[NFBofSC] NFB_of_Georgia] President's Notebook

Tue Sep 1 02:14:52 UTC 2020

President’s NotebookNational Federation of the BlindMark A. Riccobono
officeofthepresident at nfb.org410-659-9314

Dear Fellow Federationists,

With Labor Day approaching, the unofficial close of the summer is here.
Many of you are getting ready to send your children back to school (virtually or otherwise); a number of you have already done so.

I want to let you know that I have heard from Pam Allen in Louisiana.
Assessment of the impact of hurricane Laura on our members is still happening. You may have heard that much of Ruston continues to be without power not to mention the damage in other cities that is being highly covered by the media. If we learn of unmet needs among our Louisiana family, we will definitely put out the word.

Below is the usual list of interesting announcements, reminders, and important things you should know about for this week. Stay safe and enjoy a relaxing Labor Day as we move into a busy fall season during the next couple weeks.

News:Presidential Release Tuesday Night:

The September Presidential Release
<https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=400> of the National Federation of the Blind will be Tuesday, September 1, at 8:00 p.m. eastern for all members, and non-members are warmly welcomed. The release will also be offered with Spanish translation and closed captions. The is a free-form event, so a transcript will be made available forty-eight hours afterwards.
Note: the Spanish translation has separate Zoom details. We look forward to your participation!

DOT Announced Extension of the Quiet Car Rule:

The US Department of Transportation announced a six-month extension for the quiet car rule, part of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act that requires audible sounds be equipped on electric and hybrid electric vehicles to help all pedestrians, especially blind pedestrians, be aware when a vehicle is nearby. This extension is needed in response to COVID-19-related manufacturing delays. The National Federation of the Blind recognizes the impact of COVID-19 on the automobile industry and believes that the DOT’s action strikes an appropriate balance while continuing to ensure implementation of the law. Learn more about our advocacy for the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act <https://www.nfb.org/sites/www.nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm17/bm1704/bm170403.htm>
.

*NFB-Branded Masks Available Soon—Preorder Yours Now:*

We have ordered a limited number of branded, fabric masks with our logo prominently displayed that will be carried in our Independence Market. The face masks are medium blue with our logo centered in white. The face covering is approximately seven and one-fourth inches by four and three-fourths inches. The inside of the mask is white soft fabric. There are loops that go over the ears. We are taking preorders for masks, which will be available around the beginning of October. The cost will be $4.00 per mask or $10.00 for three masks, plus shipping and handling. Please note that these masks are not eligible for Free Matter shipping so we will be shipping them by UPS ground. To reserve your mask(s), call the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216. We will contact you for payment, once the masks arrive at NFB headquarters.

Zoom Security Change:

Please note that there is a change to Zoom security coming at the end of next month. As of September 27, all Zoom meetings will require either a passcode or a waiting room. The passcode can be embedded in the Zoom meeting hyperlink but will need to be keyed in along with the meeting ID for those not using the hyperlink. Zoom meetings can be configured in a way that phone participants are not required to enter a Zoom passcode. A waiting room will require the meeting’s host or co-hosts to admit each attendee into the main meeting. With some work up front, it is possible to whitelist some attendees into the meeting automatically. Please keep this in mind for your fall convention sessions. More information can be found on the Zoom website at
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360045009111-FAQ-Meetings-Waiting-Room-and-Passcode-Requirements-September-27-2020
.

Meet the Blind Month:

The National Federation of the Blind celebrates Meet the Blind Month every October, with members conducting outreach activities across the country. If you are looking for ideas, a recommendation is to focus on lived experiences with problem solving, self-confidence, and intersectionality.
Plan a virtual event in your local community to talk about blindness and the Federation philosophy. Invite schools, libraries, and other establishments. The Courtesy Rules of Blindness resource <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/courtesy-rules-blindness>
 or White Cane Awareness Day resources
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/meet-blind-month/white-cane-awareness-day>
are
great to share. If needed, there is still time to order materials from the Independence Market such as Braille alphabet cards. Send the date of your event and a brief description to web at nfb.org. Please use #MeetTheBlind in social media.

*Infrared Thermometers Available:*

During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are all more conscious about monitoring our health by checking our body temperature. The Independence Market can help. We currently have a talking infrared thermometer available for ordering. By the end of September, we will also have a talking oral thermometer back in stock. To place an order, please call the Independence Market at 410-659-9314, extension 2216.

Nonvisual Access Conference—Access Technology and Structured Discovery:

The National Federation of the Blind is hosting an all-virtual conference, September 24 and 25, with sessions and panels discussing the intersection of access technology and the structured discovery training model used in other areas of blindness skills training. Especially with the virtual school year beginning, this is great for teachers of blind students and blindness professionals. Learn more about the Nonvisual Access Conference <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/trainings/nonvisual-access-conference>
.
*2020 Online Research Platform Study:*

This week, we are continuing our work with HathiTrust to conduct a study on the accessibility and usability of an online research platform. We are having our first orientation Tuesday, September 1 to discuss what will be expected of the participants. We are still recruiting participants, so if you are a college student, higher-education faculty member, or other professional conducting academic research, please complete this survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C5KDN7G> in order to be considered to participate in the study. All who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing.

*STEM Update:*

For the past twenty years we have worked to increase access for blind students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Though it will be different than originally planned, our latest program, STEM2U, will continue this mission. Earlier this spring, fifteen affiliates were chosen to host STEM2U programs in their states.
These programs will now be virtual, meaning students will have the opportunity to learn from a greater number of mentors and peers. STEM2U programs will be held on Saturday, October 17, and Saturday, November 14.
If you or your STEM2U coordinator have any questions, please reach out to Karen Anderson at kanderson at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, extension 2243.

Dates to Keep in Mind:

   - September 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - September 13: Open-House Gathering call, 4:00 p.m. eastern
   - October 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - October: Meet the Blind Month
   - November 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - December 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - December 9: Open-House Gathering call, 8:00 p.m. eastern
   - February 8, 2021: Washington Seminar Great Gathering-In

Steve Cook
District 2 State Board Member of the National Federation of the Blind of SC
1st Vice President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC
Board member at large of the Columbia chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of SC
The National Federation of the Blind of SC owns and operates Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center.  Below is a link to read more about Rocky Bottom and to make a reservation for a mountain retreat!
Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center
Please join the National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book at any of the below links!
National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book
Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC
Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center 
South Carolina Association of Blind Students
South Carolina Parents of Blind Children

Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking 
www.carshelpingtheblind.org 
or call 855 659 9314