpg" alt="Photo: Youth Slam"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3240&qid=438670" title="Make a gift to the NFB">Make a Gift Today</a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To donate a vehicle to the NFB, call toll-free <br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:darkorange'>1-855-659-9314</span></strong><b><span style='color:darkorange'><br></span><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>or visit our </span></strong><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3241&qid=438670" title="Link to Vehicle Donations">vehicle donation</a> </span></strong><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>page.</span></strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To donate clothing or household items to the NFB, <b><span style='color:darkorange'><br></span><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>visit </span></strong><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3290&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Green Drop pick up">www.nfbpickup.org/</a> </span></strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>or call toll-free </span></strong><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><br><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:darkorange'>1-888-610-4632</span></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>to schedule a pickup or to find drop locations.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="10%" style='width:10.0%;border-spacing: 2px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:63.75pt'><td width=109 style='width:81.75pt;border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt;height:63.75pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=98 height=127 id="_x0000_i1042" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/father-and-child.jpg" alt="Photo: Father and Child"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p align=center style='text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, please e-mail <a href="mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org." target="_blank" title="E-mail to Jernigan Institute">JerniganInstitute@nfb.org.</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="10%" style='width:10.0%;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:58.5pt'><td width=105 style='width:78.75pt;border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:58.5pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=128 height=94 id="_x0000_i1043" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/white-water-rafting.jpg" alt="Photo: White Water Rafting"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><em><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Please check with your company to see if it offers a matching program that will match your gift.</span></b></em><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="10%" style='width:10.0%;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:81.75pt'><td width=80 style='width:60.0pt;border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:81.75pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=100 height=139 id="_x0000_i1044" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/musician.jpg" alt="Photo: Girl Playing Flute"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Interesting links:</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3242&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Straight Talk About Vision Loss">Archive of Straight Talk About Vision Loss videos</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3243&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to National Center for Blind Youth">National Center for Blind Youth in Science</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3244&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Access Tech tips">Access Technology Tips</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3245&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to teachblindstudents.org site">TeachBlindStudents.org</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="10%" style='width:10.0%;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:63.75pt'><td width=85 style='width:63.75pt;border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:63.75pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=80 height=80 id="_x0000_i1045" src="http://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/image/jinewsletter/martial-arts.jpg" alt="Photo: Martial Arts"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Blogs:</span></strong> <o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3246&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Access Tech blog">Access Technology</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3247&qid=438670" title="Link to Voice of the Nation's Blind blog">Voice of the Nation's Blind</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0 width="10%" style='width:10.0%;border-spacing: 2px;azimuth: center'><tr style='height:60.75pt'><td width=85 style='width:63.75pt;border:solid black 1.0pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:60.75pt;border-spacing: 1px;azimuth: center'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 id="_x0000_i1046" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/jinewsletter/famengdaymark.jpg"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p> <o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Support the NFB Jernigan Institute through the <a href="http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=3248&qid=438670" target="_blank" title="Link to Imagination Fund">Imagination Fund<em><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>.</span></em></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><a href="https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=1146&qid=438670&h=072d1140a2b67ff1">Unsubscribe</a> <br>National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span class=street-address><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>200 East Wells Street</span></span><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'><br><span class=extended-address>at Jernigan Place</span><br><span class=locality>Baltimore</span><span class=adr>, </span><span class=region>MD</span><span class=adr> </span><span class=postal-code>21230</span><br><span class=country-name>United States</span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>410 659-9314 </span><img src="http://cdn.mailscanner.info/1x1spacer.gif" width="1" height="1" alt="Web Bug from http://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/open.php?q=438670" /><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>