From ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov Tue Mar 2 22:33:24 2021 From: ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov (Ashley Biggs -LBPD-) Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2021 17:33:24 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] FREE event at LBPD! Message-ID: Hey all! Don't forget that we have some excellent events happening, thanks to our partners at UME! Register here: https://bit.ly/UMEeventbrit . *March 9 - Clarifying the Confusion about Different Cooking Oils* Coconut, olive, vegetable, sunflower oil--oh my! Confused about which type of oil to buy? Join Lisa McCoy to learn about the different types of cooking oils and how to select one that is healthy. Additionally, please look for our 2021 series for our monthly Technology User Group meetings. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. please dial 319-527-4994 at 10 AM on the dates listed below. - Saturday, March 13 - Wayaround App - Makes labeling with a smartphone easy. - Saturday, April 10 - Voice Dream Suite - Learn what Voice Dream Reader, Writer, and Scanner can do. Can't wait to have you come to the presentation! If you have any questions, let me know. Ashley -- *Ashley M. Biggs* *Marketing & Outreach Librarian* Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Maryland State Library 415 Park Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603 410-230-2430 (office) | 667-209-1563 (cell) | 410-333-2095 (fax) ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov http://www.lbph.maryland.gov Click here to complete a three-question customer experience survey. *Follow us on Social Media!* - Facebook - MDLBPD - Twitter - MDLBPD - Linked In - Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled - Blog- https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ALewis at nfb.org Wed Mar 3 00:21:54 2021 From: ALewis at nfb.org (Lewis, Anil) Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2021 00:21:54 +0000 Subject: [NFBMD] NFBMD Greater Baltimore Chapter Continues to Celebrate Black History Month In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: NFBMD Greater Baltimore Chapter Continues to Celebrate Black History Month Black History Friday Night at the Movies Featuring: Hidden Figures (audio described) Friday, March 5, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday Evening Black History Trivia Celebration Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. [Image of famed historian, Carter G Woodson, and a quote: "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."]Greetings Fellow Federationists: This is your invitation to share some insights, laughs, historical information, and engage with us on Friday, March 5, as we watch Hidden Figures, a wonderful biography of three African American female mathematicians and their roles in the early years of the space race. Then join us on Saturday, March 6, as a full participant in our 2021 Black History Trivia Celebration, where everyone is guaranteed to share or add to their historical knowledge about the rich and colorful achievements of the decedents of the "Big Pork Chop." [Image of Africa with an overlay of famous Black Americans.]Examples: Who invented the three-way traffic light? Who participated and where was the original demonstration for Memorial Day? Who was Bass Reeves? We will gather together for fun and learning this Friday and Saturday evening, March 5 & 6, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. You don't want to miss it! ZOOM Information Topic: NFBMD Greater Baltimore Chapter Continues to Celebrate Black History Month Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Dates: Friday and Saturday evenings, March 5 & 6, 2021 Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81597718349 Meeting ID: 815 9771 8349 One tap mobile +13017158592,,81597718349# US (Washington DC) +16465588656,,81597718349# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 815 9771 8349 Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 35246 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 26494 bytes Desc: image003.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image005.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 12531 bytes Desc: image005.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image006.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 7540 bytes Desc: image006.jpg URL: From deborahb14 at verizon.net Sat Mar 6 01:49:16 2021 From: deborahb14 at verizon.net (Deborah) Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2021 20:49:16 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] Living the life you want with sweetness References: <00da01d7122a$eb375f40$c1a61dc0$.ref@verizon.net> Message-ID: <00da01d7122a$eb375f40$c1a61dc0$@verizon.net> The Sligo Creek chapter is selling Sees candy. No, we can't go around and wave chocolate in your face, but you can shop for what you want online, and the Easter Bunny will deliver it to your door. Please order by March 19. The link is below: https://www.yumraising.com/secure/nationalfot_sligo_creek_chapter_sweet_deal s81/candy?h=Deb_Bro9006 Debbie -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Mon Mar 8 15:56:24 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2021 10:56:24 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] Letters Needed for Accountability Act for Accessible K-12 Education Message-ID: Hello all, We must get the SB921 Accountability Act for Accessible K-12 Education enacted into law. The first step is to convince the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs committee to vote in favor of the bill. The hearing will be on March 9 so please get your email in right away. The email address is firstname.lastname at senate.state.md.us . If there is an unusual email, I will give it to you. If you do not have email, please call and leave a message at the office asking the senator to support the bill. The main number is either 410-841 or 301-858. I will provide the appropriate extensions. Please take action this coming week. This bill requires local school systems to take certain actions to prevent the purchase of inaccessible information and communication technology. There will be a sample letter in a separate email if you need it. Here is the list of Senators. Everyone should write to the chairman of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs committee, Senator Paul Pinsky, ext 3155. If you live in Anne Arundel County, write to Senators Edward Reilly, ext. 3568, and Bryan Simonaire, ext. 3658. If you live in Baltimore City, write to Senator Mary Washington, ext. 3145. If you live in Howard County or Baltimore County, write to Senator Clarence Lam and thank him for sponsoring the bill, ext. 3653. If you live in Carroll or Howard County, write to Senator Katie Fry Hester ( katiefry.hester at senate.state.md.us), ext. 3671. If you live in Charles County, write to Senator Arthur Ellis, ext 3616. If you live in Cecil or Harford County, write to Senator Jason Gallion, ext. 3603. If you live in Montgomery County, write to Senator Cheryl Kagan, ext. 3134. If you live in Prince George's County, write to Senator Obie Patterson, ext. 3092. If you live in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester County, write to Senator Mary Beth Carroza, ext 3645. Thank you. *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Mon Mar 8 15:59:34 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2021 10:59:34 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] Sample Letter for SB 921 Message-ID: Please feel free to add personal stories or other thoughts to this sample letter. Dear Senator, Please vote in favor of SB921, a bill that will provide accountability measures to ensure that K-12 education is accessible to blind students. Even though accessibility is required by law, local school systems and the Maryland State Department of Education are not enforcing the law. Blind students cannot access their instruction and digital content, complete and submit their homework, participate in virtual class discussions, complete pop quizzes and tests, or check their grades because platforms, programs, and apps are not accessible. Vendors should know how to make their products accessible because accessibility standards have been available since 1995. SB921 is a common sense bill. It requires local school systems to consult with their vision department before purchasing information and communication technology so that they can discuss accessibility. Vendors will be required to include an accessibility conformance report in their reports to the local school system. The local school system must annually send in an accessibility progress report to the Maryland State Department of Education. The Maryland State Department of Education must annually publish a statewide accessibility progress report on its website. Blind students deserve a quality education. Please make sure they receive it by voting in favor of SB921. Name Address *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov Tue Mar 9 16:50:56 2021 From: ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov (Ashley Biggs -LBPD-) Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2021 11:50:56 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] Tonight's Program! Message-ID: Hey all! Register here: https://bit.ly/UMEeventbrit . *March 9 - Clarifying the Confusion about Different Cooking Oils* Coconut, olive, vegetable, sunflower oil--oh my! Confused about which type of oil to buy? Join Lisa McCoy to learn about the different types of cooking oils and how to select one that is healthy. Additionally, please look for our 2021 series for our monthly Technology User Group meetings. All events are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. No programs will be held in person. please dial 319-527-4994 at 10 AM on the dates listed below. - Saturday, March 13 - Wayaround App - Makes labeling with a smartphone easy. - Saturday, April 10 - Voice Dream Suite - Learn what Voice Dream Reader, Writer, and Scanner can do. Can't wait to have you come to the presentation! If you have any questions, let me know. Ashley -- *Ashley M. Biggs* *Marketing & Outreach Librarian* Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Maryland State Library 415 Park Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603 410-230-2430 (office) | 667-209-1563 (cell) | 410-333-2095 (fax) ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov http://www.lbph.maryland.gov Click here to complete a three-question customer experience survey. *Follow us on Social Media!* - Facebook - MDLBPD - Twitter - MDLBPD - Linked In - Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled - Blog- https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From deborahb14 at verizon.net Sat Mar 13 21:52:13 2021 From: deborahb14 at verizon.net (Deborah) Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:52:13 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] {Spam?} FW: Vaccine Distribution Update from Congressman Trone, 3.8.21 In-Reply-To: <9F83AC4E-39C7-4BFA-9BA0-AC06732E7098@gmail.com> References: <9F83AC4E-39C7-4BFA-9BA0-AC06732E7098@gmail.com> Message-ID: <008601d71853$20a16800$61e43800$@verizon.net> This is from Congressman Trone?s news letter with vaccination locations for counties in western Maryland. Debbie ? ? ? COVID VACCINE NEWSLETTER DATA COMPILED ON MARCH 8, 2021 Welcome to the sixth edition of my COVID Vaccine Newsletter with information about vaccine distribution in our community. While Governor Hogan and our state and local leaders are solely responsible for the vaccine distribution and eligibility standards, this newsletter will provide you the latest information about that process in each county in the Sixth District. The CDC has updated their guidelines on activities that can be safely done for those who have been fully vaccinated. More information is available at this website. This newsletter includes information aggregated from multiple sources across the state. For all questions and concerns related to Maryland?s COVID-19 vaccine plan, please contact the office of Governor Larry Hogan. To continue to receive this newsletter, please subscribe here. WHAT PHASE ARE WE IN? Following an order by Governor Hogan, Maryland is currently in Phase 1C of its distribution plan. According to the Maryland Department of Health, the following individuals should now be eligible for the vaccine: * Residents age 65 and older * Essential workers in food and agriculture, manufacturing, public transit, grocery stores, U.S. Postal Service, veterinary medicine, clergy, and more However, it is important to note that Governor Hogan has given each county and vaccination site the ability to set their own eligibility requirements, which may differ from the statewide phase. For a complete list of who is eligible for a vaccine at this time, please click here. WHERE CAN I GET MY VACCINE? Each county is progressing along their vaccination plan at a different pace based on population size and the availability of the vaccine. Below is a list of the current vaccination sites available in each county. You can also use this tool to find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you. Please note that any Marylander who's eligible can register for a vaccine at a mass vaccination site. However, for all other vaccination sites, please be sure to ONLY SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU LIVE OR WORK. If you schedule an appointment in another county, your appointment will likely be cancelled or you may be turned away. STATEWIDE MASS VACCINATION SITES: * The Baltimore Convention Center: * Individuals needing assistance to register for a vaccine appointment at the Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital can call (443) 462-5511 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. * Six Flags America Theme Park * M&T Bank Stadium: (855) 634-6829 * Regency Furniture Stadium (Blue Crabs Stadium): (855) 634-6829 MONTGOMERY COUNTY: * Montgomery County Health Department: * Montgomery County Health Department is currently vaccinating 1A (all tiers), 1B (all tiers), and 1C (Tier 1: ages 65-74) * Residents must pre-register for a vaccine appointment using the pre-registration portal (link above) or by calling 240-777-2982. Once you have pre-registered, the county will contact you and schedule your appointment as it receives COVID-19 vaccines from the Maryland Department of Health. * Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: (240) 826-4636 * At this time, Adventist Health community vaccination clinics are open only to those who meet the state's Phase 1A, 1B and those 65 years and older in 1C ONLY. * Adventist HealthCare Takoma Park Campus COVID 19 Vaccine Clinic: (240) 826-4636 * At this time, Adventist Health community vaccination clinics are open only to those who meet the state's Phase 1A, 1B and those 65 years and older in 1C ONLY. * Holy Cross Hospital * Holy Cross Health is currently vaccinating those who meet the state's Phase 1A, 1B, and 1C. * Johns Hopkins Medicine * Johns Hopkins' Maryland hospitals received an extremely small number of vaccines this week from the State of Maryland to distribute to eligible patients and health care workers as outlined in Phases 1A-C * MedStar Montgomery Medical Center * CCI Health & Wellness Services: * CCI Health and Wellness Services is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to its established patients following the state of Maryland?s vaccine schedule. * CCI is currently vaccinating patients in Phase 1B; if you are an existing patient eligible for vaccination they will reach out to you directly to schedule an appointment. * CVS Bethesda * CVS Wheaton * Giant Food Bethesda: (301) 530-3271 * Giant Food Burtonsville: (301) 421-4493 * Giant Food Gaithersburg: (301) 208-8204 * Giant Food Silver Spring: (301) 565-0575 * Safeway Rockville * Safeway Wheaton * Walgreens Bethesda * Walgreens Gaithersburg * Walgreens Germantown * Walgreens Olney * Walgreens Rockville (multiple locations) * Walgreens Potomac * Walgreens Silver Spring (multiple locations) * Walgreens Takoma Park FREDERICK COUNTY: * Frederick County Health Department: * Frederick County Health Department is currently vaccinating Phases 1A, 1B, and those in the 65-74* age group who live or work in Frederick County. * Process for 65-74 Group*: They will start by offering appointments to people born in or before 1947 who have pre-registered through their Vaccine Interest Form. People will be contacted in alphabetical order by first name. Then they will offer appointments to people born in or before 1948, and so on down to 65 years olds. * Those interested must submit a vaccine interest form using the online portal. Once you have pre-registered, the county will contact you and schedule your appointment as it receives COVID-19 vaccines from the Maryland Department of Health. * If you or someone you know cannot complete the Frederick County COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form please call the Frederick County COVID-19 Appointment Line; Monday - Friday 8AM -5PM. * English: (301) 600-7900 * Spanish: (301) 600-7905 * CVS Urbana: (800) 746-7292 * Giant Food Frederick: (301) 815-2201 * Walgreens Frederick (multiple locations) WASHINGTON COUNTY: * Washington County Health Department: * Washington County residents aged 65+ must fill out a 65+ Vaccine Waitlist Registration Form here. * Washington County residents that are eligible for the vaccine and NOT aged 65+ must fill out a Priority Groups Vaccination Waitlist Form here. * Seniors (65+) who need do not have internet access or need assistance with signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine call list form can call the Washington County Senior COVID Vaccine Call List Assistance Hotline at 1-833-231-1852 * Meritus Health Robinwood Atrium at the Robinwood Professional Center * CVS Hagerstown: (800) 746-7295 * Martin's Hagerstown (N. Pointe) * Martin's Hagerstown (Hagerstown Commons) * Walgreens Hagerstown (multiple locations) * Walgreens Smithsburg ALLEGANY COUNTY: * Allegany County Health Department: * Allegany County residents aged 75+ can visit the Allegany County Health Department website to schedule a vaccine appointment. * Vaccinations are available by appointment only and will be given at the Barton Business Park Shell Building, 17300 Barton Park Drive, Rawlings, MD. Please bring your ID with you to the clinic for proof of age and residency. ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE CURRENTLY FULL. * County residents interested in receiving the vaccine should submit a Vaccine Interest Form. When the county reaches your priority group and vaccine is available, Allegany County Health Department or UPMC Western Maryland will contact you by email or phone to schedule a vaccination appointment. Those without internet access can call (301) 759-5000. * Martin?s in Cumberland * Walgreens Frostburg GARRETT COUNTY: * Garrett County Health Department: * When vaccine appointments are available, Garrett County residents can find a registration link at the top of the Garrett County Health Department website homepage. ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE CURRENTLY FULL. * If you are unable to register online but meet Phase 1C requirements, please call 301-334-7698. * Walgreens Grantsville * Walgreens Oakland * Walmart in Oakland: (301) 334-9129 VETERANS: Currently, the VA is offering COVID-19 vaccine to veterans already receiving care from the VA, based on CDC and VA risk criteria. If you're eligible to get a vaccine, your VA health care team will contact you. * Washington DC VA Medical Center * The Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center is currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations, by appointment only to Veterans who are: * residing in the VA Community Living Center; age 65 or older; * homeless or residing in group housing settings, such as Access Housing, US Veterans Initiative, Chesapeake Health Education Program, Safe Haven, Veterans on the Rise or VISTA, and have no other access to the vaccine; * currently on hemodialysis, on the transplant list or have had an organ transplant; * have cancer and are receiving IV chemotherapy at the medical center; * and essential frontline workers. * If you meet the above criteria and are enrolled for care at the DC VA Medical Center, and have not yet been contacted to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, call (202) 745-4342 to make an appointment. * Martinsburg VA Medical Center * Currently, enrolled Veterans 65 years of age or older or Veterans who are essential personnel as defined by the CDC are qualified to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. * Call the COVID Vaccine Call Center at 304-579-2550, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule your appointment. Veterans will need to bring their VA ID card or Driver's License (or other identification) that shows their date of birth and Insurance Card if applicable. STATISTICS MONTGOMERY COUNTY: First Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated Second Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated 183,637 17.478% 90,368 8.601% FREDERICK COUNTY: First Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated Second Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated 46,541 17.932% 26,210 10.098% WASHINGTON COUNTY: First Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated Second Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated 22,915 15.171% 15,840 10.487% ALLEGANY COUNTY: First Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated Second Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated 11,560 15.171% 15,840 10.487% GARRETT COUNTY: First Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated Second Doses Administered Proportion of Population Vaccinated 5,777 19.911% 3,337 11.501% My team and I will continue to keep you updated on how Congress is working for you. As always, follow my Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and website for additional information. Sincerely, David Trone Member of Congress Please do not reply to this email. To share your thoughts please visit my website. Unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: ~WRD000.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 823 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 7832 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 7388 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 431 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 350 bytes Desc: not available URL: From hbwilliams16 at gmail.com Sat Mar 13 23:11:44 2021 From: hbwilliams16 at gmail.com (Hindley Williams) Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:11:44 -0500 Subject: [NFBMD] Fwd: March TLC Chapter Meeting In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi All, See below for details on the March TLC Chapter meeting, which will be held via Zoom this Monday at 7 PM. All are welcome! Best, Hindley ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Hindley Williams Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:08:57 -0500 Subject: March TLC Chapter Meeting To: nfbmdtlc-chapter at nfbnet.org Hi All, We hope that you all will join the TLC Chapter for our March meeting, which will be taking place on Monday March 15 at 7 PM. This month's meeting will feature Shawn Callaway, who is the Washington, D.C. affiliate president. He also serves on the NFB National Board of Directors. He will be sharing with us about his experiences, and you won't want to miss this engaging presentation. This meeting will be held over Zoom. If you need assistance connecting to the meeting, do not hesitate to reach out to me at hbwilliams16 at gmail.com. Here is the Zoom information: Join Zoom Meeting https://humanware.zoom.us/j/95012263722?pwd=UTFoSUJrNG13MTBuN1lnZG45ZzB2dz09 Meeting ID: 9501226 3722 Passcode: 068705 One tap mobile +13017158592,,95012263722# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,95012263722# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 950 1226 3722 Find your local number: https://humanware.zoom.us/u/aSh1lxR0M -- Hindley Williams hbwilliams16 at gmail.com (443) 823-0867 -- Hindley Williams hbwilliams16 at gmail.com (443) 823-0867 From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Sun Mar 14 17:00:52 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2021 13:00:52 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Help Needed to End Segregated Voting for the Disabled Message-ID: Hello all, Please email your state senator right away, but no later than Monday night, March 15. Ask your senator to vote in favor of SB831. I will provide a sample note for your senator at the end of this email. SB831 is a long bill that contains many changes in the voting process. Senator Lam amended this bill to alleviate the segregated voting problem for people with disabilities and the committee passed this amendment. Now we need the whole Senate to pass the bill with our important amendment. Please make sure that we take full advantage of this opportunity to move our voting issue forward. The amendment says: THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF VOTERS, AT A MINIMUM, ON EACH DAY OF EARLY VOTING AND ON ELECTION DAY SHALL USE A BALLOT MARKING DEVICE THAT IS ACCESSIBLE TO VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES TO VOTE AT EACH EARLY VOTING CENTER AND EACH ELECTION DAY POLLING PLACE: 1. 10% OF VOTERS DURING THE 2022 STATEWIDE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS; 2. 20% OF VOTERS DURING THE 2024 STATEWIDE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS; AND 3. 30% OF VOTERS DURING EACH SUBSEQUENT STATEWIDE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION. The amendment also contains training and reporting requirements. Please call 410-715-9596 if you do not know who your senator is and I will tell you. Here is a sample note for your senator: Dear Senator, Please vote in favor of SB831, the Election Reform Act of 2021. This bill contains a provision that will alleviate the segregated voting problem that persons with disabilities have faced during the last five election cycles. Some people may say that this amendment will cost too much money. Please remember that this is a civil rights issue. The government should be willing to pay to promote democracy. The State Board of Elections could find a cheaper ballot marking device if they wished to do so because they exist. Blind and disabled voters are entitled to the same secret ballot that other voters have. Sincerely, Name Address *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Tue Mar 16 16:17:52 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:17:52 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Emergency Action Needed Message-ID: Hello all, I have recently learned that the President of the Senate, Bill Ferguson, does not support the Lam amendment to SB831. As you know from my earlier message, this amendment will alleviate the segregated ballot problem. Please email Senator Ferguson RIGHT NOW at bill.ferguson at senate.state.md.us and tell him the following, in your own words: If the Senate is going to reform the election process by passing SB831, it is unfair and unconscionable to strip the Lam amendment from this bill. The General Assembly expresses its priorities through the budget that it passes; merely stating that this amendment costs too much money shows a lack of leadership. Voters with disabilities have been denied a secret ballot since 2016. So far, no one has had the courage to do anything about it. Will the Senate have the courage to do something about it now, or will the violations of civil rights continue? Please leave the Lam amendment in this bill. *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Wed Mar 17 13:51:10 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:51:10 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Emergency Action Needed on Education Bill Message-ID: Hello All, We must email or call the House Ways and Means Committee and ask them to vote in favor of HB1181, the Accountability Act for Accessible K-12 Education. The email address is firstname.lastname at house.state.md.us . If you are calling, the main number is either 410-841 or 301-858. I will provide the appropriate extensions. We need to take action today because the bill needs to get to the Senate by Monday, March 22. Here is a sample message followed by the list of committee members. Blind Students Need Your Help. They need access to the curriculum. HB1181 will solve this problem. Please vote in favor of it quickly so that it can make it to the Senate in time for crossover. Here is the list: Everyone should write to the chairman of the committee, Anne Kaiser ext. 3036, and ask her to move this bill out of committee. If you live in Allegany County, write to Delegate Jason Buckel ext. 3404. If you live in Anne Arundel County, write to Delegate Dana Jones ext. 3209. If you live in Baltimore City, write to Delegates Dalya Attar ext. 3267, Stephanie Smith ext. 3486, and Chanel Branch ext. 3257. If you live in Baltimore County write to Delegates Joseph Boteler ext. 3365, Michelle Guyton ext. 3793, and Robert Long ext. 3458. Thank Michelle Guyton for sponsoring the bill. If you live in Baltimore County or Howard County, write to Delegate Jessica Feldmark ext. 3205 and Delegate Eric Ebersole ext. 3328. If you live in Carroll County, write to Delegates April Rose ext. 3070 and Haven Shoemaker ext. 3359. If you live in Cecil County, write to Delegate Kevin Hornberger ext. 3284. If you live in Charles County, write to Delegate Edith Patterson ext. 3247. If you live in Harford County, write to Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti ext. 3331. If you live in Montgomery County, write to Delegates Eric Luedtke ext. 3110, Julie Palakovich Carr (julie.palakovichcarr at house.state.md.us) ext. 3003, and Jheanelle Wilkins ext. 3445. If you live in Prince George's County, write to Delegates Alonzo Washington (Vice Chair) ext. 3699, Darryl Barnes ext. 3557, and Julian Ivey ext. 3326. If you live in Wicomico or Worcester, write to Delegate Wayne Hartman ext. 3273. Don't let the students down. Take action today. Thank you. *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Thu Mar 18 17:39:40 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 13:39:40 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Emergency Action Needed Quickly Message-ID: Hello All, We must email or call the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and ask them to vote in favor of SB921, the Accountability Act for Accessible K-12 Education. The email address is firstname.lastname at senate.state.md.us . If you are calling, the main number is either 410-841 or 301-858. I will provide the appropriate extensions. We need to take action today because the bill needs to get to the House by Monday, March 22. Here is a sample message followed by the list of committee members. Blind Students Need Your Help. They need access to the curriculum. SB921 will solve this problem. We need this bill because this problem cannot be solved through the IEP process. Please vote in favor of SB921 quickly so that it can make it to the House in time for crossover. Here is the list: Everyone should write to the chairman of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs committee, Senator Paul Pinsky, ext 3155. If you live in Anne Arundel County, write to Senators Edward Reilly, ext. 3568, and Bryan Simonaire, ext. 3658. If you live in Baltimore City, write to Senator Mary Washington, ext. 3145. If you live in Howard County or Baltimore County, write to Senator Clarence Lam and thank him for sponsoring the bill, ext. 3653. If you live in Carroll or Howard County, write to Senator Katie Fry Hester ( katiefry.hester at senate.state.md.us), ext. 3671. If you live in Charles County, write to Senator Arthur Ellis, ext 3616. If you live in Cecil or Harford County, write to Senator Jason Gallion, ext. 3603. If you live in Montgomery County, write to Senator Cheryl Kagan, ext. 3134. If you live in Prince George's County, write to Senator Obie Patterson, ext. 3092. If you live in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester County, write to Senator Mary Beth Carroza, ext 3645. *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From deborahb14 at verizon.net Fri Mar 19 01:41:04 2021 From: deborahb14 at verizon.net (Deborah) Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:41:04 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] One more day to order candy References: <000001d71c60$ed6471a0$c82d54e0$.ref@verizon.net> Message-ID: <000001d71c60$ed6471a0$c82d54e0$@verizon.net> One more day to get your Sees candy order to the Easter Bunny to help out the Sligo Creek Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind this spring. The link is below. It is long, so it may be necessary to copy and paste it into your browser. Debbie Brown https://www.yumraising.com/secure/nationalfot_sligo_creek_chapter_sweet_deal s81/candy?h=Deb_Bro9006 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov Fri Mar 19 15:31:32 2021 From: ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov (Ashley Biggs -LBPD-) Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:31:32 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Upcoming Events @ LBPD Message-ID: Hi everyone! We have some great programs coming up in April - and I can't wait to share them with you! April 13, 2021 @ 6:30 PM Freezing Foods for Freshness Freezing is the easiest and quickest method to preserve fresh produce from your garden or local farmer?s market so you ?savor their flavors? year-round. Learn some quick tips with Jeanette Jeffrey to freeze fruits, vegetables, and proteins without the (freezer) burn! This program is offered in partnership with the University of Maryland's Extension Office, Family, and Consumer Sciences department. April 21, 2021 @ 6:30 PM Celebrate Victims? Rights Week with the Office of the State?s Attorney for Baltimore City! Join Terrie Lewis, Victim Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities at the Office of the State?s Attorney for Baltimore City to learn about Victim?s Rights. This discussion will cover rights within the Criminal Justice System, and the services that the State?s Attorneys? Office Victim Witness Unit Provides. If you have any questions, feel free to email me! Best, Ashley -- *Ashley M. Biggs* *Marketing & Outreach Librarian* Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Maryland State Library 415 Park Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603 410-230-2430 (office) | 667-209-1563 (cell) | 410-333-2095 (fax) ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov http://www.lbph.maryland.gov Click here to complete a three-question customer experience survey. *Follow us on Social Media!* - Facebook - MDLBPD - Twitter - MDLBPD - Linked In - Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled - Blog- https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From president at nfbmd.org Thu Mar 25 18:53:18 2021 From: president at nfbmd.org (president at nfbmd.org) Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:53:18 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] NFB Vaccination Clinic - Sign Up by March 31, 2021 - Slots Going Fast! Message-ID: <019101d721a8$1f42c1d0$5dc84570$@nfbmd.org> Fellow Federationists, The National Federation of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, and NFB Greater Baltimore Chapter, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Monday, April 5, 2021. The clinic will take place at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. This clinic has been organized due to the inaccessibility of some online vaccination scheduling platforms. Those interested in receiving a vaccine must schedule an appointment in advance. They should contact Tammy Helm (thelm at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, Extension 2291) on or before March 31, 2021 to request a vaccination slot. Their appointment is not scheduled until they receive confirmation. Vaccination slots will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis. Appointment slots will be for a thirty minute window sometime between 10 AM and 3 PM. No walk-ins will be accommodated. Priority will be given to members and staff of the National Federation of the Blind. Where slots remain available, those in current eligibility categories will be scheduled to receive the vaccine. Individuals should plan to bring copies of their health insurance cards if they have coverage. No one will be refused a vaccine due to not having health insurance. Individuals will also have to review and sign a consent form. We will share an electronic version of the consent form with those whose vaccination appointments are scheduled and confirmed. Individuals are encouraged to review and sign the consent forms and bring a hard copy with them to the vaccine appointment. If individuals are unable to review and sign the consent form, volunteers will be available to assist on site. Any requests for reasonable accommodations, other than assistance completing vaccination consent forms, should be requested by March 31, 2021. Such requests should be sent to Tammy Helm (thelm at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, Extension 2291). For questions or more information, please contact me at President at nfbmd.org or 443-426-4110. Ronza Othman, President National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 443-426-4110 Pronouns: she, her, hers The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfbmdsm at gmail.com Sun Mar 28 15:16:42 2021 From: nfbmdsm at gmail.com (Sharon Maneki) Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2021 11:16:42 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Blind Students Need Our Help Quickly Message-ID: Hello all, Our accountability for accessible K-12 education bills are stuck in their committees. We need a big push on these bills because the legislative session is almost over. Everyone should write to the following people on Monday or Tuesday, March 29 & 30: In the senate, write to the Senate President, Bill Ferguson, and to Senator Paul Pinsky, Chairman of the Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Their emails are bill.ferguson at senate.state.md.us and paul.pinsky at senate.state.md.us. Ask them to take action on SB921. In the house, write to Delegate Anne Kaiser, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, at anne.kaiser at house.state.md.us, and Delegate Eric Ebersole, Chairman of the Early Childhood Subcommittee in the House Ways and Means Committee, at eric.ebersole at house.state.md.us. Ask them to take action on HB1181. Here are some points to make in your email: - Blind students in grades K-12 need access to the curriculum.The accountability measures in SB921/HB1181 will achieve this goal. - The Maryland General Assembly claims to be concerned about education. It is unfair to leave blind students behind. - Blind students need a quality education, too. - As leaders in the senate and house, please take action on these bills. *Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy* National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 410-715-9596 The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From president at nfbmd.org Mon Mar 29 23:46:31 2021 From: president at nfbmd.org (president at nfbmd.org) Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2021 19:46:31 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] Reminder: NFB Vaccination Clinic - Sign Up by March 31, 2021 - Slots Going Fast! Message-ID: <01af01d724f5$bf366700$3da33500$@nfbmd.org> Fellow Federationists, This is a reminder that the National Federation of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, and NFB Greater Baltimore Chapter, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Monday, April 5, 2021. The clinic will take place at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute. This clinic has been organized due to the inaccessibility of some online vaccination scheduling platforms. Those who are over 18 and interested in receiving a vaccine must schedule an appointment in advance. They should contact Tammy Helm (thelm at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, Extension 2291) on or before March 31, 2021 to request a vaccination slot. Their appointment is not scheduled until they receive confirmation. Vaccination slots will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis. Appointment slots will be for a thirty minute window sometime between 10 AM and 3 PM. No walk-ins will be accommodated. Priority will be given to members and staff of the National Federation of the Blind. Where slots remain available, those in current eligibility categories will be scheduled to receive the vaccine. Individuals should plan to bring copies of their health insurance cards if they have coverage. No one will be refused a vaccine due to not having health insurance. Individuals will also have to review and sign a consent form. We will share an electronic version of the consent form with those whose vaccination appointments are scheduled and confirmed. Individuals are encouraged to review and sign the consent forms and bring a hard copy with them to the vaccine appointment. If individuals are unable to review and sign the consent form, volunteers will be available to assist on site. Any requests for reasonable accommodations, other than assistance completing vaccination consent forms, should be requested by March 31, 2021. Such requests should be sent to Tammy Helm (thelm at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, Extension 2291). For questions or more information, please contact me at President at nfbmd.org or 443-426-4110. Ronza Othman, President National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 443-426-4110 Pronouns: she, her, hers The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov Wed Mar 31 14:39:25 2021 From: ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov (Ashley Biggs -LBPD-) Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:39:25 -0400 Subject: [NFBMD] April Events at LBPD! Message-ID: Hi everyone! We have some great programs coming up in April - and I can't wait to share them with you! April 13, 2021 @ 6:30 PM Freezing Foods for Freshness Freezing is the easiest and quickest method to preserve fresh produce from your garden or local farmer?s market so you ?savor their flavors? year-round. Learn some quick tips with Jeanette Jeffrey to freeze fruits, vegetables, and proteins without the (freezer) burn! This program is offered in partnership with the University of Maryland's Extension Office, Family, and Consumer Sciences department. April 21, 2021 @ 6:30 PM Celebrate Victims? Rights Week with the Office of the State?s Attorney for Baltimore City! Join Terrie Lewis, Victim Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities at the Office of the State?s Attorney for Baltimore City to learn about Victim?s Rights. This discussion will cover rights within the Criminal Justice System, and the services that the State?s Attorneys? Office Victim Witness Unit Provides. If you have any questions, feel free to email me! Best, Ashley -- *Ashley M. Biggs* *Marketing & Outreach Librarian* Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Maryland State Library 415 Park Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3603 410-230-2430 (office) | 667-209-1563 (cell) | 410-333-2095 (fax) ashley.biggs1 at maryland.gov http://www.lbph.maryland.gov Click here to complete a three-question customer experience survey. *Follow us on Social Media!* - Facebook - MDLBPD - Twitter - MDLBPD - Linked In - Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled - Blog- https://mdlbpd.blogspot.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: