[Nfbn-announce] NFB Imagineering Our Future: Meet SomeoneUnforgettable
Amy Buresh
amy.buresh74 at gmail.com
Wed Oct 5 10:19:04 UTC 2011
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last month's newsletter.
Imagineering Our Future
Issue 38
September-October 2011
In this issue:
* Message <> from the Executive Director
* What <> 's New
* Education <>
* Braille <> Initiative
* Research <>
* Advocacy <>
* Straight <> Talk About Vision Loss
* Product <> and Access Technology Talk
* From the <> tenBroek Library
* Independence <> Market
* Parent <> Outreach
* Spotlight <> on the Imagination Fund <>
* NFB Calendar <>
* Citation <>
[]
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Message from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
It has been said that "You meet people who forget you. You forget people you
meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can't forget. Those are your
'friends.'" For the average person, it is not very often that the person you
meet is blind. Yet, we know that the best way to help people discard the
misconceptions they have about blindness is to meet a blind person who is
living life every day with the alternative techniques necessary to be
successful. Even when a person does meet a person who is blind it is even
less likely that enough time is spent together to become friends-unless of
course the blind person is a family member, a co-worker, or a neighbor.
To help eliminate misconceptions about blindness and improve understanding
of the truth about blindness, ten years ago the National Federation of the
Blind established October as "Meet the Blind Month." During October, NFB
chapters are making an extra effort to get out into the community to teach
people about blindness by meeting others at community outreach events. If
you are receiving this message, it is likely that you are blind or that you
already have friends or family who are blind. Consequently, I want to
encourage you to participate in our 2011 Meet the Blind Month activities and
be unforgettable.
Oftentimes, the fact that we are the first blind person someone has met
makes us unforgettable. However, we know that blindness is not the sole
characteristic that defines who we are. We should make ourselves
unforgettable by actively shattering the misconceptions that people have
about blindness and helping them to understand the truth about blindness. By
spending time meeting people and creating new understanding, we change what
it means to be blind and establish a better environment of opportunities for
all blind people. Some believe trying to be unforgettable is a negative,
self-centered way to live; I believe that at least in this instance it is
entirely the opposite.
During Meet the Blind Month I will be working with my blind friends to
figure out ways to have us be unforgettable, with the goal of teaching
others the truth about blindness. In the process, I know we will have a lot
of fun, we will get to know some people who are themselves unforgettable,
and we will strengthen our friendships with each other.
Sincerely,
Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono
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Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute
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Featured NFB News
Image: Whozit, the NFB's symbol
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12177.jpg>
October is Meet the Blind Month
Meet the Blind Month is a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of and
support for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). During the entire
month of October each year, affiliates and chapters throughout the country
join forces to spread the message that the NFB is the voice of the nation's
blind and that blind people are the best resource for learning about vision
loss, blindness, and rehabilitation.
This year, as part of Meet the Blind Month, participants are challenged to
organize innovative and creative events in their local communities. We
welcome all chapters and affiliates to join in the challenge. For general
information on Meet the Blind Month or more information on the challenge,
please visit the Meet
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=OE5JoPJES16pXnQdnTq8Mw> the
Blind Month Web page, contact Melissa Kobelinski by e-mail
<mailto:mkobelinski at nfb.org> , or phone Melissa at (410) 659-9314, extension
2423.
Make Your Bid for Excellence!
The National Federation of the Blind Bid for Excellence national auction
opens for bidding on Tuesday, November 1, 2011! We already have many
exciting items for the auction including luxury accommodations in Cancun,
Mexico, an opportunity to watch "Hardball with Chris Matthews" with a
behind-the-scenes tour, and plenty of gift items just in time for the
holidays.
Excellence in Science
Photo: Excellence in Science
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/Science_Web_s
mall.jpg>
The Bid for Excellence is an exciting opportunity to raise funds to support
the work of the NFB. The NFB provides programs, encouragement, and
opportunities that help blind people all over the nation achieve excellence
in their education, employment, and all aspects of their lives. You can help
us make Bid for Excellence a success!
Tell your friends! The most important way you can help is by telling your
friends, family, and acquaintances. Please tell everyone in your phone book
and e-mail address book and everyone you come into contact with about Bid
for Excellence, and encourage them to participate. Another easy way to get
the word out is through your social media, like Facebook and Twitter. The
more people who know about the auction, the better!
Donate an Item! Another way to help is by soliciting donated items or
services for the auction or making a donation yourself. Popular auction
items include travel packages; sporting, celebrity, and/or unique experience
packages; and memorabilia and unique items. If you have collectables, art,
gift baskets, vacation homes, or condos that you would like to donate,
please let us know.
Become a Sponsor! Contact us to find out how you can take advantage of
promotional and marketing opportunities for your business, or to pledge your
individual support.
For more information, help in how to promote the auction, to donate an item
or service, or to become a Bid for Excellence sponsor, contact Ann-Marie
Laney at (410) 659-9314, extension 2371, or reach Ann-Marie by e-mail
<mailto:alaney at nfb.org> .
Don't forget to mark your calendars-bidding begins on November 1, 2011!
[]
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Education
Photo: Right to Live in the World bulletin board
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_Bulletin_Board-Web_small.jpg>
"The Right to Live in the World" Bulletin Board
The current accessible bulletin board on display in the Jernigan Institute
Betsy Zaborowski Conference Room pays tribute to the legal scholarship of
Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, the founding president of the National Federation of
the Blind. The white letters of the board's title, "The Right to. Live in
the World," pop off the black background. The title is divided into two
segments: "The Right to." left-justified across the top of the board, and
"Live in the World" right-justified across the bottom. The board's trim
depicts a city skyline with craft foam cut-outs providing tactile
representations of the buildings. Six white boxes are affixed to the board,
three on the left side and three on the right. The boxes are classic cigar
boxes with the flat lid swinging upward to reveal the contents. They are
mounted with the closed lid of each box facing the observer. The words "The
Right to." appear in raised print and Braille on the outside of each box.
When you open each lid, you find additional text, including a quotation
outlining one of the rights Dr. tenBroek claimed for us as people who live
in the world. Inside the boxes are tangible objects that represent the right
described on the lid. A few of the box contents are lighthearted,
illustrating for onlookers a bit of Dr. tenBroek's sense of humor.
The first box focuses on Dr. tenBroek's fight for academic freedom. The
second features an issue Dr. tenBroek began working on in the 1940s and one
that the Federation is still working on today, the right to organize and
earn a decent wage. The third discusses the right to due process in law, and
it quotes Dr. tenBroek's thoughts on the internment of Japanese Americans in
relocation camps. The right to equal treatment regardless of race is the
focus of the fourth box, including a quotation from Dr. tenBroek's Law
Review article, which was cited in the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
The fifth box addresses the right to have a funny nickname. It provides the
back-story on how Dr. tenBroek acquired the nickname "Chick." The last box
is the most lighthearted of them all. It features a quote from a letter
Jacobus wrote to his parents while he was a student at the California School
for the Blind. In the letter he talks about sitting around in his underwear
on a Saturday morning. So the right to sit around in your underwear is the
focus of box number six.
Centered near the top of the board is a picture of Dr. tenBroek superimposed
on a tactile map of the world. To the left of the map is the following
quotation from Dr. tenBroek's Law Review article "The Right to Live in the
World":
"The right of access to public accommodations and common carriers is a civil
right. It is a basic right indispensable to participation in the community,
a substantive right to which all are fully and equally entitled."
Below the map, a quotation explains to passersby that, in addition to
rights, Dr. tenBroek believed all people had responsibilities. Cards in
primary colors and shaped like four of the seven continents, print and
Braille writing instruments, and push pins are available near the bottom of
the board so that visitors can write out the responsibilities they think we
have and then pin their cards somewhere on the board.
Hoby Wedler. Photo credit: RANDY PENCH / rpench at sacbee.com
Photo: Hoby Wedler
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djcw_Em_4.jpg>
2011 NFB Youth Slam Participants in the News
As usual with NFB youth programs, the NFB Youth Slam of summer 2011
continues to gather attention in the media well after its finish.
Youth Slam mentor Hoby Wedler was featured in the Sacramento Bee article "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=GY8Amztd3fw3iOLxV9A3yQ>
Student Has No Trouble Visualizing a Doctorate in Chemistry," about his
experience pursuing graduate work in organic chemistry as a blind person.
Hoby was awarded a cash prize and trip to Washington, D.C., by Learning Ally
(formerly Recording for the Blind).
Similarly, sixteen-year-old Youth Slam student Tommy Brown's aspirations to
become an engineer were the topic of "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Z_vAb33e6e0porHUIZ_TkQ>
Franklin Regional Junior in 5-day Science Program for Visually Impaired
Youth" in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Tommy gives this advice to other
blind students: "You can do anything. If there's something you want to do,
go for it."
NFB of D.C. Convention
On October 7, the NFB of the District of Columbia will host a day-long
student seminar in conjunction with their annual state convention, and NFB
Jernigan Institute education team member Meleah Jensen will be there to lend
support. Some noteworthy agenda items include team-building exercises and
hands-on technology demonstrations. In addition, students will have the
opportunity to take a "Risk" by diving into discussions about blindness
through a variety of games.
Keeping Up with NFB Programs
Are you interested in keeping up to date with Youth Programs? Do you want to
know what happened at the Youth Slam? Check out Whozit
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=7fTDgWSec1TIGM9lsiLysg> 's page
on Facebook. There you can find updates on activities and a gallery of Youth
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=YvpiXL2Rv1kUo-AluzqjTA> Slam
pictures. And, there's a new Twitter account where you can direct all
questions you may have about blindness or the NFB: @AskNFB
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_yrOQVszTGmNOiDwUnTzVQ> !
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Braille Initiative
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest
It's time to register for the 2011-2012 Braille
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=QUdt_oKQe7GsrX06vZwBUQ>
Readers Are Leaders contest. Registration for the K-12 and adult contests
opens October 1, 2011. For the past 29 years this contest has encouraged
children in grades K-12 to be proud of their ability to read Braille and to
continually work to improve their skills. This will be the third year the
adults have joined in the fun of the Braille Readers Are Leaders contest.
The reading period starts November 1, 2011. Start gathering your reading
material now so you can hit the books hard on November 1 and start the
contest strong. Registration will remain open through the end of the
contest, January 4, 2012. Visit www.nfb.org/bral
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=bH9UYIHhH5xgeyPoyzMg8Q> to
register today. If you have questions about the contest, please e-mail
Braille Readers Are <mailto:BrailleReadersAreLeaders at nfb.org> Leaders or
call (410) 659-9314, extension 2312.
NFB ShareBraille
Thinking about entering the 2011-2012 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest?
You should! When you do, check out the NFB
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=HNFrL-fkNfJNgpZZlWtryA>
ShareBraille Web site to find a plethora of books you could read throughout
the contest. NFB ShareBraille is an online community for sharing Braille
materials. Belonging to the community and sharing books is totally free! The
community offers a wide variety of Braille books, a perfect source of
materials while you prepare for contest domination, and for keeping you
engaged in reading during the contest and afterward.
BELL
After participating in the Braille
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=epxYsX0M36ozU7jih38hCg>
Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program the last two years,
Texas has expanded on the program. The NFB of Texas hosted the first BELL
Reunion the weekend of September 17. During the reunion, BELL kids were able
to socialize and catch up, but more than that, they participated in a full
day of activities. From 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. kids worked on Braille,
cane travel, and blindness skills. Great job Texas! What a fun way to keep
in touch with the BELL kids and keep them learning all year long.
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Research
Digital Technology and Accessibility in Schools Questionnaire
The NFB is seeking information about accessibility barriers in the digital
technology used by all students, teachers, and administrators in K-12
schools, universities, and colleges in the United States.
We encourage students, teachers, administrators, and parents of blind
students to complete this
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=GNqr9FRIiDLckcD_xjTv8g>
questionnaire so that the NFB can learn more about educational technology
that is either helping or hindering the learning process for blind students.
If you are a parent of a blind student who is unable to complete the
questionnaire on his/her own, please complete the questionnaire on behalf of
your child and include your name and contact information. The NFB will not
voluntarily release your identifying information or responses without your
permission.
If you have questions about completing this form, please contact Clara Van
Gerven by e-mail <mailto:cvangerven at nfb.org> or by phone at (410) 659-9314,
extension 2410.
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Advocacy
Jeff Bezos introduces Kindle Fire. Photo credit: AP
Photo: Jeff Bezos introduces Kindle Fire
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elease.jpg>
A message from Dr. Maurer Condemning Lack of Access to the New Kindle Fire
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, made
these comments on the release of Amazon's new Kindle Fire, which cannot be
used by people who are blind:
Blind Americans have repeatedly asked Amazon to include accessibility for
the blind in its Kindle product line. The feasibility of including
accessibility in similar products has been demonstrated. The Department of
Education and the Department of Justice have made it clear that Kindle
devices cannot be purchased by educational institutions, libraries, and
other entities covered by this country's disability laws unless the devices
are fully accessible. Despite all this, Amazon has released a brand new
Kindle device, the Kindle Fire, which cannot be used by people who are
blind.
Enough! We condemn this latest action by Amazon and reiterate that we will
not tolerate technological discrimination. The National Federation of the
Blind seeks nothing less than equal access to all technology for blind
people. It is one of the most critical civil rights issues facing blind
Americans in the twenty-first century, and we will do everything in our
power to see that this right is secured.
- NFB
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=RyhvZpsEnNMcnYLRPUObjw> press
release
A Chicago Sun-Times article reviewing the Kindle Fire release, "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=PYzx1TzpsynsF593arc0gQ> Amazon
Kindle Fire Explodes onto Tablet Scene," bemoans that "Alas, Amazon has
'nothing to announce' about the Fire's accessibility features, beyond the
Kindle's existing text-to-speech reading feature." Kindle has uploaded to
YouTube <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VYcBRK9lvQM5Yy08bY68pQ>
video of the entire press conference introducing the Kindle Fire.
NFB Urges Maryland Libraries to Purchase Accessible E-readers
The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's leading advocate for
accessible technology, sent letters urging the Enoch Pratt Free Library and
the Howard County Library System in Maryland to purchase e-book readers that
can be used by the blind. The libraries are currently lending Barnes &
Noble's NOOK device to patrons, but this device-unlike some other e-book
readers and platforms-cannot be used by the blind or others who cannot read
print. E-readers can be made accessible through text-to-speech technology
and/or the ability to output content to external Braille displays, but the
NOOK does not have any of these features.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"E-books and the devices with which to read them present a historic
opportunity for blind readers to have access to the same books at the same
time as sighted readers, but only if publishers and manufacturers design
their products in a way that allows access by blind and print-disabled
readers. It is disturbing that institutions committed to free access to
information for everyone would purchase e-readers that cannot be used by all
of their patrons when technology that would serve everyone, including those
who are blind or print-disabled, is readily available. We hope that our
Maryland libraries will honor their legal and moral obligation to provide
equal access to their blind patrons and send a clear message to publishers
and technology vendors that access to information and literature is critical
for all Americans, not just those who can read print."
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Straight Talk About Vision Loss
Tom Foreman, CNN Correspondent, in BDC vehicle driver's seat
Photo: Tom Foreman, CNN, reporting on BDC
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/Tom_Foreman_C
NN_Web_small.jpg>
In the closing act of the 2011 NFB Youth Slam talent contest, Barby Elliott
turned NFB philosophy into music. Our thanks go out to Mika Pyyhkala for
this recording of Barby's original composition, "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=BfAKJqolOW0J30SfMrvsdg>
Strive."
In this video "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=v-DhIeZtLtqXVJHPcsgQDQ>
High-Tech Car for Blind Drivers," Tom Foreman reports on the Blind Driver
ChallengeR for "Anderson Cooper's 360" news show on CNN.
Coming soon: ABC's Juju Chang drives the Blind Driver ChallengeR car at the
NFB headquarters.
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Product and Access Technology Talk
News from the Access Technology Team
This September was the second time the NFB hosted the Web
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NvA2T35a3-xO_erJCSzLcw>
Accessibility Training Day with the Maryland Technology Assistance Program.
The event was a great success-seats were fully booked. The day was
jam-packed with sessions helpful to anyone with an interest in Web
accessibility. Speakers covered both policy and technical angles in breakout
sessions, so attendees with various responsibilities and interests could get
their questions answered. The attendees came from a wide range of sectors,
with government, education, and business being especially well represented.
Participants also got an excellent opportunity to meet others in the field
and to explore business solutions for accessibility issues during the
exhibit hours. For those who were not able to attend, you can download
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=r-keg9w18Fdmp1kP2xuB3w> the
materials for each session.
In other news, the team has been busy writing up some exciting
finds-improvements to Ninite
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=iLgCu6l5iIhKx6NqJ6oxSg> and
UpdateFlash.org and Google
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=z9PACC4BsuNg1R31qjggcA> apps
are all current topics on the blog, and more posts are in the works.
As fall sets in, we are also gearing up for the next conference. Accessing
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Rkeabwc4WD-LwUOerivQgg> Higher
Ground in Colorado targets accessibility in higher education, which makes
for a very interesting (and interested) audience. The team will make
presentations on November 17 and 18 on "Tactile Graphics" and "Promoting
Nonvisual Accessibility through Task-based, First-hand Testing," with
Desire2Learn
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=54Yb104aO85Y3C9WW91fHA> .
Graphic: eBay logo
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>
eBay is Recruiting
The Reuters news service published the
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_OXROdKaXORsNvYKMi-oTA>
following entry on August 25, 2011, on its small business blog:
eBay <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=2q8v8QjwFLIuOt_zMJ8cnA>
is recruiting an unlikely group of new entrepreneurs into its selling
ranks-the visually impaired.
Blind citizens have staggeringly high rates of unemployment, with some 70
percent of working-age, legally blind adults out of work, according to the
National Federation of the Blind.
So the online marketplace, in partnership with NFB, began recruiting test
sellers in the blind community late last year. In February, it began a pilot
program with 15 blind entrepreneurs. In total, they have sold more than
2,100 items, including everything from packing tape to clothing and makeup.
"We have a commitment to making our pages accessible," said Jonas Klink,
senior product manager of accessibility for San Jose, California-based eBay.
The company was also the title sponsor at NFB's national convention in July.
"These 15 pilot program participants have been selling above and beyond even
the majority of our sighted community," said Klink, adding that word has
spread through the blind community. "A number have become top-rated
sellers."
The blind sellers use enhanced tools such as screen access software that
verbalizes content on the Internet, which has primarily been designed for
sighted participants.
"When you look at the Web as a whole, you're looking at a very visual
medium," Klink said. "Designing for the visually impaired is in some cases
harder because you don't have the luxury of well-known graphics."
At the NFB convention, some 300 people signed up for the next phase of
eBay's commitment to work with visually impaired sellers, he said.
Technology and Print Disabilities
The American University radio station WAMU's broadcast of "The Kojo Nnamdi
Show" on September 7 was about reading using access technology. Guests were
Jim Fruchterman and George Kerscher. Hear the "
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=y9no4EixuWsS4e6bhkm0vA>
Technology and Print Accessibility" program or read a full transcript
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=anQawNafx09OU_KJ2UxmkQ> .
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>From the tenBroek Library
Photo: Second Sight of the Parthenon Frieze image 1
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Second Sight of the Parthenon Frieze
The tenBroek Library does not usually acquire books simply because they are
in an accessible format. Most of our books in fact are ink-print (and not
necessarily large type). This is because most books on blindness-just like
most books on any subject-are ink-print and have never been published in an
accessible format.
We are gradually dealing with the inaccessibility of the ink-print-only
books through our digitization program. And we'll also do on-demand
digitization for a fee. For example, a researcher recently visited and spent
some time with a librarian reviewing a number of ink-print items that were
of potential interest. He left us with a request to digitize almost a
hundred pages. We were happy to do that and send the digitized material to
him as e-mail attachments (along with a bill).
But this is not what this month's "From the tenBroek Library" is really
about.
Our subject this month is an accessible book we recently acquired. It is not
about blindness, but it merits a place in our library because of the care
that was taken to make it accessible both visually and tactilely. It's a
beautiful book called Second Sight of the Parthenon Frieze, published by the
British Museum in collaboration with an Italian publisher of fine books.
Here's a paragraph from the introduction to the book:
"This book forms part of the Tiresias project, which includes a permanent
exhibition in the British Museum's Parthenon Galleries. Tiresias is the
blind seer of Greek myth who was blinded by Hera but compensated by Zeus
with the power of second sight. The purpose of both the book and the
exhibition is to provide 'second sight' of the Parthenon frieze for sighted
and visually impaired people alike."
Second Sight of the Parthenon Frieze image 2
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/Frieze_2.jpg>
The frieze, which the British took (some say "stole") from Greece two
hundred years ago-along with statues and other antiquities-shows people,
animals, wheeled vehicles, and other objects in a procession honoring
Athena, the patron goddess of ancient Athens. This book reproduces the
frieze in an inventive way that allows both blind and sighted people to
appreciate its beauty without being in London, where it can be directly
viewed. Again, from the introduction:
"Most pages of this book are divided into three bands. The top band shows
the frieze modified for the partially sighted. Over this is a transparent
layer of tactile images, in which the frieze is further adapted for the
blind user. This simplified version is calculated to convey the most
important elements. The second band of the page features a selection of
figures that have been isolated so as to make them more easily understood,
while the third band shows a bird's-eye view of the procession. This plan
offers an opportunity for both visually impaired and sighted readers to
understand the procession better than ever possible before."
Second Sight of the Parthenon Frieze image 3
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/Frieze_3.jpg>
The book provides tactile maps of ancient Athens showing the route of the
procession, a plan view of the Parthenon, and elevation views of each side
of the Parthenon. There is also a visual-tactile "lexicon" that defines each
image in the procession.
All the text in the book is in Braille as well as ink-print. Accompanying
the book is a five-hour spoken commentary on three cassettes. We plan to
digitize the audio and make it available to library users on CDs.
Whether you're blind or sighted, this book can only be experienced in
person. It is another reason to visit Baltimore (unless a library near you
also has a copy).
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Independence Market
The ending of summer heralds the beginning of the school year. Blind
students of all ages may find some of the following items available from the
National Federation of the Blind Independence Market of use in their
academic studies and extracurricular activities. We have grouped items into
two broad categories: personal management and study aids; however there is
some overlap, so you'll want to look through both sections.
Personal Management
* Using a white cane gives a blind person independence in moving
around his/her home and school environment. The Independence Market sells a
variety of white
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=pME0ZRRhByNxsz7owjBybA> canes.
* An accessible watch and/or clock are useful tools that assist
students to get to class on time. The Independence Market sells a variety of
Braille and talking watches
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EBgNICraWTanMK6b_kpMVg> and
clocks. Braille watches allow the wearer to check the time unobtrusively,
which is especially useful in class or in church. Talking watches have the
advantage of having an alarm.
* Accessible
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NlkVYC5_J6Pgwe4743S3jA> locks
help to keep books and other materials secure when using a locker at school
or at the gym.
* Most students have several devices that use batteries. A battery
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=6yYNRee2w3jGir7Ex-GUqw> tester
is a must for anyone needing to distinguish discharged batteries from new
ones.
* We also carry a small selection of handheld magnifiers
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JWJrXBAcRbDkQl_t2Ig2Bw> ,
ranging from 5X to 14X.
Study Aids
* A calculator
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WlI6rgEoFuk9hq4mdVsDbg> or
abacus is helpful when doing basic math functions.
* Here are some tools for listening
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=yu6tpE-KwxyLH4Ut7JOETg> to
books and recording classes. The new digital recorders like the Olympus
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Xmeo7ZiuPUiMk0rCK4xMFw> DM-420
offer some definite advantages. The feature-filled Victor
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=B0CJKPMn2jX1WlAB7K-RnA> Reader
Stream gives blind students access to textbooks like never before.
* Every student needs to take notes in class. We have some tools
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Pb3U79twoqGgbDESu8Q6Og> you
may find helpful, including 20/20 pens, dark lined writing paper, writing
guides, slates and styluses, and Braille paper. It is always good to be
armed with a slate
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Ca6RyFldxs8ngb3KljHY0A> as a
backup, just in case some of the fancy technology fails.
* We also carry supplies
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=4iArxsEHMmTqMM-9i-4O-A> for
making Braille labels. Braille labels are great for getting organized.
For more information or to place an order for products, please contact the
NFB Independence Market via e-mail <mailto:IndependenceMarket at nfb.org> or
by phone at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. eastern time.
[]
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif>
Parent Outreach
Kendra
Photo: Kendra with plunger
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/kendra_plunge
r.gif>
The Summer 2011 issue of Future
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3j1QwDUuy2wvHGzzhygmFA>
Reflections ,
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3j1QwDUuy2wvHGzzhygmFA> Volume
30 Number 3, is out. Future Reflections is the NFB's quarterly magazine for
parents and teachers of blind children. Read it for the newest content on
Learning, Making Friends, Advocacy, Transitions, Technology, and more. To
whet your interest, here's the beginning of the first article in the
Learning section:
"Dad, Where's the Plunger?"
by Richard Holloway
>From the Editor: It is often said that 80 percent of all learning is visual.
For a totally blind child, however, 100 percent of learning occurs
nonvisually. Given plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration, a blind
child can acquire most of the information about the world that sighted
children possess. In this article, Richard Holloway describes how he helped
his blind daughter, Kendra, fill in some important information gaps.
"Dad, do we have a plunger?" my daughter asked one afternoon. "Where's the
plunger?"
I was a little concerned. Why would my eight-year-old daughter possibly need
a plunger, after all? This just couldn't be good!
"I want to know what a plunger feels like!" she explained.
Wow! I had done it again. I pride myself on describing the visual world to
my blind daughter, but there it was-another little hole in her
understanding. Did we have a plunger? Sure. Was I going to let her explore
it with her hands? Well, no, that didn't seem the best plan. You might find
ours to be as well-washed as any slightly used plunger anywhere, but I'm not
going to put it into a child's hands for tactile exploration. "I'm sorry," I
said, "we don't have a plunger that you can touch. It isn't clean enough.
But what if I take you to the store and let you explore a new, clean
plunger?"
Kendra was delighted with the idea. That's how I came to take her on her
first Home Depot expedition. . . .
This article is continued in Future
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Z2wiwezCyKC8rFopir3OFg>
Reflections online
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Z2wiwezCyKC8rFopir3OFg> .
[]
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif>
Spotlight on the Imagination Fund
One of the purposes of the Imagination
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=6bwPRHTesR0q7i_87mpCQg> Fund
is to support the innovative, informative, and inspiring programs of the
affiliates and divisions of the National Federation of the Blind through
Imagination Fund grants.
Sean Whalen and Kimberly Flores, former NABS board member and current
president of the NFB of Texas
Photo: Sean Whalen and Kimberly Flores
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/Whalen_and_Fl
ores.jpg>
The National Association of Blind Students (NABS) applied for and was
awarded an Imagination Fund grant to send NABS board member representatives
to NFB affiliate conventions and state student events. The funds helped NABS
to assist in division building, increase cohesion between state and national
student divisions, and develop the leadership skills of future leaders of
the NFB.
Overall, NABS fulfilled eighteen requests for representatives. According to
Sean Whalen, current president of NABS, representatives are extremely
beneficial to affiliates and students alike, "from helping to launch a
student division in West Virginia, to keeping already strong state
divisions, like Georgia, abreast of, and involved in, the work we are doing
on a national level, to speaking to conventions, students, and parents at
large in nearly twenty states, NABS was able to make significant progress."
The benefits of the program include strengthening relationships, mentoring,
and leadership development. Sean Whalen describes a few of the outcomes of
the program: "Each of us who has traveled as part of the program has been
told by NFB leaders, students, or parents of blind students that our
presentations, conversations, and encouragement throughout the course of an
event have added valuable perspective, provided useful information, or,
sometimes, even changed people's outlooks on blindness."
To learn more about how the National Association of Blind Students is
changing what it means to be blind, visit the NABS
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=F-vn2zAAKyO1XArgM8H29w> Web
site.
To help support worthwhile programs of the National Federation of the Blind,
become an Imaginator and join the Race
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ZLOVxD6mk4lZaGcwWsVduQ> for
Independence today!
[]
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif>
NFB Calendar
The Fall Convention Season The yearly meetings of NFB's state affiliates
cluster in the fall and spring. The following states meet in September and
October: Arizona, North Carolina, Montana, New York, Kentucky, Georgia,
Alaska, D.C., Illinois, Minnesota, Rhode Island, California, Arkansas,
Indiana, Hawaii, Nebraska, Kansas, Washington, Maine, Iowa, and Maryland! To
look up when other state annual meetings occur, see the state
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=aNT-oGF_a991TOViOlcUZg>
conventions page on the NFB's Web site.
October 2011 Meet
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=kW5RfHbEC5gba-WEmXgZBQ> the
Blind Month, a campaign conducted by NFB chapters throughout the country. We
challenge you to participate in innovative and unique meet-and-greet events
in your local community this year. For information, contact Melissa
Kobelinski <mailto:mkobelinski at nfb.org> .
October 7-8, 2011 Computer
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=GeSPVPxvnniimuzDgahUdw>
Science Academy, presented by the NFB and the Rochester
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=pcVgfyXLAJ91nvo1SHHSdg>
Institute of Technology at the NFB Jernigan Institute.
November 1, 2011 National Federation of the Blind Bid for Excellence
national auction begins. For more information, help in how to promote the
auction, to donate an item or service, or to become a Bid for Excellence
sponsor, contact Ann-Marie Laney at (410) 659-9314, extension 2371, or by
e-mail <mailto:alaney at nfb.org> .
February 6-9, 2012 NFB Washington
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NSjtXSgdRvnWnNx7sWHNwg>
Seminar, Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
[]
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif>
Citation
Activities began on Sunday morning, July 3, when parents, rehabilitation
professionals, technology enthusiasts, job seekers, and artists gathered to
begin their work. President Maurer addressed the rehab professionals and
emphasized how crucial their work is in making the dream of full
participation real in the lives of blind people. He visited with the
children and tried to convince a young girl named Jessica that her
unsuccessful struggles to read print probably meant that she should be
concentrating on Braille. "Sighted people should use the techniques of the
sighted, and blind people should use the techniques of the blind," he
argued. The exchange was spirited, and it was evident just how much this
little girl had been taught that the only path to praise would come through
what she could see. A young man named Drake wanted to know how a blind man
could invent a time machine. The president seemed a bit surprised by the
question so early in the morning but opined that, if a time machine could be
made, he was certain that a blind person would be as likely to come up with
it as a sighted person. Lindsey asked what he had done in his time as
president, and for a moment he was uncharacteristically silent as he
considered how to address the many challenges that have characterized his
presidency in a way this little girl and the rest of his young audience
could understand.
-" The
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JPM6rNt7xuS9VdXree9XXw> 2011
Convention Roundup," Gary Wunder, Braille Monitor, August-September 2011
Back to Top <>
Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute's Imagineering Our Future.
Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11505.jpg>
Photo: Group on white water raft
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11455.jpg>
Support the Jernigan Institute through the Imagination
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mcskkWV4xOTPWNQjSiPZTQ> Fund
Photo: Young woman playing flute
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11433.gif>
Interesting links:
Archive <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=sRJv14y6qROWVf8NJ0eSaA>
of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos
National
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=SsX1tl5nwMeV0aPCmy81Yg> Center
for Blind Youth in Science
Access <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Y52AH_k9FShYSz5VWBbvWA>
Technology Tips
TeachBlind
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9fl8dCDLrHLFL3uUDGGldQ>
Students.org
Photo: Youth practicing martial art
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11435.gif>
Blogs:
Access <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9QbnyQQNizseJ9rKr2_81Q>
Technology
Voice <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=eXbpxyc1lGfKN0G_emUtAA>
of the Nation's Blind
Photo: Senior couple
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11083.gif>
Publication archives:
Future <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WbZp2D417eGRqq-16hAgxQ>
Reflections
Braille <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=FITPYChorgJE9i2strGeLw>
Monitor
Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10767.jpg>
Graphic: National Federation of the Blind logo
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11075.gif>
Photo: Blind little girl with cane
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11079.gif>
Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10623.jpg>
Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11081.gif>
Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10621.jpg>
Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11187.jpg>
Visit us at nfb.org
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=GQE5V7bn42C0T1t2dTN7lg>
Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10899.jpg>
[]
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif>
Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 Fax (410) 659-5129 E-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org
<mailto:JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20
Future>
Visit us at www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/>
Better Business Bureau logo
<http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11466.gif>
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Xmym_tHLT_0C2E802VYd5A>
American Institute of Philanthropy logo
The National Federation of the Blind meets the rigorous Standards for
Charity Accountability set forth by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and is
Top-Rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Forward <http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1FXtc-xfiVm0EikBBsBIqw>
this newsletter.
If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe, please
e-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org
<mailto:JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20
Future> .
<http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=chQlPIWHtLO8RALYFafAkQ>
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