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<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>Please read and share the following Braille Monitor for May 2017.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference<BR>Joe Ruffalo, President
<BR>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <BR>973 743
0075<BR>nfbnj1@verizon.net<BR><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</A></DIV>
<DIV>Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.<BR>Donate your
unwanted vehicle to us by clicking <BR>www.carshelpingtheblind.org <BR>or call
855 659 9314<BR></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt tahoma">
<DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>BRAILLE
MONITOR</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Vol. 60, No.
5
May 2017<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Gary Wunder,
Editor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Distributed by email, in inkprint, in Braille, and on USB flash drive, by
the<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Mark Riccobono, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
telephone: (410) 659-9314<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
email address: nfb@nfb.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
website address: http://www.nfb.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
NFBnet.org: http://www.nfbnet.org<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
NFB-NEWSLINE® information: (866) 504-7300<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Follow us on Twitter:
@NFB_Voice<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Watch and share our
videos: YouTube.com/NationsBlind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Letters to the
President, address changes, subscription requests, and orders for NFB literature
should be sent to the national office. Articles for the <I>Monitor</I> and
letters to the editor may also be sent to the national office or may be emailed
to gwunder@nfb.org.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="HEIGHT: 1px; WIDTH: 192px; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-LEFT: 216px; Z-INDEX: -1895825408; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; mso-ignore: vglayout"><IMG
src="cid:65C65D0734D245AFAB62883D22AD604B@JoeHP" width=192 height=1
v:shapes="Rectangle_x0020_1"></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>Monitor</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>
subscriptions cost the Federation about forty dollars per year. Members are
invited, and nonmembers are requested, to cover the subscription cost. Donations
should be made payable to National Federation of the Blind and sent
to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
200 East Wells Street <I>at Jernigan
Place</I><BR>
Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>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.<SPAN
style="COLOR: #333333"> </SPAN>THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND IS NOT AN
ORGANIZATION SPEAKING FOR THE BLIND—IT IS THE BLIND SPEAKING FOR
OURSELVES.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>ISSN
0006-8829<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>© 2017 by the
National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: en-us'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Each issue is
recorded on a thumb drive (also called a memory stick or USB flash drive). You
can read this audio edition using a computer or a National Library Service
digital player. The NLS machine has two slots—the familiar book-cartridge slot
just above the retractable carrying handle and a second slot located on the
right side near the headphone jack. This smaller slot is used to play thumb
drives. Remove the protective rubber pad covering this slot and insert the thumb
drive. It will insert only in one position. If you encounter resistance, flip
the drive over and try again. (Note: If the cartridge slot is not empty when you
insert the thumb drive, the digital player will ignore the thumb drive.) Once
the thumb drive is inserted, the player buttons will function as usual for
reading digital materials. If you remove the thumb drive to use the player for
cartridges, when you insert it again, reading should resume at the point you
stopped. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
You can transfer the recording of each issue from the thumb drive to your
computer or preserve it on the thumb drive. However, because thumb drives can be
used hundreds of times, we would appreciate their return in order to stretch our
funding. Please use the return envelope enclosed with the drive when you return
the device.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: en-us'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Palm-lined drive leading to front entrance of Rosen Shingle Creek
Resort]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Orlando Site of 2017
NFB Convention<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The 2017 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place in
Orlando, Florida, July 10 to July 15, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, 9939
Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819-9357. Make your room reservation as
soon as possible with the Shingle Creek staff only. Call (866)
996-6338.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The 2017 room rates are singles and doubles, $83; and for triples and quads,
$89. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is 12.5
percent. No charge will be made for children under seventeen in the room with
parents as long as no extra bed is requested. The hotel is accepting
reservations now. A $95-per-room deposit is required to make a reservation.
Fifty percent of the deposit will be refunded if notice is given to the hotel of
a reservation cancellation before June 1, 2017. The other 50 percent is not
refundable.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be
made before June 1, 2017, assuming that rooms are still available. After that
time the hotel will not hold our room block for the convention. In other words,
you should get your reservation in soon.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
All Rosen Shingle Creek guestrooms feature amenities that include plush Creek
Sleeper beds, 40" flat screen TVs, complimentary high-speed internet service,
in-room safes, coffee makers, mini-fridges, and hair dryers. Guests can also
enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site spa. The Rosen Shingle Creek
Resort has a number of dining options, including two award-winning restaurants,
and twenty-four-hour-a-day room service.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The schedule for the 2017 convention is:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Monday, July
10 Seminar Day<BR>Tuesday, July
11 Registration and Resolutions Day<BR>Wednesday, July
12 Board Meeting and
Division Day<BR>Thursday, July 13 Opening Session<BR>Friday, July
14
Business Session<BR>Saturday, July 15 Banquet Day and Adjournment
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: en-us'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Vol. 60, No.
5
May 2017<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Contents<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Illustration:
Teaching Designers About Nonvisual
Access........................................ <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A Window into KNFB
Reader: An Evolving Project, a New Platform, and New
Horizons <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Joel
Zimba<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The State of Amazon
Device
Accessibility..............................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Karl
Belager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Tools of
Self-Advocacy for Airline Passengers with Disabilities.........................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Parnell
Diggs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Uber and Lyft Agree
to Improving Service for Riders with Service Animals: We Need Your Help with
Monitoring Their
Progress.....................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Valerie
Yingling<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>How Do You Work This
Thing?..............................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by David
Andrews<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A Legislative Update
and a Call to
Action...............................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Parnell
Diggs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>From the President’s
Inbox: The Mail Must Go Through.........................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Mark A.
Riccobono<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Blindness: Showing Up
for Parenthood.................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Noel
Nightingale<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>There Is a List for
That!.........................................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by David
Andrews<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Independence Market
Corner...............................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dots from Space!:
Inching Towards Understanding...............................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Recipes.................................................................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Monitor</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Miniatures..............................................................................................
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: en-us'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION: Amy
Mason demonstrates screen-reading software for Towson students on one of the
computers in the IBTC]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION: Mark
Riccobono speaks with a few Towson students]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION: Amy
Mason and Mark Riccobono speak to Jonathan Lazar and his Towson students in the
International Braille and Technology Center (IBTC) at Jernigan
Institute]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Teaching Designers
about Nonvisual Access<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
One of the reasons why technology is so seldom created with accessibility in
mind is that too many developers simply cannot conceive of blind people using
the mainstream products they design. A superb way to demonstrate the interest of
blind people in this technology to those who will be designing it in the future
is to talk with them when they are in the process of getting a degree, and there
is no better ambassador than Jonathan Lazar, a professor at Towson University in
Baltimore, when it comes to connecting blind people and soon-to-be computer
scientists.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
On February 24, 2017, Jonathan and his students visited the International
Braille and Technology Center at the Jernigan Institute to see the technology
blind people use, the things it allows us to do, and the things that are made
difficult or impossible because of shortsighted design. The staff of the
International Braille and Technology Center demonstrated screen-reading
programs, Braille displays, 3D printing, tactile graphics, and even how low-tech
solutions can be used to demonstrate meaningful concepts. One example was the
use of LEGOs to show the layout of the Windows desktop.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This is a tremendous beginning and one we should work to expand throughout the
country. Not every computer science major can visit our Jernigan Institute as
the students in the Human and Computer Interactions class were able to do, but
many of our chapters can get invited to classes and teach soon-to-be designers
that there should always be a nonvisual alternative in the toolbox of every
program they design.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: en-us'><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured are Joel Zimba, Jim Gashel and several Microsoft employees all holding
a tablet running KNFB Reader. All are wearing Cat in the Hat style hats in
observance of Read Across America Day which occurred on March
2.]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION:
William De Prêtre]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A Window into KNFB
Reader: An Evolving Project, a New Platform, and New
Horizons<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Joel
Zimba<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
>From the Editor: Joel Zimba is the reading project innovation manager for the
National Federation of the Blind. One of his major responsibilities is to
supervise the innovation of the KNFB Reader, a dream come true for those of us
who want to be able to read print with a device small enough to fit in our
pocket. Joel and Jim Gashel recently had the opportunity to introduce the
groundbreaking program to the wider tech world at the largest assistive
technology conference on earth, hosted by California State University,
Northridge. Here is what he has to say about that
experience:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am taking the stage with Jim Gashel, vice president of business development
and product evangelist for KNFB Reader, LLC, and Jenny Lay-Flurrie—the chief
accessibility officer for Microsoft. The room full of onlookers quiets as she
approaches the podium. It is the first day of the thirty-second annual CSUN
Assistive Technology Conference, and we are launching a new product.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
After over a year of development, a project I was introduced to on my first day
working with the National Federation of the Blind is being presented to the
world. I man the controls and demonstrate the capabilities of KNFB Reader for
Windows, while Jim describes the history as well as the globe-spanning
collaboration that led to this moment. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I can remember sitting in the audience of the 2014 National Convention of the
National Federation of the Blind, when Jim Gashel first demonstrated the modern
incarnation of KNFB Reader for the iPhone. You can read Jim’s perspective on
those events in the December 2014 <I>Braille Monitor</I> article, “A New Era in
Mobile Reading Begins: Introducing the KNFB Reader for iOS.” In that article Mr.
Gashel details his first meeting with Ray Kurzweil. He discusses events leading
to the creation of the first reading machine for the blind, resulting in the
KNFB Reader Mobile line of products. Finally these collaborations bring us to
the indispensable KNFB Reader app so many of us carry everywhere and use every
day. On that July afternoon, I never imagined I would be part of the team that
would keep KNFB Reader evolving, much less metaphorically cutting the ribbon on
an app that brings the power of KNFB’s text recognition to Windows 10-powered
desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The launch event, held in the Microsoft area of the CSUN conference rooms, is
not the end of a story but the beginning of an ongoing tale. It consists of
three madcap days of networking, demonstrating KNFB Reader on three platforms
and multiple configurations, and promotion of the KNFB Reader technology, which
is the most widely available, efficient, and powerful text recognition solution
available to date. By night I am mingling, recruiting distributors of our
multi-platform Enterprise product, and talking with researchers and other app
developers. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am no stranger to conference exhibit halls. Since 2011 I have demonstrated
various forms of assistive technology for both professionals and end users at
dozens of such events. None compare to the size and scope of the CSUN exhibit
hall. If you have attended a national convention, you will have some idea of the
frenzy of such a loud, busy, and heavily populated space. Hundreds of vendors
both intentionally and unintentionally competing for the attention of passersby
with their colorful displays, video presentations, and of course the talking,
beeping, and otherwise calamitous technology itself. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
On the second day I am already losing my voice from trying to be heard over the
call of the great blue whale echoing from the Touch Graphics booth next door.
Behind me President Riccobono announces the debut of KNFB Reader for Windows in
our own multimedia promo created just for CSUN, while I demonstrate the stand
mode feature of KNFB Reader, which takes pictures automatically as you turn the
pages of a book. The gentleman I just met had not yet ventured into the modern
era and still uses a desktop-based, stand-alone device from the last decade. My
new friend will likely purchase his first smartphone just for KNFB Reader, which
is not an uncommon situation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
On Friday morning a visitor to our booth had a question about using KNFB Reader
on her BrailleNote Touch from HumanWare. In November of 2016 all users of the
BrailleNote Touch received KNFB Reader free of charge. The device I am now
holding in my hand is the first product of its kind which can turn printed text
into Braille with a single command. This makes good on the promise Jim Gashel
made in the final lines of his 2014 article, when he teased the KNFB Reader
expansion to the Android platform. I battle the typically congested conference
WiFi to configure cloud synchronization using Dropbox for her.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This is my job: to know the intricacies of our products on all platforms, to
work with our engineers to squish bugs, and to provide support to KNFB Reader
customers. I usually do this from behind a desk or at the end of an
often-tenuous telephone connection. Meeting so many KNFB Reader users from all
over the world face-to-face reaffirms my goal of improving this powerful tool
that increases the independence of blind people worldwide, enabling them to live
the lives they want. This is the mission of the National Federation of the
Blind, and I am honored to play my part. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Perhaps my favorite question comes from the sighted person being introduced to
KNFB Reader for the first time. “How do you take a picture if you’re blind?” Of
course, I was wrestling with this question myself before the release of the app
in 2014. When I demonstrate the program’s Field of View Report, which details
how much of the printed page is visible to the camera and how that can be
coupled with tilt guidance to help keep the device in the horizontal plane,
incredulity gives way to surprise and then often unease. No longer is this
seemingly fundamentally visual activity solely the domain of the sighted.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I now know that this is only half the story. The part we benefit from, but never
directly observe, is the powerful KNFB image pre-processing system, which can
turn a picture that would otherwise be unsuitable for recognition into a
document that is read nearly flawlessly. I am often cavalier when I throw a
piece of paper under a document camera at a rakish angle. I know I will soon be
navigating the recognized output with ease. Some of the algorithms developed by
Ray Kurzweil forty years ago are still alive and well in KNFB Reader. We use
them every day. This is how that crumpled receipt still gives up the telephone
number of the restaurant where I left my hat. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am not alone in representing KNFB Reader at CSUN. I am joined by Jim Gashel
and William De Prêtre. William is a chief software engineer with our partner
Sensotec NV located in Belgium. He, very nearly single-handedly, coded the
Windows version of KNFB Reader. Every morning we gather for a working breakfast
to assess any new developments from the Twittersphere, take on long-standing
challenges in real time, and plan for where we are going next. In addition to
the pleasure of having a colleague become a good friend, I have the opportunity
to personally express my appreciation to William for his herculean effort over
the past year: deadlines, unexpected dead ends, and undocumented interfaces—he
faced them all; developers all-too-often never meet the happy customers who
benefit from their work every day.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
In the launch event speech, Mr. Gashel stressed the importance of partnerships.
Indeed, I would say that is the thread which unites all of my experiences
throughout the CSUN conference. Our ongoing partnership with Microsoft, which
certainly shaped KNFB Reader for Windows, also led to changes and improvements
in Microsoft products, especially with regard to accessibility. While I was
acquainted with many of the Google contingent attending CSUN, many more of them
were familiar with KNFB Reader and certainly with Ray Kurzweil, who is now a
vice president at Google devoting his time to the arcane art of machine learning
and artificial intelligence. A gathering composed of thousands of people from
all over the world very quickly came to feel like a
community.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
A three-day conference is never all business. Several of us spent the entire day
wearing Cat-in-the-Hat-style hats in celebration of Read Across America
Day—March 2. Several Dr. Seuss books were on hand for reading with KNFB Reader.
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904. Every year the National
Federation of the Blind marks this auspicious occasion and promotes
literacy—especially Braille literacy—and access to books for
all.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Speaking of community, our Federation family was well represented. Dozens of us
descended upon a nearby restaurant early in the week. Before I knew it, I had
plenty of volunteers for the exhibit hall booth. I am especially thankful for
the help I received from Lisa Irving, Nahrain Spurlock, and Ali Farrage,
intrepid members of the San Diego chapter who took on the duty of breaking down
the booth and shipping everything home on the last day.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The launch was not the end, and CSUN was not the end. The Windows product will
establish a foothold, and it will grow and change. KNFB Reader will continue to
become more robust and powerful. Very soon another of Jim Gashel’s promises will
come to pass; Chinese and Japanese will make an appearance. This will put KNFB
Reader into the hands of countless more of the world’s blind people. Soon a
document recognized on your home computer will appear, ready for reading on your
mobile device with no effort on your part. A separate multi-platform product
called KNFB Reader Enterprise now brings our software to all of your devices at
one low price. Looking ahead, major new developments are underway which will
begin to reveal themselves at our National Convention this coming July. Stay
tuned.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
To learn more about KNFB Reader and KNFB Reader Enterprise, go to </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A href="http://www.knfbreader.com"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>www.knfbreader.com</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or call (347)
422-7085. You can also email </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:support@knfbreader.com"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>support@knfbreader.com</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. To obtain a quote
for volume purchases of KNFB Reader Enterprise or a site license, contact
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:enterprise-info@nfb.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>enterprise-info@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION: Karl
Belanger]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The State of Amazon
Device Accessibility<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Karl
Belanger<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
>From the Editor: Karl Belanger is an access technology specialist at the
Jernigan Institute. He has worked for the National Federation of the Blind for
more than two years, coming to this position after working as a consultant for
web accessibility and access technology training. In this piece he provides some
history about the accessibility of products made and sold by Amazon and
chronicles significant changes in accessibility that have resulted in some very
exciting products for the blind. Here is what he says:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon sells a number of devices, from dedicated Kindle book readers to Fire
tablets and the new and popular Alexa devices. Historically, many of these have
had limited to no accessibility for blind users. Fortunately, with some
involvement from the National Federation of the Blind, this is changing.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon released the first E Ink Kindle in November of 2007. It was wildly
popular with the sighted public, but this device did not contain any
accessibility features that could be used by a blind person. It was quickly
replaced by the Kindle 2 and Kindle DX, which added text-to-speech for reading
of some books, but could not be independently operated by a blind person as the
menus were not spoken.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: black'>
Shortly after the Kindle 2’s release, the Authors Guild, which is the largest
national organization representing the interests of writers, protested Amazon’s
deployment of text-to-speech on the Kindle 2. Viewing this feature as a
potential threat to the audiobook market, the Guild argued that the automated
reading aloud of a book is a copyright infringement unless the copyright holder
has specifically granted permission.<SPAN class=apple-converted-space>
</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Any agreement of this
nature would be against the interests of blind people, since it would set a
precedent equating the very different formats of text-to-speech rendering and
audiobooks. The NFB worked to oppose any such restrictions and stood with Amazon
in opposition to the Author’s Guild. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon ended up removing text-to-speech from titles whose authors or publishers
were opposed to its continued availability, but did compromise in as much as
they would only turn it off if explicitly requested instead of only turning it
on with the publisher’s express permission. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Around the same time, the National Federation of the Blind also began to ask for
increased accessibility because Amazon had become the world’s largest eBook
store and access would represent an enormous benefit for blind and otherwise
print-disabled users. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
In 2009 Kindle for PC with Accessibility Plugin was the first Kindle reading
platform that offered enough features for blind users (and many print-disabled
people) to use books from the Amazon ecosystem at all, and its features were,
like those on the hardware players, very limited. Many blind people began to
read novels and other non-intensive text with this platform, but it could not be
used for more active reading. Books could not be read with Braille because they
were self-voicing, and the smallest unit a user could navigate by was the
sentence, so it was not possible to spell words or use any of the study tools
available to other users. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The Kindle Keyboard (sometimes known as the Kindle 3), released in 2010, offered
the first usable, if rudimentary, accessibility features for this population on
an Amazon hardware device. Shopping, web browsing, and many of the reading
functions were disabled, and navigation was limited to moving through the text
in read-all mode or by page, but it was now at least possible for a blind person
to make some use of it. The situation on Fire tablets was initially not much
better. Upon launch, the first of the Android-based Fire tablets did include
TalkBack, but the Fire OS had not been built to support it. Even basic features
like the keyboard could not be used by a blind person when the device was first
available. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Despite the marginal level of accessibility in the Kindle platform, Amazon began
to push into both K-12 and higher education with their books and devices. With
the devices crippled by a lack of fundamental accessibility and restrictions on
the titles that could be accessed using text-to-speech, the NFB became an
adversary instead of an ally to Amazon. This resulted in a number of legal
challenges in schools that used Kindle materials with blind students and a
protest highlighting the lack of access in Amazon’s tools at their headquarters
in December of 2012. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
In May of 2013, Kindle for iOS gained VoiceOver compatibility for most books and
immediately became the favored platform for blind Kindle users. Likewise, Fire
OS gained further accessibility support in the next couple of years, and at the
time the Fire Phone was released, it had reached a point where for a time it
surpassed the accessibility available on traditional Android devices.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
These improvements were critical and welcomed by blind users, but Kindle
continued to fall short of the robust accessibility required to read academic
textbooks, and August of 2015 saw Amazon and the NFB in conflict once again. The
New York City public schools were considering a large contract with Amazon based
around the Kindle and Whispercast ecosystem. The National Federation of the
Blind, aware that the partial accessibility of books on the platform would
continue to put blind students at a serious disadvantage, prepared for a public
protest of the meeting where the fate of the contract was to be decided. The
buses were ready to roll, the signs were printed, and the Federation was loudly
and publicly denouncing the partnership, when suddenly—at the eleventh hour—the
meeting was canceled and the contract shelved. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Not long after this very public conflict, Amazon and the NFB sat down to discuss
opportunities to partner on the accessibility of the Kindle platform in order to
ensure that blind users could derive as much benefit from its ecosystem as
sighted users. The National Federation of the Blind has been working with Amazon
on the quality of their educational content ever since.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
In the last year or so, we have begun to see the earliest fruits of this
partnership. As of mid-2016, Amazon has begun rolling out its VoiceView screen
reader to all its Kindle readers, tablets, and TV devices. It has taken steps to
make its Alexa app for controlling the Echo devices mostly accessible. Finally,
they retired the old “Kindle for PC with Accessibility Plugin” and have replaced
it with a fully integrated version of the Kindle for PC software. This now works
with NVDA to allow for much more robust accessibility in most Kindle texts.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This brings us to the present day. Amazon is still working toward further
accessibility on many of their products, but we have seen such rapid improvement
that it is a good time to discuss the experience a blind user can expect
today.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Current Accessibility
of Amazon Devices<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Kindle
Readers<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon sells four different Kindle devices, which all have some level of
accessibility. These are, in ascending order of price and specifications: the
Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite, the Kindle Voyage, and the Kindle Oasis. The most
basic model, just called Kindle, is relatively inexpensive and has the most
basic feature set. Each additional model adds higher quality screens, better
lighting, etc.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Activating
VoiceView<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
How you activate VoiceView changes somewhat depending on the model of Kindle you
have. The basic Kindle uses a Bluetooth headset or speaker to transmit the
audio. The Kindle Paperwhite uses an audio adaptor that plugs into the micro USB
charging port. Both these methods have their benefits and drawbacks. The
Bluetooth method means that the device can be charging while VoiceView is
active. However, there is no immediately obvious indication how to pair a
headset when a user first gets the device, without looking up instructions
online. For the Paperwhite, the obvious drawback is that the audio adaptor takes
up the charging port, so you will always be running the device on battery power.
For the basic Kindle, to pair a headset the power button is held in for seven
seconds once the Kindle has fully booted. Then, hold two fingers near the center
of the screen for a little over a second. At this point the Kindle will begin
trying all Bluetooth devices it can detect. Once the device you want begins to
broadcast an audio message, press and hold with two fingers again until the
Kindle confirms VoiceView is on. For the Paperwhite just plug headphones into
the adaptor and then plug the adaptor into the Kindle, and VoiceView turns on
within a second or two.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Basic
Gestures<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As with other mobile screen readers, the most basic gestures are flick left,
right, and double-tap. Moving your finger around the screen to explore by touch
is also possible. Page changing and scrolling is done with two fingers. Swiping
left and right with two fingers will flip pages in a book or move through
multiple pages of content in other areas. Slowly swiping up or down with two
fingers will scroll through long lists or any other content that doesn’t all fit
on one screen. Much like on iOS, it is possible to flick up and down to move by
a selected granularity, and the gesture to change granularity is to flick up
then down or down then up in one motion.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Reading
Books<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The process of reading a book on the Kindle is straightforward. From the home
screen, find and double-tap on the book you want to read. If the book supports
the screen reader, the book will start reading automatically. If the book is not
supported, you will receive a message to this effect, but the book will still
open. Once a supported book is opened, a two-finger flick down from near the top
of the page will start the book in continuous reading mode. While the book is
shown, it is possible to flick left or right with two fingers to go to the next
or previous page. To access the reading bar where it is possible to navigate
through the book or go back to your library, simply double-tap on the text while
reading. It is possible to select text and highlight or add notes, but the
initial step of this is somewhat clunky. To select text, move your finger around
the screen to try and find the word you want to select. After this is done,
double-tap and hold on the word to be selected. This will bring up an interface
with buttons to adjust the selection, define a word, highlight or annotate the
selected text, etc., which works quite well.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Limitations with
VoiceView<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
VoiceView on the Kindle has a number of limitations that significantly affect
how useful the device is. There are many features that simply state they are
unavailable when focusing on the button to activate them. The first instance of
this a user may run across is when initially setting up the device. While
signing into an account is accessible, creating an account directly on the
device isn’t currently possible with VoiceView. Probably the most significant of
these missing features is the Kindle FreeTime kids section. This is where a lot
of content for kids resides, and parents can also set up reading lists, goals,
time limits, and book restrictions for their children. Not having this feature
means the Kindle readers are much less useful for a blind child whose parents
want to get them into reading by using this service or to blind parents having
no access to the parental controls. The Kindle’s integration with Goodreads, (an
online site where people can share the books they’re reading, reading lists, and
reviews of books they have read) is also disabled with VoiceView.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Fire
Tablets<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon’s Fire tablets are a series of relatively inexpensive tablets that run
Amazon’s Fire OS. The current tablets include a basic, seven-inch tablet simply
called Fire, plus the Fire HD6, HD8, and HD10 which have six, eight, and
ten-inch screens respectively. These tablets all come with Amazon’s VoiceView
screen reader, which has a few additional features over the version on the
Kindle devices.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Activating
VoiceView<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Several different ways to activate VoiceView are available, depending on what
state the tablet is in. VoiceView can always be activated under Settings >
Accessibility. For a brand-new or freshly reset tablet, press and hold two
fingers on the screen to start VoiceView. In addition, the user can hold down
the power button from anywhere in the system until a sound is heard, then hold
two fingers on the screen until VoiceView starts. To turn off VoiceView, go into
Settings > Accessibility and turn it off.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Using the Fire
Tablet<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
VoiceView on Fire OS is very similar to the version on the Kindle, with a few
added gestures. As is the case in TalkBack on Android, the angle gestures are
present, such as swiping right then down to access notifications, or up then
left to reach the home screen. One unique gesture that VoiceView has is the “jog
wheel” gesture. To use this, swipe up then down or down then up to choose the
granularity you want to use to navigate. Then, double-tap and hold, then draw a
circle on the screen without lifting your finger. As you continue going around,
VoiceView will scroll through items on the screen matching that granularity
quite quickly. Draw a circle in the other direction to go
back.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
VoiceView can handle the built-in apps on the Fire tablet, plus many third-party
apps such as Audible or BARD Mobile. The responsiveness is very good, though
gestures need to be fairly precise; the double-tap action needs to be quick, and
these default controls cannot be customized. It is possible to navigate through
web pages, but the granularity options are limited to sections (what other
devices call headings) and lists. Reading books works just as it does on the
Kindle.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Braille
Support<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
There is a version of BrailleBack currently available for the Fire tablets. This
version, like the Android version, lacks many necessary features such as
contracted Braille input, word wrap, and consistent and complete sets of
commands across displays. Amazon has stated publicly that they are working on a
better, more integrated version of Braille support, but no other details or
release date have been provided as of this writing.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Current
Limitations<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
VoiceView and Fire OS accessibility in general do come with some limitations. As
mentioned previously, the navigation in web content is extremely limited, which
can make navigating larger pages awkward. Similarly, there are no headings or
other navigation elements in the App Store, Kindle Store, and other stores,
again making navigation difficult. The gesture recognition, especially on the
lower-end devices, can also be somewhat picky, resulting in failed angle
gestures, occasional misinterpreted flicks, and fast double-taps that make using
the tablet occasionally frustrating. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Alexa
Devices<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Alexa, Amazon’s personal assistant service, is on an increasing number of
devices, both from Amazon and other companies. The devices that are most
associated with Alexa are the Echo devices, which will be discussed here. Alexa
devices work through the Alexa app, which acts as a hub for configuring,
monitoring, and adjusting aspects of your experience.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The
Hardware<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
There are three Echo devices in the line. The Echo is a stand-alone speaker
which was the first device to have Alexa. It has a decent speaker, 360-degree
microphones, and connects to your WiFi to provide access to Alexa. The Amazon
Tap is a smaller Bluetooth speaker. Until recently the Tap could not listen for
the Alexa command, rather requiring a button press to cause it to listen. Now
the Tap can listen, thanks to a software update. It is also the only
battery-powered device in the lineup. Lastly, the Echo Dot is a much smaller
version of the Echo, which is primarily designed to connect to other devices.
The speaker on the Dot is fairly weak, but good enough for a small room or
bedroom. All three of these devices serve different purposes depending on where
and what the device is used for.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The App and Web
Interface<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
There is an Alexa app for both iOS and Android, as well as a web interface. The
setup is basically the same whichever platform you’re on. In the app it opens a
home screen which shows your recent requests along with more information about
them. These might be additional details about sports- or weather-related
requests, information on the song playing, or other possible information. The
app is also where it is possible to search for and enable skills, connect smart
home devices, and configure or set up other Echo devices. The app is very
accessible on all platforms, though it can be laggy on mobile. There are also
some unlabeled links, mostly in the section at the bottom of every screen that
shows what your devices are currently playing.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>General
Usage<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
To use an Echo device, simply say “Alexa,” and state your request. “Alexa,
what’s the weather in Baltimore?” “Alexa, play the Nation’s Blind podcast from
TuneIn.” There are a vast number of things it is possible to do with the Echo.
You can ask for the info on most professional and college sports teams, play
music and stations from TuneIn radio, read some Kindle books, and listen to
content in your Audible library. If you are a Prime member, it is also possible
to listen to music from Prime Music and even order products directly through the
Echo. There is also an ever-growing number of skills which will be discussed
further in the next section. If you’ve connected a smart home device, the Echo
can also be used to control your thermostat, lights, connected switches, and
many other types of devices.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Smart Home and
Skills<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The number of Alexa skills is varied and growing daily. From simple trivia games
to recipe databases to controls for your security systems—you can find almost
anything in the skills section of the Alexa app. To enable a skill, simply find
it in the Alexa app and tap the enable button. Or, if you know the name, simply
tell Alexa to enable the skill. Some noteworthy skills include Jeopardy,
AllRecipes, and Uber/Lyft.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Another growing area of Alexa is smart home devices. Many devices including
thermostats from various companies, lighting from companies such as Philips,
smart door locks, and even whole home security systems can be controlled through
an Echo device. Generally the device must be set up either directly on the
device and/or through its connected app, which may or may not be accessible.
Once the smart home device is connected to your WiFi, it can be connected to
Alexa. This is done in the app, generally by enabling a skill and connecting
either directly to the device or by signing into the related
account.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Reading Kindle Books
on Other Platforms<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>PC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Reading Kindle books on the PC has traditionally been a less than enjoyable
experience. The book could only be read by the system’s text-to-speech voice,
and navigation was minimal at best. Very recently, Kindle for PC version 1.19
paired with NVDA has enabled much more granular navigation of Kindle books. It
is possible to navigate by chapter, by page, right down to
character-by-character navigation. However, only Kindle books that support
enhanced typesetting will work in this version. Unfortunately, the only place
this information is located is in the product details on the Amazon site, and no
warning is given when opening an incompatible book other than it not being
possible to read the book using the arrow keys. Highlighting and attaching notes
is completely accessible with NVDA, and it is also possible to navigate by link
or graphic on the current page. Currently, the best results are with NVDA,
though JAWS does provide a reduced level of access, but selecting text and the
associated functions are not compatible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Mac<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Kindle for Mac is, unfortunately, completely inaccessible. The login screen is
unusable with VoiceOver. While the menu bar is accessible after logging in, none
of the content can be used or interacted with in any way.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>iOS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Kindle for iOS is very accessible. The login process, book selection, and
download are all very usable with VoiceOver. Once in a book, a two-finger swipe
down starts continuous reading. A double-tap on the screen shows the menu bar,
where it is possible to navigate to different parts of the book, share the book,
or return to the library. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Android<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Kindle for Android is also very accessible with TalkBack. When loading a book,
simply swipe right to start continuous reading. Just as with Kindle on the Fire,
it is possible to drag a finger around the screen to find a word to start a
selection. Once the start of the selection is found, a double-tap and hold
brings up the usual selection options, though once something is selected, when
returning to that location later, there is no announcement from TalkBack that
something is there.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Amazon’s devices have come a long way since the original Kindle for PC was
released in 2009. The Fire tablets and Fire TV are becoming increasingly viable
entertainment devices for the blind and low vision. The Alexa devices are very
popular, thanks to their ability to provide access to smart home products that
may not be natively accessible. Even the Kindle reading apps mostly continue to
show improvement. Amazon has made significant strides in accessibility in nearly
all their products, and it will be exciting to see what new developments arise
in 2017 and beyond.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
At the time of writing in March 2017, the products mentioned in this article are
commercially available at the following prices:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Kindle
E-reader: $79.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Kindle
Paperwhite: $119.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Kindle
Voyage: $199.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Kindle
Oasis: $289.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Fire
Tablet: $49.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Fire
HD 6: $69.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Fire
HD 8: $89.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Fire
HD 10: $229.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #111111'>Amazon
Echo: $179.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Amazon Tap:
$129.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Amazon Echo Tap:
$49.99<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION:
Parnell Diggs]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Tools of
Self-Advocacy for Airline Passengers with Disabilities<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Parnell
Diggs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
>From the Editor: Parnell Diggs is the director of government affairs for the
National Federation of the Blind, a former president of the NFB of South
Carolina, and the previous owner of a law firm in that state which bore his
name. One of his talents is translating the technicalities of the law into prose
that laypeople can understand. Here is what he says about the letter of the
law:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The general rule is simple enough: carriers are admonished that “You must not
discriminate against any qualified individual with a disability, by reason of
such disability, in the provision of air transportation” (14 CFR 382.11). But
the pleasantries very often deteriorate from there, as many people with
disabilities (including those who are blind) have experienced while flying the
not-so-friendly skies.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The stories are all-too-familiar for members of the National Federation of the
Blind who travel to the convention, Washington Seminar, or on other Federation
business throughout the year. The purpose of this article is to flag some of the
regulations passengers can cite en route to the Orlando national convention, for
example, if confronted with an awkward situation at the airport or during
flight.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Where appropriate, I will also give you citations to the Code of Federal
Regulations, which will make your self-advocacy more effective and hopefully
improve the flying experience. In this case, the origin of most of the
regulations cited in this article are promulgated in the implementing
regulations adopted by the United States Department of Transportation, pursuant
to the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986, which protects passengers with
disabilities from discrimination in various aspects of air travel.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Complaints
Resolution Officer (CRO)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Every air carrier that operates an aircraft with nineteen or more seats must
designate a complaints resolution officer. “In any situation in which any person
complains or raises a concern with your personnel about discrimination,
accommodations, or services with respect to passengers with a disability, and
your personnel do not immediately resolve the issue to the customer's
satisfaction or provide a requested accommodation, your personnel must
immediately inform the passenger of the right to contact a CRO and then contact
a CRO on the passenger's behalf or provide the passenger a means to do so… Your
personnel must provide this information to the passenger in a format he or she
can use” (14 CFR 382.151(c)(1)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The CRO must be available at the airport at all times that a US carrier is
operating flights at that airport; for foreign carriers, the CRO must be
available at the airport for all flights beginning or terminating at that
airport. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The CRO is intended to be a powerful individual with authority to make
dispositive decisions for the carrier of all complaints and even overrule
decisions made by other airline officials except where the “pilot-in-command of
an aircraft” makes a decision based on safety. But, short of a safety decision
made by a “pilot-in-command of an aircraft,” the CRO can address your
issue.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Website
Accessibility<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As of December 12, 2016, airlines that operate at least one aircraft with a
seating capacity of more than sixty passengers and own or control a website must
insure that the public-facing pages on its primary website are accessible using
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Recommendation (11 December 2008, Website
Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 for Level AA standards).
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This means that, whether you are booking a flight, changing a reservation,
purchasing additional services, or dealing with frequent flyer programs, the
Department of Transportation requires that those activities and services must be
available to disabled passengers if they are made available to the general
public online.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The
Airport<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Entities which contract with airlines are also bound by the Air Carrier Access
Act implementing regulations. (e.g., those who provide gate-to-gate assistance
for passengers needing to make connections or for passengers arriving at the
airport or departing after reaching their destination.) Contract personnel are
also subject to CRO authority.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The
Aircraft<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Quoting the regulations, “You must not require a qualified individual with a
disability to accept special services (including, but not limited to,
preboarding) that the individual does not request” (14 CFR 382.11(2)). The
airlines are required to offer preboarding, and some personnel take this
obligation very seriously, but a blind passenger who does not want to preboard
cannot be compelled to do so.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Under the regulations, airlines may offer an extra safety briefing to blind
passengers, but blind passengers are not required to accept it. According to 14
CFR 382.115(b), “You may offer an individual briefing to any other passenger,
but you may not require an individual to have such a briefing except as provided
in paragraph (a) [referring to the general passenger briefing] of this
section.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=psection-1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Canes and Guide
Dogs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=psection-1
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
14 CFR 121.589(g) </SPAN><SPAN lang=EN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>In addition to the
methods of stowage in paragraph (c) of this section, flexible travel canes
carried by blind individuals may be stowed - <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-2
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
class=enumxml2><SPAN lang=EN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(1)</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
lang=EN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Under any
series of connected passenger seats in the same row, if the cane does not
protrude into an aisle and if the cane is flat on the floor; or
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-2
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
class=enumxml2><SPAN lang=EN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(2)</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
lang=EN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Between a
nonemergency exit window seat and the fuselage, if the cane is flat on the
floor; or <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-2
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
class=enumxml2><SPAN lang=EN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(3)</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
lang=EN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> Beneath any
two nonemergency exit window seats, if the cane is flat on the floor; or
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=psection-2
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
class=enumxml2><SPAN lang=EN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(4)</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
lang=EN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> In
accordance with any other method approved <SPAN style="COLOR: #333333">by the
</SPAN>Administrator<SPAN style="COLOR: #333333">. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Longtime Federation leader Patti Chang recently used this regulation to convince
a flight attendant to allow Patti to store her cane at her seat, though she was
first threatened with forced removal from the flight by federal marshals. Also,
14 CFR 382.121 requires carriers to permit passengers to bring “mobility aids,
such as canes (including those used by persons with impaired vision)” into the
aircraft cabin.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 24pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The final set of
regulations in this article refers to guide dog users. Carriers have been making
it increasingly difficult for guide dog users to travel in peace. Accordingly,
the relevant regulations are being set forth below in their entirety as
information for those who would like to learn and use them for future travel
plans. These regulations can be found at 14 CFR 382.117 as
follows:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-INDENT: 24pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(a) as a carrier, you
must permit a service animal to accompany a passenger with a
disability.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(1) You must not deny
transportation to a service animal on the basis that its carriage may offend or
annoy carrier personnel or persons traveling on the
aircraft.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(2) On a flight
segment scheduled to take 8 hours or more, you may, as a condition of permitting
a service animal to travel in the cabin, require the passenger using the service
animal to provide documentation that the animal will not need to relieve itself
on the flight or that the animal can relieve itself in a way that does not
create a health or sanitation issue on the flight.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(b) You must permit
the service animal to accompany the passenger with a disability at any seat in
which the passenger sits, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area
that must remain unobstructed to facilitate an emergency
evacuation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(c) If a service
animal cannot be accommodated at the seat location of the passenger with a
disability who is using the animal, you must offer the passenger the opportunity
to move with the animal to another seat location, if present on the aircraft,
where the animal can be accommodated.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(d) As evidence that
an animal is a service animal, you must accept identification cards, other
written documentation, presence of harnesses, tags, or the credible verbal
assurances of a qualified individual with a disability using the
animal.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(g) Whenever you
decide not to accept an animal as a service animal, you must explain the reason
for your decision to the passenger and document it in writing. A copy of the
explanation must be provided to the passenger either at the airport, or within
10 calendar days of the incident.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Enforcement<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The regulations discussed herein would be meaningless without mechanisms to
enforce them. One thing is certain: if you say nothing when you feel you have
been a victim of discrimination, no action will be taken. Ideally, you should
make a complaint to the CRO at the airport prior to takeoff or after landing. If
you do this, the CRO will be required to act on your complaint
immediately.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
If the CRO agrees that your rights may potentially be violated, he/she has the
authority to take action on behalf of the carrier to prevent a violation of the
Air Carrier Access Act. Or, if the harm has already been done, the CRO is
required to provide a statement summarizing the facts and setting forth the
corrective actions the carrier intends to take.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
If the CRO believes that no violation has occurred, he/she must provide a
statement in writing summarizing the facts and the reasons for the
determination. The statement must also inform the complainant of the right to
pursue enforcement action with the Department of
Transportation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Whether the CRO takes favorable or unfavorable action on a complaint, the
statement must be provided to the complainant at the airport if possible but
within thirty days thereafter in any case. There is also a provision for filing
a complaint directly with the Department of Transportation. This section is set
forth verbatim as follows:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>14 CFR
382.159<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 59.75pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -23.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(a) Any person
believing that a carrier has violated any provision of this part may seek
assistance or file an informal complaint at the Department of Transportation no
later than 6 months after the date of the incident by
either:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 59.75pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -23.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(1) Going to the web
site of the Department's Aviation Consumer Protection Division at </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A href="http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>and selecting “Air
Travel Problems and Complaints,” or<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 59.75pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -23.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(2) Writing to
Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection Division (C-75), 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 59.75pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -23.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(b) Any person
believing that a carrier has violated any provision of this part may also file a
formal complaint under the applicable procedures of 14 CFR part 302 [The
Department of Transportation general administrative review
process].<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 59.75pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -23.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>(c) You must file a
formal complaint under this part within six months of the incident on which the
complaint is based in order to ensure the Department of Transportation will
investigate the matter.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
While this is by no means an exhaustive accounting of the applicable regulations
concerning air travel for passengers with disabilities, these are the most
common types of issues brought to our attention in the National Federation of
the Blind Department of Advocacy and Policy. Familiarizing yourself with these
regulations and discussing them civilly with airline personnel will give you the
best chance of enjoying a positive traveling experience the next time you plan
to board a flight.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Uber and Lyft Agree
to Improving Service for Riders with Service Animals<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>We Need Your Help
with Monitoring Their Progress<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Valerie
Yingling<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
>From the Editor: Many blind people have welcomed the arrival of new ridesharing
services with open arms, but the same cannot be said for the services, which
sometimes have refused to provide rides to blind passengers accompanied by guide
dogs. In this article Valerie Yingling, legal program coordinator for the
National Federation of the Blind, discusses settlements between the National
Federation of the Blind and the two major ridesharing services that operate in
the country, Uber and Lyft. Here is what she has to
say:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Within the last year, the National Federation of the Blind has resolved
allegations of discrimination against both Uber and Lyft. In landmark settlement
agreements, both companies have agreed to revise their policies and procedures
to prevent drivers from discriminating against riders with service animals. With
these agreements, the NFB has pushed back against biases and misconceptions
regarding the blind and their service animals. Policy and procedure changes
outlined in the Uber and Lyft settlement agreements are designed to afford blind
riders with service animals the ability to travel to doctors’ appointments,
school, work, grocery stores, and elsewhere, with the same ease of travel that
Uber and Lyft offer to sighted customers. In short, the agreements support our
living the lives we want, and the NFB commends both Lyft and Uber for
instituting these changes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As a result of the settlement agreements, both Uber and Lyft now require that
existing and new drivers acknowledge their legal obligations to transport riders
with service animals. Both companies have adopted stricter enforcement
policies—if Uber and Lyft drivers knowingly deny rides to individuals with
service animals, the drivers will be immediately terminated. Additionally, if
either company receives plausible reports that a specific driver refused to
transport or otherwise discriminated against riders with service animals on more
than one occasion, that driver will be terminated, regardless of the driver’s
intent. Uber and Lyft have agreed to improve their complaint procedures,
including implementing more effective customer service responses to riders who
register service animal discrimination complaints. See the agreement terms in
full at </SPAN><A href="https://nfb.org/rideshare"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>https://nfb.org/rideshare</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The National Federation of the Blind will coordinate with both Uber and Lyft to
gather data on the success of these efforts for the three- to five-year duration
of the agreements. <A name=Start></A><A name=Complete></A>The NFB will gather
feedback from its membership on both ride denials and the quality of rides
provided for individuals with service animals. This testing will be a critical
tool for measuring Uber and Lyft’s compliance with its NFB settlement
agreement.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Testing Program
Specifics<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This is where we need your help. The Uber and Lyft testing program is open to
all NFB members and nonmembers nationwide. Riders with service animals or
individuals traveling with riders with service animals are asked to complete the
following online questionnaire promptly after requesting and/or completing a
ride with Uber or Lyft: </SPAN><A href="https://nfb.org/rideshare-test"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>https://nfb.org/rideshare-test</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. This testing tool will be used to
measure not only ride cancellations and denials, but also whether a driver
appeared to understand his or her obligations to provide equal access and to not
discriminate as per the protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities
Act. Specifically, testers will provide the following information via the online
questionnaire. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Uber and Lyft Testing
Questions<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Rider’s
name<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Email
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Date ride was
ordered<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Time ride was
ordered<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Address for pick
up<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Driver’s
name<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Did the rider alert
the driver of his/her service animal prior to the ride?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Did the driver appear
to be unaware of his/her responsibility to transport riders with service
animals? <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Was the ride denied?
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>How was a complaint
filed regarding the denial (e.g., using website, app, or complaint
hotline)?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Was the rider treated
disrespectfully during the ride (e.g., threatened, harassed, ridiculed, or
provided inferior service because of the presence of a service
animal)?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>How was a complaint
filed regarding the driver’s disrespectful behavior (e.g., using website, app,
or complaint hotline)?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Was the rider charged
a cleaning fee because of his/her service animal?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Did the rider
encounter any accessibility barriers with the rideshare service’s app or
website? <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Please note that the Lyft agreement contemplates that the NFB will conduct
targeted testing in predetermined metropolitan areas. Those areas are Baltimore,
Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Nashville,
Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle, and the District of
Columbia. NFB’s testing reports to Lyft will be built around the experiences of
riders in these cities. That does not mean, however, that we don’t want to hear
from Lyft riders outside of those cities. The testing tool is not restricted by
geographic area, and we welcome Uber and Lyft testing across all affiliates. I’m
pleased to note that the testing tool will also be available in
Spanish.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
NFB’s testing program will open on May 8, 2017. If you are an Uber or Lyft
customer who has a service animal or travels with someone who has a service
animal, I strongly encourage you to participate in the testing program. Please
know that the NFB’s feedback to Lyft and Uber will only be as strong as the data
we gather from testers. Please plan to join us on May 8 and for the duration of
our testing program!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
For more information, contact Valerie Yingling, NFB Legal Program Coordinator,
at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A href="mailto:vyingling@nfb.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>vyingling@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or (410) 659-9314,
extension 2440, or see </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="https://nfb.org/rideshare"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>https://nfb.org/rideshare</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>How Do You Work This
Thing?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by David
Andrews<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
>From the Editor: One of the tools most helpful to me in editing the <I>Braille
Monitor</I> is the World Wide Web. My searches usually begin with Google and end
by navigating some webpage to which it directs me. I am surprised by how often I
am asked for some tidbit of information by people who don’t think I will know it
off the top of my head but who believe that I have the capacity to find it for
them. In their mind the key is that I know how to use the computer, and although
many of them own one, they do not know how to benefit from a search engine or to
navigate the webpage to which it will take them.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As a person who has worked with a lot of blind people in his career, David
Andrews has a good grasp of what lots of blind folks understand and knows how to
make them more independent. Here is what he has to say about the basics of
navigating the World Wide Web and gaining the freedom that so many sighted
people take for granted:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
When we look back at this era, it will probably be remembered as the time of
“the Cloud.” What is the Cloud, you ask? Well, basically, the Cloud is a place
and way of doing things on the internet. Applications and data are stored on
servers which are reached using the internet and a browser. This makes it easy
for a company to update an application because they just have to do it in one
place, not on individual computers or servers scattered around the
world.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Consequently, we are using browsers like Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox, or Apple Safari to do more and more things. I order my groceries
online, get taxis, use Facebook, read Gmail, etc. At work I use a browser to
enter my time sheet, to approve time and expenses for employees I supervise, to
recruit and hire people, and to do my taxes and banking online as
well.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Consequently, it is necessary to use and learn new websites on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, many blind and visually impaired computer users are not taught
how to explore new websites; they are only taught how to do very specific tasks
on the web. A number of years ago at a technology conference I saw a
presentation from Fidelity, the mutual fund folks. They observed blind computer
users and categorized their techniques for using unfamiliar sites. One of the
things they said that stuck with me was that most people just know one or two
commands in their browser, and they keep using them whether or not they
work.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am going to give you several techniques or strategies for exploring, learning,
and navigating a new website. They will not be screen-reader-specific, that is,
I am not going to list commands for JAWS or VoiceOver, but most screen readers
have the same basic set of functions, and you can look up the specific commands
for your particular screen-reading program.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Screen readers put a web page into a virtual buffer which allows you to freely
explore it like a word processing document. If you have the time, it is
generally beneficial to fully explore a new website’s home page, use your arrow
keys or read all commands to explore the complete page. In this way you know
what is there and have an idea where things are located.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
There are a number of strategies that can be used to explore a page in addition
to reading the whole thing. You can tab through the page, going from link to
link. This can be a relatively quick way to see what is there, but it doesn’t
give you a lot of context. A related strategy is to use a “links list.” For some
reason, for a period of time many JAWS users were taught to do this, no matter
what. Personally I think this strategy is only good for sites with which you are
familiar. A Links List, with first letter navigation, can be quick, but is of
little help unless you know the site.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Depending on your screen reader, there may also be commands to get lists of
forms, tables, frames, or headings. Here again, these commands can be useful or
of no help depending on your knowledge of the site and what you are trying to
accomplish. Your screen reader may have commands to get other kinds of element
lists as well.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Probably the most popular means of navigation and exploration besides the arrow
keys is the use of headings. A heading can be made to visually emphasize
something, like the beginning of a section. Headings can also be thought of as
parts of an outline. There can be headings from level one through level six. A
given site will only use the levels it needs, depending on its structure and
organization. Headings are ideally hierarchical, that is like an outline. You
have a level one heading, then one or more level two headings below that. Below
each level two heading there may be additional levels. Think of it as an
outline, a way to organize content. If you read DAISY books, like those from
NLS, you are familiar with the concept of headings.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Good web practice says that there should be only one level one heading per page.
Most sites follow this, although there is nothing preventing the use of
multiple-heading level ones. The use of just one is most common, and it is
generally at the top or the beginning of the content of a site. Below it will be
other headings as needed. Most screen readers have commands to go to specific
levels of headings and to skip from heading to heading. If a site has headings
and uses them well, this is a quick way to get an idea of what is there, as well
as to navigate around the site. However, not all sites use headings or use them
correctly.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
An increasingly popular way of orientation and navigation is the use of
landmarks or regions. A landmark denotes a part of the page and is used for
things like banners, navigation, main content, and footers. Most screen readers
have a command to jump from landmark to landmark if they are present. This is a
quick way to make big jumps to different parts of a site. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Many sites also have a “skip to content” link near the top. This may or may not
be hidden from visual users and only available to screen-reader users. It is a
quick way to get to the guts of a site. They can be useful but don’t always work
correctly. Some screen readers also may have a command to jump to the beginning
of a site’s content, but here again, they don’t always work as
intended.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The Find command can also be very useful. You can search for a keyword on the
site. It may be something you know is there or something you suspect is there
and want to locate. Find will quickly get you to the right
place.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Safari and Firefox have a “reader button” or “reader mode” on some sites. This
is a button or icon that appears near the top and that skips all the header
information at the top of the page and jumps to the content. The feature in
Safari is available on both the Mac and on i-devices. It isn’t available for all
sites but can be useful when present.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Screen readers also have commands to move to different kinds of elements on a
web page such as edit boxes, forms, checkboxes, buttons, etc. Knowing these
commands and using them to explore and/or navigate through a page can be very
useful.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
One peculiarity that crops up from time to time is links that the screen reader
doesn’t identify as links. This situation depends on the screen reader/browser
combination and the tools used to author the website. Sometimes you will be
reviewing a page, and you will hear phrases that sound like they might be links
or buttons and from their context seem like they should be, but your screen
reader isn’t saying “link” or “button.” They may in fact be links or buttons; it
won’t hurt anything to move to one and hit enter to see if it does
something.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
If things don’t work as you would like, you may want to try a different
screen-reading program. Some people use NVDA, Nonvisual Desktop Access for this
purpose. Also, with Window-Eyes now being free to Microsoft Office for Windows
users, a second or third screen reader is available to nearly everybody. It can
sometimes work to try a different browser as well.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
You might not use all of these strategies on a new website, but it is useful to
have as many tools as possible in your toolbox. That way you will have a wide
variety of strategies which you can use to master a new
website.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A Legislative Update
and a Call to Action<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Parnell
Diggs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>From the Editor: In
the March 2017 issue of this magazine we ran the legislative fact sheets
distributed at the Washington Seminar. At the time of our visit some of the
legislation was still being drafted, but we now have bill numbers and are
requesting action. In this letter, which was circulated to members on our
listservs, Parnell Diggs, director of governmental affairs, provides bill
numbers and asks for our action. Here is his letter:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dear Federation
Family,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The purpose of this update is to bring you up-to-speed on legislative
developments since we left the Washington Seminar two months ago and to ask you
to activate on several crucial issues. Please use this information as a good
reason to reach out to your two senators and your congressman or congresswoman
and update them on developments since your visit to their offices. The summary
of legislative developments will be followed by the call to action on three
bills:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Accessible
Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act, also known as “AIM HIGH,” H.R.
1772<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Congressman Phil Roe (Republican, Tennessee) and Congressman Joe Courtney
(Democrat, Connecticut) introduced this legislation in the House of
Representatives. H.R. 1772 will promote instructional technology and content
that are accessible to the blind and other students with print
disabilities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Access Technology
Affordability Act of 2017 (ATAA) H.R. 1734 and S. 732<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
These companion bills were introduced by Representatives David Young
(Republican, Iowa) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, California) in the House
and by Senators John Boozman (Republican, Arkansas) and Benjamin L. Cardin
(Democrat, Maryland) in the Senate on March 28, 2017. Please remind your
senators and representative that this legislation will establish a per-person
individual refundable tax credit to be used over a multi-year period to offset
the cost of access technology for blind people. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Transitioning to
Integrated and Meaningful Employment (TIME) Act of 2017 H.R.
1377<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As President Riccobono indicated, the TIME Act is still a priority of the
National Federation of the Blind. It just wasn't front and center at the 2017
Washington Seminar. The bill was introduced by Representative Gregg Harper
(Republican, Mississippi) on March 8, 2017, to remove barriers to employment
opportunities for people with disabilities by phasing out Section 14(c) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act and facilitating the transitioning of people with
disabilities now working in segregated employment settings into competitive
employment opportunities in their communities. There is low hanging fruit we can
secure from cosponsors of previous iterations of the TIME Act. Please see if
your senators and representative will cosponsor this bill in the 115th Congress,
especially members of the House of Representatives who have done so
before.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Call to
Action<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Please call both of your senators and ask them to cosponsor S. 732, the Access
Technology Affordability Act. Also, please call your congressman or
congresswoman and ask him or her to cosponsor the AIM HIGH Act (H.R. 1772), the
Access Technology Affordability Act (H.R. 1734), and the TIME Act (H.R.
1377).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This is an excellent opportunity to circle back with your senators and
representative to provide them with updates on legislation that will help blind
Americans live the lives we want. The number to the Capitol switchboard is (202)
224-3121. From there, the operator can transfer you to your desired contact. Let
me thank you for the groundwork you laid at the Washington Seminar, which has
led to the introduction of this legislation. Let’s build on that momentum as we
turn our focus toward Orlando.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As always, thanks for all you do.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO CAPTION: Mark
A. Riccobono]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>From the President’s
Inbox: The Mail Must Go Through<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Mark A.
Riccobono<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>From the Editor: One of my favorite columns in the <I>Braille Monitor</I>
when I started reading it in the early seventies was called “From the
President’s Mail Basket” and was written by then-president Kenneth Jernigan. In
those days there was no President’s Notebook and no monthly Presidential
Release, most of President Jernigan’s communication with the membership was done
through the United States Postal Service, and these columns in the <I>Braille
Monitor</I> spoke clearly to the issues of the day, the concerns of the
membership, and the talented man who was responsible for coordinating it all.
This article from President Riccobono brings some of the best of what made “From
the President’s Mail Basket” special: the interaction with a member, the
highlighting of an important issue, and a chance to observe the thinking and the
talent of our current president. Here is his article:</B> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
We live in a communication rich world. With those rich communication
tools—mobile phones, email, social media, etc.—comes a pace of activity that
sometimes prevents us from taking the time to tackle the artificial barriers we
face. Some of those barriers are a real nuisance when we face them, but the
immediate move to the next thing makes stopping and dealing with a problem feel
like more work than it is worth. A recent exchange and its outcome prompted me
to take a moment to write this article. I believe this situation demonstrates
the importance of individual members taking the initiative to raise their voice
to activate our vehicle for collective action—the National Federation of the
Blind. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As President of the National Federation of the Blind I receive a lot of
correspondence—mostly via email but often via telephone. Attempting to deal with
them quickly and effectively can be a challenge. Yet I am often surprised by the
correspondence that does not make it to me. I try—sometimes successfully and
sometimes not—to stay plugged in to social media knowing that many members of
the Federation are discussing important topics in those communication channels.
One day I came across a tweet from David Bouchard of Oregon. I reached out to
David and asked him to send me an email to tell me more about his situation.
Here is what he wrote to me on September 24, 2016: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Good afternoon,
Mark,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Yesterday, at approximately 5:00 p.m. PST, I went to the Post Office at 101 SW
Madison Street in Portland, Oregon, to mail a package for a friend. I purchased
a box for the item, and when I asked the attendant behind the counter to assist
me with filling out the shipping label, she refused, stating that she was
forbidden to fill out customers' shipping labels per a USPS regulation. She
asked another customer to assist me. I accepted that assistance to save time,
but pressed the issue once my package was shipped. Her supervisor informed me
that employees could be fired for filling out the shipping labels and that I
would need either the assistance of another customer or a "caregiver." When I
asked him if this was a federal regulation, he said that it was. As we both
know, this is unacceptable, and I will do whatever it takes to change this
outdated policy. I am still trying to find the offending regulation. Please feel
free to contact me with any questions by email or at _________.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Regards, David
Bouchard<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I appreciated David’s email because it demonstrated that he had taken positive
steps to solve this problem by himself. He had questioned the policy and pressed
the local postal worker for as much detail about the policy as he could get.
Furthermore, he was attempting to research whether a regulation of the type
described really exists in the federal code. David’s email stands in contrast to
those that simply request help from the National Federation of the Blind without
demonstrating that the individual has done their part to solve the problem at
hand. Often, we can get the most effective outcome when the blind individual has
done all that they can to solve the problem before activating the national
organization.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I asked Parnell Diggs to research this issue and draft a request to the United
States Postal Service to get clarification on this regulation. Below is Mr.
Digg’s letter:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>October 17,
2016<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Honorable Megan
J. Brennan<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Postmaster General
and Chief Executive Officer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Office of the
Postmaster and Chief Executive Officer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>United States Postal
Service<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>475 L’Enfant Plaza,
SW, Room 10022<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Washington, DC
20260<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dear Ms.
Brennan:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
We received the following inquiry from David Bouchard, a blind gentleman in
Portland, Oregon: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“On Friday, September 23, 2016, at approximately 5:00 p.m. PST, I went to the
Post Office at 101 SW Madison Street in Portland, Oregon to mail a package for a
friend. I purchased a box for the item, and when I asked the attendant behind
the counter to assist me with filling out the shipping label, she refused,
stating that she was forbidden to fill out customers' shipping labels per a USPS
regulation. She asked another customer to assist me. I accepted that assistance
to save time, but pressed the issue once my package was shipped. Her supervisor
informed me that employees could be fired for filling out the shipping labels,
and that I would need either the assistance of another customer or a
‘caregiver.’ When I asked him if this was a federal regulation, he said that it
was.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
We would greatly appreciate your kindly providing us with the regulation in
question. I have provided my contact information below so that we may further
discuss this matter. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from
your office in the near future.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sincerely, Parnell
Diggs, Esq.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
After receiving David’s initial email, I mentioned the issue to a number of
blind people and a surprising number of them told me they or someone they knew
had encountered a similar situation. It got me wondering if blind people are
sometimes too quick to brush off unfair treatment based on false information. Is
the problem that the small incidents are too easily left behind in our
fast-paced society? Is it that we believe some requests are unreasonable—even if
they are small—or that we are afraid to question the officials that are
directing us? Or is it simply that we face too many barriers in one day, and we
can only choose so many to tackle? Whatever the case, I was surprised that the
issue was known but had never been tackled in a way that would answer the
question once and for all. In order to resolve the matter, I give you the
response from the United States Postal Service so that you might use it whenever
the question comes up in the future:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>November<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.5pt"> </SPAN>16,<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.2pt">
</SPAN>2016</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>Mr.<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.15pt"> </SPAN>Parnell<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.6pt"> </SPAN>Diggs,<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.8pt">
</SPAN>Esq.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.7pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>National<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt"> </SPAN>Federation<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.7pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>Blind</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.7pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>200<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt"> </SPAN>East<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.9pt">
</SPAN>Wells<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.5pt"> </SPAN>Street</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt'>Bal</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt'>timore,</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: 1pt'>
</SPAN><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>MD<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.55pt"> </SPAN>21230</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: 1.1pt'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: 1.1pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>Dear<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.75pt"> </SPAN>Mr.<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">
</SPAN>Diggs,</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>
This<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt"> </SPAN>letter<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>is<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">
</SPAN>in<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt"> </SPAN>response<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt">
</SPAN>your<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.45pt"> </SPAN>recent inquiry<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.85pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt">
</SPAN>Postmaster<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>General<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt"> </SPAN>Megan<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>Brennan</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>on<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>behalf<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt">
</SPAN>Mr.<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>David<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>Bouchard.<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.55pt"> </SPAN>The<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt">
</SPAN>letter<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>described<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.75pt"> </SPAN>Mr. Bouchard's<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>visit<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"> </SPAN>Post</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>Office<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>in<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt">
</SPAN>Portland,<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>Oregon.<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 3.25pt"> </SPAN>During<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.9pt"> </SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt">
</SPAN><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt">visit</SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>Mr.<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN>Bouchard<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>asked<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>the<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt"> </SPAN>window<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.5pt"> </SPAN>clerk<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt"> </SPAN>for</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>assistance<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt"> </SPAN>completing<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.6pt">
</SPAN>shipping<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt"> </SPAN>label<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.95pt"> </SPAN>and<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.85pt"> </SPAN>was<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN>told<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"> </SPAN>"a<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.75pt"> </SPAN>federal<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt"> </SPAN>regulation<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>prohibited</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>such<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>assistance."<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.85pt"> </SPAN>Your<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.7pt">
</SPAN>letter<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt"> </SPAN>asked<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN>be<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>provided<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>with<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"> </SPAN>federal<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.35pt"> </SPAN>regulation<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.4pt"> </SPAN>in</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>question.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.2pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>
There<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>is<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.6pt"> </SPAN>no<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.15pt">
</SPAN>federal<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.35pt"> </SPAN>regulation<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>prohibiting<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt">
</SPAN>postal<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt"> </SPAN>employee<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>from<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt">
</SPAN>providing<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt">
</SPAN>assistance</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>filling<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.35pt"> </SPAN>out<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>shipping<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.95pt"> </SPAN>label<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.1pt"> </SPAN>for<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt">
</SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>customer<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt">with</SPAN><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt">
</SPAN>a<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt"> </SPAN>disability.<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 3pt"> </SPAN>To<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>contrary,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.65pt"> </SPAN>it<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt">
</SPAN>is<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.95pt"> </SPAN>the</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: 1.05pt'>
</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>Postal<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.85pt"> </SPAN>Service's<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>policy<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.8pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt">
</SPAN>offer<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>assistance<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt">
</SPAN>customers<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt"> </SPAN>with<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>disabilities<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.45pt"> </SPAN>if<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.8pt">
</SPAN>requested.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>
Employees<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt"> </SPAN>are<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.65pt"> </SPAN>expected<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt">
</SPAN>be<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.2pt"> </SPAN>flexible<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.3pt"> </SPAN>and<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt">
</SPAN>responsive<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt"> </SPAN>in<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.7pt"> </SPAN>providing<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>such<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>assistance.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.95pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>
I<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>apologize<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.15pt"> </SPAN>on<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.6pt">
</SPAN>behalf<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.3pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.95pt"> </SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2pt">
</SPAN>Postal<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.05pt"> </SPAN>Service<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.15pt"> </SPAN>for<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.3pt">
</SPAN>Mr.<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.75pt"> </SPAN>Bouchard's<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2pt"> </SPAN>unsatisfactory<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.05pt"> </SPAN>customer experience. The<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.45pt"> </SPAN>Postal<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.25pt"> </SPAN>Service<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.15pt"> </SPAN>provides<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.3pt"> </SPAN>training<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.7pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.4pt">
</SPAN>employees<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.75pt"> </SPAN>about<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.75pt"> </SPAN>serving<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.1pt"> </SPAN>customers<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.95pt"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">with</SPAN><SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.35pt">
</SPAN>disabilities.<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.4pt"> </SPAN>We<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.25pt"> </SPAN>want<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.4pt">
</SPAN>all<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.85pt"> </SPAN>customers<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.6pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.9pt">
</SPAN>receive<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.45pt"> </SPAN>great<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.4pt"> </SPAN>service<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.15pt"> </SPAN>from<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.3pt">
</SPAN>Postal<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.15pt"> </SPAN>Service<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.4pt"> </SPAN>employees,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.3pt"> </SPAN>and<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.65pt">
</SPAN>it<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.7pt"> </SPAN>is<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.65pt"> </SPAN>our<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.8pt">
</SPAN>responsibility<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.9pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.15pt"> </SPAN>ensure<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.1pt"> </SPAN>they<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.7pt">
</SPAN>get<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.55pt"> </SPAN>it<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt">—</SPAN>everywhere,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 2.2pt"> </SPAN>every day,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.55pt"> </SPAN>every<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.45pt"> </SPAN>time.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>
Thank you<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt"> </SPAN>for<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.35pt"> </SPAN>bringing<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>this<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt">
</SPAN>problem<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>our<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>attention<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.9pt">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f; LETTER-SPACING: -1.9pt'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyText
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #0f0f0f'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Samuel J. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Managing<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.9pt">
</SPAN>Counsel</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">9350<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt">
</SPAN>South<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>150<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.75pt"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt">East</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #464646; LETTER-SPACING: 0.05pt">,</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #464646; LETTER-SPACING: -0.9pt"> </SPAN>Suite<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.55pt"> </SPAN>800</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Sandy,<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.1pt">
</SPAN>UT<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 1.5pt"> </SPAN>84070-2716</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">(801)<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.05pt">
</SPAN>984-8400</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As a follow up, I wrote the email below to David on December 1,
2016:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dear
David,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As the motto says, “the mail must go through.” Your letter of September 24
pledged that you would do whatever it takes to change the outdated practices
that you experienced at the Post Office on Friday, September 23, 2016. I
appreciate that you recognized discriminatory practice and you activated the
Federation network to resolve the issue. You could have walked away figuring it
was just the way life goes. You could have decided that blind people simply had
to give up some privacy to get equal access. You could have decided to never
bother with that post office again. You did none of these things, and you did
not expect someone else to solve the problem for you, but rather sought
assistance on how you could be part of solving the problem. For that I am
thankful, and I commend you on your active leadership.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am sharing with you the response we have secured on your behalf from the
United States Postal Service. I believe you will be pleased with the response. I
have asked Mr. Parnell Diggs, our director of governmental affairs, to respond
to the letter and invite the postal service to work with members of the
Federation on their training. I suspect if they accept our offer we might call
on you for assistance. Thank you for raising this issue and for helping us
secure this useful response.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I am going to publish the letter and details of your case in the <I>Braille
Monitor</I> so that others encountering this problem know the truth. The mail
must go through, and the blind can expect equal treatment in the post office
according to the leaders of the organization. Since your case came to my
attention, I have talked with others who have experienced this problem or know
people who have, and it appears as though they chose not to challenge the
practice. I am glad you pushed a little further. Keep raising
expectations.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
If you decide to take the response down to your local post office, I will be
interested to hear how they react.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Mark A. Riccobono,
President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>National Federation
of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
There you have it, the answer to the question of whether or not the United
States Postal Service will assist you with your packages. I encourage all
members of the National Federation of the Blind to continue to share with each
other the barriers that are encountered and work together to break down those
barriers. When an issue comes up locally, be sure to share it with your chapter
president and, if appropriate, your affiliate president. If you find that an
issue requires the attention of our nationwide network, please be sure to call
upon the national President so that we might have an opportunity to evaluate the
situation. I can be reached at our national office by telephone at (410)
659-9314 or by email at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:officeofthepresident@nfb.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>officeofthepresident@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. The more that we
take the time to address the artificial barriers we face rather than shaking
them off as a nuisance, the faster our pace of progress will be. We might find
that in many cases, like this one, a simple letter requesting clarification from
the entity involved might give us the answer we seek. Then, we should find a way
to share that correspondence with others within our Federation network.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><A name=OLE_LINK3></A><A name=OLE_LINK4><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>[PHOTO/CAPTION: Jim
Peterson and Noel Nightingale]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></A></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Blindness: Showing Up
for Parenthood<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Noel
Nightingale<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>From the Editor: Noel Nightingale is the mother of three children who resides
in Seattle, Washington, with her husband Jim Peterson. She first met the
Federation when she won a national scholarship in 1991. Her work in the
Federation has included service as a chapter president, a state president, and
as a member of the national board of directors. By training she is a lawyer who
currently works for the United States Department of Education in the Office for
Civil Rights. <SPAN style="COLOR: #222222">She currently serves as a member of
the board of directors of the National Association of Blind Lawyers, a division
of the NFB. </SPAN>Here is what she has to say about deciding to become a parent
and the challenges it has posed in her life:<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222'> </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: #222222'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Before becoming a mother, I asked an attorney I worked with what was so great
about having children. My colleague had often described the inconveniences of
parenting. Having children seemed to cause her to create boundaries that made
life not as fun, preventing her from engaging in the social life of the law firm
because she had to get home. When I asked her why she liked being a mother, if
indeed she did, she told me, “When I come home and my kids run to greet me with
hugs and kisses, it makes it all worth it.” I thought to myself, “Hmmm, after
all you have told me about how your children disrupt your life, the scales seem
heavily tipped in favor of non-parenthood.” However, after having had three
children, my husband Jim and I now understand what my colleague meant. The
rewards of parenthood, though perhaps not easily described, are
real.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Becoming a parent was significantly harder than becoming blind. When I became
blind, other blind people taught me that I just had to acquire the skills and
attitudes I needed to live well as a blind person. I already knew basic life
skills as a sighted person, and I merely needed to tweak a few things such as:
learning to use a long white cane; learning Braille; learning how to use various
assistive technologies; and, hardest of all, truly believing that I could still
do the things I wanted to do without limitations. Of course, I now knew about
being discriminated against as well.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBullet
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
When Jim and I became parents, our lives changed drastically, and I needed to
learn new skills like diapering, nursing, functioning on limited sleep, and
getting around with a child connected to me in some way. Bennett Prows, who is a
father of three and is blind, told me that when he and his former wife, who is
also blind, were expecting their first child, a neighbor came over asking how
the two of them were going to take care of a baby. The neighbor expressed
skepticism that Ben and his wife would be able to change the baby’s diapers. Ben
asked his neighbor what he looks at when taking care of his own toileting needs
and that ended the neighbor’s doubt, at least on that particular topic. The
basic skills of parenting are not that hard, sighted or
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The most dramatic challenge that came with parenthood was that I had to change
my perspective and priorities. I realized that neither Jim nor I came first
anymore, and I sacrificed many of the things I enjoyed doing to spend time with
my children. Like the rewards of having children, it is difficult to describe
how the mundane aspects of parenting rule our lives. I trained myself not to use
profanity anymore lest I inadvertently do it in front of the kids. Along with
Jim, I adjusted my schedule around my children’s schedules, and I learned that
my children’s homework was also my homework because if Jim and I didn’t nag the
kids to do it or didn’t help, it may very well not get done. The list goes on
and on of the seemingly boring yet enormously important and trying things we now
spend time on to even reach the low bar of being adequate parents.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Though Jim is our primary stay-at-home parent and all I have to do during most
weekdays is earn money, every day I think about all the things going on in my
children’s lives. I schedule doctor appointments and activities. I interact with
teachers and have served on our elementary school’s Parent Teacher Association
board of directors. I feel guilty if I take “me time” when I could be spending
time with my children exposing them to something new or just sharing quiet time
with them. My motto of parenting is, “It’s quality of time, not quantity of
time.” Some of the tasks and trials involved with parenting require the
alternative techniques of blindness, but mostly they don’t. For me, similar to
becoming blind, becoming a parent involved a mental adjustment to a new way of
life. But I have found the adjustment and the sacrifices a lot more daunting
than the adjustment to blindness.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
All parents I know, both sighted and blind, have similar struggles with
parenthood that Jim and I do. They wonder how to properly and successfully
discipline their children, debate the question of how much screen time to allow,
when or if to buy their children cell phones, and are seeking the right balance
between children’s free time and scheduled time. The parents I know are today
discussing whether to make their children learn a musical instrument,
participate in a sport, or engage in some other kind of skill-building activity,
knowing that if they cave in to the child’s resistance, the adult child will
turn around tomorrow and tell their parents that they should have made the child
stick with the piano or Chinese lessons. Parents are under their children’s
microscopes and constantly think about needing to live up to the role models
they have envisioned they should be for their children. They wonder how or
whether to help their children acquire grit. Parents reflect on how they were
raised and whether to follow in their own parents’ footsteps in child rearing.
These things and other aspects of parenting are enormously philosophical, and
how we meet the challenges of parenthood can determine whether our children’s
lives will be as fulfilling as they could be. No parent that I know believes he
or she has found the right answers to all of the thorny issues associated with
being a parent. Yet, when I tell sighted people that being blind is a lot easier
than being a parent, they are invariably skeptical.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Maybe it was because, as I lost my sight, I had a network of supportive blind
mentors encircling me. I had blind role models to pattern myself after and
quality training from blindness skills and attitude factories of the National
Federation of the Blind and the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Consequently my
acquisition of blindness skills and my emotional adjustment to blindness were
simple and straightforward compared to the adjustment to parenthood. The
challenges of parenting make the adjustment to blindness look easy peasy. Of
course, I am constantly employing blindness techniques in my parenting, and of
course, I never take my blind hat off to be a mom, but most of the time, I don’t
think those two aspects of myself interrelate. I just do what anyone does who is
trying to live well and do their best for their kids.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
I recently read a book by Bill Gates Sr. that has a title that perfectly
represents parenting to me, with a one-word change that I don’t think Mr. Gates
would mind. Mr. Gates’ book is called, <I>Showing Up For Life</I>. To me, the
charge of parenting that sounds easy but isn’t should be called, “Showing Up For
Parenthood.” Our kids are not another hobby to be played around with when we
feel like it. We must show up twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and be
at our best. I have many pictures in my mind of my fifteen years of parenting.
Leila riding her first tricycle given to her by my mother who was then dying;
Cosmo jumping up and down in his crib bawling until he vomited; Dexter, being
the social butterfly, and talking to strangers from the time he was a toddler
about topics of interest to him like Transformers. Then, of course, there are
those moments I won’t get too graphic about but involve fecal matter, an
airplane, a crayon, and dental floss. More and more pictures flit through my
mind of those very small moments in life unappreciated by anyone but Jim and me,
poignant and funny, the type which snatches of memories all parents
cherish.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Sometimes Jim, who is sighted, and I have fallen down on the job as parents.
When our third child, Dexter, was about three, we noticed that he was telling us
virtually every object around him was the color green. We asked his preschool
teacher for an assessment of whether he was color blind, and she informally
tested him and said that he may not only be color blind but be a very unusual
type of color blindness, I think she said blue-yellow color blindness. Jim and I
immediately made an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist. A couple days
before the appointment, we sat down with Dexter and a bunch of Legos and told
him what color each block was. Then we asked him what color randomly selected
blocks were, and he correctly identified their colors. We took him to the
ophthalmologist who said that he is not color blind. It turns out that neither
Jim nor I had yet gotten around to teaching Dexter the different colors! Some
call that third-child syndrome. With our two older kids, I had taught them the
different colors using Braille picture board books but had neglected to do that
for Dexter.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
An unexpected time when parenthood and blindness starkly coincided in my life
was when a parent volunteer was sorting the books in Dexter’s second-grade
classroom and found a book published by the National Federation of the Blind. We
used to publish a series of books called Kernel Books, a couple of which I had
written articles for. The one the volunteer found in my son’s classroom happened
to be one of the books I had written an article for and while leafing through
it, he found that article and showed it to my son. Dexter came home proud that
his mom had written a book, not quite an accurate description of my role in that
book, but nevertheless, it created an opportunity for a discussion about
blindness. I asked the teacher how the Kernel Book had found its way to her
classroom, and she had no idea. To this day, I wonder what the chances are of a
Kernel book ending up in one of my children’s classrooms since I had not
distributed any of those books to the school, nor, to my knowledge, had anyone
else I know. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
I have listened to hundreds of books from the library for the blind with each of
my children, which I view as a way to spend time with my kids that also expands
their worlds and vocabularies. I have now listened to the Harry Potter series
more times than I can count and am looking forward to the day someone asks me to
enter a Harry Potter trivia contest. Some of my kids’ teachers have told me that
the time I have spent listening to books with my kids is evident.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
In dealing with homework, I have just required my kids to read it to me when
they need help. I figure it doesn’t hurt them to have to do a little more
reading, though it is not ideal, especially at times when they don’t read every
word on the page to me and then we are both confused. I know that I have a legal
right to receive what my kids’ schools provide in Braille or electronic format.
I could ask for copies of their homework in an accessible form; but, whether it
has been the right decision or not, I have not asked for it to be provided in
alternative formats. I don’t want to ask my kids’ teachers to take their limited
planning time on creating accessible documents for me if I can avoid doing so. I
have usually found a way to help my kids with their homework, by hook or crook.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
There have been innumerable times when I felt left out of full participation in
my children’s education because I am blind. When I attend meetings at school for
parents, any printed material distributed has not once been provided in Braille
or any format accessible to me. I have never been asked what format I need to
access documents. Because I usually know someone at school meetings, I have been
able to ask him or her to read any important materials to me. Jim mostly reads
any letters and documents the schools or school district mail to us. He does
not, though, read every piece of paper that comes through our door. He is a Type
B personality and I am a Type A. I am the one who signs up for the emails from
the PTAs and school district and the one who obsesses about attending all the
school events we can. However, Jim is my husband, not my reader, so I often have
to let my obsessive-compulsive self sit in the backseat and relax about not
reading everything that comes home from the schools in our kids’ backpacks.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Jim and I have attended many workshops at my kids’ elementary and middle schools
to teach parents how to help their children learn particular skills, usually
math. Parents are taught games they can play with their children to increase
their math proficiency. Ninety percent of the time, the math games involve print
materials. One time I knew in advance that the math games we were going to be
taught involved playing cards, I told the school that the workshop leaders could
easily purchase a set of Braille playing cards for me to use during the workshop
and that they could then have on hand for any blind parents attending their
workshops, which the school said would be arranged. I showed up for the workshop
held one weeknight in the school cafeteria, and no Braille playing cards had
been acquired. So, while the parents all around me played math games with
playing cards, I stood there trying to be supportive of my son but feeling
inadequate. While these times have bothered me enormously, they are usually
isolated incidents, and I have moved on. We believe that our kids are receiving
a good education, have had excellent teachers, and nothing until recently has
dramatically gone wrong because I could not access information provided by one
of my kids’ schools.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Well, “until recently” is not quite accurate. Five years ago, during summer
2012, our school district changed websites. Until then, I had been able to
obtain much of the information I needed from the school district’s website; that
is, I had been able to obtain any information available to all parents on the
website. The new website, however, was extraordinarily inaccessible. I couldn’t
believe it. The majority of the links on the homepage didn’t open when I entered
on them. Apparently, something happened on the screen, but my screen reader
didn’t know it. The school district calendar of events—like days that school was
not in session—was in an inaccessible table, so when I try to figure out
significant events happening during the school year, my screen reader just told
me the dates of the month with no information about what was occurring on those
dates. When I saw that the website was horribly inaccessible, I wrote to the
school district’s webmaster. For the past four years, the webmaster has provided
me with some of the information I sought but could not access on the website. Of
course, this is not a good situation because the webmaster is not around at all
times of the day and on all days of the week when I am looking for information.
Also, the webmaster cannot browse the website for me, she can only respond to my
specific information needs if my needs can wait until she is available. However,
because the school district seemed to understand the problem and seemed to be
willing to fix it, I patiently waited for the fix to come.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
My patience came to a full stop when Cosmo was in fifth grade. I received an
email from Cosmo’s teacher. All year, he had had math homework using an online
program called ST Math. Every weeknight, Cosmo would get on our computer and, we
thought, diligently work on his ST Math homework. Not so. The teacher’s email to
me said that Cosmo was less than 40 percent complete with his ST Math problems,
and he was supposed to be at 80 percent at that point and 100 percent by the end
of the school year. Jim and I quickly figured out that Cosmo had probably not
resisted the temptations offered by a computer, and instead of doing his math
homework had been playing Minecraft (a video game) or watching YouTube videos.
Cosmo vehemently denied it but could not explain why his classmates were able to
be at 80 percent complete and he less than half that. Jim and I concluded that
we needed to institute an accountability system for Cosmo and monitor his
progress on ST Math so he could catch up to where he was supposed to be. I went
to the computer to have Cosmo show me how to log into the program so I could see
what percentage he started at and then come back after an hour and see what
percentage he had achieved by then. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
I got my first inkling that my ability to monitor Cosmo’s ST Math progress was
not going to be as easy as I thought when Cosmo said that the log-in was to
click on a series of pictures. Not just one or two unlabeled graphic pictures
but many unlabeled pictures. I had him login, then I went to find the part of
the program that says what percentage he was at, and all I heard was “Flash,
Flash, Flash, Flash, Flash…” The whole program was inaccessible. Now the school
district’s failure to ensure it is purchasing accessible technology was not only
a significant accessibility problem for me in locating information on its
website, but it was actually blocking my ability to monitor my son’s homework
progress. Now I was angry.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Enter the National Federation of the Blind. My touchstone. My source of
inspiration. The members of the NFB have always reinforced to me the importance
of parents’ full participation in children’s education. I had put up with
inaccessible documents for umpteen years and found ways around the problem. This
time, there was no way around the inaccessible technology. Technology is either
accessible or it isn’t, and unless I have a reader sitting on my shoulder every
time I want or need to use a website or a piece of software, it must be
accessible out of the box. A public school district has a legal responsibility
to make sure that its programs are accessible, and apparently our school
district hadn’t been taking that obligation seriously. So, with the NFB’s help,
I filed a lawsuit in federal district court. I had the dream team of lawyers,
one of whom admits he was put to the test by Dr. Jernigan and Dr. Maurer and
somehow made it through the trial. That is Dan Goldstein. Through the lawsuit, I
secured a commitment from the school district to create a system whereby it
ensures the technology it purchases or uses is accessible from the
get-go.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListBulletCxSpLast
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: none"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">
Thanks to those who continue the self-help movement founded by blind men and
women in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind, we have the gift to learn
from and lean on one another as we live full lives as blind people. I suppose
there are organizations of parents who provide support for each other, but they
don’t and probably can’t function in parents’ lives the way the NFB does for me.
My thanks to the organized blind movement that has given me a full life of
working full time in a rewarding job and allowed me the freedom to choose the
twenty-four/seven job of parenthood.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Leave a Legacy
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
For more than seventy-five years the National Federation of the Blind has worked
to transform the dreams of hundreds of thousands of blind people into reality,
and with your support we will continue to do so for decades to come. We
sincerely hope you will plan to be a part of our enduring movement by adding the
National Federation of the Blind as a partial beneficiary in your will. A gift
to the National Federation of the Blind in your will is more than just a
charitable, tax-deductible donation. It is a way to join in the work to help
blind people live the lives we want that leaves a lasting imprint on the lives
of thousands of blind children and adults.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>With your help, the
NFB will continue to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Give blind children
the gift of literacy through Braille; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Promote the
independent travel of the blind by providing free, long white canes to blind
people in need;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Develop dynamic
educational projects and programs that show blind youth that science and math
are within their reach;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Deliver hundreds of
accessible newspapers and magazines to provide blind people the essential
information necessary to be actively involved in their communities;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Offer aids and
appliances that help seniors losing vision maintain their independence;
and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Fund scholarship
programs so that blind people can achieve their dreams.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Plan to Leave a
Legacy<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Creating a will gives you the final say in what happens to your possessions and
is the only way to be sure that your remaining assets are distributed according
to your passions and beliefs. Many people fear creating a will or believe it’s
not necessary until they are much older. Others think that it’s expensive and
confusing. However, it is one of the most important things you will do, and with
new online legal programs it is easier and cheaper than ever before. If you do
decide to create or revise your will, consider the National Federation of the
Blind as a partial beneficiary. Visit </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="https://nfb.org/planned-giving"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>https://nfb.org/planned-giving</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or call (410)
659-9314, extension 2422, for more information. Together with love, hope,
determination, and your support, we will continue to transform dreams into
reality. </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>There Is a List for
That!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by David
Andrews<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This month we will start out our monthly column of internet mailing lists with
the state of Maryland, home of the Jernigan Institute and the National Center
for the Blind. And for good measure, we will throw in the state of Delaware,
since it is small.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The primary list for the state of Maryland is NFBMD. You can subscribe to the
list by going to </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmd_nfbnet.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmd_nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or you can also
subscribe by sending email to </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:nfbmd-request@nfbnet.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>nfbmd-request@nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> and put the word
subscribe on the subject line by itself. The list contains both discussion and
announcements.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Most of the chapters in Maryland also have their own lists. Below are the list
names and a brief description of each. To subscribe substitute the list name in
the command above for the NFBMD phrase.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>central-md-chapter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Central
Maryland<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>greater-baltimore<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Baltimore, Maryland,
chapter list<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>md-atlarge<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>At-Large Chapter of
the NFB of Maryland<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>md-sligo<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sligo Creek
Chapter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>nationalharbor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>National Harbor
Chapter list<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>nfbtlc-chapter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Towson/Lutherville/Cockeysville
Maryland Chapter list<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Two divisions in Maryland also have their own lists, Parents of Blind Children
and Students. Their list names are MDPOBC and MDABS respectively and can be used
in the web or email commands mentioned previously. The NFBNET server also hosts
the NFB of Maryland website, </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="http://www.nfbmd.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>http://www.nfbmd.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Finally, as a bonus, since it is small and close to Maryland, we will mention
Delaware. Its list name is NFB-of-Delaware and you can subscribe either by going
to </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-of-delaware_nfbnet.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-of-delaware_nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or by sending an
email to </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:nfb-of-delaware-request@nfbnet.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>nfb-of-delaware-request@nfbnet.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. Put subscribe on
the subject line by itself.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Next month we will tell you about technology-related lists. As always, you can
find all NFBNET.ORG-related lists at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Independence Market
Corner<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The National
Federation of the Blind Independence Market is the conduit through which our
organization distributes our empowering literature to our members, friends, and
the general public. As a service we also operate a blindness products store,
which sells mostly low-tech items, designed to enhance the everyday independence
of blind men and women. With spring well underway and summer just around the
corner, we want to highlight a few products that promote outdoor activity.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>We carry two
different ringing balls, namely a basketball and a football. These balls contain
two bells that jingle while the ball is in motion. More recently we replaced our
ringing soccer ball with a rattle soccer ball. The rattles in this ball make
more noise than the bells do, so it is better for outdoor play. We also have a
beeping Frisbee, which emits a continuous beeping sound when turned on. This
Frisbee, while not quite possessing the aerodynamic properties of a traditional
one, is a foam disk covered with a bright orange nylon sleeve and includes a
removable sound source, which is operated by one AA battery. Since the Frisbee
is soft, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play by children of all
ages. The Beeper Box is also sold separately. One may use it as a sound source
for games and training situations. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>And if you want to
keep track of your steps and don't have a smartphone, our basic talking
pedometer may be for you. After you determine your average step length and
select this number in the setup, the pedometer will keep track of your steps and
convert it to miles. It also announces the time and features an
alarm.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Now all you have to
do is go outside and have some fun!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
For more information about the products and literature available from the
Independence Market or to request a catalog in Braille or in print, visit us
online at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="https://nfb.org/independence-market"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>https://nfb.org/independence-market</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. You may also
contact us using email at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>independencemarket@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or by phone at (410)
659-9314, extension 2216, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
eastern time. Our staff will be glad to assist you.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Dots from Space!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">Inching Towards Understanding<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>by Amy Mason and Anna
Kresmer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Eager to learn more about the ways that the vanished inhabitants of the building
dealt with blindness, the roly-poly adventurers retreat inside once more and
navigate through the empty hallways until they find a metal door. Rolling
forward, Lieutenant-Commander Jot presses against and twists the door handle,
preparing to open it. The door, with Jot still attached, swings forward over
open air. Astonished to find nothing under her mass, she emits a small yelp of
surprise.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“Jot!” cries the captain. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“I’m fine, ma’am. But it looks like we’ll have to find another way down. The
stairs have collapsed.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Captain Dottie reaches out a suction cup-like appendage and pulls the hanging
Jot back onto firm ground. Once stable, Jot stretches out an exploratory
appendage and feels the inside edge of the hole, whereupon she discovers the
still intact hand rail.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“I think we can slide down this, Captain!”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“I’m not sure we should trust it,” says Doctor Spot.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“What if one of us begins to slide down while one of the others holds on to them
from behind? That way we aren’t putting all our weight on the rail at the same
time, and we’ll have a braking mechanism.” Jot explains. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“Alright,” says the captain. “Let’s do it, but we’ll take it
slow.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Two by two the members of the crew begin to slide down the bannister, with each
pair stretching and compressing their bodies like an inchworm as they move
along. Soon they come to the door to the next level and make their way down
another empty hallway to a large room. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Dotted around the vault-like room are several statues and tactile exhibits
standing silently on display. Lieutenant-Commander Jot admires a primitive
rocket purported to have been launched in 2004, while Captain Dottie inspects a
small white cane said to have been used by an alien called tenBroek, the first
leader of the inhabitants of the building.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Row upon row of shelves, some long since collapsed, wind back and forth across
the dimly lit room. Countless books line the shelves, while others are strewn
across the moldering carpet. Bending down to retrieve one brittle book from the
top of a pile, Ensign Bean begins to carefully flip through its pages. A short
while later, Captain Dottie discovers he has not moved from his spot for some
time.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“Report Ensign. Have you found something of interest?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“It’s this book, Captain. You’ve got to see this!” His voice shakes slightly as
he bounces with excitement.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<I>Squeak, squeak.</I> “It appears that this book also uses multiple writing
systems simultaneously.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“It’s not just that, Commander. It also uses these raised diagrams on top of
colored images of space phenomenon, like nebulas and celestial
bodies.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“Oh? And what’s so special about that, Bean?” Commander Point asks; a trace of
sulking in his voice.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“It all makes sense now, Commander. They wanted everyone to be able to access
the information regardless of their ability. If that meant using three systems
of communication, then that is what they used. As long as the content, the
knowledge, was available to everyone then that was what
counted.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“That’s quite a theory you’ve got there, son,” the commander says with a squeak.
“But what evidence do you have to base it upon?”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Without a word, Bean hands Point a piece of paper which had been tucked into the
front cover of the book. Giving the ensign a quizzical look, he unfolds the
brittle paper, presses it to his chest, and begins to read.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
[Note: Link to or copy text from “Access for All,” by Noreen Grice, <I>Future
Reflections</I>, Volume 29, Number 4, </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr29/4/fr290408.htm"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: blue'>https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr29/4/fr290408.htm</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>]
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Silently, the commander hands the paper to Captain Dottie.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
“That’s quite the discovery, Ensign. I think you may be onto something there.
Access to information is one of the most basic rights of sentient life. It seems
that these aliens understood this concept quite well.” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Recipes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
As many schools begin to adjourn for the summer, we at the <I>Monitor</I>
thought we’d pull together some fun and kid-friendly recipes to make for and
with your kids over the long break. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ants on a
Log<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Ants on a Log is an old scout standard snack, and incredibly flexible in
flavors. Easy and quick to make any time, this recipe is perfect for an
afternoon snack after running around.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 bunch celery (the
logs)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Filling
options:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Peanut
butter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Honey<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Cream cheese (plain
or flavored by preference)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ricotta
cheese<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>other vegetable
spreads<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ants options:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Raisins<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dried
currants<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Miniature chocolate
chips<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Method: </B>Wash and dry celery. Cut celery into snack-length pieces (two to
three inches, usually). Fill celery pieces with one of the fillings, whichever
you prefer. For Ants on a Slip-n-Slide, drizzle honey first, then fill with
cream cheese or peanut butter. Place a line of “ants” down the log, usually
three or four depending on size of ant and length of log.
Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Indoor
S’Mores<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Everyone thinks of s’mores as a camp treat—marshmallows roasted over an open
fire. But when your camping trip gets rained out, or your seasonal allergies
make spending hours in the great outdoors not an option, there’s no reason to
entirely miss out on this summer staple.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 bag miniature
marshmallows<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 box Golden Grahams,
Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or similar cereal<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 bag chocolate
chips<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 box large paper
clips<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 unscented
candle<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Method: </B>Set up candle in holder on table or kitchen counter. Each person
making s’mores will need a large paper clip. Straighten the paperclip, leaving
only the smallest inner loop folded to create a handle, this is your roasting
stick. Light the candle. Lay out two pieces of cereal and one chocolate chip in
easy reach. Stick one marshmallow onto the end of the paperclip wire. Hold
marshmallow over flame to toast. There are two schools of thought on the proper
technique to roast a marshmallow: one says you hold the marshmallow slightly
above the flame, turning slowly to allow the marshmallow to toast to an even
golden brown. The other says to stick the marshmallow into the flame, then lift
it out. Allow the marshmallow to burn briefly, creating a black crust around it
before blowing the flame on the marshmallow out. Place the chocolate chip onto
one piece of cereal, then rest the marshmallow on top of the chocolate chip.
Place the other piece of cereal on top of the marshmallow, then pinch the cereal
together and use it to pull the marshmallow off the paper clip. Repeat until
candle burns out, you run out of ingredients, or get sick of dessert, whichever
happens first.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Bird
Seed<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This recipe is a great way to practice using measuring spoons or cups as well as
fractions, and allows for great personalization in this heathy snack mix to
allow for picky eaters who disagree to exist in harmony on family road trips,
sporting events, and other outings. Because there is no chocolate, this recipe
is great for taking along in the summer heat without as much worry about
mess.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 Ziploc bag per
person<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Toasted corn
kernels<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sunflower seeds
(hulled)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Chopped nuts
(cashews, peanuts, almonds, pecans, or mix)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Plain granola
cereal<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Dried fruit (banana
chips, raisins, currants, bananas, etc.)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Method: </B>Each person measures 3 tablespoons of each ingredient into their
Ziploc bag, shake to mix. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Breakfast
Cookies<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Early morning marching band practice, summer school classes, or day camp? These
breakfast cookies are easy and fun to make, then fast to grab and eat on the way
out the door later.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1/2 cup butter,
softened<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>2/3 cup packed brown
sugar<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 teaspoon baking
soda<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>2
eggs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 3/4 cups white
whole wheat flour<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>3 cups multigrain
cereal flakes with blueberries<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Method: </B>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick
cooking spray or cover with parchment paper. Place butter in a medium mixing
bowl. Beat with electric mixer for thirty seconds. Add brown sugar and baking
soda, beat until mixed. Add the eggs, then beat until mixed. Add flour and beat
until the mixture no longer looks dry. Stir in the cereal using a wooden spoon.
For each cookie, pack the mixture into a 1/4-cup measuring cup, using a rubber
scraper to get it out of the cup and onto the cookie sheet. Press mound of dough
with your fingers to flatten it slightly. Repeat with remaining dough, leaving
about three inches between cookies. Bake cookies for eight to ten minutes or
until edges are golden brown. Let cookies stand on the cookie sheet for one
minute before transferring to wire rack to let them finish cooling. Makes twelve
cookies.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Bug
Juice</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>A fun and funky punch mixture that produces unusual colors and flavors to
experiment with.<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 package of Kool-Aid
or other non-sweetened drink mix powder per child, different
flavors<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Sugar in quantity
required by drink mixes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Method: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Combine drink mix
packages and sugar as directed by mix packages in large pitcher, bowl, size of
container determined by size of group. If group is large enough, mix packages in
twos or threes in multiple gallon jugs. Add water as directed. The combinations
of two to three flavors give that odd “byproduct of bugs”
appearance.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Aquarium
Jell-O<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
This cool treat is a cool treat for a hot summer, whether for a birthday party
or just as a fun family dessert.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 package blue
Jell-O<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 package Swedish
Fish<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>1 Package Life Savers
Gummies<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<B>Method: </B>This can be made in one large container, such as a glass
fishbowl, or in smaller individual servings in a clear plastic punch cup or
smaller glass drinking glass. First use scissors to cut Life Savers Gummies into
smaller pieces to make the pebbles the bottom of your aquarium (bowl or cups).
Judge the depth of the pebble layer for your own preferences. Mix Jell-O
according to package instructions. Pour over pebble layer. Place Jell-O into
refrigerator for several hours to set. Once Jell-O has set, use a long, thin
knife to cut a slit in the Jell-O to the depth you want your fish to “swim.”
Poke Swedish Fish into slit, using knife to push fish down into position. Repeat
to populate your aquarium with as many fish as you like. You can sometimes also
find gummie sharks or other creatures to populate your aquariums
with.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Monitor</SPAN></I></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Miniatures</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
News from the Federation Family</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Braille Book Fair
Volunteering:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The Braille Book Fair has become one of the highlights of the convention for
many teachers, parents, blind kids, blind parents, and adult beginning Braille
readers. But the event could not take place without the help of many dedicated,
talented volunteers. And that's where you come in. As a past worker, or simply
interested supporter of the Braille Book Fair, I hope you can either volunteer,
or give me the contact information for someone that you
recommend.<BR>
We need people from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12. You do not
need to work the entire afternoon or evening, but I do ask that you try to work
an <I>entire shift</I>, and we prefer a two-hour shift<B>.</B> We especially
need for people who help customers to come <I>before</I> we open the doors at
5:00 p.m. and to commit to staying until at least 6:30 p.m. Book lovers are
great for this shift, as you will assist visitors in book
decisions/selections.<BR>
Thanks so much for taking time to consider this request, and I look forward to
hearing from you soon!<BR>If you can help, please contact Sandra Oliver, NOPBC
Board Member at (713) 825-4573<B> </B>or<B> </B></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A href="mailto:Sandra.Oliver@ey.com"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>Sandra.Oliver@ey.com</SPAN></A></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>. </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>If emailing, please
provide the following information:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 48.75pt; TEXT-INDENT: -30.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>YES...I
can work the following shift(s):<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 48.75pt; TEXT-INDENT: -30.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>My
cell phone number that I will have at convention is:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 48.75pt; TEXT-INDENT: -30.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>I
live in (state):<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 48.75pt; TEXT-INDENT: -30.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>MAYBE.....I'll
check my schedule. If possible, my preference is to work these hours
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 48.75pt; TEXT-INDENT: -30.75pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Braille
skills (including if you read by touch or by sight as a sighted
person)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Note: If you are a parent of a blind child under the age eighteen (or still in
high school or below), we know that you will want to attend the NOPBC Annual
Meeting which takes place just before the BBF, but we would welcome you to work
either during the event or on the clean-up shift after the
event.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Elected:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>On Saturday, April 8,
2017, the Chicago Chapter held its annual election for all officers and board
members. We elected the following: president, Steve Hastalis; first vice
president, Patti Chang; second vice president, Jemal Powell; secretary, David
Meyer; treasurer, Marco Gianotti; and board members Denise Avant, Gina Falvo,
Howard Wilson, and Melissa Fuller.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Kernel Books
Available to All:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>In 1991 the National
Federation of the Blind began publishing a series of small volumes called Kernel
Books. The books contained stories written by blind people about our lives,
designed to show that they are not much different from the lives of our sighted
friends, family members, and peers. We called them Kernel Books because each
story contained a "kernel," such as an incident or a challenge that revealed a
truth about blindness and blind people. We encouraged the sharing of these
volumes with the public to increase understanding and combat low expectations
and misconceptions about blindness.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Kernel Books are
a valuable part of our organizational literature and heritage. As an
organization, we deeply value and treasure the real-life stories of hope and
inspiration contained in our Kernel Book series. But the way that the public
acquires information has changed, with more and more people reading and
consuming information in a digital form. While the stories in the Kernel Books
are timeless, the paperback volumes that contain them are not. Consequently, we
are planning to repurpose these stories to make them more widely available in
digital formats. At the same time, we would like to get many of the existing
paperback Kernel Books in our storage facility out into the world and into the
hands of those who would benefit from reading them. To that end, we are offering
free cases (a case contains fifty books) on a first-come, first-served basis of
the following Kernel Books published after 2000:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Oh, Wow
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Safari
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Reaching for the Top
in the Land Down Under <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Not Much of a
Muchness <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>The Lessons of the
Earth <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Imagine
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Celebrate<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.75in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><SPAN style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>To Reach for the
Stars<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>We are making these
cases of books available so that chapters, affiliates, and divisions can
distribute them within their local communities or to new members and supporters.
You might donate some books to your local library, distribute copies to senior
centers, take some books to church or to meetings of community organizations
with which you are involved, give the books out as free literature at community
festivals and events, and more. If you are interested in receiving a free case
of any of these titles, please contact Ellen Ringlein in the Independence Market
at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216, or at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:independencemarket@nfb.org"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>independencemarket@nfb.org</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>We hope that many
individuals, chapters, and affiliates will take advantage of this opportunity to
spread our message of hope, love, and determination far and wide. The Kernel
Books show how blind people live the lives we want and invite others to
understand and support our work for the full and equal integration of the blind
into society. Let's make sure that all of the copies of these books we can get
into circulation are distributed before we transition these stories to new
platforms and formats oriented towards reaching a new generation of
readers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>In
Brief</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Notices and information in this section may be of interest to <I>Monitor</I>
readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have
edited only for space and clarity.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>NYSSB Alumni
Association to hold Annual Reunion:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
The members of the Alumni Association of the New York State School for the Blind
will gather for their annual reunion from Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June
11, at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, New York. Activities
will include:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A technology
demonstration<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Bingo and Jeopardy
with prizes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Our annual banquet,
opening meeting, and business meeting<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Lots of chances to
socialize with old friends and make new ones<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A picnic with the
current students of NYSSB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>Our memorial service
to remember recently deceased alumni<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A 50/50 raffle, money
tree drawing, and auction<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>A public reading
demonstration to support our third annual read-a-thon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Annual membership dues are $15.00 with multi-year plans available. Our
association began in 1918 and was incorporated in 1924. We will be celebrating
our centennial and the 150th birthday of the school at our 2018
reunion.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
Membership is open to anyone at least eighteen years of age who either attended
the New York State School for the Blind or has a substantive relationship to or
is recommended by a member in good standing of the Association. If you wish to
become a member or have questions about the reunion, please call Diane Scalzi at
(586) 337-5226 or email </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="mailto:dscalzi@comcast.net"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>dscalzi@comcast.net</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'> or send using postal
mail to 21621 Briarcliff St., Saint Clair Shores, MI
48082.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>----------<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>NFB
Pledge<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'>
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of
the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to
support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>