[NFBNJ] NFBNJ: Notes from NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo for the week of March 30, 2020
joe ruffalo
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
Mon Mar 30 20:11:12 UTC 2020
Notes from NFBNJ President Joe Ruffalo for the week of March 30, 2020
Greetings to all!
Each week and or when necessary, I will compile information to share with
the NFBNJ distribution list.
During this time to combatCOVID-19, we are receiving a good number of emails
pertaining to awareness and combating COVID-19.
In adition, I receive information worthy to forward and therefore, please
read and share the following.
Remember: To keep informed, please visit the following New Jersey website.
www.covid.nj.gov
Updated information is available on the National Federation 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. NEWSLINE Updates
2. NFB of Colorado Offers Daily Workshops and Discussions
3. YouTube COVID-19
4. Mental Health Telephone Support Available COVID-19
5. JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion Free Offer Until June 30
6. Disability Services Resource Guide
****
1. NEWSLINE Updates
Note: If you wish to apply to receive NEWSLINE, please contact Jane
Degenshein at 973 736 5785 or email jdegen16 at comcast.net
Have you heard that you can read your favorite publication using Amazon
Echo?
"Alexa, open National Federation."
For subscribers who are using either the male voice, Paul or the female
voice, Kate, we are having trouble sending the audio of these voices to the
Amazon Echo devices. So, as a temporary measure to ensure that the Alexa
skill functions properly for all subscribers, we have changed the reading
voice to Eloquence for all users. We will alert all subscribers once the
other voices are available again. We apologize for the inconvenience. All
other commands should work properly and be available for you to use. If you
would like a list of Alexa commands to be sent to you via email, please call
866-504-7300.
Another modification that we have made deals with the addition of the
Breaking News: Search Results for Corona COVID-19 Virus to everyone's
favorite list. You can access this by issuing the command "Alexa, ask
National Federation to read favorite 1".
We hope you enjoy this new convenience feature.
National Federation of the Blind | nfb.org | 866-504-7300 |
nfbnewsline at nfb.org
***
2. NFB of Colorado Offers Daily Workshops and Discussions
Hello Friends
The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado hopes that each of you are
staying safe and staying home as the spread of COVID-19 progresses. We have
developed week three of our Zoom workshops! We invite each of you to join us
for an exciting week of learning and virtual socialization.
Monday, March 30 5:00PM
Blind Merchant Monday
Join Nicky Gacos, President of the National Association of Blind Merchants
to learn about what has been one of the most successful and lucrative
employment opportunities for blind people. This is a great opportunity to
learn about the program, ask questions, and find out if this is a career
opportunity for you or someone you know!
Tuesday, March 31 5:00PM
Story Time with the Blind History Lady
Join Peggy Chong, the BlindHistory Lady to hear stories of our blind
ancestors! This will be a fun filled blast from the past!
Wednesday, April 1 5:00PM
Workout Wednesday
Join us for an all levels yoga class with Julie Hill! Wear comfy clothes,
bring your mat or towel, and get ready for a great work out.
Thursday,, April 2 5:00PM
Active Kiddos During COVID-19
Parents of Blind Children, blind parents, or people in charge of the
entertainment of kiddos during COVID-19, join us for a call to discuss ways
to keep kids educated and entertained while at home!
Friday, April 3 5:00PM
What does “Live the Life You Want” really mean.
Join President Mark Riccobono for a discussion of our tag line “Live the
Life You Want” and what it really means. Bring your questions, comments,
and ideas!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/5955066474
Meeting ID: 595 506 6474
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,5955066474# US (Houston)
+16699009128,,5955066474# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799
Meeting ID: 595 506 6474
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acqRQ8ejDI
If you have questions or need assistance please call 615-497-0435 or email
jbbeecham at gmail.com
****
3. YouTube COVID-19
I received the following YouTube link listed below from Tony Santiago,
Capitol Chapter Member, Technology Division Vice President and Sports and
Recreation Division Bored Member to help blind and visually impaired
individuals protect themselves from contracting COVID 19 and other
contagious Illnesses.
YouTube link listed below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvi5POIMRss
***
4. Mental Health Telephone Support Available During COVID-19 Outbreak
The NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline Offers Support to Individuals
Experiencing Anxiety and Worry Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic
March 23, 2020
(TRENTON) – New Jerseyans feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19
can get support from a special helpline.
NJ Mental Health Cares, the state’s behavioral health information and
referral service, will now also offer help to people dealing with anxiety
and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. New
Jerseyans can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. NJ
Mental Health Cares will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week
by live trained specialists.
NJ Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides
support to the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHANJ) to operate
the line.
“This is a very challenging time for so many of us,” said Carole Johnson,
Commissioner of NJ Human Services. “We want to make sure that New Jerseyans
have a safe space to talk to someone about their worries and concerns. The
thoughtful and caring team at NJ Mental Health Cares are here – at the other
end of the phone line – to help.”
“Talking to others and staying connected with friends and family can help
reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control,” DMHAS Assistant
Commissioner Valerie Mielke said. “The trained specialists answering these
phones can help callers take care of their mental health during this
difficult time.”
“In times of crisis, it is important to pay as much attention to your mental
health as your physical health,” said Mental Health Association of New
Jersey President and CEO Carolyn Beauchamp. “Life has shifted drastically
and quickly – this causes us to feel that we are not in control, which adds
to the intensity of these emotions.”
NJ Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has
previously partnered with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey to
operate the state’s mental health call line following Superstorm Sandy and
9/11.
Along with providing help for mental health issues related to COVID-19, the
NJ Mental Health Cares helpline will also continue to offer general mental
health support and referral. It does not provide any medical or financial
advice or referrals.
For the latest medical information, including mental health guidance and
tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey, go to
the NJ Department of Health’s website: nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml.
For the latest COVID-19 guidance and information for individuals, families
and providers, visit NJ Human Services’ website:
nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html.
****
5. JAWS, ZoomText and Fusion Free Offer Until June 30
Offering JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion free of charge for personal computers at
home, until June 30, 2020.
This offer is available to every household in the US and Canada.
International opportunities available, please contact the distributor in
your country.
https://www.freedomscientificcom/
Received from Andy Smith, NFBNJ, Technology Division, Board Member
**
6. Disability Services Resource Guide
The Division of Disability Services Resource Guide is the most comprehensive
guide of services available throughout New Jersey for people with
disabilities. This directory is updated annually.
Below are links to the directory in both English (print and audio) and
Spanish (print) as well as the link to the audio section, specific to
services for CBVI consumers:
· English (Print):
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/documents/RD/2019/FINAL_2019_DHS_NJ_Resource%20Guide.pdf
· English (Audio):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspiLS805IyfWb0Md5AlmBmJuWatIq8tW
· English Audio of Services for People who are Blind, Visually
Impaired and DeafBlind:
https://www.youtubecom/watch?v=CDqx8HxZOmM&list=PLspiLS805IyfWb0Md5AlmBmJuWatIq8tW&index=29&t=0s
· Spanish (Print):
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/documents/RD/2018/RD_18-%20Spanish-web.pdf
Received From Pamela Gaston, NJ CBVI
****
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 We 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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