[Nfbofsc] FW: NFB of Palm Beach February Newsletter

Sat Feb 2 14:28:27 UTC 2019

Steve Cook

Follow the National Federation of the Blind of SC On Face Book <https://m.facebook.com/NatFedofSouthCarolina/> 

Follow the Computer Science  <https://m.facebook.com/Computer-Science-Technology-Division-of-the-NFB-of-SC-343263089815304/> & Technology Division of SC on Face Book

District 2 State Board Member of the NFB of SC

1st Vice President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the NFB of SC

1st Vice President of the Columbia Chapter of the NFB of SC

www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org> 

From: Tekesha Saffold <tnsaffold82 at gmail.com> 
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2019 12:31 AM
Subject: Fwd: NFB of Palm Beach February Newsletter

Thanks,

Tekesha Saffold

Consumer Advocate and Consultant of the Palm Beaches 

Begin forwarded message:

From: <tnsaffold82 at gmail.com <mailto:tnsaffold82 at gmail.com> >
Date: February 2, 2019 at 12:15:56 AM EST
To: "'Tekesha Saffold'" <tnsaffold82 at gmail.com <mailto:tnsaffold82 at gmail.com> >
Subject: NFB of Palm Beach February Newsletter

NFB OF PALM BEACH JANUARY NEWSLETTER 

Let’s recite the NFB Pledge:

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.

Greetings Federation Family! The National Federation of the Blind Palm Beach Chapter is honored to have you at our monthly meeting on Saturday February 9th at Duffy’s 11935 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During this meeting, we will be having  a guest speaker, Jason Goldfield, who is a professional instructor at the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind. 

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible”  – St. Francis of Assisi

Florida Outreach Center 2019 Schedule:

Here is our Workshops and Activities Schedule for the first half of 2019!

February 20 (Workshop) Seeing AI
February 28 (Activity) Manatee Viewing Station
March 13 (Workshop) Shopping on Your Device
March 28 (Activity) Delray Boat Cruise
April 17 (Workshop) Technology Showcase
April 25 (Activity) Picnic on Peanut Island
May 15 (Workshop) Social Media
May 30 (Activity) Diva Duck
June 19 (Workshop) Online Grocery Shopping
June 27 (Activity) Craft in two hours

RSVP for times and details
Palm Tran Ticket Reimbursement and Snacks Provided
Spaces Limited
Call Carolyn Lapp to make reservations 561-642-0005

Senior Concerns Meeting:

This is to invite all of you to the February meeting of the NFBF Senior Concerns Committee. It will take place Thursday, February 7, 2019, at 8:00 PM. 

We are going to have special guest speakers from Spectrum Cable to discuss accessibility features or the company’s services. Most Floridians who use cable for TB or Internet are serviced by Spectrum, and there is a good chance that accessibility options are available to you, some of which you may never have heard of!  

This is a topic of great interest to many blind people, so encourage your friends to call in when you do! If you have never joined one of our calls, this meeting will be a great time to start!  Remember that you need not be a senior to take part. All are welcome! 

The phone  number for the call will be 712-775-7031 The Code is 488500#

Dialing in from a smartphone? Use this shortcut:  712-775-7031,,488500#

Bring your questions, your energy, and your open mind.

Thank you very much. I look forward to an informative, fun, and productive meeting. 

Gloria Mills Hicks, Senior Concerns Committee Chairperson

Announcing the Eighteenth Annual Tallahassee trip for

Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Awareness Day

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Palm Beach County (through the office of Equal Opportunity and Palm Tran) will sponsor the transportation and rooms to attend Transportation Disadvantaged Legislative Awareness Day in Tallahassee on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. This is a three day trip leaving Tuesday, March 19th and returning Thursday, March 21st.

The purpose of the trip is to give Florida’s Legislative Members a chance to see and hear from the seniors, disabled, low income, and transportation advocates that use public transportation. It is so important for legislators to hear from the actual people this program helps!  Transportation Disadvantaged Day activities at the capital include food and entertainment for all attendees.     

If you wish to reserve a spot, do it as soon as possible.  The bus will leave at 8:00 AM from the Palm Tran Connection Office, 50 South Military Trail, in between Gun Club Road and Southern in WPB, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 and return around 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 21, 2019.  

If you need assistance while on the trip, you either must take a Personal Care Attendant with you or make arrangements for one in Tallahassee. Rooms are on a shared room basis, so it would be better if you can arrange a roommate before the trip. Attendees will be responsible for their own food (accept for lunch on TD Day).  

This year each participant must contribute a $20 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot on the trip. Make checks out to “FOCB” and note that it is for the TD Day trip. The Bus and Hotel will be paid for, so $20 for an advocacy trip to Tallahassee is quite a good deal.

If you have any questions or to reserve your trip, please call:

   Carolyn Lapp             or             Nicole Fincham Shehan

                                561-642-0005                                   410-493-4461

The National Federation of the Blind's annual scholarship program is the largest of its kind in the nation.

Every year, we award more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the United States and Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations.

The  <http://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login> 2019 scholarship application is now open and will be available online through March 31. Please see below for additional information.

Thanks to our generous partners, there are  <https://nfb.org/programs/scholarship-program/list-of-scholarships> thirty merit-based scholarships currently available, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000. All scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. 

The finalists are announced every spring. They attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected.

Winners have gone on to succeed in careers ranging from computer science and engineering to civil rights law and international diplomacy.

Application Information

Deadline

For the 2019 awards, application materials will be available beginning November 1, 2018 and will be due by midnight Eastern Time on March 31, 2019 (either submitted online or postmarked).

Eligibility Requirements

The following requirements apply to all applicants:

1.       Must be  <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/confirmation-of-legal-blindness.pdf> legally blind (PDF) in both eyes.

2.       Must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.

3.       Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application (one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time).

4.       Must participate in the entire NFB national convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists will receive assistance to attend the national convention).

How to Apply

1.       Confirm your eligibility by confirming you are  <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/confirmation-of-legal-blindness.pdf> legally blind (PDF) in both eyes.

2.       Apply online or through the mail. 

·  <https://nfb.org/civicrm/scholarships/login> Online Scholarship Application Form (please note that if a PDF file will not upload to the online form, you can attach it to an email and send it to  <mailto:scholarships at nfb.org> scholarships at nfb.org)

·  <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/2019-scholarships-print-application-form-revised.docx> Print Scholarship Application Form 

The National Federation of the Blind of Florida State Convention:

When: During Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27, 2019.

Where: The convention will be held at the Embassy Suites, 661 N. W. 53rd Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida.

Cost: Room rates are $99 per night, plus tax. Registration and banquet fees have not yet been set. 

There is a Manager’s Reception each night from 5:30-7:30 and a breakfast buffet is included. 

Our annual conventions are vitally important to maintaining our affiliate in Florida. It is at convention that you elect leaders (President, 1st and 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the four Board members). Each year, elections are staggered so only a portion of the board is elected at the same time. As a current paid member of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, you also vote on any resolutions (policy statements of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida). This is the one time each year that divisions may meet face-to-face. You can mix and mingle with other members of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida or the National Federation of the Blind that you otherwise may not see regularly. Renew old acquaintances or make new friends. Taking a walk through the exhibit hall may show you new products available for purchase. Last and certainly not least, come and learn what your affiliate has been doing since the last convention to further the work of the Federation. 

*New Information: Just Us Blind Girls of Palm Beach Support Group 

Please come and join us at our regular monthly meeting which is every third Wednesday of each month.

This is an organization for adult blind women. The purpose of the organization is to show blind women that they can strive to be more independent, self-sufficient, active and self-confident. There is a lot more to come in the near future. Come and give us a chance; we are on the move. All women are invited to come to our meetings.

Presented by: Kevin Gilpin, The National Crime Stop Program

Date: Friday, April 19, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches

Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America and with your credit affecting your ability to get insurance, interest rates and even potential employment, it is vital you understand how to protect yourself from the crime that happens every 3 seconds.

Key Topics

·         Financial Fraud: Over 100 Million Victims in 2015 (average financial loss per victim $5130.00)

·         IRS & Tax Fraud: 21 Billion Victims in 2015

·         Debit/Credit Card Fraud

·         Wireless Pick-Pocketing

·         How to get your Free Credit Report

“My coworkers are still talking about the presentation… By far, this was one of the best and most informative seminars we have ever had.” Tom Richardson, WorkSource Jacksonville

Did you know most credit/debit cards now wirelessly transmit your information? Did you know that your passport info is being transmitted the same way and criminals have been stealing that information since 2006?  Learn how this is possible and how to protect yourself from Wireless Pick-Pocketing and much more.

Please RSVP by calling 561-586-5600 or email:  <mailto:info at lighthousepalmbeaches.org> info at lighthousepalmbeaches.org

Apply for a Summer Program Today!

The National Federation of the Blind, together with the country’s premier training centers for the blind, offer a variety of summer programs for blind and low-vision children and young adults that build blindness skills and encourage independence.

National Programs

NFB BELL Academy - NFB BELL Academy is a two-week-long summer program that prepares blind and low-vision children to be confident and independent adults. They learn Braille and nonvisual skills through fun, hands-on activities in a daytime or residential setting. 

Ages: 4 to 12

Dates: Varies

Location: Nationwide

More Info:  <https://nfb.org/bell-academy> https://nfb.org/bell-academy

NFB EQ - NFB EQ is a week-long summer engineering program for blind and low-vision teens. Participants forge new friendships while increasing their engineering knowledge, problem-solving abilities, self-confidence, and independence. 

Grades: 9 to 12

Dates: June 16 to 22, 2019

Location: Baltimore, MD

More Info:  <https://blindscience.org/nfbeq> https://blindscience.org/nfbeq

NFB National Convention Youth Track - The NFB National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. Every year, blind youth can participate in a variety of seminars and social activities designed to provide a meaningful convention experience, foster independence, and promote positive attitudes about blindness. 

Ages: Varies

Dates: July 7 to 12, 2019

Location: Las Vegas, NV

More Info:  <https://nfb.org/convention> https://nfb.org/convention

Louisiana Center for the Blind

Location: Ruston, LA

Buddy Program - The Buddy Program is an innovative three-week-long program that pairs blind children with positive blind role models, teaches them alternative techniques, and includes fun activities such as swimming, tandem biking, and horseback riding. 

Grades: 4 to 8

Dates: July 21 to August 10, 2019

More Info:  <https://www.louisianacenter.org/buddyprogram> https://www.louisianacenter.org/buddyprogram

STEP Program - The eight-week-long Summer Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) introduces blind teens to the alternative techniques of blindness and workplace readiness skills through a paid internship. By interacting with mentors and peers (including during the NFB National Convention), students acquire the skills and attitudes necessary for living independently and productively.

Grades: 9 to 12

Dates: June 16 to August 10, 2019

More Info:  <https://www.louisianacenter.org/step-program> https://www.louisianacenter.org/step-program

BLIND, Inc. 

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Buddy Program - In the Buddy Program blind children learn important skills, embrace the empowering attitudes and philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind, and explore the wonderful and fun Twin Cities. 

Ages: 9 to 13

Dates: June 9 to 29, 2019

More Info:  <https://buddy.blindinc.org> https://buddy.blindinc.org

PREP - The Post-Secondary Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP) is an eight-week-long summer program for blind teens where they learn new skills and become better prepared to attend college and transition into the workforce. 

Grades: 9 to 12

Dates: June 8 to August 3, 2019

More Info:  <https://prep.blindinc.org> https://prep.blindinc.org

STYLE - The Summer Transition Youth Learning Experience (STYLE) program offers three separate five-day-long sessions for high school students where they learn new skills, gain confidence, and have fun throughout the summer. Attend one, two, or all three sessions. 

Ages: 14 to 21 Session 1: July 15 to 19, 2019; Session 2: July 22 to 26, 2019; Session 3: July 29 to August 2, 2019 More Info:  <https://style.blindinc.org> https://style.blindinc.org

Summer College Comprehensive Program This program is designed with the busy college student in mind. Participants enhance their blindness skills and increase their confidence during one or more summer programs at BLIND, Inc. 

Ages: High school graduates (18 years and older)

Dates: June 1 to August 10, 2019

More Info:  <https://college.blindinc.org> https://college.blindinc.org

Colorado Center for the Blind

Location: Littleton, CO

Challenge and Adventure - In this program, students can run in a 5K race, play goalball and hockey, learn self-defense, and go canoeing. They can also try yoga, gymnastics, and develop an exercise routine. They learn how to prepare delicious foods and how to maintain a nutritious diet. 

Ages: 11 to 21

Dates: June 21 to 30, 2019

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

Confidence Camp - This two-week-long day program is filled with learning, challenges, and fun. Children meet blind role models and focus on cooking, cleaning, Braille, independent travel, and technology. They also have fun swimming, rock climbing, making a tactile art piece, and going on exciting field trips. 

Ages: 5 to 10

Dates: June 10 to 21, 2019

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

Cracking the College Code - In this program, blind students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. They learn about accessible tools and strategies for chemistry, biology, statistics, robotics, and more. In addition, they learn how to practice self-advocacy and learn how to navigate the landscape of higher education. 

Ages: 16 to 21

Dates: July 18 to August 2, 2019

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

Module Madness - For those interested in a shorter program, the Colorado Center offers three different modules throughout the summer. In all three modules, students live in an apartment with other students and a counselor, and build core skills in Braille, technology, home management, and cane travel.  

Ages: Varies

Dates: Varies

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

No Limits to Learning - In this eight-week-long residential program, students live in an apartment and meet blind people who work in all kinds of jobs. They participate in rock climbing, goalball, white water rafting, and more. They also build core skills in Braille, technology, home management, and cane travel, and attend the NFB National Convention.  

Ages: 14 to 21

Dates: June 7 to August 2, 2019

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

World of Work - In the World of Work program, students travel to the Denver metro area via bus and light rail to meet with blind people who work in a variety of professions. They develop confidence, practice their interviewing skills, and put together a résumé. 

Ages: 11 to 21

Dates: June 7 to 21, 2019

More Info:  <https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth> https://cocenter.org/our-programs/summer-youth

Plan now to attend the 2019 national convention. You can make your room reservations now. Here is the link for more info:

 <https://nfb.org/convention/2019> https://nfb.org/convention/2019

019 National Convention 

The largest gathering of blind people in the world, the National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our leadership and establishing the year's organizational priorities.

If you'd like to relive some of the most exciting moments from last year's convention, we invite you to read the 2018 banquet speech, the 2018 presidential report, and the 2018 resolutions. You can also listen to audio highlights from the 2018 National Convention.

Dates

The 2019 National Convention will take place Sunday, July 7 through Friday, July 12, 2019.

Location

For the first time in seven years, the convention will be held west of the Mississippi at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119).

Listen to Everybody Loves Raymond star Brad Garrett announce the new location to our members (play MP3; 3 minutes; English).

Situated at the beginning of the world-famous Las Vegas strip, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is the perfect location for enjoying as much or as little of the strip as you want.

It has more than two dozen restaurants and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Among its features is an aquatic playground called Mandalay Bay Beach which has real sand, a wave pool, and rentable cabanas. The hotel is also home to an aquarium with more than 2,000 animals including sharks, green sea turtles, and a Komodo dragon. Plus, it offers top-notch entertainment including Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil.

Hotel Reservations

Room reservations at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino can be made starting January 1, 2019. You can call the hotel at 877-632-9001 to book your room. The hotel will take a deposit of the first night’s room rate for each room and will require a credit card or a personal check. If you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card immediately. If a reservation is cancelled before Saturday, June 1, 2019, half of the deposit will be returned. Otherwise, refunds will not be made.

For NFB convention attendees, the nightly rate for singles, doubles, triples, and quads will be $99. Hotel taxes are 13.38 percent and sales tax is 8.25 percent.

The resort fee (normally $37 a night) will be waived for NFB convention attendees. However, fees for internet access, local and toll-free calls, and fitness center access may apply.

Registration

Online Preregistration

Online preregistration will be available between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019.

On-Site Registration

Registration will be available on site in Las Vegas.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

The 2019 National Convention offers a variety of opportunities for organizations to show support for the blind, increase brand awareness, and connect with consumers. Please visit our sponsor and exhibitor information page for more details. 

More Information

We will add additional information, including the convention agenda, to this page as it becomes available. Please contact us at 410-659-9314or  <mailto:nfb at nfb.org> nfb at nfb.org if you need assistance.

The mission of the National Federation of the Blind is to achieve widespread emotional acceptance and intellectual understanding that the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the misconceptions and lack of information which exist. We do this by bringing blind people together to share successes, to support each other in times of failure, and to create imaginative solutions.

The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.

Phil Jackson

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