[NFBNJ] NFBNJ Purposes Goals objectives With Contact info Testimonials And Rules Of Blindness pasted And Attached
joe ruffalo
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Sat Sep 2 11:58:01 UTC 2017
Greetings to all!
As we enter the last four months of 2017, it has been brought to my
attention that we have added a good number of new email addresses to the
NFBNJ distribution list.
With this said, I have pasted and attached information highlighting the
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey to share with those
receiving. Please consider forwarding the gift of the NFBNJ to others and
consider joining the divisions in our state.
The information provided below features the purposes, goals and objectives
of the NFBNJ. We have listed contact information for the chapters,
divisions, committees, programs and projects, the courtesy rules of
blindness along with three strong testimonials on the importance to attend
the state convention.
In the next several days, we will be forwarding, posting on Newsline and
posting on the state website information pertaining to the pre registration
for the state convention and information to reserve your hotel room.
The state convention, Live The Life You Want; Let's Make It Happen will be
held at the Holiday Inn, 151 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, New Jersey from
Thursday, November 9 Through Sunday, November 12.
Again, please review the information provided, get and stay involved and
continue to raise expectations to live the life we want!
We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
www.carshelpingtheblind.org
or call 855 659 9314
****
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 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 does not hold us back. Together with love, hope and determination,
we transform dreams into reality.
About the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey (NFBNJ), an affiliate of
the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in
the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity
and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work
together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind
persons can live the life they want. Please visit our website at
www.nfbnj.org or contact Joseph Ruffalo, President; 254 Spruce Street,
Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003; Phone: 973 743 0075; Email: Nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Who We Are
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a 501c(3) nonprofit
volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted
persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local
chapters, divisions, committees, programs, projects and well-trained leaders
help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full
participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring
our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and
national level.
What We Do
• Assist blind persons to acquire the skills of independence
• Help blind persons to develop confidence in themselves through our many
service activities
• Teach blind persons the skills of leadership through active
participation in conventions, chapter meetings, and civic activities
• Encourage blind seniors to continue their active and meaningful
lifestyles
• Prepare blind students for productive tax-paying careers through
academic and training scholarships
• Inform diabetics about their options for coping with vision loss
• Support parents and friends of blind children with information about
the capabilities of the blind
• Protect and promote the civil rights of blind persons through public
education and legislative action
• Advocate for policies that eliminate discrimination and guarantee equal
access to educational programs and high quality rehabilitation
• Educate the public through seminars, community activities and our
publications
For the time, location, and date of all chapters, division and committee
meetings please contact the number provided for each.
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Chapters
At Large Chapter
(statewide)
Joseph Ruffalo, President 973-743-0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Capital Chapter
(Mercer & surrounding counties)
Mary Jo Partyka President 609-888-5459
choirnfb at gmail.com
Central Jersey Chapter
(Middlesex & surrounding counties)
Mac Biggers, President 801-916-9753
macbiggers at yahoo.com
Garden State Chapter
(Camden & surrounding counties)
Ryan Stevens, President 856-240-1497
RYSteve at comcast.net
Northeast Chapter
(Bergen & surrounding counties)
Dan Facchini, President 201-906-8655
danfb at verizon.net
Northern Chapter
(Essex & surrounding counties)
Rebecca Bryant, President973-732-6559
rirvin14 at optonline.net
South Jersey Shore Chapter
(Atlantic & surrounding counties)
Anthony Lanzilotti President6 09-361-3038
tti777 at gmail.com
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey Divisions
New Jersey Association to Promote the Use of Braille
Mary Jo Partyka President 609-888-5459
choirnfb at gmail.com
New Jersey Association of Deaf Blind
Alice Eaddy, President 856-765-0601
cheiro_alice at aol.com
New Jersey Association of Blind Diabetics
Rebecca Bryant, President 973-732-6559
rirvin14 at optonline.net
New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users
Dan Facchini, President 201-906-8655
danfb at verizon.net
Parents of Blind Children-NJ
Carol Castellano, Chair 973-377-0976
blindchildren at verizon.net
New Jersey Association of Senior Blind
Jane Degenshein, President973-736-5785
jdegen16 at comcast.net
New Jersey Association of Blind Students
Vee Gaspa, President 434-989-1868
Veronica.gaspa at student.shu.edu
New Jersey Association of Technology Users
Jane Degenshein President 973-736-5785
jdegen16 at comcast.net
Committees
Blind Merchants/Entrepreneurs Committee
Dan Facchini, Chair 201-906-8655
danfb at verizon.net
Liability Insurance Committee
Phil Harrison, Chair 609-545-8575
pbharrison39 at comcast.net
Membership Engagement
Rick Fox, Chair 973-743-6107
richardfox1 at comcast.net
Public Relations/Press Core Committee
Alice Eaddy, Chair 856-765-0601
nfbnj.secretary at aol.com
Resolutions Committee
Ryan Stevens, Chair 856-240-1497
rysteve at comcast.net
Scholarship Committee
Mary Fernandez, Chair 732-857-7004
trillian551 at gmail.com
Spanish Committee
Rosa Santiago, Chair 201-892-6946
rosa.santiago901 at gmail.com
Sports & Recreation Committee
Linda Melendez, Chair 732-421-7063
lindamelendez220 at gmail.com
White Cane Committee
Jane Degenshein, Chair 973-736-5785
Jdegen16 at comcast.net
Projects & Programs
Adopt Adaptive Equipment
Joe Ruffalo, Chair 973-743-0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy
Mary Jo Partyka r 609-888-5459
choirnfb at gmail.com
Blind Children’s Resource Center
Carol Castellano 973-377-0976
blindchildren at verizon.net
Website: www.blindchildren.org/
Braille Mentoring Program
Mary Jo Partyka 609-888-5459
choirnfb at gmail.com
Green Drop
Linda DeBerardinis, 856-735-5559
ljdeber3 at comcast.net
Website: www.nfbpickup.org
Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Liaison
Rebecca Bryant, Liaison 973-732-6559
rirvin14 at optonline.net
KNFB Reader Liaison
Rick Fox, Liaison 973-743-6107
richardfox1 at comcast.net
Website: www.knfbreader.com
Legislative Coordinator
Ryan Stevens 856-240-1497
RYSteve at comcast.net
Marketing Consultant
Amo Musharraf 732-821-1691
amo.musharraf at outlook.com
Projects & Programs
Continued
NFB-Newsline®
Jane Degenshein 973-736-5785
jdegen16 at comcast.net
Website: www.nfb.org/audio-newspaper-service
PAC (Pre-Authorized Contribution) Plan Coordinator
Brian Mackey 609-953-6988
bmackey88 at gmail.com
Parliamentarian
Ryan Stevens 856-240-1497
rysteve at comcast.net
Social Media Coordinator
Alice Eaddy, 856-765-0601
nfbnj.secretary at aol.com
The Sounding Board
Kathy Gabry, Editor 201-998-9427
specialk38 at aol.com
Vehicle Donation Program
Andrew Rees, 732-659-6002
amrees567 at gmail.com
Website: www.carshelpingtheblind.org/
Webmaster
Brian Mackey 609-953-6988
bmackey88 at gmail.com
Testimonials from Our Members
Carol Castellano:
We were lucky enough to learn about the NFB when our daughter Serena was a
baby. We began attending NFB conventions when she was in first grade and we
were desperate for help with her education. We received help and so much
more. Our daughter is an adult now and we are still active members of our
state NFB and we still attend conventions. What we found that first time is
what still inspires and energizes us each time we go–the message that blind
people can lead normal lives complete with a job, a family, friendships,
fun, and involvement in community life. We learn something new at convention
each year that can not only help our child but that we can take back to our
home state to help other blind kids and their families. Being part of the
NFB and attending NFB conventions is absolutely THE BEST thing you can do
for your blind child.
Amo Musharraf:
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the NFBNJ State Convention.
This was an excellent event and I learned a lot and gained a lot of insight.
I met incredible, knowledgeable, inspirational people – and they left me
energized.
Lydia Keller:
I was introduced to the NFBNJ from a friend in September 2007 and attended
my first state convention that fall in Manahawkin. I witnessed throughout
the weekend the many skills, techniques and the positive attitude
demonstrated at the state convention and I realized that with training and
hard work, I will gain my independence that I needed and wanted to achieve.
With this knowledge, I would share with others the gift of the Federation.
By gaining confidence, I have become involved in the NFBNJ by holding
multiple positions of leadership in several state divisions. With my
involvement in the divisions, I have been able to discuss several
opportunities to learn technology to better my life. I am proud to be a
member of the largest blind organization in the country and in the state,
The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey as we raise expectations
to live the life we want!
THE COURTESY RULES OF BLINDNESS
When you meet me, don't be ill at ease. It will help both of us if you
remember these ten simple points of courtesy:
1. I'm an ordinary person, who happens to be blind. You can talk to me as
you would anyone else—no need to raise your voice. If you have a question,
please address me directly rather than asking my companion.
2. I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently. If I
use a guide dog, please don’t pet, feed, or play with my dog without my
permission. If I’m in an unfamiliar place, I may ask you for directions or
assistance. Please don't grab my arm, my cane, or my dog. If I need to and
if you don’t mind, I'll ask to take your arm just above the elbow and keep a
half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.
3. When I am in a room, I like to know who else is there. Please speak or
introduce yourself when you enter.
4. Please keep in mind that a door left partially open, particularly to
an overhead cabinet or a car, is a potential hazard to me.
5. I do not have trouble with ordinary table skills. At meals, I can
serve myself and pass items to other diners, so please don’t reach over or
past me. Just let me know what’s being offered and I’ll take it from there.
6. There is no need to avoid words like "see” or “look.” I use them
too—for example, I watch television.
7. Blindness is just the loss of sight. My sense of smell, touch, and/or
hearing did not improve when I became blind. I simply rely on them more than
you might and, therefore, may gather more information through those senses
than you do.
8. If I'm your houseguest, there is no need to be extra attentive or to
move any furniture; I’ll use my cane and other senses to find things or I
will ask for your help.
9. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but feel free to
talk to me about anything that interests you. I have as many other
interests as you do.
10. In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way
when they see my extended white cane or guide dog. Only the blind may
legally carry white canes. Normally I can hear the sound of traffic and will
behave like any other pedestrian. If you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle,
I may not hear your car approach, so exercise caution and use the horn if
needed. You see more blind persons today walking alone, not because there
are more of us, but because we have learned to make our own way.
The National Federation of the Blind 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. Together with love, hope and
determination we transform dreams into reality.
For more information about blindness issues, or other matters concerning
blindness or the blind, please contact:
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
Joseph Ruffalo, President
254 Spruce Street
Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003
Phone: 973 743 0075
Email: Nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Website: www.nfbnj.org
For additional information and how to make a contribution to the NFBNJ,
Please visit our state website at www.nfbnj.org.
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