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<h1><b>Imagineering Our Future</b></h1><b> Issue
27 <br>
October 2010 <br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Top"></a>In this issue:</b></h2>
<ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="#Executive">Message from the Executive Director</a>
<li><a href="#New">What’s New</a>
<li><a href="#Education">Education</a>
<li><a href="#Braille">Braille Initiative</a>
<li><a href="#Advocacy">Advocacy</a>
<li><a href="#StraightTalk">Straight Talk About Vision Loss</a>
<li><a href="#Technology">Product and Access Technology Talk</a>
<li><a href="#Library">From the tenBroek Library</a>
<li><a href="#Independence">Independence Market</a>
<li><a href="#Parents">Parent Outreach</a>
<li><a href="#Spotlight">Spotlight on the
</a><a href="#Spotlight">Imagination Fund</a></i>
<li><a href="#Events">NFB Calendar</a>
<li><a href="#Quote">Citation</a> <br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<br>
<h2><b><a name="Executive"></a>Message from the Executive
Director</b></h2>
Dear Friends,<br><br>
Recently I was thinking about the sounds of change. As I walked my
son to preschool the other day, we discussed the changing of the seasons
from summer to fall. My son, Austin, was looking forward to the
leaves falling so we could pile them up and jump into them. I
talked with him about the colors of the leaves changing but also about
the sounds that are different, such as leaves blowing down the street and
birds flying south.<br><br>
Last month we hosted a group of energetic Federationists who are working
on youth outreach programs in our affiliates. During that gathering, I
also found myself thinking about the sounds of change. The lively
discussions, passionate dreams, and exciting new ideas were heard (and
felt) throughout the NFB Jernigan Institute. Thousands of people come to
the NFB Jernigan Institute for seminars and meetings each year. The
sounds of change are present in all of these gatherings. Those sounds are
also present in the state and local gatherings of
Federationistsespecially during this busy fall season, which features
many affiliate conventions and local outreach events for Meet the Blind
Month. If you want to hear hope, listen to the melody of collaboration,
or accompany a song of discovery, then you need to be part of the
National Federation of the Blind.<br><br>
As you will find in this month’s issue, as the seasons change, the work
of the Federation carries forward in new and dynamic ways. The sounds of
change are a part of what we offer as well as a consistent rhythm of high
expectations and positive attitudes. What makes the sound so beautiful is
that it incorporates thousands of voices in a symphony that Dr. Jernigan
described as “individual efforts collectively focused.” We hope to see
you at one of our many Meet the Blind Month events, where we will be
demonstrating the sounds of change through the hopes and dreams of the
blind of America. <br><br>
<br>
</i></b>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11057.jpg" alt="Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono">
</i></b><br>
Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute</b>
<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<br>
</dl><h2><b><a name="New"></a>Featured NFB News</b></h2>Who’s Whozit?
<br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12177.jpg" width=125 height=114 alt="Image: Whozit, the NFB's symbol">
<br><br>
<h4><b>Meet the Blind Month Is Here!</b></h4>October is Meet the Blind
Month</b>, our nationwide campaign to increase awareness of and support
for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This person-to-person
awareness campaign is designed to increase the understanding that the
National Federation of the Blind is the country’s preeminent membership
organization of blind people and that we, the NFB, are the recognized
resource when it comes to vision loss, blindness, and
rehabilitation.<br><br>
This year we are launching a pilot program, Who’s Whozit, to bring our
message to school-aged children. This initiative will serve to generate
excitement around one of our organization’s most important effortspublic
education. The primary focus in 2010 is to shatter common misconceptions
about blindness, show how far the blind have come due to the efforts of
the NFB, and focus attention on the work that needs to be done in order
for the blind to obtain full integration into society on the basis of
equality. <br><br>
Check out the Meet the Blind Month activities in your area or post your
upcoming events on the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=2f2u7iWKf7KfijuU36gzBQ..">
Meet the Blind Month Web page</a>. <br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Education"></a>Education<br><br>
<br>
</b></h2><h4><b>NFB Youth Slam</b></h4>It’s back:</b> The third
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ltZ2lX_m5ZIBDI-56VncZg..">
NFB Youth Slam</a>, a STEM academy for blind high school students ages
14-18, will be held in the summer of 2011. This exciting program provides
blind youth with a unique opportunity to interact with blind peers and
successful blind adult role models, while learning exciting new things
and participating in challenging confidence-building experiences.
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12185.jpg" width=150 height=129 alt="Photo: Mentor Heather Oklak and 2007 Youth Slam participant">
<br>
Volunteers needed:</b> We are looking for enthusiastic, dynamic,
positive adults (18 years of age and older) who are interested in serving
as volunteers to help facilitate the NFB Youth Slam. We need individuals
who are able to be mentors, marshals, assist with instructionyou name
it. We couldn't do a program like this without the help of great
volunteers. <br><br>
All those who are interested in attending or volunteering for this
one-of-a-kind event should visit
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_LdjCTNX63TFF3Wdq4eh7Q..">
www.blindscience.org</a> to submit an online application when
registration opens this fall. <br><br>
Thank you: </b> The National Federation of the Blind offers our deepest
appreciation to all those who supported our efforts over the last two
months to secure a grant in the Pepsi Refresh project. Out of over 450
organizations competing for the $250,000 prize, the NFB reached as high
as 15th place. However, we were unable to break into the top twoa
necessary position to receive funding for the 2011 NFB Youth Slam
program. While our Pepsi project has done well enough to roll over
into the October competition, we will be focusing our energies on other
efforts, including our grassroots Meet the Blind Month programs and our
new Text2Give campaign, which will support our Imagination Fund</i> and
the programs it benefits, such as the NFB Youth Slam. More
information about this effort can be found in the
<a href="#Spotlight">Spotlight on the
</a><a href="#Spotlight">Imagination Fund</a></i> section of this
newsletter. Again, we wholeheartedly thank you for your
enthusiastic support and commitment as we continue to build a future full
of opportunities. <br>
<h4><b>NLCSD Doctoral
Fellowship</b></h4>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12178.bmp" width=100 height=46 alt="Graphic: NLCSD logo">
</b></h4><br>
Applications for the second and final cohort of the National Leadership
Consortium in Sensory Disabilities (NLCSD) are now being accepted.
This is a four-year doctoral fellowship for students in participating
consortium universities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Education, Office of Special Education Programs, the consortium consists
of twenty-five universities with doctoral programs that have an emphasis
in one or more of the three sensory impairment areas: blind/visually
impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, and deafblindness. Applications
will be accepted until December 31, 2010. The cohort will begin
their studies in the Fall of 2011. More information about the
application process can be obtained on the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ECxheCt8NdLdjS54732E0w..">
NLCSD Web site</a>. <br><br>
The NFB is deeply concerned that we have strong leaders in order to
continue our work to improve the education of blind children and the
programs to train teachers to work with those children. We
encourage those interested in providing leadership in this area to
consider applying. <br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Braille"></a>Braille Initiative<br><br>
<br>
</b></h2><h4><b>Braille Certification Training Program</b></h4>The
National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is nearing the end of
our fourth year of working under contract with the Library of Congress,
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, to
administer the courses leading to certification for Braille transcribers
and proofreaders. During the past four years, approximately nine hundred
students have successfully completed the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=fTCChhLwmoZVYe9trz1j_A..">
Braille Certification Courses</a> and earned their certification from the
Library of Congress. In addition, we have revised the manual for the
literary transcribing course, added a new Associate Music Transcriber
certification, and updated other requirements and processes to keep the
courses running efficiently and to maintain the high standards of the
Library of Congress certification. Further updates are ongoing as we
continue to strive to increase the quality and quantity of Braille
produced in this country.<br><br>
<h4><b>Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</b></h4>The National
Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the National Association to
Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB), and the National Organization of
Parents of Blind Children are pleased to announce that registration for
the twenty-eighth annual
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Zcpzjvpj5rYVMQSqSGdYUg..">
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</a> began October 1. The
contest encourages children in grades K-12 to be proud of their ability
to read Braille and to continually work to improve their skills.
<br><br>
In addition, the NFB Jernigan Institute and NAPUB are offering a Braille
Readers Are Leaders Contest for adults again this year. This contest
promotes the use of Braille in recreational reading among blind adults as
a means to maintain and improve their skills. Adults with various levels
of experience reading Braille are welcome to join in the fun.<br><br>
<h4><b>Braille Reading Pals Club</b></h4>COMING SOON! We’re getting
ready for a new year in the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=L6XQUeibVjnmDRJnt6q8oA..">
Braille Reading Pals Club</a>, an early literacy program that encourages
parents to read daily with their blind child (ages infant to seven).
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mFYXgnNN1HXpvqCHCcACEA..">
Registration</a> opens November 1, with the new club year beginning in
January. <br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Advocacy"></a>Advocacy</b></h2>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12188.jpg" width=125 height=175 alt="Photo: Anne Taylor, from Baltimore Sun eBay article">
</b></h2><br>
(Baltimore Sun</i> photo by Kenneth K. Lam / September 24, 2010)
<br><br>
A
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LU3fP02Re5d5G5QH1qzZiw..">
Baltimore
</a>Sun</i>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LU3fP02Re5d5G5QH1qzZiw..">
article</a> was among the media reports that eBay, the world’s largest
online marketplace, has partnered with the National Federation of the
Blind to create more opportunities for blind Americans to gain employment
in e-commerce. With 70 percent of blind Americans either unemployed
or underemployed, job creation is critical to tackle the employment
challenges facing the blind.<br><br>
eBay.com now includes enhanced features for users to buy, bid, and sell
using the keyboard alone, as well as improved ways to navigate content
using assistive technologies, such as screen access software. The blind
are now empowered to start businesses and connect with eBay’s 92 million
users and shop from 200 million live listings.<br><br>
The NFB and eBay will also provide additional tools and support to the
blind community to enable their success on eBay, such as providing seed
funding for promising blind entrepreneurs, recruiting members of the
blind community to become eBay Trainers to educate other blind
individuals in selling on eBay, and creating an NFB e-commerce store on
the eBay platform. Those interested in receiving information about
the NFB eBay entrepreneurs program should
<a href="mailto:jerniganinstitute@nfb.org?subject=NFB/eBay%20Entrepreneurs%20Program%20Information">
e-mail their contact information</a> to the Jernigan Institute.
<br><br>
For more details, see the NFB and eBay
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MkcoZ-gRWLcCiZqwesQGpg..">
Jobs Development Partnership Agreement</a> and joint
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0uyizN9bZdjZjVralTF6qQ..">
press release</a>. <br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="StraightTalk"></a>Straight Talk About Vision
Loss</b></h2>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12184.gif" width=100 height=145 alt="Photo: Gary Wunder">
</b></h2><br><br>
This month,
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=30fEVLUEboOuIDdANsEbLQ..">
Straight Talk About Vision Loss</a></i> brings you
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=57DaYMW963hDur-MSclhog..">
Episode 33</a>, an interview with Gary Wunder, the new editor of the lead
publication of the NFB, the Braille Monitor</i>. Eleven issues of
the Monitor</i> are published each year (August and September are
combined into one issue and cover our annual national convention), and it
has been the voice of the nation’s blind since 1957. The Monitor</i>
offers a positive philosophy about blindness to both blind readers and
the public at large, and it covers the events and activities of the NFB
and addresses issues such as social concerns of the blind, employment,
education, legislation, rehabilitation, and products and technology used
by the blind. <br><br>
We take this opportunity to bring you a message from the Monitor</i>’s
editor:<br><br>
Last January we did some pruning of the </i>Monitor list by asking that
people receiving the publication contact us to affirm they still wanted
the magazine. Though we tried to make the process easy and avoid dropping
active readers from the list, it is apparent that a considerable number
of Federationists have been removed and are not sure how to resubscribe.
In my own state this has included board members, chapter presidents, and
rank and file members. <br><br>
I am asking that you take personal responsibility to see that our
flagship publication is being received by those who want and can benefit
from it. Please talk with your chapters and affiliate members about
how to subscribe and, if necessary, help them get on the list. Seeing
that members get the information we carry is too important to be left to
chance. If you have problems getting people subscribed, you may e-mail me
at </b><a href="mailto:gwunder@nfb.org">gwunder@nfb.org</a> or call at
(573) 874-1774.<br><br>
Information is the lifeblood of our organization. Please help me see that
it gets to all who want and can benefit from it. <br><br>
<br>
</i></b>Subscriptions are available in large print (14-point), in
Braille, on 2- or 4-track cassette, or via e-mail. To subscribe to
large print (14-point), Braille, 2- or 4-track cassette, or to change
your mailing address, please contact the NFB by mail (at the address
given below); phone (410) 659-9314, ext. 2344; or
<a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org?subject=Braille%20Monitor%20subscription">
e-mail</a>, and indicate which format you would like to receive. To
receive the Monitor</i> electronically,
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=gneZKRc0BP14sRoHCES3Jg..">
sign up online</a>. <br><br>
Braille Monitor</i> subscribers in the U.S. are invited to help cover the
subscription cost ($25) when possible. However, subscriptions
mailed to foreign countries are invoiced at $75 USD per year, and
Canadian subscriptions are invoiced at $35 per year. Checks should be
made payable to the “National Federation of the Blind” and sent to the
NFB, attention Braille Monitor</i>, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan
Place</i>, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Technology"></a>Product and Access Technology
Talk</b></h2>As the cooler weather sets in, the Access Technology team
has been opening boxesour favorite task. We have been testing out the
new
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3_gTCVDdHxxmOEjemLsVgg..">
Kindle</a>, and trying out
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=R8h_j9g0tONZnDnD5uyM2w..">
JAWS 12</a>. Another open box for the International Braille and
Technology Center is Freedom Scientific’s
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=u3Cm_02CDtICJbbIsPKiAw..">
Pearl</a> camera, to go with their update of the OpenBook software for
scanning and recognizing print. All of these have been written up for the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EaTcc26IG7uHwYT1Ln3wRQ..">
blog</a>and the preliminary testing has yielded some pretty interesting
results.<br><br>
From the manufacturer side, the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=B0RHWH0xk3HfmSKr7Jnvgg..">
Access Technology tips</a> now include instructions on how to use the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EkY9WNASgJauDAow3uzV3g..">
BrailleNote Apex</a> as a Braille display, and on how to use the Function
Key for the new
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=E_XKLypBXwxjJAP-qCxsHw..">
Olympus DM-4</a> digital recorder.<br><br>
On Monday, September 13, the Access Technology team played host to
election technology developers at a seminar devoted to nonvisual access
to voting technology. Representatives from Dominion Voting, Election
Systems & Software, Hart Intercivic, and Everyone Counts were
welcomed to the seminar by NFB President Marc Maurer. NFB members Steve
Booth of Baltimore, Maryland, Dan Burke of Missoula, Montana, Michael
Kasey of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Jan Wright of Indianapolis,
Indiana, shared their voting experience with seminar attendees. The AT
team shared their experience in an exchange of ideas about accessibility
design and demonstrated the state of the art in touch-screen
accessibility. The seminar also included a discussion about the lack of
poll worker training on accessible voting machines, lead by Lou Ann
Blake, manager of the Institute’s
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=AZuja9c7n6ZU5f9Q1g_80A..">
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)</a> grant from the United States Department
of Health and Human Services. Information on federal guidelines and
certification testing was provided by Ron Gardner, member of the United
States Access Board and president of the NFB of Utah, and Dr. Sharon
Laskowski of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.<br><br>
Finally, the team participated in Pearson Publishing’s
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=UwKXqD7ZfnNRS5D5eO2rvA..">
Accessibility & Innovation Conference</a> on September 28. The
presentation covered editorial, instructional design, and usability
aspects of Web accessibility and eBook accessibility. The event targets
decision makers and process owners at Pearson, one of the largest
publishers of textbooks in the world. <br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Library"></a>From the tenBroek Library</b></h2>The
tenBroek family <br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12186.jpg" width=155 height=150 alt="Photo: tenBroek family in living room">
<br><br>
Last winter we heard from
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5aoRxHVQ2h0Gm84E5AfHmw..">
Judge Michael Marcus</a> of the Multnomah County (Oregon) Circuit Court.
At the time he was receiving chemotherapy for brain cancer and he had
good reason to believe that he wouldn't live too long. To make things
right in this world he felt that he had to fulfill a promise he had made
to Hazel tenBroek in 1968.<br><br>
In 1968, Judge Marcus was a law student and earlier, while an
undergraduate, he had been a student of Dr. tenBroek’s. Marcus had
remained close with the tenBroeks and was a favored protégé of the blind
constitutional scholar at the time of the professor’s death. It was
natural, then, for Mrs. tenBroek to offer Marcus the set of United States
Supreme Court Reports that had occupied a place of honor in a bookcase in
the tenBroek home. Marcus promised Hazel that he would make good use of
the books, but unfortunately he let them languish, and they eventually
ended up in the basement of his home in Portland.<br><br>
Dr. tenBroek’s Supreme Court Reports <br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12187.jpg" width=100 height=150 alt="Photo: Dr. tenBroek's Supreme Court Reports">
<br><br>
Judge Marcus contacted the tenBroek Library, telling us he’d gladly pay
to ship the books to Baltimore. He wanted the books permanently connected
to his mentor’s memory. We could hardly refuse. These were the very books
that Hazel and other sighted readers had read aloud as Jacobus tenBroek
digested the meaning of the Supreme Court decisions for citation in his
scholarly writings. Although everything in these books is now available
to lawyers and scholars through online services such as Westlaw, the
books themselves should remain dear to Federationists and to all who are
better off as a result of Jacobus tenBroek’s life and work. Here they
sit, in an honored place on the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=S9Jf5RKdlM6laoujeasoZg..">
tenBroek Library</a> shelves. We’re pleased to say that Judge Marcus is
still with us and that he is satisfied knowing that the books are here,
in the home of America’s organized blind. <br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Independence"></a>Independence
Market</b></h2>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12179.bmp" width=107 height=80 alt="Photo: A Braille calendar">
</b></h2><br><br>
It is not too early to order your 2011 Braille or large print calendar
from the NFB Independence Market. We have the following calendars
available.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=_Pgg7pJNO_zejQ1ijYVfpg..">
2011 American Action Fund Braille Calendar</a> This
comb-bound, pocket-sized Braille calendar measures 6 x 6 1/2 inches. Each
calendar page includes the days of the month and lists major holidays. A
page for personal notes is in the back. This calendar is available free
of charge.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=n9mX0ibzHLY8vqOuWUtxmg..">
2011 Large Print Calendar</a> This spiral-bound, large print
appointment calendar measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches with inside pockets. Each
month is displayed on two facing pages and features 2-inch blocks for
each day of the month. The months are tabbed and include a section for
monthly notes as well as a three-month calendar overview. The calendar
costs $10.00 plus shipping and handling.<br><br>
These items can be ordered
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JyBct2xLdBRItLnwy7P-vA..">
online</a> from the Independence Market. Please contact staff with any
questions via <a href="mailto:IndependenceMarket@nfb.org">e-mail</a> or
by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216, Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Parents"></a>Parent Outreach<br><br>
<br>
</b></h2><h4><b>Let Go and Empower Blind Youth</b></h4>Some who have read
previous issues of this newsletter or made visits to the NFB Jernigan
Institute have seen our dynamic accessible bulletin board. The goal of
this board is to help promote the mission and work of the NFB and to
highlight specific programs and philosophies related to blindness. Our
bulletin board also helps model for teachers how regular classroom and
school bulletin boards can be made engaging for blind students easily and
creatively. This quarter’s display illustrates a parent encouraging her
blind child to go after the career of his choice. <br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/12182.jpg" width=200 height=150 alt="Photo: LEt GO, Empower bulletin board">
<br><br>
This bulletin board features a scene from the lives of Linda LEGO and her
blind son Luke. In the bottom right-hand corner a short story gives
viewers background information about the LEGO family and sets the
scene.<br><br>
Linda LEGO loves her son Luke LEGO. Like all parents, she wants to
protect him from all things bad. She used to worry constantly about how
her blind son could navigate the world. Then one day Captain Whozit paid
her a visit. <br><br>
Captain Whozit told Linda LEGO, “With the proper training and
opportunities blindness can be reduced to the level of a mere nuisance.”
He also told her about the skills Luke needs to have to be successful.
Now, having taken Captain Whozit’s words to heart, Linda knows it’s okay
to LEt GO!<br><br>
</b>The title of this displayLEt GO, Empowercan be found in the top
left-hand corner in print and in Braille. In print, the words “LEt GO”
are oriented vertically along the left border and the word “Empower”
branches off of the “e” in “let” and continues horizontally beneath the
top border producing a crossword puzzle effect. Large three-dimensional
figures of Linda (approximately three feet tall) and Luke (approximately
two feet tall) pop off the deep green background. Luke is dressed in a
white collared shirt, blue jeans, and red sneakers. An authentic NFB
children’s cane rests on his shoulder. Luke’s clothes are adorned with
the characteristics of a successful blind child: problem solver, socially
appropriate, cane traveler, determined, confident, independent, active,
technology-literate, and Braille reader. Linda is wearing a red dress
that features the characteristics a parent needs to raise a successful
blind child: good listener, creative, loving, strong, good sense of
humor, persevering, dedicated, assertive, and investigative. Word bubbles
show the conversation between mom and son. <br><br>
Luke says, “I want to be a fireman, but Jimmy says I can't do it because
I’m blind.” <br><br>
Linda replies, “You need to LEt GO of those negative attitudes! You can
do whatever you want. We'll find out if any other blind people are
firefighters and how they do their job.”<br><br>
</b>Continuing the theme all the way to the edge of the bulletin board,
the border is made of real LEGO building bricks. Visitors are invited to
interact with the display and reposition the LEGO pieces! <br><br>
<h4><b>Youth Coordinator Leadership Seminar</b></h4>On September 24-26,
2010, the NFB Jernigan Institute hosted a youth coordinator conference to
help foster development of more programs for blind youth across the
country. Thirty-three youth coordinators, selected by their NFB state
affiliate president from twenty-seven states, participated in the event.
The youth coordinators worked in groups to plan hypothetical programs for
blind youth emphasizing areas of Braille, transition, blindness
philosophy and skills, and STEM subjects. The groups shared their ideas
with each other at the end of the evening, and their programs were
evaluated by blind youth. The goal of this seminar is for coordinators to
take the ideas shared at this conference back to their state affiliates
and apply what they learned in their own youth outreach efforts.<br><br>
<h4><b>Leading the Way Program</b></h4>In the NFB 2001 Everest
Expedition, the NFB sponsored blind athlete Erik Weihenmayer in his
record-breaking summit of Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the
world. The Jernigan Institute has been asked to pass along a notice
of this travel program for students of all abilities, developed by the
nonprofit
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ZFUNi1ef4ysxupwP8nACKw..">
Global Explorers</a> in partnership with Erik: <br><br>
Do you know an exceptional student who would benefit from a unique travel
and leadership program?<br>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12181.jpg" width=106 height=94 alt="Graphic: Global Explorers logo">
<br><br>
The Global Explorers Leading the Way program brings together blind and
sighted youth ages 14-21 for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining
leadership, science, culture, and service. The program aims to
achieve the following:
<ul>
<li>Provide unparalleled leadership skills by learning about and
practicing No Barriers Leadership.
<li>Develop confidence, independence, self-awareness, and curiosity about
the world in participants.
<li>Promote peer relationships among youth of different backgrounds and
abilities.
<li>Equip participants with the tools they need to step up and make a
difference in the world.
<li>Prepare participants to act on the passions they discover.
<li>Spread messages of hope by breaking down barriers between those with
and without disabilities.
</ul><br>
Our summer 2011 Leading the Way destination is one of the 7 Natural
Wonders of the World–the majestic Grand Canyon!
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=DtiNnPkLrNc2R42YseJ4oA..">
Nominate a student online</a> by the Monday, November 15, deadline.
For more information, please
<a href="mailto:laura@globalexplorers.org">e-mail Laura</a> or call (877)
627-1425.<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Spotlight"></a>Spotlight on the Imagination Fund</i>
</b></h2>
<img src="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/12183.bmp" width=112 height=121 alt="Graphic: Cell phone">
</b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h4><b>Easy Way to Support the Race for Independence Campaign </b></h4>As
of October 1, 2010, the Imagination Fund</i> has a new tool to help raise
funds for the innovative and vital programs it supports. It is called
Text2Give, and it is a program where members and others are invited to
text a gift of $10 to the Imagination Fund</i>. The task is simple. Just
text the keyword “Blind” to 85944 and help us raise $1 million for the
programs of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan
Institute. (Messaging and data rates may apply. A one-time gift of
$10 will be charged to your phone.)<br><br>
</i>For more information on the Race for Independence Campaign, please
visit
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=2L9D_dr86JC0Wwi5XdHkyw..">
www.raceforindependence.org</a>. <br><br>
Proceeds from the
</i>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=XwkCSb1u2c1JuileWwTsmg..">
Imagination Fund</a> build programs of the National Federation of the
Blind at the national, state, and local levels.<br><br>
</i> <br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/../images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=4 alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Events"></a>NFB Calendar<br><br>
</b></h2>October 2010</b>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=EwDqsGV1I0wr462OQlvH2Q..">
Meet the Blind Month</a>, a nationwide campaign conducted by chapters
throughout the country every October. Activities that spread the
NFB’s message in local communities are listed by state in the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=4Bjx9f4rUCaQMuf4sdYxpg..">
Meet the Blind Month events page</a>. <br><br>
<br><br>
October 1, 2010</b>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Ya7anGbXjztjm4YYLmjYDA..">
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</a> registration begins<br><br>
<br>
The Fall Convention Season</b> The yearly meetings of the NFB’s
state affiliates cluster in the fall and the spring. The list of states
that will meet in convention assembled in October is impressive:
Alaska, District of Columbia, Georgia, Arkansas, Hawaii, California,
Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington,
Colorado, Michigan, and Nebraska. To look up when the NFB of
(insert your favorite state) meets or for more information, see the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=OIKg3bTOqbEEe5lH-n3HgQ..">
State Conventions</a> page on the NFB’s Web site. <br><br>
<br>
November 1, 2010</b>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ya_Iu58H58YPPZ-kzvS_xw..">
Braille Reading Pals</a> club
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xs7flhq_T8sSH7nsMT44ew..">
registration</a> begins<br><br>
<br>
November 1, 2010</b>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=aljuOl-raP6hnZ8SOBJ6qA..">
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest</a> reading period begins<br><br>
<br>
November 1, 2010</b> Application becomes available for
2011
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=fc9lKNglZ1gZ8jU3An2hqw..">
NFB Scholarship Program</a><br><br>
<br>
January 4, 2011</b> Louis Braille’s birthday<br><br>
<br>
January 31-February 3, 2011</b> NFB 2011
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=VsVfad5m5ajItcusThzUKw..">
Washington Seminar </a><br><br>
<br>
March 31, 2011</b> Deadline to apply to win one of thirty 2011 NFB
Scholarships<br><br>
<br>
July 2011</b> The 71st Annual NFB
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=rypk3D2J4W2N4d04gVvH5A..">
National Convention</a>, Orlando, Florida<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" alt="[]">
<br><br>
<h2><b><a name="Quote"></a>Citation</b></h2>Whereas the National
Federation of the Blind, the Nation’s oldest and largest organization of
blind people and a leading advocate for Braille literacy in the United
States, has launched a national “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign to
promote awareness of the importance of Braille and to increase the
availability of competent Braille instruction and of Braille reading
materials in this country: Now, therefore, be it<br><br>
Resolved</i>, That the House of Representatives</b><br><br>
(1) supports the importance of Braille and the role that Braille plays in
the lives of blind people;<br>
(2) recognizes the 70th anniversary of the National Federation of the
Blind; and<br>
(3) supports the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind and
other organizations to promote Braille literacy.<br>
<br>
</i></b>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=vEl34l4AcnVY7bAzDcvQhA..">
H. Res. 1034</a>: Expressing support for the importance of Braille in the
lives of blind people, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, 111th
Congress, June 23, 2010.<br>
<br><br>
<a href="#Top"><br>
Back to Top</a> <br><br>
Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute’s Imagineering Our
Future</i>.<br><br>
</b> <br><br>
<h4><b> </b></h4>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11505.jpg" alt="Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail">
</b></h4> <br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11455.jpg" alt="Photo: Group on white water raft">
<br>
<br><br>
Support the Jernigan Institute through the
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Mj5yJBPMIxp6cUw90Sz_7Q..">
Imagination Fund</a><br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
</i>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11433.gif" alt="Photo: Young woman playing flute">
</i> <br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<h4><b>Interesting links:
</b></h4>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WhvMF-Q4wRzziUTdUYFWMg..">
Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=lTCQUqQNPYWbPgIQfk9_gA..">
National Center for Blind Youth in Science</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=74qO_IuvNJJ5hNJ3OV9zDw..">
Access Technology Tips</a><br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11435.gif" alt="Photo: Youth practicing martial art">
<h4><b> <br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
Blogs:</b></h4>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=dKR37vHbFArG82vfRH1Gvw..">
Access Technology</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=5D6rMMGG4gGD8ieA-J5D1g..">
Voice of the Nation’s Blind</a><br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11083.gif" alt="Photo: Senior couple">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<h4><b>Publication archives:
</b></h4>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=75j3pmMPkWMqZ1AatHRQbA..">
Future Reflections<br><br>
</a>
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=HLzML57zFW5eBZMPhnSnSQ..">
Braille Monitor</a><br><br>
</i> <br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10767.jpg" alt="Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11075.gif" alt="Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11079.gif" width=100 height=142 alt="Photo: Blind little girl with cane">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10623.jpg" alt="Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11081.gif" alt="Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10621.jpg" alt="Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11187.jpg" width=100 height=297 alt="Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner">
<br><br>
Visit us at
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=cU5zWfAnkDTTefucPBFpUg..">
nfb.org</a> <br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10899.jpg" width=249 height=108 alt="Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity">
<br><br>
<br><br>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11499.gif" width=450 height=6 alt="[]">
<br><br>
Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind<br>
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place</i>, Baltimore, MD 21230<br>
(410) 659-9314 Fax (410)
659-5129 E-mail
<a href="mailto:JerniganInstitute@nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future">
JerniganInstitute@nfb.org</a><br>
Visit us at
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/" eudora="autourl">www.nfb.org<br>
</a>
<img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11466.gif" width=50 height=81 alt="Better Business Bureau logo">
<a href="http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=crQikVjD3A34tRU_8Os_Gw.."><img src="http://www.marchforindependence.org/images/content/pagebuilder/11465.jpg" width=75 height=315 alt="American Institute of Philanthropy logo"></a>
<br>
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. <br><br>
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Forward this newsletter.</a><br>
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e-mail
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