[NFBNJ] NFBNJ: Notes 04 From President Ruffalo

Wed Apr 15 05:10:51 UTC 2020

Notes 04 April 2020

Greetings to all!

With spring comes growth, a new beginning and an opportunity to reflect on 
the first three months of 2020.  Judy and I are hopeful that the next months 
will bring much good for all to applaud.

Remember: To keep informed, please visit the following New Jersey website.

www.covid.nj.gov

In addition, for state resources in your county, dial 211.

Updated information is available on the National Federation of the Blind 
Website.  We have provided the following information, please share.

COVID-19 Resources
The National Federation of the Blind is closely monitoring the COVID-19 
emergency, which is changing everyone’s lives but has unique effects on 
blind people. The health and safety of all of our members, colleagues, and 
friends is always our top priority. Information on the NFB’s COVID-19 
Resources page, www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources, provides resources 
that may be particularly useful to blind people facing challenges during the 
emergency. If you have found other resources that you believe are useful, 
please email the information to communicationsteam at nfb.org For the latest 
happenings with the NFB surrounding COVID-19, please visit www.nfb.org.

***

Items of Interest:

1.       SSI Stimulus Checks

2.       Grocery And Other Assistance

3.       Braille Essay Contest

4.       Updates From The State Library

Note: For updated information pertaining to the stimulus checks, please 
visit the National Federation of the Blind website at www.nfb.org

1.       SSA Stimulus Checks

Adult SSI recipients will NOT automatically get a stimulus check but are 
eligible. There is a short form to complete on-line

Also, SSDI recipients will automatically get the funds but for you to get 
your children ‘s $500 a piece you also need to complete the short on-line 
form. Note: only kids 16 and younger are eligible.

I have pasted the link below.

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

From: Chapter Presidents List, NFB

***

2. Grocery And Other Assistance

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An organization called Umbrella helps people 60 and over with all kinds of 
services. To receive their services, one would have to become a member for a 
yearly fee. Due to the Covid-19 emergency, they are providing assistance to 
members and nonmembers alike. Below, I have pasted information from their 
Website, which is:

https://www.askumbrella.com/coronavirus

Supporting our Members, Neighbors, and communities during coronavirus As an 
organization specifically dedicated to helping adults 60+ live better lives 
at home, we are committed to supporting the Umbrella community during these 
challenging times.

We have postponed nonessential jobs, in order to encourage social distancing 
and support public health measures.

In addition, we have turned our full focus toward helping older adults get 
the items and services they need right now, in the most affordable way, 
while minimizing contact.

If you or someone you know needs help with any of the items below, or 
something else, please call us at 844-402-2480.

Ways Umbrella can help now

  a.. Groceries & supplies
  Do you have everything you need in order to stay in your home safely 
(food, household supplies, pet supplies)? We will help you arrange the most 
affordable option—whether it’s an Umbrella Neighbor or by ordering groceries 
online on your behalf.
  b.. Medication pickup
  If you need prescription or over-the-counter medications to be picked up 
or delivered, we will find the most affordable option to get these to you 
(in many cases, free delivery is available).
  c.. Essential transportation
  If you have a doctor’s appointment (and your doctor approves that you 
should go out in order to make the appointment), we can arrange 
transportation for you.
  d.. Special requests & emergencies
  If a plumbing, electrical, or other issue comes up that would make it 
unsafe for you to stay in your home, please call us and we will help you get 
the service you need.
Are there other ways we can help? Please call, text, or email us to let us 
know. As always we're on the line M-F, 9am-6pm at 844-402-2480.

Not an Umbrella Member, but need help right now?

Call us at 844-402-2480. We can help make sure you have the supplies, 
medicine, and services you need.

Submitted by, Rick Fox

***

3. Essay Contest For Students K-12

In an effort to support blind children and their education during the 
COVID19 outbreak, the National Federation of the Blind of Texas is 
sponsoring an essay contest for blind and low vision students. These essays 
are meant to be a way for children to explore what they are going through 
and to help them process their feelings. Hopefully, writing things down will 
enable children to feel more in control of their surroundings and empowered 
Moving forward.

Please contact Emily Gibbs at egibbs at nfbtx.org or 281-968-7347 with 
questions.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Students should use their essay to answer the following question: How have 
you dealt with the coronavirus, social distancing or another life challenge?

Upload answers using the following form.

https://forms.gle/CmY45rgeqiGgYVxp8

Answers should be no less than 500 words.

Answers will be uploaded to NFB-NEWSLINE® for everyone to read.

A 50 dollar gift card will be awarded to one essay in each of the following 
grade brackets.
K-3
4-6
7-8
9-12.

Submitted by, NFB of Texas

****

4. Weekly Highlights From The State Library

Good Morning,

I again wanted to share our newsletter with the Federation.  I meet weekly 
with the State Librarian and she in turn with the University President. 
Bottom line, there is nothing new.  My best guess is that in a few weeks if 
all goes well with containing the virus the governor may let us return to 
work  on a limited basis.

Submitted by:

Adam  Szczepaniak,Director, NJ

****

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
Raising Expectations To Live The Life You Want!
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
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