From jamessofka at att.net  Tue Mar  2 02:49:12 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 20:49:12 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Features Of The shuffle
Message-ID: <606A1DC1D21E4B4D89F94AE69F6C66C5@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, 
Can any one tell me, the features of the shuffle?
Jim Sofka.
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From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Tue Mar  2 03:33:14 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 21:33:14 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Features Of The shuffle
References: <606A1DC1D21E4B4D89F94AE69F6C66C5@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <002101cab9b9$185173c0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Hello Jim and everyone,

    One place to hear demonstrations and reviews of access technology and 
other products including the Apple iPod family is the Blind Cool Tech Web 
site located at:
http://www.blindcooltech.com

    I believe there's a review of the iPod Shuffle on that site. Check it 
out.

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 8:49 PM
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Features Of The shuffle


Hi,
Can any one tell me, the features of the shuffle?
Jim Sofka.


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


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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Mar  2 03:35:09 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 21:35:09 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Features Of The shuffle
In-Reply-To: <606A1DC1D21E4B4D89F94AE69F6C66C5@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
References: <606A1DC1D21E4B4D89F94AE69F6C66C5@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003011935m5cd83054m6c6a1939a355a252@mail.gmail.com>

This is the details we got.

Apple iPod shuffle 4 GB Black (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

iPod shuffle is jaw-droppingly small and enormously colorful in black,
silver. And even more brilliant, the VoiceOver feature tells you what
song is playing and who's performing it. It can even tell you the
names of your playlists, giving you a new way to navigate your music
with the controls located on the earphone cord. Clip a 4 GB iPod
shuffle to your sleeve, running shorts, or backpack and take up to
1,000 songs wherever you go.

Smaller than ever at just 1.8 x 0.7 x 0.3 inches.

The First Music Player that Talks to You
VoiceOver will surely be the next big hit on your iPod shuffle. Say
you're listening to a song and want to know the title or the artist.
Just press a button, and VoiceOver tells you. You can even hear the
names of your playlists. And when your battery needs charging,
VoiceOver tells you that, too.

Let me know if this helps

On 3/1/10, james sofka <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
> Hi,
> Can any one tell me, the features of the shuffle?
> Jim Sofka.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Mar  2 03:43:58 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 21:43:58 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Info for this weekend
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003011943h314257c6ifb1717e699df4cd0@mail.gmail.com>

Hey guys, wanted to send over the address for this weekends event. Let
me know of who will be out there to help out with the table. The more
help the better. Remember we are still doing the raffle for the Ipod
shuffle, so if you want some tickets make sure to bring the money
then.

~ LOW VISION EXPO, Saturday, March 06, 2010, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Gymnasium, Colonial Hills
United Methodist Church
5247 Vance Jackson
(Just north of Callaghan)



From jamessofka at att.net  Wed Mar  3 01:44:30 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 19:44:30 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Info for this weekend
References: <5e4f6adf1003011943h314257c6ifb1717e699df4cd0@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <2BC1FC866F8843409FBAE9A3393BE3A6@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
I will be there!
I have a 8 A.M.
pickup.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jose Martinez" <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 9:43 PM
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Info for this weekend


> Hey guys, wanted to send over the address for this weekends event. Let
> me know of who will be out there to help out with the table. The more
> help the better. Remember we are still doing the raffle for the Ipod
> shuffle, so if you want some tickets make sure to bring the money
> then.
>
> ~ LOW VISION EXPO, Saturday, March 06, 2010, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
>
> Gymnasium, Colonial Hills
> United Methodist Church
> 5247 Vance Jackson
> (Just north of Callaghan)
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net 




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Mar  3 01:59:10 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 19:59:10 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Info for this weekend
In-Reply-To: <2BC1FC866F8843409FBAE9A3393BE3A6@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
References: <5e4f6adf1003011943h314257c6ifb1717e699df4cd0@mail.gmail.com>
	<2BC1FC866F8843409FBAE9A3393BE3A6@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003021759l4c6af6c7jda7de00677b27c82@mail.gmail.com>

sounds great, I will see you then.

On 3/2/10, james sofka <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
> Hi, all.
> I will be there!
> I have a 8 A.M.
> pickup.
> Jim Sofka.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jose Martinez" <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com>
> To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 9:43 PM
> Subject: [Nfbsatx] Info for this weekend
>
>
>> Hey guys, wanted to send over the address for this weekends event. Let
>> me know of who will be out there to help out with the table. The more
>> help the better. Remember we are still doing the raffle for the Ipod
>> shuffle, so if you want some tickets make sure to bring the money
>> then.
>>
>> ~ LOW VISION EXPO, Saturday, March 06, 2010, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
>>
>> Gymnasium, Colonial Hills
>> United Methodist Church
>> 5247 Vance Jackson
>> (Just north of Callaghan)
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>



From mhartle at nfb.org  Wed Mar  3 06:20:42 2010
From: mhartle at nfb.org (Hartle,
	Mary Jo)
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:20:42 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Touch the Earth Tactile Book Released
Message-ID: <auto-000142237032@mailfront1.g2host.com>


ATTENTION!  ATTENTION!!!

      Touch the Earth Book Released

  The National Federation of the Blind  is  pleased to announce the 
release of a new tactile book created  with the support of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Touch the Earth: A 
Multimedia book about the Earth's Biomes was written by Amy Hansen 
and conceptualized by Elissa Levine.  It includes tactile graphics 
created by Noreen Grice.

     This book aims to educate middle school students while also 
providing guidance for teachers on how to incorporate this book into 
classroom instruction.  Each book contains contracted Braille and 
large print, along with tactile and visual graphics to illustrate 
important concepts in both a tactually and visually friendly 
way.  Each book also comes with a colorful tactile map of the 
continents of the Earth.

Exclusively available through the NFB Independence Market , Touch the 
Earth (product# LSA91B)  can be purchased for $20 .   TO place an 
order please visit 
<http://secure.nfb.org/ecommerce/asp/product.asp?product=854&cat=47&ph=&keywords=&recor=&SearchFor=&PT_ID>http://secure.nfb.org/ecommerce/asp/product.asp?product=854&cat=47&ph=&keywords=&recor=&SearchFor=&PT_ID 
or call (410) 659-9314.

  We are  pleased to announce that we  are offering  one  free copy 
upon request to schools and libraries for the blind across the 
country for their collections.  Please contact Mary Jo T. Hartle, 
Director of Education for the National Federation of the 
Blind  Jernigan Institute, at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407, or by e-mail 
at <mailto:mhartle at nfb.org>mhartle at nfb.org to request a free copy for 
your institution.


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From newmanrl at cox.net  Wed Mar  3 08:12:08 2010
From: newmanrl at cox.net (Robert Leslie Newman)
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:12:08 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] 2010 Youth and Adult Writing Contest- Sponsored by NFB
 Writers' Division
Message-ID: <auto-000142246934@mailfront1.g2host.com>


Greetings You all!

RE: Last month of contest



We do not want any of you to miss the opportunity to submit your 
creative writing in the NFB Writers' Division 2010 Writing Contest. 
There is only the days of March left. the deadline for submissions is 
post marked, April 1st.



Below  is    the information you need to enter:



the adult contests, poetry and fiction, are open to all entrants 
eighteen years and over.



The youth contests are all about Braille and all poetry and fiction 
entries are required to be submitted in Braille. The age groups are 
divided into three categories: first through sixth grades, seventh 
and eighth grades, and ninth through twelfth grades.



Prizes for contest winners range up to $100 for adult categories and 
up to $25 for youth categories.



  All contest winners will be announced at the Writers' Division 
business meeting during the NFB national convention to be held in 
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = 
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Dallas, Texas, the 
first week of July, 2010. In addition, shortly after convention, a 
list of winners will appear on the Writers' Division website, 
<outbind://32/www.nfb-writers-division.org>www.nfb-writers-division.org. 
First, second, and third place winners in each category will appear 
in the summer and fall issues of the Writers' Division magazine, 
"Slate and Style."



For additional contest details and submission guidelines, go to the 
Writers' Division website, 
<outbind://32/www.nfb-writers-division.org>www.nfb-writers-division.org.



President NFB Writers' Division

Robert Leslie Newman

Email- newmanrl at cox.net

Division Website

Http://www.nfb-writers-division.org


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From aec732 at msn.com  Wed Mar  3 08:14:59 2010
From: aec732 at msn.com (Annemarie Cooke)
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:14:59 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Choice Magazine Listening Available Via NLS
Message-ID: <auto-000142247389@mailfront1.g2host.com>

I have been asked to circulate the following, and 
am glad to do so because I read the publication, 
and really like it.  They do a great job of 
selecting an interesting group of articles every other month.

David Andrews



CHOICE MAGAZINE  FREE AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD FROM NLS


Reconnect with an old friend or meet a new one ? 
CHOICE Magazine Listening is available for free 
digital download from the Library of Congress? 
National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped's BARD program.

  Produced six times a year, each issue contains 
unabridged works from quality publications such 
as National Geographic, Smithsonian, Sports 
Illustrated, and the New Yorker.  The articles, 
short stories, poetry and interviews are selected 
from more than 100 magazines and other 
periodicals. The selections are read by 
professional voice talent, not synthetic text-to-speech.

  Established in 1962, CHOICE Magazine Listening 
is available free of charge only to people who 
are blind, experiencing vision loss or have other 
disabilities that limit or  prevent  reading 
standard print. The audio anthology  continues to 
be released on four-track cassette tape for those 
who prefer that format. 
website:   www.choicemagazinelistening.org 
or  calling toll-free 1-888-724-6423. Information 
on the digital download from NLS 
at:  www.nlsbard.loc.gov or contacting a local 
NLS cooperating library located usually in state 
capitals in the US. Engage in discussion of 
Choice selections on Facebook and Twitter, too!
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From info at michaelhingson.com  Thu Mar  4 04:58:08 2010
From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson)
Date: Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:58:08 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] KnfbReader Mobile seminar change
Message-ID: <auto-000141948987@mailfront2.g2host.com>

KnfbReader Mobile seminar change

All,

First let me remind you that we will be holding a teleconference tomorrow
evening to discuss KnfbReader hints and trick as well as any other
discussions you all wish to bring up.  We shall begin promptly at 9PM
Eastern time, 6PM Pacific time..

Due to a limitation of Skype we need to make a slight change to our plans
for tomorrow's seminar.  Skype will only allow five individuals to
participate in any given conference group.  This means that I can only bring
a few persons into the group.  We have several options
	1.  If others wish to initiate conferences which will include their
friends and our conference line, (see the dial-in instructions below), you
can do so by creating your own conference groups with one of the four
participants in addition to yourself being our dial-in line.  That is,
conference three people plus you  plus dialing into our phone line and
suddenly you have four people conference in using Skype.  This will permit
more to come on board with Skype.  That is, several of you can create Skype
conference calls which will in turn conference into our system.

	2.  In order to accommodate all online participants we will now be
opening a PC conference room.  Here are the instructions for entering the PC
conference room:  .  Go to the meeting Room:
http://74.208.96.53/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsb18eeae3cfd2.
Meeting Password: no password required

To join this meeting:
1. If you have not yet installed the Conferencing Plugin,install the small
piece of software you will be asked to install before actually entering the
conference room itself.
2. Click "Enter the conference room" to join the conference and enter your
name when asked.  Again, do not enter a password.

If you wish to participate via phone Here are the dial-in instructions again
for the call.  The call -- in number is (218) 339-3600.  The access code is
329906#.  Simply call in no later than times given above to be a part of
this call.  The program is free.  Only any relevant long distance charges
will apply.

It appears as if we will have quite a good group.  I look forward to the
discussions.  We also will have several representatives from
KnfbTechnologies with us to help answer your questions.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.  If you have any questions please
contact me at info at michaelhingson.com or by calling me at (415) 827-4084.
See you tomorrow.


Best,



Michael Hingson


The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
      "Speaking with Vision"
                  Michael Hingson, President
                          (415) 827-4084
                    info at michaelhingson.com
                    www.michaelhingson.com


for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Mar  5 04:24:33 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 22:24:33 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Freedom Scientific Reduces Price of Focus 40
	Blue Braille Display by 38%
In-Reply-To: <350742171003042008ka5c201xf67d5766b022e773@mail.gmail.com>
References: <F54650D72E433F4C9E62BA1D8AA33B310AB9011B@EXCHANGE.FSI.local>
	<350742171003042008ka5c201xf67d5766b022e773@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003042024p16cc9d5et10866fe3e606718a@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Juan Del Rosario <blindrocker87 at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 22:08:13 -0600
Subject: [TABS] Freedom Scientific Reduces Price of Focus 40 Blue
Braille Display by 38%
To: tabs_students at googlegroups.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bobby Lakey <Blakey at freedomscientific.com>
Date: Thu, Mar 4, 2010 at 12:36 AM
Subject: FW: Freedom Scientific Reduces Price of Focus 40 Blue Braille
Display by 38%
To: Jack Hickman <jehickman1958 at gmail.com>,
mark.marvel at blindambitionsgroups.org, debbie.louder at netxv.net,
vince at nanopac.com


 Dear Friends and Customers:

It is with extreme pleasure that I pass this e-mail along to you.  For those
of us that read Braille or want to do so can now read it at a lower cost
than ever before.

Four years ago, we came out with a new type of Braille that had lower
production costs than other displays.  In that, we were able to provide our
customers with an USB 40 cell Braille display for $3500.  At that time, 40
cell USB displays were still in the $6000 range.  After our announcement,
many display makers lower their price, however not to the level that FS was
making Braille available.

In the past few months, we introduced our Focus 40 Blue.  It is a 2 pound 40
cell display that functions from its USB or wireless capability.  We
introduced the Blue at $4495.  It entered the market as the lowest cost
wireless display on the market, if I am not mistaken.

Now that we have recouped some of our R&D cash outlay on that product, we
are very excited to be able to lower that price to the phenomenal $2795 that
you will see in this announcement.

FS and I care about people having access to Braille.  For the first time
ever, a wireless/USB Braille display has a price point of about what a video
magnifier does.  This means that while people with low vision are able to
read for under 3K, so now can people that read Braille or need/want to read
Braille.

Here is a question for all of you.  Are you aware that with this price
reduction, you can buy a net book or laptop computer, make it talk with
JAWS, have it scan with Open Book, purchase a scanner and finally a Braille
display for a total package price of under 6K.  Unless a notetaker is
essential, this bundle of products give someone a computer, speech, OCR and
Braille for less than a notetaker with far more power, flexibility, and
potential.

If any of you would like to have a demo of the Blue display, or see this
bundle of products demonstrated, please let me know, and I will make sure
that happens for you.

I hope you all join me in the excitement of this announcement.  As a person
that has been blind for almost 32 years, I believe this to be one of the
most awesome things that I have seen in a while!

As a person who has spent 11 years as an employee of the Division of Blind
Services of Texas I had the opportunity to see what Braille does for people
in an academic or employment situations!  I think this is awesome!

The Blue ,when used with JAWS, will essentially teach a person Braille,
through a featured called Braille Study Mode.  We would like to show you
this.  The Focus 40 Blue has the ability to enter data into the PC via its
Perkins style Braille keyboard.  It has several different ways of navigating
through text, including our very own Wiz Wheels.  When used wirelessly, it
will work for about 20 hours on the internal battery.  When you are running
it through the USB port on your PC, the battery will charge from that
connection.

Please, share with me your excitement over this announcement, and I look
forward to doing demonstrations for you guys in the future.  Have a blessed
day, and let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys.


All the Best,



Bobby Lakey

Director of Central US Sales

Freedom Scientific Inc.

Cell: (469) 360-1143

Office: (1-800) 444-4443, Ext. 1122

Email: *blakey at freedomscientific.com* <blakey at freedomscientific.com>

FS Technical Support: (727) 803-8600

*www.freedomscientific.com*


 ------------------------------
*From:* @ Freedom Scientific News [mailto:
freedomscientificnews at freedomscientific.ccsend.com] *On Behalf Of *@ Freedom
Scientific News
*Sent:* Wednesday, March 03, 2010 3:21 PM
*To:* Bobby Lakey
*Subject:* Freedom Scientific Reduces Price of Focus 40 Blue Braille Display
by 38%

   Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
<http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001cHaZO6NvI5XHSG7SWAU_e7tc5cjbhCGQhgPH6jQoCmuHJLD4H8ta-cTzEw47K8jrbifVG04J4q--WMAfIKUCvckoxKUOqQGrbsEVL1Que59bpg6P-aWk9VHxO_KJ7cWc>
[image:
logo banner: Freedom Scientific logo and slogan, Empowering Independence]

Greetings!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Media Contact:* Brad Davis
*800-444-4443 *or *727-803-8000*
*www.FreedomScientific.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103125046798&s=29731&e=0014UNqve2nx7LZucqPv1l7kXNJhHhS2kan2xUShbSmgWXncRP__9BhyQINMB_AF70r02pik1PNiiGjuzOA7W0wRR66uTDuZi_dMpctXvZPIiesyYimb4uFGVh-b1LdZD_b>
*
*Sales: *info at FreedomScientific.com
Freedom Scientific Reduces Price of Focus 40 Blue Braille Display by 38% to
Support Drive for Braille Literacy

(St. Petersburg, Florida ? March 3, 2010) - Freedom Scientific? today
announced that it has reduced the US list price of its Focus 40 Blue Braille
Display from $4,495 to $2,795, a $1,700 reduction, in a move to support
Braille literacy.

The National Federation of the Blind, in their report from the Jernigan
Institute, has declared that there is a "Braille Literacy Crisis in
America," citing such statistics as:

   - Fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind
   in the United States are Braille readers
   - Only 10 percent of blind children in the US are learning Braille
   - Over 70 percent of blind adults are unemployed, and as many as 50
   percent of blind high school students drop out of high school

The factors that contribute to a low Braille literacy rate in the US are
many, among them a shortage of qualified Braille teachers and an increasing
reliance on recorded audio and text-to-speech technologies.

"We believe that technology should be supporting Braille literacy, not
replacing it," states Dr. Lee Hamilton, President and CEO of Freedom
Scientific. "The combination of JAWS? and a Braille display makes learning
and using Braille easy. JAWS can translate almost any electronic document or
Web page into Braille and then display them on the Focus 40 Blue. JAWS also
has a built-in Braille tutor that works with the Focus 40 Blue to provide
immediate spoken help when the reader encounters an unfamiliar Braille
symbol. This makes independent Braille study easier as it can be used with
any document of interest to the student. With a computer and a Braille
display, a person who is Braille literate can carry hundreds of books on a
single memory card or USB thumb drive.

"Unfortunately, Braille displays have always been expensive, which has meant
that not everyone who wanted a Braille display could get one. Freedom
Scientific wants to open the world of Braille to as many blind people as
possible. We first drastically reduced the cost of Braille displays in 2004,
when we introduced models 40% below the average price of currently available
Braille displays. We are pleased that the manufacturing efficiencies
inherent in our latest product design make it possible for us to reduce
prices once again and hope this will make Braille accessible to many more
people."

The Focus 40 Blue is a compact portable Braille display that is the perfect
companion to a desktop, laptop, or netbook PC. It connects via USB or
Bluetooth? and has a Braille keyboard. The 40 Braille cells are constructed
without seams between characters, so the user experience is like reading
Braille on paper. The Focus 40 Blue works with Apple? computers and cell
phones as well as with JAWS for Windows?.

Freedom Scientific's Braille displays are the most reliable in the industry
and are backed by technical support and service teams based in St.
Petersburg, Florida.

The new US/Canada list price for the Focus 40 Blue is USD 2,795 and includes
a two-year manufacturer's warranty.

For more information, please visit the Freedom Scientific Web
site<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103125046798&s=29731&e=0014UNqve2nx7LZucqPv1l7kXNJhHhS2kan2xUShbSmgWXncRP__9BhyQINMB_AF70r02pik1PNiiGjuzOA7W0wRR66uTDuZi_dMpctXvZPIiesyYimb4uFGVh-b1LdZD_b>or
call 800-444-4443.
About Freedom Scientific

Freedom Scientific is the leading worldwide provider of assistive technology
products for those with vision impairments. The Company sells its products
worldwide and has offices in Florida and Switzerland. The Company's products
have been translated into 24 languages and are available in 55 countries.
Freedom also has a line of software products for those with learning
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-- 
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www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

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Web Site:
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From jamessofka at att.net  Sat Mar  6 21:48:06 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 15:48:06 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: GUESS WHO WON THE I-POD
Message-ID: <20E33DECDCBE4A2A8E88FC853DDC1A3C@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
Thanks every one!
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Gilliam" <MikeG at salighthouse.org>
To: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 3:43 PM
Subject: Re: GUESS WHO WON THE I-POD


> Way to go!!!!  I'm sure my $20 investment with be put to good use by  
> NFB.
> 
> Sent from Mike's iPhone
> 
> On Mar 6, 2010, at 2:51 PM, "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
> 
>> Hi, Mike.
>> I won the i-pod.
>>   Jim Sofka.



From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Sat Mar  6 22:23:20 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 16:23:20 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] : GUESS WHO WON THE I-POD
References: <20E33DECDCBE4A2A8E88FC853DDC1A3C@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <000501cabd7b$a2da19f0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>


Hello Jim,

    Congratulations! Here's hoping we can hold more fundraisers like this in 
the future with better organization. We also need to invest in on-going 
fundraising activities if we're to do the work needing to be done to assist 
blind folks in the Greater San Antonio Area.

Peter Donahue




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Mar  9 03:32:37 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 21:32:37 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Expo and low vision walk
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003081932r44422b38r58cbc0ae2e862393@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Chapter,

First of all I would like to congratulate James Sofka on winning the
Ipod Shuffle. Congrads sir, hope you enjoy it.

Secondly I would like to let you all know that we made over 160
dollars to donate to the walk. For this coming Saturday.

Also I would like to thank everyone who was able to make it out to the
expo and help out with the raffle. I especially would like to thank
Andrea Mirelez for all her help.

And now to our next event, the low vision walk is this coming Saturday
and the details are as follows:

2nd Annual San Antonio Vision Walk
EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Saturday, March 13, 2010
REGISTRATION BEGINS: 9:00AM
WALK BEGINS: 10:00AM
LOCATION: 3700 North St. Mary's Street
                   San Antonio, TX  78209
Brackenridge Park - Joske Pavillion

There will be food and anyone can come and go as they please. I think
we should figure out who all wants to go and then figure out a place
where we can all meet. So if you are interested send me an E-mail and
we can figure all of this out. Thanks

A. Z.



From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Tue Mar  9 04:14:46 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 22:14:46 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Join the Race for Independence and Win Funds for Your
	Affiliate
Message-ID: <000301cabf3f$0e904060$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Hello everyone,

        One thing we could do at our next meeting is register members to 
participate in the NFB's Race for Independence. I can bring the laptop which 
has a wireless connection so we can register folks before, or following the 
meeting. This is a wonderful way for us to help Texas meet its goal of 
registering more members and increasing the number of chances to win 
additional funds to support its programs.

    I would also suggest that any funds raised from the Red Robin or other 
fundraising activities conducted this spring be put to supporting our 
Imagination Fund and registering the chapter as a Race for Independence 
participant. Mary and I are all ready registered and will be raising funds 
to support the Imagination Fund.

 Assisting the Foundation for Fighting Blindness is okay, but those 
organizations get support hand-over-fist. Mary and I would rather have seen 
the recent contribution to this foundation be used to help our members 
attend the 2010 national convention, support our own Imagination Fund, or 
donated to the state affiliate to support the NFBT State Scholarship Program 
instead. Mr. President I believe that a full-scale discussion of fundraising 
activities and how these funds will be used is in order for our March 
meeting. For those who don't know information about the NFB's Race for 
Independence and the March contest appears below:

National Federation of the Blind's Race for Independence, Imagination Fund 
Chairman Parnell Diggs today urged affiliates to sign up as many of their 
members as possible by March 31.  For every ten members of each of the 
Federation's fifty-two affiliates that sign up to be Imaginators and 
participate in the Race for Independence by the end of March, the affiliate 
will be entered in a drawing to receive $250.  The Race for Independence is 
designed to raise funds for the National Federation of the Blind Imagination 
Fund, which supports the education, technology, and research projects of the 
NFB Jernigan Institute, as well as programs conducted by the fifty-two 
affiliates and over seven hundred local chapters of the Federation.  For 
more on this exciting competition visit:
http://www.raceforindependence.org


Peter Donahue

"Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
      And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
      And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
      On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
Will You Come to the Bower
Traditional Irish Folk Song




From dandrews at visi.com  Tue Mar  9 09:47:54 2010
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:47:54 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB of Missouri State Convention to be Streamed Live
Message-ID: <auto-000143179534@mailfront1.g2host.com>

2010 NFB Of Missouri state convention will be streamed live from 
Springfield Missouri the dates are March 26 to March 28th the stream 
URL and schedule are below:

stream URL: 
<http://www.nfbmo.org/local_chapters/springfield/scripts/listen.m3u>http://www.nfbmo.org/local_chapters/springfield/scripts/listen.m3u

the stream will be active Saturday Morning general session 8:30 A.M. 
To 12:00 P.M. And the afternoon general session will be from 1:30 
P.M. To 5:00 P.M. Saturday evening during the banquet from 6:30 P.M. 
Until 10:00 P.M. Sunday morning from 8:30 A.M. To 12:00 P.M.

If you have problems connecting to the stream you may send an email 
to 
<mailto:springfield_2010 at gary-springfield-mo.net>springfield_2010 at gary-springfield-mo.net 
or you may call 417-353-7493. Have a good night

Gary Horchem
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri Springfield Chapter 
President and NFBMO Webmaster
                  
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From ebell at latech.edu  Wed Mar 10 10:22:37 2010
From: ebell at latech.edu (Edward Bell)
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:22:37 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Research Project--Institute on Blindness
Message-ID: <auto-000142792501@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Caitlin Singletary, a doctoral student at Louisiana Tech University, 
is currently attempting to complete her dissertation. Specifically, 
her research is looking at psychological characteristics and how they 
are related to blindness skill sets. She is working with six national 
training centers, and using their current students as her 
participants. She also is<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />
including participants who have not been to a residential training 
center to complete her sample. If you have not been to a residential 
training center and would like to participate or receive more 
information, you can email  her at 
<mailto:cms055 at latech.edu>cms055 at latech.edu or reach her by phone at 
337-263-2812. The survey takes approximately 20-25 minutes over the 
phone. Please note that if you have completed training through public 
school or summer programs, you can participate.




__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus 
signature database 4930 (20100309) __________

The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.

<http://www.eset.com>http://www.eset.com
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From RWest at nfb.org  Wed Mar 10 10:43:16 2010
From: RWest at nfb.org (West,
	Renee)
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:43:16 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB-NEWSLINER In Your Pocket Now Compatible
Message-ID: <auto-000143388700@mailfront1.g2host.com>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org

Scott White
Director, NFB-NEWSLINE?
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2231
<mailto:swhite at nfb.org>swhite at nfb.org






National Federation of the Blind?s Newspaper Service Now Offers More


Digital Talking Book Player Compatibility


NFB-NEWSLINE?

 In Your Pocket Now Compatible
with BookSense and Book Port Plus


Baltimore, Maryland (March 9 , 2010): 
NFB-NEWSLINE?, a free service that provides 
independent access by print-disabled people to 
hundreds of local and national publications and 
TV listings, is pleased to announce that 
NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your Pocket is now compatible 
with two more digital talking book players, the 
BookSense and Book Port Plus.  Digital 
talking-book players such as BookSense and Book 
Port Plus allow print-disabled individuals to 
download and store books and music on a small 
handheld device, affording easy and portable access to a wide array of media.

NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your Pocket is a dynamic 
software application for personal computers 
which, through an Internet connection, 
automatically downloads the publications of a 
subscriber?s choice to his or her digital 
talking-book player.  Through this revolutionary 
access method, subscribers can now use their Book 
Port Plus or BookSense players to gain easy and 
immediate access to their favorite publications 
and enjoy the reading experience that is offered with a DAISY-reading device.


Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind, said: ?With 
NFB-NEWSLINE?, the print-disabled can benefit 
from the vital news contained in newspapers and 
magazines.  With the new device compatibility 
created for NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your Pocket, blind 
people have even more flexibility in where and 
how they access the news they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives.?

NFB-NEWSLINE? allows those who cannot read 
conventional newsprint due to a visual or 
physical disability to access newspapers and 
magazines by download to a digital talking book 
player, over the telephone, or on the Web.


To learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE?, please visit 
<http://www.nfbnewsline.org/>www.nfbnewsline.org; 
those interested in subscribing to the service 
may fill out the online application form, write 
to 
<mailto:nfbnewsline at nfb.org>nfbnewsline at nfb.org, 
or call (866) 504-7300.  In order to be eligible 
for NFB-NEWSLINE? an individual must be a US 
resident who is legally blind or has a physical 
or learning disability that prevents the independent reading of newspapers.

For further information about NFB-NEWSLINE? In 
Your Pocket, visit 
<http://www.nfbnewslineonline.org/>www.nfbnewslineonline.org 
and select ?NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your Pocket? from 
the NFB-NEWSLINE? Online Main Menu.

###


About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National 
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most 
influential membership organization of blind 
people in the United States.  The NFB improves 
blind people's lives through advocacy, education, 
research, technology, and programs encouraging 
independence and self-confidence.  It is the 
leading force in the blindness field today and 
the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 
the NFB opened the National Federation of the 
Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and 
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.









Renee West
Manager, Marketing and Outreach
Sponsored Technology Programs
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2411
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Websites: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org; 
www.nfbnewsline.org; 
<http://www.nfbnewslineonline.org>www.nfbnewslineonline.org
Follow us on Twitter! 
<http://twitter.com/NFB_NEWSLINE>http://twitter.com/NFB_NEWSLINE

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From info at michaelhingson.com  Wed Mar 10 11:07:29 2010
From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson)
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:07:29 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] KnfbReader Mobile Hints and Tricks seminar now on line
Message-ID: <auto-000142794898@mailfront2.g2host.com>

KnfbReader Mobile Hints and Tricks seminar now on line

Last Thursday evening many of us participated in a lively discussion about
the KnfbReader Mobile.  The online and teleconference discussion ran for
nearly three hours and covered topics such as how to read currency, reading
public signs, future developments and many other topics.

The seminar is now available for you to stream or download.  To listen to
the seminar visit
http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com/products-mobile/products-mobile.php.
You may also download the seminar by clicking on this link,
http://hingson.s3.amazonaws.com/KnfbReaderHintsandTricks-March4-2010.mp3.

After listening to the seminar should anyone have any questions please do
not hesitate to email the list or me off list at info at michaelhingson.com.
You may also feel free to call me at (415) 827-4084.  We are ready to help
you configure and order a Reader of your own should you wish one and do not
yet own this wonderful device.

Happy reading to all.


Best,


Mike Hingson


The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
      "Speaking with Vision"
                  Michael Hingson, President
                          (415) 827-4084
                    info at michaelhingson.com
                    www.michaelhingson.com


for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Thu Mar 11 13:22:06 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:22:06 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TPOBC] FOCUS on MUSIC 3
In-Reply-To: <CC13C2F503D740CF8CC6B7F677932A4D@lauradesktop>
References: <CC13C2F503D740CF8CC6B7F677932A4D@lauradesktop>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003110522g5120418as21ba9185a7f3eeb8@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Laura Weber <weberfam07 at comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:03:03 -0600
Subject: [TPOBC] FOCUS on MUSIC 3
To: tpobc at googlegroups.com, blindkid at nfbnet.org

Please see the forwarded message below regarding a new study on how visual
impairment affects the development of musicality in babies,

children and young people with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis.



FOCUS on MUSIC 3



            I am undertaking a new study into how visual impairment affects
the development of musicality in children. The research will focus on
babies, children and young people with 'Leber Congenital Amaurosis' (often
called 'Leber's Amaurosis'). Focus on Music 3 will follow on from two
earlier studies, the first involving children with septo-optic dysplasia
(whose findings were published in 2006), and the second concerned with
children with retinopathy of prematurity (published late in 2009).

            The findings to date suggest that musical development really
does tend to be different in children who are born with little or no vision,
or who lose their sight shortly after birth. But the nature of their eye
condition - particularly where this is linked to a wider syndrome - can be
important too. So, for example, if your child has septo-optic dysplasia and
has no useful vision, then the chances of him or her having 'absolute pitch'
(the ability to tell which note is which in music, just by listening) are
greatly increased. If you child is blind through retinopathy of prematurity,
however, they are even higher - about 4,000x more likely than for children
who can see. This applies whether or not your child has learning
difficulties.

            Just what findings like these mean for the children concerned
and their teachers is also an important part of the research - discovering
which strategies are most effective in helping young people reach their
musical potential, whether they want to engage in musical activities just
for fun, or with more serious public performance in mind.

            So, if your child has Leber's Amaurosis - whether or not s/he
seems to be particularly musical - and however young or old s/he is, and you
would like to be involved in this new research, then please do get in touch,
and I will email or post you a short questionnaire. In the meantime, if you
have any questions, do contact me.



Thank you!





Adam Ockelford

Professor of Music, Roehampton University, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU

Tel: 07818-456 472  Email: a.ockelford at roehampton.ac.uk
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From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Thu Mar 11 20:47:05 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:47:05 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"
References: <023901cac13b$74e2eae0$6601a8c0@marion475ae1fe>
Message-ID: <017001cac15c$030f8060$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Good afternoon everyone,

    Several days ago I posted a message concerning our support of the 
Foundation for Fighting Blindness. All chapter members would do well to 
contemplate the letter Marion Gwizdala, a federationist from Tampa Florida 
and President of the National Association of Guide Dog Users, (NAGDU) wrote 
to the very organization we gave a contribution to and whose walk some of us 
will participate in on Saturday. Mary and I will not be there!!

    The contribution we're making to an organization like this that raises 
funds at the expense of the blind would have been better spent assisting a 
blind youngster to attend the Junior Science Academy this summer.  I hope 
that in the future that all decisions of this kind come before the entire 
chapter, not just the board, and that we think long and hard about how we 
spend the funds we raise to be sure that blind persons reap the benefit. 
Here is Marion's message:

 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>
To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>; "NAGDU List" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:54 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"


Dear All,
    I tried to get a copy of the original article about which I wrote this 
letter to the editor; however, it was not available without paying a fee. 
The article can be accessed by going to NFB-Newsline and selecting the 
St.Petersburg Times Metro section. If anyone can get access to this article, 
please send it to the list. Pasted below is my letter to the editor.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala

March 11, 2010

            I am writing to comment on the article "Awareness Was the Main 
Course" by Laura Reiley that appeared in the March 10 Metro section of the 
St. Petersburg times. As a blind person, I often meet people who are amazed 
by the fact that I can perform even the simplest of tasks. Generally this 
attitude is based on their own experience attempting to perform the same 
task without eyesight and failing at it miserably. It is for this reason 
that most blind people are opposed to using the type of simulation exercises 
featured in this article. Blindfolding a sighted person and asking them to 
perform even a simple task does not, as the article purports, give a person 
any awareness of what the life of a blind person is like. In fact, such 
exercises only serve to reinforce the misconceptions and promulgate the 
myths about blindness that create the social, legal, and economic barriers 
that prevent us from achieving true equality with our sighted peers. Those 
of us who are blind have developed an array of non-visual techniques to 
perform activities of daily living, such as eating, just as effectively as 
sighted people do using eyesight. Blindfolding a sighted person and asking 
them to perform a task is like putting someone in the cockpit of a jetliner 
and telling them to fly! Lacking the proper skills, the results of both 
would be disastrous!

            The real problem of blindness is not the lack of eyesight; 
rather it is the manner in which we are treated as the result of the 
misconceptions people have about blindness. If one really wants to find out 
what life is like for a blind person, there is no need to don a blindfold! 
All one needs to do is carry a white cane, the international symbol of 
blindness,  and go about their everyday life. Then they would feel the 
crushing insults  of public misperception that blind people, except for 
those few who are believed to be amazing and extraordinary, are innately 
ignorant and helpless. They would experience the waitress who asks a five 
year old what the blind adult wants to drink. They would encounter the 
librarian who admonishes them for going out alone, thus exposing them to the 
hazards of opening a door. They would be confronted by the Employer who 
inquires about who will bring them to work. They would learn that even well 
educated doctors are so ignorant as to ask them who bathes them! Though you 
might want to minimize these incidents away, they are examples of the type 
of ignorance I - and other blind people - encounter on a regular, almost 
daily, basis!

            I am not asserting that eyesight is not beneficial nor that the 
work of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is not valuable. What concerns me 
is that organizations that assert they want to "serve the blind" do us such 
a disservice by reinforcing the public misconceptions and fears that create 
the problems we face. I am all for raising money to cure retinal 
degenerative diseases, especially since the condition that has caused my 
blindness, that of my 14-year-old nephew , and several other members of my 
family is retinitis Pigmentosa. I am, however, opposed to creating the type 
of fear and pity that results from blindfolding people for the purpose of 
raising money! Such a practice is as offensive to me as a black-faced 
minstrel would be to an African American! These misconceptions are the 
reason fewer than 10% of blind children are learning to read and write 
Braille, producing functionally illiterate blind adults. These fears and 
misconceptions are the reason that the unemployment rate among the blind is 
more than 70%!

            The veracity of my concerns are supported by the numerous 
inaccurate statements made by the author who has bought into the false 
perceptions of the blind. Does she really believe that "other senses are 
heightened" by taking away one's sight or "; texture became paramount" as 
the result of simulated blindness? Does she really believe that blindfolding 
participants "gave all assembled a greater window into the world of the 
sightless"? Does she really believe that blind people go through life 
"bumbling" their ways around or did she just irresponsibly promulgate the 
pitiful stereotype in an effort to sell your newspapers like the Foundation 
Fighting Blindness did to sell themselves and selfishly generate  revenue 
with no concern about the social consequences of their actions?

            The belief that blind people are endowed with heightened senses 
and special powers is a myth. Blind people simply learn to use their other 
senses and alternative techniques to perform the tasks sighted people do 
with eyesight. Like any skill, these techniques are generally not acquired 
in a half-hour nor mysteriously and supernaturally endowed. However, these 
skills enable blind people to function independently, efficiently, and 
effectively. In fact, the average blind person can perform the same tasks as 
their sighted peers as well, if not better, by employing these alternative 
techniques. Our blindness is not the problem. The real problem of blindness 
is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exists. If a blind 
person is given proper training and opportunity, blindness is only a 
physical nuisance.

            In the future, when your paper is doing a story about blindness, 
it would be helpful to get accurate information and the perspective of a 
blind person who is qualified to speak to these issues by being chosen by 
the blind to speak on their behalf. The National Federation of the Blind is 
the oldest and largest organization of the blind in the United States. We 
are not an organization that speaks on behalf of the blind; we are the blind 
speaking for ourselves. For accurate information about blindness or the 
blind, please feel free to get in touch with me or visit one of our websites 
at

 HTTP://WWW.NFB.ORG

Or

HTTP://WWW.NFB-NAGDU.ORG



Respectfully yours,

Marion Gwizdala, President

National Association of Guide Dog Users

National Federation of the Blind

813-598-7161

President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG


_
Peter Donahue




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Thu Mar 11 21:19:31 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:19:31 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in
	the Dark"
References: <023901cac13b$74e2eae0$6601a8c0@marion475ae1fe><002101cac14c$b60470a0$260482a1@umh.edu><2E5EF60EB3344AD1AE73694CDF0F2D78@StevePC>
	<355B99F81FB99F48912BFDC09635433003FD775A34@IOTMVSP03VW.shared.state.in.us>
Message-ID: <027701cac160$8b0a9c30$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Good afternoon again everyone,

    The antics of the Foundation Fighting Blindness have come to the 
attention of others in the federation from around the country. I give you 
the comments below to consider:


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Graves, Diane" <dgraves at icrc.IN.gov>
To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"


Why not? It is exactly the same type of prejudicial attitude. The only 
difference is that, when it is directed at the blind, it is disguised and 
dripping with pity and unwanted sympathy and patronization.

It is bias, prejudice, and discriminatory, No matter what the intent is. We 
should definitely go down the "race road." It is the same thing.


Diane Graves
Civil Rights Specialist
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
317-232-2647

"It is service that measures success."
George Washington Carver

Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain confidential 
and/or legally privileged information intended only for the individual or 
entity(ies)
named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient, be 
advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or acting 
in reliance
upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have 
received this E-mail transmission in error, please reply to sender to 
arrange for the return and proper delivery of the transmission. 
Subsequently, delete the message from your system immediately.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
Behalf Of Steve P. Deeley
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 3:21 PM
To: Gary Wunder; Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"

I believe the writer of that letter sounds very angry.  That, also, turns
sighted individuals off.  Let's not go down the race road for our examples.
Steve
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wunder" <gwunder at earthlink.net>
To: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>; "Blind Talk Mailing List"
<blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 1:57 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"


> You should be able to get it mailed to your e-mail address on file by
> pressing pound 9.
>
> Gary
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>
> To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>; "NAGDU List" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:54 AM
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"
>
>
>> Dear All,
>>    I tried to get a copy of the original article about which I wrote this
>> letter to the editor; however, it was not available without paying a fee.
>> The article can be accessed by going to NFB-Newsline and selecting the
>> St.Petersburg Times Metro section. If anyone can get access to this
>> article, please send it to the list. Pasted below is my letter to the
>> editor.
>>
>> Fraternally yours,
>> Marion Gwizdala
>>
>> March 11, 2010
>>
>>            I am writing to comment on the article "Awareness Was the Main
>> Course" by Laura Reiley that appeared in the March 10 Metro section of
>> the
>> St. Petersburg times. As a blind person, I often meet people who are
>> amazed by the fact that I can perform even the simplest of tasks.
>> Generally this attitude is based on their own experience attempting to
>> perform the same task without eyesight and failing at it miserably. It is
>> for this reason that most blind people are opposed to using the type of
>> simulation exercises featured in this article. Blindfolding a sighted
>> person and asking them to perform even a simple task does not, as the
>> article purports, give a person any awareness of what the life of a blind
>> person is like. In fact, such exercises only serve to reinforce the
>> misconceptions and promulgate the myths about blindness that create the
>> social, legal, and economic barriers that prevent us from achieving true
>> equality with our sighted peers. Those of us who are blind have developed
>> an array of non-visual techniques to perform activities of daily living,
>> such as eating, just as effectively as sighted people do using eyesight.
>> Blindfolding a sighted person and asking them to perform a task is like
>> putting someone in the cockpit of a jetliner and telling them to fly!
>> Lacking the proper skills, the results of both would be disastrous!
>>
>>            The real problem of blindness is not the lack of eyesight;
>> rather it is the manner in which we are treated as the result of the
>> misconceptions people have about blindness. If one really wants to find
>> out what life is like for a blind person, there is no need to don a
>> blindfold! All one needs to do is carry a white cane, the international
>> symbol of blindness,  and go about their everyday life. Then they would
>> feel the crushing insults  of public misperception that blind people,
>> except for those few who are believed to be amazing and extraordinary,
>> are
>> innately ignorant and helpless. They would experience the waitress who
>> asks a five year old what the blind adult wants to drink. They would
>> encounter the librarian who admonishes them for going out alone, thus
>> exposing them to the hazards of opening a door. They would be confronted
>> by the Employer who inquires about who will bring them to work. They
>> would
>> learn that even well educated doctors are so ignorant as to ask them who
>> bathes them! Though you might want to minimize these incidents away, they
>> are examples of the type of ignorance I - and other blind people -
>> encounter on a regular, almost daily, basis!
>>
>>            I am not asserting that eyesight is not beneficial nor that
>> the
>> work of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is not valuable. What concerns
>> me is that organizations that assert they want to "serve the blind" do us
>> such a disservice by reinforcing the public misconceptions and fears that
>> create the problems we face. I am all for raising money to cure retinal
>> degenerative diseases, especially since the condition that has caused my
>> blindness, that of my 14-year-old nephew , and several other members of
>> my
>> family is retinitis Pigmentosa. I am, however, opposed to creating the
>> type of fear and pity that results from blindfolding people for the
>> purpose of raising money! Such a practice is as offensive to me as a
>> black-faced minstrel would be to an African American! These
>> misconceptions
>> are the reason fewer than 10% of blind children are learning to read and
>> write Braille, producing functionally illiterate blind adults. These
>> fears
>> and misconceptions are the reason that the unemployment rate among the
>> blind is more than 70%!
>>
>>            The veracity of my concerns are supported by the numerous
>> inaccurate statements made by the author who has bought into the false
>> perceptions of the blind. Does she really believe that "other senses are
>> heightened" by taking away one's sight or "; texture became paramount" as
>> the result of simulated blindness? Does she really believe that
>> blindfolding participants "gave all assembled a greater window into the
>> world of the sightless"? Does she really believe that blind people go
>> through life "bumbling" their ways around or did she just irresponsibly
>> promulgate the pitiful stereotype in an effort to sell your newspapers
>> like the Foundation Fighting Blindness did to sell themselves and
>> selfishly generate  revenue with no concern about the social consequences
>> of their actions?
>>
>>            The belief that blind people are endowed with heightened
>> senses
>> and special powers is a myth. Blind people simply learn to use their
>> other
>> senses and alternative techniques to perform the tasks sighted people do
>> with eyesight. Like any skill, these techniques are generally not
>> acquired
>> in a half-hour nor mysteriously and supernaturally endowed. However,
>> these
>> skills enable blind people to function independently, efficiently, and
>> effectively. In fact, the average blind person can perform the same tasks
>> as their sighted peers as well, if not better, by employing these
>> alternative techniques. Our blindness is not the problem. The real
>> problem
>> of blindness is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exists.
>> If a blind person is given proper training and opportunity, blindness is
>> only a physical nuisance.
>>
>>            In the future, when your paper is doing a story about
>> blindness, it would be helpful to get accurate information and the
>> perspective of a blind person who is qualified to speak to these issues
>> by
>> being chosen by the blind to speak on their behalf. The National
>> Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest organization of the
>> blind in the United States. We are not an organization that speaks on
>> behalf of the blind; we are the blind speaking for ourselves. For
>> accurate
>> information about blindness or the blind, please feel free to get in
>> touch
>> with me or visit one of our websites at
>>
>>
>>
>> HTTP://WWW.NFB.ORG
>>
>> Or
>>
>> HTTP://WWW.NFB-NAGDU.ORG
>>
>>
>>
>> Respectfully yours,
>>
>> Marion Gwizdala, President
>>
>> National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>
>> National Federation of the Blind
>>
>> 813-598-7161
>>
>> President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG

Peter Donahue



From braille at sbcglobal.net  Thu Mar 11 22:43:48 2010
From: braille at sbcglobal.net (Mary Donahue)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:43:48 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Not Pleased with Fighting Blindness Contribution
Message-ID: <1A7B809BE220496890CED127CE572F60@valued3a11ee5d>

Good afternoon everyone,

    When I first got the message about the Chapter's possible participation 
in the Fighting Blindness Vision Walk, I had some misgivings. After reading 
two forwarded letters from members around the country, I am in complete 
agreement with these letter writers. If we choose to participate in another 
event, we should discuss the event with the Chapter first instead of just 
pooling the Board members. I will be getting ready to go to Arizona on 
Saturday, but even if I wasn't going, I would not have participated. 
Something needs to be set in place with the Chapter regarding Fighting 
Blindness and other events of that type. I stated we should have a full 
discussion at the January and February meetings, and vote accordingly. 
Nothing like that happened. As secretary, I keep records of what goes on at 
meetings, and no discussion nor voting took place.

    All I am saying is we should be careful about where we put our donations 
in the future.

    Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary





From danlcarr at carrtronics.com  Fri Mar 12 02:22:12 2010
From: danlcarr at carrtronics.com (Daniel Carr)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:22:12 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Adaptive Technology Design
Message-ID: <4B99A554.4040005@carrtronics.com>

Adaptive Technology Design


CARRTRONICS is a Web Hosting/Design, Adaptive Technology Design company

that is looking for input/feedback on the design of some adaptive 
technology

for such as cerebral palsy, MD, SB, etc



Send contact info to apt at carrtronics.com
or call 210-659-4769 ask for Daniel



From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Fri Mar 12 02:52:30 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:52:30 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] More about the Foundation Fighting Blindness
References: <023901cac13b$74e2eae0$6601a8c0@marion475ae1fe><BAY110-DS1869C5B9E69731B2A44943A1320@phx.gbl><6A56D82ACD5A414390131171CDC0E282021AF2EF@xmbv3802.northgrum.com><bay110-ds141BB7DD2817CFC6864244A1320@phx.gbl><5EC07E1118A34DEAA362A0432A6330CC@SonyPC>
	<!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAPmJR3TgL1VJtykefceflD+CmzAAEAAAAHACb+sa5G9GlQkcScnQ1icBAAAAAA==@bakerinet.com>
Message-ID: <006301cac18f$0eee9000$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Good evening everyone,

    Here is more correspondence concerning the antics of the Foundation 
Fighting Blindness. I give them to you without comment.

Peter Donahue



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Baker" <david at bakerinet.com>
To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:10 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"


In using the Dining in the Dark project for fundraising, the FFB in Tampa 
has
followed a pattern that I have noticed before.  Stereotyping of those who 
are
losing vision as tragic figures in the name of fundraising is not uncommon. 
In
my experience, the visually impaired are often infantilized more than the 
public
understanding of blindness and low vision is informed.   It's not unlike 
like
the Jimmy Fund and other poster child fund raising techniques, I suppose.  I
once worked for a voc rehab agency that dressed their 'disabled/impaired'
employees in elf costumes at Christmas to serve lunch to the Junior League.
Since they gave the employees turkeys and food to take home, the practice 
was
sanctioned with statements like:   "See how nice we are to these people? 
...
and they just love doing this every year.  It is so special for them. 
Aren't
they cute?"

David Baker
davidbaker at bellsouth.net


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf 
Of
Mark J. Cadigan
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:48 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"

Well, go look at the homepage. It is http://www.darkdiningprojects.com/ it 
is
interesting. I don't think it mentions anything about the blind in any 
manner
that could be considered derogatory.



_______________________________________________
nagdu mailing list
nagdu at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nagdu_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nagdu:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nagdu_nfbnet.org/pdonahue1%40sbcglobal.net 




From dandrews at visi.com  Fri Mar 12 03:59:49 2010
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:59:49 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Less Than A Month Remains!
Message-ID: <auto-000143144342@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Individuals and organizations who are making significant 
contributions in helping to change what it means to be blind are 
encouraged to apply for the Dr.
Jacob Bolotin Award presented by the National Federation of the 
Blind. Nominations and letters of support should be completed online 
by March 31 and winners
will be notified by May 15. For consideration, nominees must live and 
work in the United States. The Federation will award $50,000 this 
year to recognize
and support individuals and organizations who share and live the 
philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind and Dr. Bolotin. 
For further details,
to nominate an individual or organization, or to support a nomination 
which has already been made, go to
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Bolotin_Award.asp

__________________________

Megan Wills

Technical Administrative Assistant

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street

at Jernigan Place

Baltimore, MD 21230

P: 410-659-9314 x2461

F: 410-685-5653

E:
mwills at nfb.org

__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus 
signature database 4934 (20100311) __________

The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.

http://www.eset.com




From jamessofka at att.net  Fri Mar 12 04:13:17 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:17 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course
Message-ID: <38E42127B1E042AA9ADBE0DD33C57A2B@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course


> Wow!  There was nothing positive at that dinner.  Everyone talked about 
> the
> negatives they see in their own experience or that of loved ones.  So, it
> seems all they were there for was to pretend they understand what it's 
> like
> to be blind and to be thankful they aren't blind.  Not a good thing to
> thrust on people.
>
> Cindy
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
> To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:48 PM
> Subject: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course
>
>
> Here is the original St. Petersburg article. I think the Letter to the
> Editor was a bit harsh, but does hit on some very good points,
> including the fact that Foundation Fighting Blindness uses blind
> people to create pity from sighted people to raise funds. It's a sad
> state when a blind person has to talk about how depressed and angry at
> the world they were when they went blind to raise funds. Of course,
> they don't -have- to, as NFB chapters all over the nation raise funds
> by showing people what we -can- do. Our local chapter is doing a
> Pancake Breakfast with Applebee's, and I am going to suggest that we
> not be so wary about being the servers...take the plunge and serve the
> breakfast. We -can- do it, and the sighted people who attend will be
> impressed and pity us, but maybe it'll teach them that we can do
> anything a sighted person can do, sometimes even better, because we
> use more than one sense to do the task.
>
> Without further ado, the original article:
>
> Awareness was the main course.
> By LAURA Reiley Times Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG  You knew your plate
> had been set before you only by sense of smell. It smelled like beef,
> something braised and hearty. On your right a voice asked what you do
> for a living. You turned and lobbed an answer in that direction.
> Tuesday night was the Foundation Fighting Blindness's first Tampa Bay
> Dining in the Dark event at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort &amp; Golf
> Club. More than 200 people, dressed fancy and sipping cocktails, took
> seats in the main ballroom and eventually donned something called a
> Mindfold face mask, impervious to light and lined with foam. The
> lights dimmed and as emcee Dick Crippen of the Tampa Bay Rays goaded
> the crowd, the group endeavored to enjoy "the first meal you will
> never see. Other senses were heightened, texture became paramount. But
> more important, it gave all of the assembled a greater window into the
> world of the sightless. Many had come because their lives had already
> been touched by degenerative retinal diseases. Briana Pompilus , 24,
> was there as a volunteer with her mother Veronica Floyd, 44, who was
> diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa  at age 22. Still driving now,
> eventually her vision will close up as if looking through two drinking
> straws. One of the evening's speakers, April Lufriu, a former Mrs.
> Florida America pageant winner and president of the Tampa Bay area
> chapter of the foundation, spoke of her sister's retinal disease and,
> more haltingly, about her two children's recent diagnosis.
> Degenerative retinal diseases affect more than 10 million Americans.
> As keynote speaker James Minow described it, the foundation's aim is
> to put an end to retinal disease by replacing defective cells in the
> retina, replacing defective genes and by developing new treatments to
> protect degenerating retinas. The obstacle? As is so often the case,
> it's money. According to Kim Marlow, regional director of development
> for the foundation, the evening in St. Petersburg will raise $100,000
> for the cause. The most successful Dining in the Dark event to date,
> in New York, raised $500,000 in a single evening. The evening's
> honorees, doctors James Gill and Stephen Klasko, were feverishly
> optimistic about conceivable cures for blindness. For those assembled,
> a half hour in the dark was a humbling, and bumbling, reminder of the
> magnitude of the gift of sight..
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net 




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Fri Mar 12 19:03:37 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:03:37 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course
References: <38E42127B1E042AA9ADBE0DD33C57A2B@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <010b01cac216$b95b7c10$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Hello Jim and everyone,

    If these people try to pull off a similar event here in San Antonio we 
need to stop it. One of the reasons why I suggested that we establish this 
list was for members who hear of organizations like the Foundation Fighting 
Blindness to post their questions or concerns for others to discuss and 
exchange information concerning these groups. If A. Z. had done this when he 
learned of this outfit we could have investigated the FFB and be better 
informed to permit the chapter board to make a more responsible decision 
whether or not to support these clowns.

Peter Donahue



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:13 PM
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course


Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cindy Handel" <cindy425 at verizon.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course


> Wow!  There was nothing positive at that dinner.  Everyone talked about
> the
> negatives they see in their own experience or that of loved ones.  So, it
> seems all they were there for was to pretend they understand what it's
> like
> to be blind and to be thankful they aren't blind.  Not a good thing to
> thrust on people.
>
> Cindy
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jewel S." <herekittykat2 at gmail.com>
> To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:48 PM
> Subject: [Blindtlk] FW: Awareness was the Main Course
>
>
> Here is the original St. Petersburg article. I think the Letter to the
> Editor was a bit harsh, but does hit on some very good points,
> including the fact that Foundation Fighting Blindness uses blind
> people to create pity from sighted people to raise funds. It's a sad
> state when a blind person has to talk about how depressed and angry at
> the world they were when they went blind to raise funds. Of course,
> they don't -have- to, as NFB chapters all over the nation raise funds
> by showing people what we -can- do. Our local chapter is doing a
> Pancake Breakfast with Applebee's, and I am going to suggest that we
> not be so wary about being the servers...take the plunge and serve the
> breakfast. We -can- do it, and the sighted people who attend will be
> impressed and pity us, but maybe it'll teach them that we can do
> anything a sighted person can do, sometimes even better, because we
> use more than one sense to do the task.
>
> Without further ado, the original article:
>
> Awareness was the main course.
> By LAURA Reiley Times Staff Writer ST. PETERSBURG  You knew your plate
> had been set before you only by sense of smell. It smelled like beef,
> something braised and hearty. On your right a voice asked what you do
> for a living. You turned and lobbed an answer in that direction.
> Tuesday night was the Foundation Fighting Blindness's first Tampa Bay
> Dining in the Dark event at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort &amp; Golf
> Club. More than 200 people, dressed fancy and sipping cocktails, took
> seats in the main ballroom and eventually donned something called a
> Mindfold face mask, impervious to light and lined with foam. The
> lights dimmed and as emcee Dick Crippen of the Tampa Bay Rays goaded
> the crowd, the group endeavored to enjoy "the first meal you will
> never see. Other senses were heightened, texture became paramount. But
> more important, it gave all of the assembled a greater window into the
> world of the sightless. Many had come because their lives had already
> been touched by degenerative retinal diseases. Briana Pompilus , 24,
> was there as a volunteer with her mother Veronica Floyd, 44, who was
> diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa  at age 22. Still driving now,
> eventually her vision will close up as if looking through two drinking
> straws. One of the evening's speakers, April Lufriu, a former Mrs.
> Florida America pageant winner and president of the Tampa Bay area
> chapter of the foundation, spoke of her sister's retinal disease and,
> more haltingly, about her two children's recent diagnosis.
> Degenerative retinal diseases affect more than 10 million Americans.
> As keynote speaker James Minow described it, the foundation's aim is
> to put an end to retinal disease by replacing defective cells in the
> retina, replacing defective genes and by developing new treatments to
> protect degenerating retinas. The obstacle? As is so often the case,
> it's money. According to Kim Marlow, regional director of development
> for the foundation, the evening in St. Petersburg will raise $100,000
> for the cause. The most successful Dining in the Dark event to date,
> in New York, raised $500,000 in a single evening. The evening's
> honorees, doctors James Gill and Stephen Klasko, were feverishly
> optimistic about conceivable cures for blindness. For those assembled,
> a half hour in the dark was a humbling, and bumbling, reminder of the
> magnitude of the gift of sight..
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/cindy425%40verizon.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
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From jamessofka at att.net  Sat Mar 13 17:21:45 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:21:45 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Conference ON Broad Band Access
Message-ID: <179E75BCB42F4D09B2420C60B2E6BEFC@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
 

 

Begin forwarded message:





The Broadband Plan's Blueprint for Accessibility

The Silicon Flatirons conference on The National Broadband Plan and Accessibility for People with Disabilities at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in Washington, D.C. was a momentous occasion.  It was a day filled with aspirations and hope -- and a belief that we could and would come together and fulfill Congress' vision of broadband access for all Americans, including those with disabilities.

The day started with a welcome to an overflowing crowd by Nancy Davenport, the Director of Library Services at the D.C. Public Library and Dale Hatfield, the Executive Director of Silicon Flatirons.  That was followed by powerful remarks by FCC Chairman Genachowski and the President's Assistant for Disability Policy Kareem Dale. 

FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Joel Gurin and I discussed the plan's recommendations and implementation as well as the accessibility working paper which will be released soon.  We spoke of the plan's recommendation that the Executive Branch should convene a Broadband Accessibility Working Group, which, among, other things, would work to ensure that the government itself is a model of accessibility.  We also announced that the FCC would establish an Accessibility and Innovation Forum at the FCC which would allow stakeholders to collaborate on accessibility solutions.  We also discussed several specific actions to address accessibility and affordability concerns that the FCC, Department of Justice, and Congress should take.

Then Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and Jenifer Simpson of the American Association of People with Disabilities (both co-sponsors of the event) moderated a lively roundtable discussion among Eric Bridges, Vint Cerf, Rosaline Crawford, Larry Goldberg, Jason Goldman, Link Hoewing, Leah Katz-Fernandez, Fernando Laguarda, Axel Leblois, Susan Mazrui, Ari Ne'eman, Laura Ruby, Ken Salaets, Kate Seelman, and Gregg Vanderheiden.

We discussed many of the plan's details, but it was the big picture ideas and fundamental principles - on which there was much agreement -- that carried the day:
 

  1.. Broadband is a big deal. (sandraleesmith46). 
  2.. Accessibility equals independence. (Kareem Dale) 
  3.. Knowledge is power. (Eric Bridges) 
  4.. Knowledge is power, but so is community. (Ari Ne'eman) 
  5.. Information sharing is power. (Vint Cerf) 
  6.. Innovation often happens in unexpected ways. (Link Hoewing) 
  7.. There is a key role for innovation in solving accessibility challenges, especially when inclusion is part of the planning from the beginning. (Fernando Laguarda) 
  8.. [F]or the first time in history . . . the rights to access is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities in international law. (Axel Leblois) 
  9.. With broadband Internet access, I do not feel disabled. (Leah Katz-Hernandez) 
  10.. Now is the time to engage in this endeavor in earnest and show that we do indeed believe that this is a big deal. (Chairman Genachowski) 
You can see video of the conference at http://www.FCC.gov/live.

The blueprint in the National Broadband Plan is ambitious, and we are heartened by all those who have expressed commitment to work with us to implement the vision.  More soon on how we plan to keep the momentum going, but in the meantime, thank you to all those who have helped shape the plan and make it a vehicle to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to broadband communications.

 

louie

louiemost at wavecable.com
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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Mar 13 23:49:40 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:49:40 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>

Hello All,

I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.

One more event down, one more to go for this month!

It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.

Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
will be out on the list soon.

A.	Z.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Mar 13 23:56:24 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:56:24 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [Chapter-presidents] Letter to the Editor Concerning
	"Dining in theDark"
In-Reply-To: <98FED0948E214DEDA5C3B3A3151CE83E@LENOVOE40B4A08>
References: <044001cac1eb$9e056730$6601a8c0@marion475ae1fe>
	<4FE2981C4C614889B19B1B68CB99C09D@FREDRICKO>
	<98FED0948E214DEDA5C3B3A3151CE83E@LENOVOE40B4A08>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003131556l22441f1bx2024a01866fd7a10@mail.gmail.com>

For your information

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Richard Holley <holleymanor at verizon.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:15:28 -0800
Subject: Re: [Chapter-presidents] Letter to the Editor Concerning
"Dining in	theDark"
To: NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list <chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org>

    Dear All, I am going to join in this discussion because I am a
contributor to FFB and have been for many years as well as CRF
(Choroideremia Research Foundation).  I support their work and goals but DO
oppose the use of fear to raise funds.  I have had more than one
conversation with their marketing officers about the use of fear.  However I
think that having people be blindfolded for dinner can demonstrate the FACT
that one can eat successfully without vision.  My wife has more than once
commented on the lack of light in some restaurants and I remind her that
most are 'dark' for me.  I am going to use the blind fold idea to
demonstrate to first graders that    life is okay without vision and ask
them to consider doing one daily task once while blind folded to see that
they can do it.  The task might be brushing their teeth, bathing, making
their bed, etc.  Wow, I'm tired.
Rick Holley
President, NFBV Eastern Shore Chapter
----- Original Message -----
From: "fred olver" <goodfolks at charter.net>
To: "NFB Chapter Presidents discussion list" <chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Chapter-presidents] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in
theDark"


>I have read with great interest the article and your letter which you sent
>to the newspaper, however I would take issue with your statement "I am
>writing to comment on the article "Awareness Was the Main Course" by Laura
>Reiley that appeared in the March 10 Metro section of the St.
> Petersburg times. As a blind person, I often meet people who are amazed by
> the fact that I can perform even the simplest of tasks. Generally this
> attitude
> is based on their own experience attempting to perform the same task
> without eyesight and failing at it miserably. ." I would contend that as
> stated in my book "dealing With Vision Loss," published 2007 through
> Author-House and also available from  my website
> http://www.dealingwithvisionloss.com that the problem is that most seeing
> folks when confronted with either a blind-fold experience or with dealing
> with with a person who is blind can for the most part, only think of how
> it would be for them or how they would react if they lost their vision or
> a large portion of it. The problem is not blindness, but their perception
> of it, from their perspective. Sure, it is easy or easier for most of us
> to say that blindness is insignificant, but look at what we know, the
> education we have received, the training, the adaptive aids we have
> learned to use.
>
> Fred Olver
>  ----- Original Message -----
>  From: Marion Gwizdala
>  To: NFB Chapter presidents
>  Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 7:55 AM
>  Subject: [Chapter-presidents] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in
> theDark"
>
>
>  Dear All,
>      Pasted below is an article that appeared in the March 10 issue of the
> St. Petersburg (Florida) Times concerning a fund raising event for the
> Foundation Fighting Blindness and the Letter to the Editor I wrote.
>
>  fraternally yours,
>  Marion Gwizdala, President
>  National Association of Guide Dog Users
>  National Federation of the Blind
>  813-598-7161
>  President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG
>  HTTP://NFB-NAGDU.ORG
>
>
>
>  Awareness Was the Main Course
>  by Laura Reiley
>   Published in the St. Petersburg Times
>  March 10, 2010
>
>  ST. PETERSBURG
>  You knew your plate had been set before you only by sense of smell. It
>  smelled like beef, something braised and hearty. On your right a voice
> asked
>  what you do for a living. You turned and lobbed an answer in that
> direction.
>  Tuesday night was the Foundation Fighting Blindness's first Tampa Bay
> Dining
>  in the Dark event at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. More than
> 200
>  people, dressed fancy and sipping cocktails, took seats in the main
> ballroom
>  and eventually donned something called a Mindfold face mask, impervious
> to
>  light and lined with foam. The lights dimmed and as emcee Dick Crippen of
>  the Tampa Bay Rays goaded the crowd, the group endeavored to enjoy "the
>  first meal you will never see."
>  Other senses were heightened, texture became paramount. But more
> important,
>  it gave all of the assembled a greater window into the world of the
>  sightless. Many had come because their lives had already been touched by
>  degenerative retinal diseases. Briana Pompilus, 24, was there as a
> volunteer
>  with her mother Veronica Floyd, 44, who was diagnosed with retinitis
>  pigmentosa at age 22. Still driving now, eventually her vision will close
> up
>  as if looking through two drinking straws.
>  Mary Lou Johnson Evans was there for a similar reason. Her 14-year-old
> son,
>  Josh, suffers from the same disease.
>  One of the evening's speakers, April Lufriu, a former Mrs. Florida
> America
>  pageant winner and president of the Tampa Bay area chapter of the
>  foundation, spoke of her sister's retinal disease and, more haltingly,
> about
>  her two children's recent diagnosis.
>  Degenerative retinal diseases affect more than 10 million Americans. As
>  keynote speaker James Minow described it, the foundation's aim is to put
> an
>  end to retinal disease by replacing defective cells in the retina,
> replacing
>  defective genes and by developing new treatments to protect degenerating
>  retinas. The obstacle? As is so often the case, it's money.
>  According to Kim Marlow, regional director of development for the
>  foundation, the evening in St. Petersburg will raise $100,000 for the
> cause.
>  The most successful Dining in the Dark event to date, in New York, raised
>  $500,000 in a single evening.
>  The evening's honorees, doctors James Gill and Stephen Klasko, were
>  feverishly optimistic about conceivable cures for blindness. For those
>  assembled, a half hour in the dark was a humbling, and bumbling, reminder
> of
>  the magnitude of the gift of sight.
>  Laura Reiley can be reached at
>  lreiley at sptimes.com
>  or (727) 892-2293.
>  March 11, 2010
>  Dear Editor,
>
>              I am writing to comment on the article "Awareness Was the
> Main Course" by Laura Reiley that appeared in the March 10 Metro section
> of the St.
>  Petersburg times. As a blind person, I often meet people who are amazed
> by the fact that I can perform even the simplest of tasks. Generally this
> attitude
>  is based on their own experience attempting to perform the same task
> without eyesight and failing at it miserably. It is for this reason that
> most blind
>  people are opposed to using the type of simulation exercises featured in
> this article. Blindfolding a sighted person and asking them to perform
> even a
>  simple task does not, as the article purports, give a person any
> awareness of what the life of a blind person is like. In fact, such
> exercises only serve
>  to reinforce the misconceptions and promulgate the myths about blindness
> that create the social, legal, and economic barriers that prevent us from
> achieving
>  true equality with our sighted peers. Those of us who are blind have
> developed an array of non-visual techniques to perform activities of daily
> living,
>  such as eating, just as effectively as sighted people do using eyesight.
> Blindfolding a sighted person and asking them to perform a task is like
> putting
>  someone in the cockpit of a jetliner and telling them to fly! Lacking the
> proper skills, the results of both would be disastrous!
>
>              The real problem of blindness is not the lack of eyesight;
> rather it is the manner in which we are treated as the result of the
> misconceptions
>  people have about blindness. If one really wants to find out what life is
> like for a blind person, there is no need to don a blindfold! All one
> needs to
>  do is carry a white cane, the international symbol of blindness,  and go
> about their everyday life. Then they would feel the crushing insults  of
> public
>  misperception that blind people, except for those few who are believed to
> be amazing and extraordinary, are innately ignorant and helpless. They
> would
>  experience the waitress who asks a five year old what the blind adult
> wants to drink. They would encounter the librarian who admonishes them for
> going
>  out alone, thus exposing them to the hazards of opening a door. They
> would be confronted by the Employer who inquires about who will bring them
> to work.
>  They would learn that even well educated doctors are so ignorant as to
> ask them who bathes them! Though you might want to minimize these
> incidents away,
>  they are examples of the type of ignorance I - and other blind people -
> encounter on a regular, almost daily, basis!
>
>              I am not asserting that eyesight is not beneficial nor that
> the work of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is not valuable. What
> concerns me
>  is that organizations that assert they want to "serve the blind" do us
> such a disservice by reinforcing the public misconceptions and fears that
> create
>  the problems we face. I am all for raising money to cure retinal
> degenerative diseases, especially since the condition that has caused my
> blindness, that
>  of my 14-year-old nephew , and several other members of my family is
> retinitis Pigmentosa. I am, however, opposed to creating the type of fear
> and pity
>  that results from blindfolding people for the purpose of raising money!
> Such a practice is as offensive to me as a black-faced minstrel would be
> to an
>  African American! These misconceptions are the reason fewer than 10% of
> blind children are learning to read and write Braille, producing
> functionally illiterate
>  blind adults. These fears and misconceptions are the reason that the
> unemployment rate among the blind is more than 70%!
>
>              The veracity of my concerns are supported by the numerous
> inaccurate statements made by the author who has bought into the false
> perceptions
>  of the blind. Does she really believe that "other senses are heightened"
> by taking away one's sight or "; texture became paramount" as the result
> of simulated
>  blindness? Does she really believe that blindfolding participants "gave
> all assembled a greater window into the world of the sightless"? Does she
> really
>  believe that blind people go through life "bumbling" their ways around or
> did she just irresponsibly promulgate the pitiful stereotype in an effort
> to
>  sell your newspapers like the Foundation Fighting Blindness did to sell
> themselves and selfishly generate  revenue with no concern about the
> social consequences
>  of their actions?
>
>              The belief that blind people are endowed with heightened
> senses and special powers is a myth. Blind people simply learn to use
> their other senses
>  and alternative techniques to perform the tasks sighted people do with
> eyesight. Like any skill, these techniques are generally not acquired in a
> half-hour
>  nor mysteriously and supernaturally endowed. However, these skills enable
> blind people to function independently, efficiently, and effectively. In
> fact,
>  the average blind person can perform the same tasks as their sighted
> peers as well, if not better, by employing these alternative techniques.
> Our blindness
>  is not the problem. The real problem of blindness is the misunderstanding
> and lack of information that exists. If a blind person is given proper
> training
>  and opportunity, blindness is only a physical nuisance.
>
>              In the future, when your paper is doing a story about
> blindness, it would be helpful to get accurate information and the
> perspective of a blind
>  person who is qualified to speak to these issues by being chosen by the
> blind to speak on their behalf. The National Federation of the Blind is
> the oldest
>  and largest organization of the blind in the United States. We are not an
> organization that speaks on behalf of the blind; we are the blind speaking
> for
>  ourselves. For accurate information about blindness or the blind, please
> feel free to get in touch with me or visit one of our websites at
>
>  HTTP://WWW.NFB.ORG
>
>  Or
>
>  HTTP://WWW.NFB-NAGDU.ORG
>
>  Respectfully yours,
>
>  Marion Gwizdala, President
>
>  National Association of Guide Dog Users
>
>  National Federation of the Blind
>
>  813-598-7161
>
>  President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>  _______________________________________________
>  Chapter-presidents mailing list
>  Chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org
>  http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org
>  To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Chapter-presidents:
>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org/goodfolks%40charter.net
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>  No virus found in this incoming message.
>  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>  Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2741 - Release Date: 03/12/10
> 03:42:00
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Chapter-presidents:
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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Mar 13 23:58:19 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:58:19 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Register for TABS 2010 Spring Conference
In-Reply-To: <b13288251003120850m1bbcd8baw8e9d8faab7962bcf@mail.gmail.com>
References: <b13288251003120850m1bbcd8baw8e9d8faab7962bcf@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003131558p7f25cfb8yb456733813851973@mail.gmail.com>

If we have any students intrested. Make sure to attend, looks like a
great convention already

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Juan Del Rosario-Martinez <delrosariomartinez.juan at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:50:20 -0600
Subject: [TABS] Register for TABS 2010 Spring Conference
To: tabs_students at googlegroups.com

You may now Pre-Register for our 2010 Spring Conference
Why should you Pre-Register?
you can save time, money and effort by filling out our registration for now.

Registration will be $10 during the conference; however, you can save $5 by
registering online. you can register online until the Spring Conference.
Thursday April 23,2010 will be the last date to Pre Register.
you may register at:
http://www.nfb-texas.org/tabs_2010%20Spring%20Conference%20Registration.html

you may also get all the latest information about the Hotel arrangements,
Conference agenda, and much more.
visit
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

Remember:
Hotel rates are $89 a night, the cut off date to reserve your rooms under
this rate is Friday April 2,2010 at 5pm.

We will be holding a banquet on Saturday April 24 AT NO COST TO YOU!

we will be releasing the agenda as soon as it is available.

On Behalf of the TABS Board; we hope to see you at our Conference.




-- 
-Juan Del Rosario
President
Texas Association of Blind Students
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

-- 
The Texas Association of Blind Students
Web Site:
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Toll Free: 877-887-5902

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "The Texas Association of Blind Students" group.
To post to this group, send email to tabs_students at googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
tabs_students-unsubscribe at googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/tabs_students



From jamessofka at att.net  Sun Mar 14 01:46:58 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:46:58 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in
	the Dark"
Message-ID: <4D1EC61985C54763B3B7D8A93CB74475@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 11:44 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Letter to the Editor Concerning "Dining in the Dark"


> Steve:
>
> You ask a good question -- how do you educate employers.  However, role 
> playing, in my opinion, particularly in an uncontrolled setting like 
> Dining in the Dark, probably does more harm then good.  If you dump 
> someone into a new setting, like total darkness, with no tools for dealing 
> with it, or no one to help very much all you are going to do is reinforce 
> negative attitudes and just scare the person.  If they can't cope they 
> will think blind people can't cope either.  However, we know we have 
> tools, learning, experience, the help of each other through the NFB and 
> this list, and other places etc., to help us with new situations.  I think 
> role playing can be useful sometimes, but in a situation like Dining in 
> the Dark it will only perpetuate stereotypes of helplessness.
>
> Dave
>
> At 07:11 AM 3/13/2010, you wrote:
>>Here is a serious question for those on this list who do not agree with my 
>>opinion on this topic:
>>
>>How would you educate employers concerning the abilities of a blind person 
>>or persons with other disabilities.  Do you believe role playing has any 
>>part in the education process.  how would you educate a group of employers 
>>who no very little about individuals with disabilities.]
>>
>>Steve
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net 




From bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net  Sun Mar 14 03:56:49 2010
From: bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net (Bryan Baldwin)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:56:49 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
In-Reply-To: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net>

We all did have a good time today hanging out with each other, networking
with others in our community and letting everyone know that the NFB is in
San Antonio.  When people I've known for years asked me who I was walking
with today and they assumed it was The Lighthouse because I worked there
years ago.  I was able to tell them no!  I was walking with the NFB and
invited them to come to one of our chapter meetings and learn more about us.

Everyone have a great week and See you Saturday at the chapter meeting.  


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jose Martinez
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:50 PM
To: Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk

Hello All,

I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.

One more event down, one more to go for this month!

It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.

Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
will be out on the list soon.

A.	Z.

_______________________________________________
Nfbsatx mailing list
Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Nfbsatx:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
m.net





From jamessofka at att.net  Sun Mar 14 04:36:11 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:36:11 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
	<001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net>
Message-ID: <13F9D5C7AC8F450C829E8CBD5F07ADDF@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi,
In the future, events like this should be voted on.
Do too the difference in thephilosophy on blindness
Jim Sofka..


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bryan Baldwin" <bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net>
To: "'San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List'" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:56 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk


> We all did have a good time today hanging out with each other, networking
> with others in our community and letting everyone know that the NFB is in
> San Antonio.  When people I've known for years asked me who I was walking
> with today and they assumed it was The Lighthouse because I worked there
> years ago.  I was able to tell them no!  I was walking with the NFB and
> invited them to come to one of our chapter meetings and learn more about 
> us.
>
> Everyone have a great week and See you Saturday at the chapter meeting.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Jose Martinez
> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:50 PM
> To: Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>
> Hello All,
>
> I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
> event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
> you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.
>
> One more event down, one more to go for this month!
>
> It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
> cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.
>
> Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
> will be out on the list soon.
>
> A. Z.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
> m.net
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net 




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Sun Mar 14 05:14:32 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:14:32 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
	<001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net>
Message-ID: <000e01cac335$3be0c630$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>


Hello A. Z. and listers,
    Given the message you and Bryan posted would it be possible to have 
someone from the FFB to present at an up-coming meeting? Perhaps we could 
begin turning this organization around and eventually make them a partner 
working with us instead of someone who promotes its cause at our expense. 
Perhaps FFB members could be encouraged to be with us in Dallas this summer. 
All the best.

Peter Donahue




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Mar 14 05:39:46 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:39:46 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
In-Reply-To: <13F9D5C7AC8F450C829E8CBD5F07ADDF@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
	<001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net>
	<13F9D5C7AC8F450C829E8CBD5F07ADDF@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003132139v6d090badud9c0f026325b2a99@mail.gmail.com>

The board was asked, and we all agreed and voted because we felt that
it was a great opportunity to show people that the NFB is here and to
get the word out about the chapter. I understand the philosophies are
different, but it is important to support and be involved in community
events for us at this point. We have to show our philosophy in action,
not just talk about it. So there was a vote Jim, but if you mean that
all the chapter members should vote on things like this, then I will
make sure that happens. Thank you for being respectful in your
response.

A.	Z.


On 3/13/10, james sofka <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
> Hi,
> In the future, events like this should be voted on.
> Do too the difference in thephilosophy on blindness
> Jim Sofka..
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bryan Baldwin" <bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net>
> To: "'San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List'" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:56 PM
> Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>
>
>> We all did have a good time today hanging out with each other, networking
>> with others in our community and letting everyone know that the NFB is in
>> San Antonio.  When people I've known for years asked me who I was walking
>> with today and they assumed it was The Lighthouse because I worked there
>> years ago.  I was able to tell them no!  I was walking with the NFB and
>> invited them to come to one of our chapter meetings and learn more about
>> us.
>>
>> Everyone have a great week and See you Saturday at the chapter meeting.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Jose Martinez
>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:50 PM
>> To: Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
>> event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
>> you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.
>>
>> One more event down, one more to go for this month!
>>
>> It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
>> cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.
>>
>> Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
>> will be out on the list soon.
>>
>> A. Z.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
>> m.net
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Mar 14 05:48:29 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:48:29 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
In-Reply-To: <000e01cac335$3be0c630$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com>
	<001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net>
	<000e01cac335$3be0c630$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003132148g45202feds49ffabb2d914bd1@mail.gmail.com>

I will certainly send an invitation to someone from the FFB to attend
one of our meetings.

And also donating our earnings from our fundraisers coming up in the
next couple of months to the Race for Independence is a great idea.
Glad someone brought it up. I will bring it up next meeting.

A. Z.
On 3/13/10, Peter Donahue <pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Hello A. Z. and listers,
>     Given the message you and Bryan posted would it be possible to have
> someone from the FFB to present at an up-coming meeting? Perhaps we could
> begin turning this organization around and eventually make them a partner
> working with us instead of someone who promotes its cause at our expense.
> Perhaps FFB members could be encouraged to be with us in Dallas this summer.
> All the best.
>
> Peter Donahue
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>



From jamessofka at att.net  Sun Mar 14 06:06:26 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:06:26 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com><001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net><13F9D5C7AC8F450C829E8CBD5F07ADDF@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
	<5e4f6adf1003132139v6d090badud9c0f026325b2a99@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6C070CCC7FBE45B48B5AEA53E4774A44@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi.
That is what i mean.
We are still growing as a chapter, and we need to interact   wwith each 
other.
Jim Sofka.

----- Original Message ----- 
FromJose Martinez" <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 11:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk


> The board was asked, and we all agreed and voted because we felt that
> it was a great opportunity to show people that the NFB is here and to
> get the word out about the chapter. I understand the philosophies are
> different, but it is important to support and be involved in community
> events for us at this point. We have to show our philosophy in action,
> not just talk about it. So there was a vote Jim, but if you mean that
> all the chapter members should vote on things like this, then I will
> make sure that happens. Thank you for being respectful in your
> response.
>
> A. Z.
>
>
> On 3/13/10, james sofka <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
>> Hi,
>> In the future, events like this should be voted on.
>> Do too the difference in thephilosophy on blindness
>> Jim Sofka..
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Bryan Baldwin" <bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net>
>> To: "'San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List'" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:56 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>>
>>
>>> We all did have a good time today hanging out with each other, 
>>> networking
>>> with others in our community and letting everyone know that the NFB is 
>>> in
>>> San Antonio.  When people I've known for years asked me who I was 
>>> walking
>>> with today and they assumed it was The Lighthouse because I worked there
>>> years ago.  I was able to tell them no!  I was walking with the NFB and
>>> invited them to come to one of our chapter meetings and learn more about
>>> us.
>>>
>>> Everyone have a great week and See you Saturday at the chapter meeting.
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Jose Martinez
>>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:50 PM
>>> To: Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
>>> event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
>>> you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.
>>>
>>> One more event down, one more to go for this month!
>>>
>>> It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
>>> cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.
>>>
>>> Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
>>> will be out on the list soon.
>>>
>>> A. Z.
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Nfbsatx:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
>>> m.net
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Nfbsatx:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net 




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Sun Mar 14 06:43:17 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:43:17 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
References: <5e4f6adf1003131549n64a71d6ake9be78805b11aff3@mail.gmail.com><001a01cac32a$6056bb60$21043220$@net><13F9D5C7AC8F450C829E8CBD5F07ADDF@TCPI9FFDAF7536><5e4f6adf1003132139v6d090badud9c0f026325b2a99@mail.gmail.com>
	<6C070CCC7FBE45B48B5AEA53E4774A44@TCPI9FFDAF7536>
Message-ID: <001e01cac341$a1e65d80$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Hello gentlemen,

    A. Z. Please do your best to be sure this doesn't happen in the future. 
I can think of other community activities we could have undertaken rather 
than associating ourselves with outfits like this. If the chapter is cut out 
of these decisions there's no chance of alternative suggestions to be made. 
We don't need our funds going to support organizations who believe they can 
make those with no experience with blindness "Experts" by blindfolding them 
and expecting them to eat dinner independently. Hopefully our activities 
during the walk were of a more positive nature than that. All the best.

Peter Donahue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 12:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk


Hi.
That is what i mean.
We are still growing as a chapter, and we need to interact   wwith each
other.
Jim Sofka.

----- Original Message ----- 
FromJose Martinez" <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 11:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk


> The board was asked, and we all agreed and voted because we felt that
> it was a great opportunity to show people that the NFB is here and to
> get the word out about the chapter. I understand the philosophies are
> different, but it is important to support and be involved in community
> events for us at this point. We have to show our philosophy in action,
> not just talk about it. So there was a vote Jim, but if you mean that
> all the chapter members should vote on things like this, then I will
> make sure that happens. Thank you for being respectful in your
> response.
>
> A. Z.
>
>
> On 3/13/10, james sofka <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
>> Hi,
>> In the future, events like this should be voted on.
>> Do too the difference in thephilosophy on blindness
>> Jim Sofka..
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Bryan Baldwin" <bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net>
>> To: "'San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List'" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:56 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>>
>>
>>> We all did have a good time today hanging out with each other,
>>> networking
>>> with others in our community and letting everyone know that the NFB is
>>> in
>>> San Antonio.  When people I've known for years asked me who I was
>>> walking
>>> with today and they assumed it was The Lighthouse because I worked there
>>> years ago.  I was able to tell them no!  I was walking with the NFB and
>>> invited them to come to one of our chapter meetings and learn more about
>>> us.
>>>
>>> Everyone have a great week and See you Saturday at the chapter meeting.
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Jose Martinez
>>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 5:50 PM
>>> To: Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> Subject: [Nfbsatx] Low Vision Walk
>>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> I would like to thank all of you who came out to the Low Vision Walk
>>> event. It was a lot of fun to spend time outside of the meetings with
>>> you all. We will have to make sure we do that more often.
>>>
>>> One more event down, one more to go for this month!
>>>
>>> It was great to see the community at large come out and support the
>>> cause. And I was glad that we were requested to be there.
>>>
>>> Our last event for this month is our monthly chapter meeting. Details
>>> will be out on the list soon.
>>>
>>> A. Z.
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Nfbsatx:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
>>> m.net
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> Nfbsatx:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net


_______________________________________________
Nfbsatx mailing list
Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
Nfbsatx:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/pdonahue1%40sbcglobal.net 




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Sun Mar 14 07:27:15 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:27:15 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] February 2010 Meeting Minutes Now Available
Message-ID: <001301cac347$c6963eb0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Hello again everyone,

    The minutes of the February 20, 2010 meeting are now available on our 
Web Site at:
http://www.nfbsatx.org

    The direct link is:
http://www.nfbsatx.org/members/minutes/min02_10.shtml



    Posting this notice is usually Mary's honor but being that she's 
visiting her mother in Arizona and does not have an Internet connection I'm 
filling in for her. All the best for a great week ahead.

Peter Donahue


 "Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
      And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
      And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
      On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
Will You Come to the Bower
Traditional Irish Folk Song




From jamessofka at att.net  Sun Mar 14 20:57:33 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:57:33 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Nfb-announce] Congratulations, Bryan Bashin
Message-ID: <2CC9A357CE8444F0A5AB84851FC600A7@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Gilliam" <MikeG at salighthouse.org>
To: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 8:52 AM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-announce] Congratulations, Bryan Bashin


>I should get a chance to meet him in June.  The past Director was a  good 
>friend and very involved in the Industry.
>
> Sent from Mike's iPhone
>
> On Mar 14, 2010, at 6:28 AM, "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi, all.
>> For your information.
>> Jim Sofka.
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
>> To: <nfb-rd at nfbcal.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 1:17 PM
>> Subject: [Nfb-announce] Congratulations, Bryan Bashin
>>
>>
>>>
>>>> From: "Mary Willows" <mwillows at sbcglobal.net>
>>>> To: "NFB of California List" <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:23:44 -0800
>>>> Subject: [Nfbc-info] Congratulations, Bryan Bashin
>>>>
>>>> Good news for blind people in the San Francisco Bay area.  Bryan 
>>>> Bashin is now the Director if the San Francisco Lighthouse for the 
>>>> Blind.
>>>>
>>>> As a journalist, Bryan does not simply ask "why".  He asks, "Why  not"?
>>>> Bryan will bring together a wide range of people who also want  quality 
>>>> of life for blind people.
>>>>
>>>> May you have a long and successful journey at the helm of the 
>>>> Lighthouse, Bryan.
>>>> Mary Willows, President
>>>> National Federation of the Blind of California
>>>> mwillows at sbcglobal.net
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Nfb-announce mailing list
>>> Nfb-announce at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-announce_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info  for 
>>> Nfb-announce:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-announce_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>> 




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Mar 15 03:51:58 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:51:58 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB March Chapter meeting
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003142051m493fc37ao81cf3cf55efa8979@mail.gmail.com>

COME JOIN US!

If you?ve never attended a meeting of the National Federation of the
Blind (NFB), there?s no better time! Come join us at our March
meeting.

Date:		Saturday, 20 March 2010
Time:		1:00-2:30PM
Location:	DARS-Division of Services for the Blind				4204 Woodcock
Drive, Suite 274
San Antonio, TX 78228
(2nd Floor, Trinity Building, just inside NW Loop 410 between
Callaghan and Babcock)

This Month?s Agenda:
?	Nationwide update and announcements
?	Report on recent and upcoming events.
?	Fundraising activities

MAKE CHANGE
WITH A DOLLAR
-- A Louis Braille Silver Dollar!
	
To learn more about BRAILLE go to:
www.braille.org

For additional information, call Jose Martinez, SA Chapter President,
on 210-722-3597.



From jamessofka at att.net  Mon Mar 15 09:22:44 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:22:44 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] IPad EBook to use voice over
Message-ID: <05755F8BB269463589E697A6DA47EC7F@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Gilliam" <MikeG at salighthouse.org>
To: "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 9:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] IPad EBook to use voice over


> Apple is a great company.  The AFB Board gave them an "accessibility" 
> award last year.
>
> Sent from Mike's iPhone
>
> On Mar 14, 2010, at 8:50 PM, "james sofka" <jamessofka at att.net> wrote:
>
>> Hi, all.
>> For your information.
>> Jim Sofka.
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
>> To: <dtb-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:06 PM
>> Subject: [Blindtlk] IPad EBook to use voice over
>>
>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>>> From: Joney <talk2owen at gmail.com>
>>>> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:03:24 -0500
>>>> Subject: IPad EBook to use voice over
>>>> To: viphone at googlegroups.com
>>>>
>>>> Thought some of you would be interested in this considering the  run 
>>>> round
>>>> Amazon had.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Apple's iBooks Store and Reader to Support VoiceOver
>>>>
>>>> 12 March, 2010 @ 3:19 pm by Lioncourt
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As Apple began taking pre-orders today for its new iPad device, they
>>>> released a few more details about the product. Most exciting among 
>>>> these for
>>>> VoiceOver
>>>>
>>>> users is the news that iBooks, the application that doubles as a 
>>>> digital
>>>> bookstore and electronic book reader, will support VoiceOver.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Apple's
>>>>
>>>> iBooks page
>>>>
>>>> describes its accessibility thus:
>>>>
>>>> Block quote start
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Unlike a paper book - or e-books on other devices - you can change 
>>>> iBooks on
>>>> iPad to suit the way you read. Turn iPad to portrait to view a  single 
>>>> page.
>>>>
>>>> Or view two pages at once by rotating to landscape. Change the  text 
>>>> size.
>>>> Even change the font. Touch and hold any word to look it up in the 
>>>> built-in
>>>> dictionary
>>>>
>>>> or Wikipedia, or to search for it throughout the book and on the  web. 
>>>> iBooks
>>>> works with VoiceOver, the screen reader in iPad, so it can read  you 
>>>> the
>>>> contents
>>>>
>>>> of any page. Even with all these extras, reading is so natural on 
>>>> iPad, the
>>>> technology seems to disappear.
>>>>
>>>> Block quote end
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Our readers will remember the
>>>>
>>>> controversy last year
>>>>
>>>> when the
>>>>
>>>> Authors' Guild
>>>>
>>>> tried to block text-to-speech on Amazon's Kindle book reader,  claiming 
>>>> that
>>>> text-to-speech was equivalent to audio book performances by human 
>>>> narrators.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The guild will find it much harder to argue that bizarre stance  this 
>>>> time,
>>>> as the access is being offered via VoiceOver rather than a  generalized
>>>> text-to-speech
>>>>
>>>> option. By taking this approach, Apple will be providing VOiceOver 
>>>> users
>>>> with a streamlined experience, and putting the
>>>>
>>>> Authors' Guild
>>>>
>>>> in a position of specifically having to oppose access for visually 
>>>> impaired
>>>> users to their content. We do not believe the guild will want to  try 
>>>> to take
>>>>
>>>> such a hostile stance.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The iBooks application will also work as a reader for free books  in 
>>>> ePub
>>>> format, whether that content was purchased from the iBooks store  or 
>>>> not.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Once again, Apple is putting visually impaired users on equal  footing 
>>>> with
>>>> their sighted fellows.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Joney
>>>>
>>>> "If God can bring you to it,
>>>> He will lead you through it."
>>>>
>>>> Email: talk2owen at gmail.com
>>>> Join me on:
>>>> Twitter: http://twitter.com/talk2owen
>>>> Gratitude log: http://www.GratitudeLog.com/join/talk2owen
>>>> FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/talk2owen
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info  for 
>>> blindtlk:
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net
>> 




From pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net  Fri Mar 19 01:41:46 2010
From: pdonahue1 at sbcglobal.net (Peter Donahue)
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:41:46 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Schwans and Payment Gateway
Message-ID: <003e01cac705$56cadde0$4001a8c0@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Good evening everyone,

    A main agenda item for Saturday's meeting is fundraising. I've mentioned 
the possibility of doing a fundraiser with Schwans Foods. Other affiliates 
have used this fundraiser successfully. I believe we can make it work for us 
as well particularly if it can be an ongoing fundraiser. You can learn more 
about the Schwans fundraising program by visiting:
http://www.schwansfundraising.com

    We've also talked about adding a payment gateway to our Web site to 
facilitate transaction processing via the Internet. A recent matter brought 
to our attention reminded me of how other affiliates use PayPal for various 
types of transaction processing including payment of membership dues. There 
are lots of ways we can utilize the power payment gateways can add to our 
Web site. I for one would like to see us have one up and running by the end 
of the year. If other affiliates, chapters, and divisions can make payment 
gateways work for them we can do the same. See you all on Saturday.

Peter Donahue

"Will you come and awake our lost land from its slumber
      And her fetters we'll break, links that long are encumbered.
      And the air will resound with hosannas to greet you
      On the shore will be found gallant Irishmen to greet you."
Will You Come to the Bower
Traditional Irish Folk Song




From braille at sbcglobal.net  Sat Mar 20 21:47:38 2010
From: braille at sbcglobal.net (Mary Donahue)
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:47:38 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Introduction from New List Moderator
Message-ID: <51DE5A86269E469E888D1C2DE354EE94@valued3a11ee5d>

Hello everyone,

    As new list moderator, I want to say hello to everyone who has been on 
the list for some time, and to those who may consider joining. My name is 
Mary Donahue, and I have been with the NFB off and on for 29 years, and with 
the San Antonio Chapter for over a year since its reorganization. However, 
when we moved here in 1989, I was a member of the Chapter at that time, too.

    If you've seen me on other lists, I am very pro-Braille since I 
proofread Braille items for a living at Education Service Center, Region 20. 
I also like almost any kind of music with the exception of rap, heavy metal, 
and modern country.

   Being a proofreader, I am very detail-oriented, so if anyone is off 
topic, no doubt you will hear from me. So far, though, that hasn't happened 
much on this list. For the most part, there is very light traffic, but I 
will try to welcome new members to the list as much as possible.

    Thank you for reading my post, and for those who have been on this list 
for quite awhile, my apologies. Have a great evening, anyway!

Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and New List Moderator





From jamessofka at att.net  Sun Mar 21 02:24:21 2010
From: jamessofka at att.net (james sofka)
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:24:21 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Introduction from New List Moderator
References: <51DE5A86269E469E888D1C2DE354EE94@valued3a11ee5d>
Message-ID: <5C80EC1F78CA48929BE808CAAD2AD24B@TCPI9FFDAF7536>

Congratulations Mary.
I am sure you will do a good job.
Jim Sofka.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mary Donahue" <braille at sbcglobal.net>
To: <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2010 4:47 PM
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Introduction from New List Moderator


> Hello everyone,
>
>    As new list moderator, I want to say hello to everyone who has been on
> the list for some time, and to those who may consider joining. My name is
> Mary Donahue, and I have been with the NFB off and on for 29 years, and
> with the San Antonio Chapter for over a year since its reorganization.
> However, when we moved here in 1989, I was a member of the Chapter at that
> time, too.
>
>    If you've seen me on other lists, I am very pro-Braille since I
> proofread Braille items for a living at Education Service Center, Region
> 20. I also like almost any kind of music with the exception of rap, heavy
> metal, and modern country.
>
>   Being a proofreader, I am very detail-oriented, so if anyone is off
> topic, no doubt you will hear from me. So far, though, that hasn't
> happened much on this list. For the most part, there is very light
> traffic, but I will try to welcome new members to the list as much as
> possible.
>
>    Thank you for reading my post, and for those who have been on this list
> for quite awhile, my apologies. Have a great evening, anyway!
>
> Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and New List Moderator
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jamessofka%40att.net




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Mar 21 13:32:04 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:32:04 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [nfb-texas members] Help in a Study
In-Reply-To: <007401cac87f$87625250$6401a8c0@DHJK30D1>
References: <007401cac87f$87625250$6401a8c0@DHJK30D1>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003210632n3eba7cecp411c06541ba3840@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Angela S. Wolf" <angelawolf at austin.rr.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:48:58 -0500
Subject: [nfb-texas members] Help in a Study
To: members at nfb-texas.org

Participants for an Academic Study Survey Needed:
      Caitlin Singletary, a doctoral student at Louisiana Tech University,
is completing her dissertation with the help of NFB training centers.
Specifically she is looking at psychological characteristics and how they
are related to blindness skill sets. She is working with six national
training centers, including the three NFB centers, using current students
as study subjects. She also needs participants who have not been to a
residential training center as a control group. If you have not attended a
residential training center and would like to participate or to receive
more information, contact her at <cms055 at latech.edu> or (337) 263-2812. The
survey takes approximately twenty to twenty-five minutes to complete on the
telephone. Please note that, if you have completed blindness training
through public school or summer programs, you can still help.
                                 **********



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Thu Mar 25 12:31:07 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:31:07 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Calling Houston Students,
	VI Teachers and Related 	Professions - 2010 TABS Spring Conference
In-Reply-To: <350742171003232122pe460d18k7e1a43c13c3d27@mail.gmail.com>
References: <350742171003232122pe460d18k7e1a43c13c3d27@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5e4f6adf1003250531l57693ea3w5e70334add6f526a@mail.gmail.com>

If you are a blind student and you are looking to network with other
blind students, this is a great opportunity for you.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Juan Del Rosario <blindrocker87 at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:22:16 -0500
Subject: [TABS] Calling Houston Students, VI Teachers and Related
Professions - 2010 TABS Spring Conference
To: tabs_students at googlegroups.com

The Texas Association of Blind Students invites you to be a part of our
Annual Spring Conference.
TABS Will be holding our annual event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Houston
TX. on Friday April 23 through April 25,2010.
We will have informative speeches by DBS, The Talking Book Program, Freedom
Scientific and many other companies and organizations who
are dedicated to the blind and visually impaired community. We will also be
holding Panels on Achieving Success in College, Employment, and
Technology and Accessible Equipment.
We pride ourselves in providing the most in depth information any Blind and
Visually impaired student could ever need.
We will placing a big emphasis on all the latest technology and adaptive
equipment that is available, as well as
how to deal with the issues and bugs we've all come to encounter.
We would like to extend an invitation to all Students in Texas to
attend.
TABS strives to provide support and information to our members; and
sometimes students may
have the best answers. Your Students might have answers to technology issues
we may all be having.
Yours students will benefit in attending the conference, and we will benefit
from hosting them.
We are also looking for comments or suggestions that Houston's Teachers and
related professions in the field of Visual Impairment may have.
if you would like further information, you may visit our site at
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

please pass this information to all your students and feel free to reach us
if you have any questions,
comments and suggestions.
On behalf of the TABS Board, i thank you for your time.
-- 
-Juan Del Rosario
President
Texas Association of Blind Students
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Telephone;713-320-5519



-- 
-Juan Del Rosario
President
Texas Association of Blind Students
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

-- 
The Texas Association of Blind Students
Web Site:
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Toll Free: 877-887-5902

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "The Texas Association of Blind Students" group.
To post to this group, send email to tabs_students at googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
tabs_students-unsubscribe at googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/tabs_students

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
tabs_students+unsubscribegooglegroups.com or reply to this email with
the words "REMOVE ME" as the subject.



From dandrews at visi.com  Mon Mar 29 03:20:44 2010
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:20:44 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] =?iso-8859-1?q?NFB-NEWSLINE=AE_Announces_New_Flexibilit?=
 =?iso-8859-1?q?y_and_More_Choice_in_Managing_Your_Favorites!?=
Message-ID: <auto-000145459286@mailfront2.g2host.com>

We are now pleased to offer you even more 
flexibility in using NFB-NEWSLINE?.  Taking into 
account your many suggestions, you can now manage 
your favorite publications via the Internet, all 
while enjoying the ability to create different 
favorite lists, depending on the way you want your content delivered.

To further explain this, consider this:
In the past, subscribers were limited to having 
six favorite publications, available via 
telephone, Web News on Demand, e-mail, or NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your Pocket.

Now, you can have an unlimited number of 
favorites on the Web, with NFB-NEWSLINE? In Your 
Pocket, or via e-mail.  For users who may use 
several delivery methods now, or who wish to 
expand the way in which they receive their 
content, you can create lists of favorites that 
could be the same or completely different, 
depending on your preference. Each of the 
delivery methods is independent of each 
other.  The choice is completely up to you!

Please note, however, that current telephone-only 
users are still limited to six favorites, and no 
changes or actions will be necessary on your 
part.  We will be reviewing the option to lift 
the restriction of six publications with a future service enhancement.

And that's not all.  We have also given you the 
ability to establish your favorite TV channels 
over the Web.  For those users who are using the 
telephone only, you can still manage your 
favorite channels just like you have done in the past.

Ready to explore these groundbreaking 
enhancements?  Simply go to 
<http://www.nfbnewslineonline.org>www.nfbnewslineonline.org 
and log in.  At the main page, navigate to the 
link for "Manage All Your Favorites."  From this 
page, you can simply select the appropriate link 
to manage that favorite delivery method.

A few things to remember:  If you had not already 
requested the newspapers by e-mail option, you 
must complete the online request form found at 
<http://www.nfbnewsline.org>www.nfbnewsline.org. 
Follow the link for "Newspapers by E-mail."

Also, if you already had favorites established, 
we have carried these over as a convenience to 
you, and these publications will show up in the 
appropriate delivery option.  You can modify these as you wish.

It's that simple.  If you have any questions, 
please feel free to call us at (866) 504-7300 or 
e-mail us at <mailto:nfbnewsline at nfb.org>nfbnewsline at nfb.org.

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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Mar 29 03:28:08 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:28:08 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [Chapter-presidents] National Federation of the
	Blind and Blackboard to Demonstrate New Accessibility
	Features at CSUN
In-Reply-To: <auto-000145329400@mailfront2.g2host.com>
References: <auto-000145329400@mailfront2.g2host.com>
Message-ID: <v2w5e4f6adf1003282028u218449fdtfd5ea5358dfb200f@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org>
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:27:42 -0700
Subject: [Chapter-presidents] National Federation of the Blind and
Blackboard to Demonstrate New Accessibility Features at CSUN
To: david.andrews at nfbnet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



National Federation of the Blind and Blackboard to
Demonstrate New Accessibility Features at CSUN



Blackboard Learn Platform Brings Accessibility Enhancements for the Blind



San Diego, California (March 25, 2010): The
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the
nation?s leading advocate for equal education for
blind students, and Blackboard Inc., will present
and demonstrate the new accessibility features of
the Blackboard Learn? platform at the California
State University, Northridge, (CSUN) 25th annual
International Technology & Persons with
Disabilities conference, held in San Diego, CA,
March 22?27.  The presentation of Blackboard?s
improved and more accessible experience will be
held on March 25 at 4:20 p.m. Pacific Time.



Blackboard Learn, an online learning platform, is
used by thousands of institutions to provide
online education, course materials, discussion
boards, assignment submissions, electronic
grading, and numerous other components intended
to enhance the learning experience or to provide
distance education.  Previously, blind students
encountered a number of accessibility barriers
when using the Blackboard platform with nonvisual
screen access technology.  Blackboard Learn,
Release 9,  showed great improvement over prior
releases, and during the past year, Blackboard
has invested further in a range of enhancements
to Blackboard Learn that represent significant
improvements to the usability of Blackboard for blind users.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: ?We are pleased to
help Blackboard present the accessibility
features of the Blackboard Learn platform to the
influential audience at CSUN.  These features
will ensure that blind students are not

at a disadvantage in classes utilizing Blackboard
and can access course materials online just as
their sighted peers do.  We commend Blackboard
for their hard work in this area.?



The accessibility improvements to Blackboard
Learn include faster navigation and improved form
interaction, allowing blind users to submit
assignments, participate in discussion forums,
send and receive e-mail, take tests and quizzes,
and participate in polls.  Blind instructors can
also submit content with the improved accessible forms.



For more information about the National
Federation of the Blind, please visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.



###






About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most
influential membership organization of blind
people in the United States.  The NFB improves
blind people?s lives through advocacy, education,
research, technology, and programs encouraging
independence and self-confidence.  It is the
leading force in the blindness field today and
the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004
the NFB opened the National Federation of the
Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and
training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.


_______________________________________________
Chapter-presidents mailing list
Chapter-presidents at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Chapter-presidents:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/chapter-presidents_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Mar 29 23:59:10 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:59:10 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Rio Racers Info
Message-ID: <r2m5e4f6adf1003291659le329f524jaa115ac804239c3c@mail.gmail.com>

Hello,

Hope all you guys are doing well. We have set up the team for the race
for independence as we decided to do at our last meeting. The
information is as follows:

Go to this link, and you will have to sign up with the site, and then
make sure you join The Rio Racers! And we will all be on our way to
race for independence.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/TR/Campaign/General?team_id=3331&pg=team&fr_id=1070

Fundraiser information to follow.

A.	Z.



From braille at sbcglobal.net  Wed Mar 31 00:15:28 2010
From: braille at sbcglobal.net (Mary Donahue)
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:15:28 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner
Message-ID: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>

Hello everyone,

    It is with great news that I inform you that, upon receiving my Braille 
Readers Are Leaders winning packet yesterday, I found out that I placed 
third in the Expert Braille Readers category. Not only that, I was placed in 
a drawing, and one a $50 prize in the Expert category's drawing. Everyone 
who participated in the contest received a T-shirt and a certificate of 
participation. Since I submitted the contest entry forms by email, I also 
received a LED key chain that lights up, and a certificate for being one of 
the top three winners in the Expert category. I was on a high for about 24 
hours afterwards, but I think I am finally coming down from the mountain. If 
I still lived in Austin, I would have to pay a dollar for bragging. I'll let 
the other members decide that.

    Anyway, this news is just for your information. Pete may put a notice 
about my winning on the Web site, but that's up to you, A.Z. I won't say any 
more until it''s certain to put such a notice up.

    At any rate, those are my thoughts for now, and as the moderator, please 
keep those discussions coming!

Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and List Moderator





From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Mar 31 00:44:08 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:44:08 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner
In-Reply-To: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>
References: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>
Message-ID: <l2y5e4f6adf1003301744o8d45af79gaa8c58e7e6f23328@mail.gmail.com>

Congradulations Mary! That is great news. If Pete would like, go ahead
and add that on our website under our announcements.

On 3/30/10, Mary Donahue <braille at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Hello everyone,
>
>     It is with great news that I inform you that, upon receiving my Braille
> Readers Are Leaders winning packet yesterday, I found out that I placed
> third in the Expert Braille Readers category. Not only that, I was placed in
> a drawing, and one a $50 prize in the Expert category's drawing. Everyone
> who participated in the contest received a T-shirt and a certificate of
> participation. Since I submitted the contest entry forms by email, I also
> received a LED key chain that lights up, and a certificate for being one of
> the top three winners in the Expert category. I was on a high for about 24
> hours afterwards, but I think I am finally coming down from the mountain. If
> I still lived in Austin, I would have to pay a dollar for bragging. I'll let
> the other members decide that.
>
>     Anyway, this news is just for your information. Pete may put a notice
> about my winning on the Web site, but that's up to you, A.Z. I won't say any
> more until it''s certain to put such a notice up.
>
>     At any rate, those are my thoughts for now, and as the moderator, please
> keep those discussions coming!
>
> Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and List Moderator
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>



From braille at sbcglobal.net  Wed Mar 31 01:52:20 2010
From: braille at sbcglobal.net (Mary Donahue)
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:52:20 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner
References: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>
	<l2y5e4f6adf1003301744o8d45af79gaa8c58e7e6f23328@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <080DA2D66864411DB61F74FD5D773776@valued3a11ee5d>

That sounds like a plan. Thanks.

Mary Donahue


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jose Martinez" <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com>
To: "San Antonio Texas Chapter Mailing List" <nfbsatx at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 7:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner


> Congradulations Mary! That is great news. If Pete would like, go ahead
> and add that on our website under our announcements.
>
> On 3/30/10, Mary Donahue <braille at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>>     It is with great news that I inform you that, upon receiving my 
>> Braille
>> Readers Are Leaders winning packet yesterday, I found out that I placed
>> third in the Expert Braille Readers category. Not only that, I was placed 
>> in
>> a drawing, and one a $50 prize in the Expert category's drawing. Everyone
>> who participated in the contest received a T-shirt and a certificate of
>> participation. Since I submitted the contest entry forms by email, I also
>> received a LED key chain that lights up, and a certificate for being one 
>> of
>> the top three winners in the Expert category. I was on a high for about 
>> 24
>> hours afterwards, but I think I am finally coming down from the mountain. 
>> If
>> I still lived in Austin, I would have to pay a dollar for bragging. I'll 
>> let
>> the other members decide that.
>>
>>     Anyway, this news is just for your information. Pete may put a notice
>> about my winning on the Web site, but that's up to you, A.Z. I won't say 
>> any
>> more until it''s certain to put such a notice up.
>>
>>     At any rate, those are my thoughts for now, and as the moderator, 
>> please
>> keep those discussions coming!
>>
>> Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and List Moderator
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Nfbsatx mailing list
>> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> Nfbsatx:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/jose.martinez07%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Nfbsatx mailing list
> Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Nfbsatx:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/braille%40sbcglobal.net 




From bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net  Wed Mar 31 02:46:35 2010
From: bryanbaldwin at grandecom.net (Bryan Baldwin)
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:46:35 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner
In-Reply-To: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>
References: <82100E90E37C4BD8B8E4CE449B29DFBB@valued3a11ee5d>
Message-ID: <001501cad07c$617a0830$246e1890$@net>

Congratulations Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbsatx-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Mary Donahue
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 7:15 PM
To: nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Braille Readers Are Leaders Third Place Winner

Hello everyone,

    It is with great news that I inform you that, upon receiving my Braille 
Readers Are Leaders winning packet yesterday, I found out that I placed 
third in the Expert Braille Readers category. Not only that, I was placed in

a drawing, and one a $50 prize in the Expert category's drawing. Everyone 
who participated in the contest received a T-shirt and a certificate of 
participation. Since I submitted the contest entry forms by email, I also 
received a LED key chain that lights up, and a certificate for being one of 
the top three winners in the Expert category. I was on a high for about 24 
hours afterwards, but I think I am finally coming down from the mountain. If

I still lived in Austin, I would have to pay a dollar for bragging. I'll let

the other members decide that.

    Anyway, this news is just for your information. Pete may put a notice 
about my winning on the Web site, but that's up to you, A.Z. I won't say any

more until it''s certain to put such a notice up.

    At any rate, those are my thoughts for now, and as the moderator, please

keep those discussions coming!

Mary Donahue, Chapter Secretary and List Moderator



_______________________________________________
Nfbsatx mailing list
Nfbsatx at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Nfbsatx:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbsatx_nfbnet.org/bryanbaldwin%40grandeco
m.net





From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Mar 31 22:39:26 2010
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:39:26 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Deadline to Reserve your Hotel Room
In-Reply-To: <r2p350742171003311254pb2d8d9a8t8559ccc7a4eda7d8@mail.gmail.com>
References: <r2p350742171003311254pb2d8d9a8t8559ccc7a4eda7d8@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <n2l5e4f6adf1003311539oa19143aewb76538c82ddd199e@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Juan Del Rosario <blindrocker87 at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:54:20 -0500
Subject: [TABS] Deadline to Reserve your Hotel Room
To: tabs_students at googlegroups.com

Hello TABSters!
Just a friendly reminder that the deadline to reserve your hotel rooms is
Friday, April 2,2010 at 5pm.

the hotel information is
The Crowne Plaza Downtown
1700 Smith St. Houston TX. 77002
Website: www.cpdwontwon.com
Reservations: 713-739-8800
Room Rates are $89 a night.
Prices are the same for a single, double, triple or quadruple rate
DEADLINE TO BOOK YOUR SUITE IS APRIL 2,2010

normally, the rates are over $120. if you are planning on attending this
conference,
please make sure you have somewhere to stay.

if you have not registered for our conference, you may do so at
http://www.nfb-texas.org/tabs_2010%20Spring%20Conference%20Registration.html

please make sure you don't miss this wonderful event.


-- 
-Juan Del Rosario
President
Texas Association of Blind Students
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html

-- 
The Texas Association of Blind Students
Web Site:
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Toll Free: 877-887-5902

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