From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Apr  1 00:52:38 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:52:38 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TPOBC] Tangled DVD with DVS
In-Reply-To: <495686.31787.qm@web31002.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <495686.31787.qm@web31002.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <AANLkTim-1DCWjLTmJZzBr2Q4nfJyPwNuEV4KTNXhjnAd@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michele Chauvin <michelechauvin at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:49:27 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [TPOBC] Tangled DVD with DVS
To: TX VIfamily <txvifamily at topica.com>, TPOBC Group <tpobc at googlegroups.com>

Disney's animated movie Tangled was released on DVD this week on March 29.  It
is available with Descriptive Video Service for blind and visually impaired
audiences.  The D))) symbol is on all the packages, including standard (wide
screen), blue-ray, and 4 pack of 3D/blue-ray/standard/digital copy.  Prices
range from $15-25 online and $20-35 in stores.  Lauren went to this movie
without DVS (we described it) at a theater in Houston with her cousins then
later went again at a theater with DVS with a friend.  We enjoyed it
and thought
it was a smart and funny movie.  A little something for boys and girls, as well
as adults.

Tangled
adisney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/

 Michele Chauvin
Mom to Lauren, 10 yrs blind due to ROP



From jamessofka at att.net  Sat Apr  2 08:49:52 2011
From: jamessofka at att.net (James Sofka)
Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2011 03:49:52 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: [Blindtlk] technology position opening in Texas
Message-ID: <31864519095743B288649F9C1C4310A4@valuedd37chkj3>

Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Andrews" <dandrews at visi.com>
To: <jobs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 10:03 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] technology position opening in Texas


>
>>
>>Greetings. this is regarding a position in the technology department
>>at the criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. A position has recently
>>become available at this adult training center for the blind in
>>Austin, Texas. This is the state's training center. the position will
>>be open until April 14. Criss cole helps blind adults regain their
>>independence, or build on what skills they already have. Criss Cole
>>has a very good policy for those with guide dogs, mainly that the
>>student must not use the dog for 4 hours of the day, but they have the
>>option of using their dog guide the rest of the training day. this is
>>more progressive in my humble opinion as compared to other training
>>centers. I am not trying to start debate on this, just pointing out
>>the policy at Criss cole. I have been working at criss cole for the
>>past 5 years and have very much enjoyed it. I can say from experience
>>that the technology department does not have openings very often, at
>>least compared to other departments at the center. Those that are
>>interested are highly encouraged to apply. In general, the person
>>would need to be familiar with JAWS, Windows, and other Microsoft
>>Office related software. the person would also need to be willing to
>>undergo blindfold training and wear a blindfold if they are low vision
>>or sighted. To read more about the requirements and other job details,
>>go to the following link:
>>
>>https://rm.accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=173015&szReturnToSearch=1&&szWordsToHighlight=ccrc
>>
>>
>>
>>If that link doesn't work, then go to the following form, use CCRC as
>>the keyword and set the location as Austin:
>>
>>
>>
>>https://rm.accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/careerportal/default.cfm?szUniqueCareerPortalID=fbc767e0-795a-412f-8897-431b08f314e8
>>
>>
>>Good luck,
>>wayne Merritt, Technology instructor
>>Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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 jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Apr  3 17:12:21 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2011 12:12:21 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [nfb-texas members] Please Join Us: Legislation 101:
 Processes and Tips for Being an Effective Advocate
In-Reply-To: <B9B7EC93F4694FCB9FDFF2A28B284665@D6J7D821>
References: <B9B7EC93F4694FCB9FDFF2A28B284665@D6J7D821>
Message-ID: <BANLkTinZdGKWPssmeNgzEwmtv5ra1gnE-g@mail.gmail.com>

Reminder! This is today.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kimberly Aguillard Flores <kimberly.aguillard at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:04:04 -0500
Subject: [nfb-texas members] Please Join Us: Legislation 101:
Processes and Tips for Being an Effective Advocate
To: members at nfb-texas.org
Cc: nfbt-lac at googlegroups.com

Federationists,

Let's face it: it has probably been a while since most of us have taken a
Texas government course. So, in order to best assist you in your advocacy
efforts, we are offering a teleconference titled Legislation 101: Processes
and Tips for Being an Effective Advocate. This will offer a brief overview
of the stages a bill must go through in order to be enacted, including all
opportunities for revisions, debate, or amendments. We will conclude the
overview with a detailed discussion of HB 3629 and other pertinent
hot-button issues. There will be time at the end for questions.

This conference call will take place on Sunday, April 3, at 3:00 PM. Call in
information is below.
712-432-3900 Conference Access Code:
 588818#
Please share this information with your chapters and divisions, and
encourage participation so we are an informed membership. It is a complex
and intricate process, so let's all brush up so we know what to expect and
can remain one step ahead.

All the best,
Kimberly Flores

PS. Special thanks to Diane Yoder and Gabriel Cazares for their
collaboration on this initiative. If you would like to be involved in the
planning, please email me off-list.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Apr  3 17:40:48 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2011 12:40:48 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Important,
Message-ID: <BANLkTim8i51mgo72JDdrYn+H_3LCjyEWbw@mail.gmail.com>

We are enlisting the assistance of current and past blind high school
and college students in Texas by asking them to take a few minutes to
complete this survey, which is aiming to help us collect data about
the tuition exemption for blind students. Please answer questions
truthfully and timely. The responses will be used to develop a fact
sheet on this issue. You can take this survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZGDX2GB



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Apr  3 17:41:39 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2011 12:41:39 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] important
Message-ID: <BANLkTimOxiCE_oLFGQ5a7F_4DHbmy2JCLQ@mail.gmail.com>

We are enlisting the assistance of current and past blind high school
and college students in Texas by asking them to take a few minutes to
complete this survey, which is aiming to help us collect data about
the tuition exemption for blind students. Please answer questions
truthfully and timely. The responses will be used to develop a fact
sheet on this issue. You can take this survey at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZGDX2GB



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Apr  4 03:45:27 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2011 22:45:27 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [nfb-texas members] Legislative Handouts
In-Reply-To: <8893B6B058FC4D7E93F8E0F8144D8C61@D6J7D821>
References: <8893B6B058FC4D7E93F8E0F8144D8C61@D6J7D821>
Message-ID: <BANLkTinH8KX0ByURqAOHdE4Bu=AvP8-TqA@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kimberly Aguillard Flores <kimberly.aguillard at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2011 22:27:58 -0500
Subject: [nfb-texas members] Legislative Handouts
To: members at nfb-texas.org

Hello all,

Thanks to those of you who were able to attend the Legislative 101
conference call this afternoon. I hope you found it informative.

Gabriel Cazares did a fantastic job leading the discussion, and he has
also provided two helpful handouts, which are attached to this
message. Additionally, the recorded presentation will be available
soon. I will send that information out shortly.

Finally, here again are some helpful talking points regarding HB 3629.
Following are individuals to make it a point to contact:

Members of the Human Services Committee:

      Chair: Rep. Richard Pena Raymond
      Vice Chair: Rep. Geanie Morrison
      Members: Rep. Naomi Gonzalez
     Rep. Chuck Hopson
     Rep. Bryan Hughes
     Rep. Todd Hunter
     Rep. Jodie Laubenberg
     Rep. Elliott Naishtat
     Rep. Van Taylor


Others to contact might include Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant
Governor David Dewhurst, and Health and Human Services Commissioner
Tom Suehs.





Talking Points for HB3629

The Issue: HB3629 aims to abolish DARS and consolidate programs into other
existing agencies. The impetus behind the consolidation is to save
administrative costs.  The justification for this consolidation is that
consumer services will not change and the only change will be that the
administration of the program will be streamlined.

Why is this a problem?
1. The experience in other states has been that in a larger agency, the
focus is not primarily on the vocational rehabilitation program as it is in
DARS.  The larger agency has many programs to administer, most larger than
the VR program.

2. The training department at the large agency has to focus on training
staff with varied job descriptions and duties. Currently, the DARS staff
responsible for providing training focus solely on training DBS staff on the
complex issues related to blindness. These staff are trained to be experts
in the blindness field which takes significant time and knowledge.

3. The purchasing department at the large agency will have no concept of the
nuances related to purchasing services for consumers; the DARS
purchasers understand consumers' needs and the importance of obtaining
services quickly and efficiently.

4. The Information Technology staff at a large agency will not think it
important for software applications to be accessible with the rationale that
the % of staff requiring accessibility is small; the DARS IT staff
understand the importance of accessibility (which is a legal requirement).

5. The Commissioner of a large agency has many areas of responsibility and
VR would be one of the smaller programs and likely one of the smaller
priorities as already indicated in the proposed bill. In the current
structure, the DARS Commissioner is focused only on rehabilitation programs
and primarily the vocational rehabilitation program.

6. In the interest of saving money, It is also likely that consideration
would be given to having only a single division to serve persons with all
types of disabilities rather than having a separate division for blind
services.  Statistics show that states with a separate agency or division
for the blind help significantly more blind people go to work each year than
states where the services are combined.  While there are some additional
administrative costs in having a separate department for rehabilitation
programs and a separate unit for blind services, the costs are worth it in
terms of the quality of services provided as a result and in the long run,
when vocational rehabilitation services are structured in such a way that
their services are a priority, the consumers receive the greatest benefit
and in the end, it is assisting more persons with disabilities to be
employed.

I have also attached a fact sheet to this email which expresses NFBT's
position on HB3629 and urges full funding of VR programs, as well as
DBS's children's program.

Please continue to apply pressure and make your voices heard. Also
engage your friends, families, and communities. There is still time,
but we must take action now.

Thanks so much for your work on behalf of blind Texans.

Best,
Kimberly Flores
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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Apr  5 23:31:57 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 18:31:57 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Plate sell donations request!
Message-ID: <BANLkTikFpDT+cKqzwXyqTa3GU80F9wgpGA@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Chapter Members:

We are gearing up for our final fundraiser before our Braille class
and national convention. And we need your help! As you remember, our
plate sell is quickly coming up, May 7 to be exact, and we are looking
for individuals who would be interested in helping out with donating
items. The items that we need donated are as follows:

?       1 10lb Charcoal and Lighter Fluid
?       Ice
3 12 pack of sodas
?       1 3 ?pack of Paper Towels
?       1large box Trash Bags
?       1 large box heavy duty Aluminum foil
?       1 box Plastic Gloves
?       Small Plastic containers with lids
 ?       Serving utensils
?       Large Serving Bowls or Tupper ware
?       Large ice chests

Food
?        Cooked Rice
?       Cooked Beans

We can accept donations of items listed above or cash donations to
help to purchase these items.

If you are interested in signing up for any one of these items, please
let me know or Denise at:

210-897-6434

We are looking for a few more cooks that would be able to cook the
fajitas from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. If you know of someone who would be
able to do this, please let us know.

Thank you to all in advance, and let?s make this plate sell the best one yet!

A.	Z.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Apr  6 22:50:26 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2011 17:50:26 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB SA April update
Message-ID: <BANLkTind0XLmFJBT6PTmm=tkYhUXWkDz-w@mail.gmail.com>

Welcome to your April update:

The month of March was a very busy month for us. We started by
attending two conferences at the start of the month, the low vision
expo and the hand by hand conference. We had great reception at both
conferences and we could not have done this with out the help from
every single one of you.

We also had a fundraiser with Chili?s which went rather well.

But one of our biggest projects that we are currently encountering has
to do with our legislator and their budget cuts. Things are being
presented that would hinder a blind person?s ability to receive
resources that would help them become independent and contribute to
their local communities, and we have been extremely active in
educating our Texas State Representatives and Senators on these issues
to make sure that that does not happen! For more information on these
issues, make plans to attend our meeting this month, our legislative
chair will be updating us on the status of these issues. Or you can
also check out our website where you can find an in-depth compilations
of documents dealing with where the NFB of Texas stands.

WWW.NFBSATX.ORG

We have a busy month ahead of us as we prepare for our final
fundraiser of the spring. Our plate sell is set to happen on May 7 at
Rodriguez Park, located at:

Rodriguez County Park
6098 Jerome Rd, San Antonio, TX 78227

Near the intersection of Jerome Rd and Gena Rd

The event will be from 12 to 4 pm. We are looking for donations for
items that are needed, and also people to sell tickets. If you are
interested in doing something for this event please let us know as
soon as you can. We will be sending more reminders of what is needed
through the coming weeks.

The launch date for the Braille class is Saturday May 21. Preparations
are being made for the official announcement and registration form to
be released in the coming days.

Our meeting is going to be on Saturday April 16, from 1 to 3 pm at the
San Antonio Lighthouse. I hope to see you all out there.

A. Z.



From jamessofka at att.net  Thu Apr  7 10:36:58 2011
From: jamessofka at att.net (James Sofka)
Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 05:36:58 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fw: Last Chance to Enter to Win an iPad 2: AFB Still
	Needs Your Input!
Message-ID: <2B1F9555E1664B37AB2BA7E6C6FED4B4@valuedd37chkj3>

Dear :    Hi, all.
For your information.
Jim Sofka.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: AFB Survey 
To: jamessofka at att.net 
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 2:41 PM
Subject: Last Chance to Enter to Win an iPad 2: AFB Still Needs Your Input!


Dear james:



You may have missed the recent e-mail from the American Foundation for the Blind asking you to participate in a special AFB survey. We really need your input. 



Please take a few minutes today to complete the survey and become eligible for the drawing to win an Apple iPad 2. (You must complete the survey by April 8 to be included in the drawing.) Plus, all respondents will receive a 10% discount coupon for use in the AFB Online Bookstore through the month of April. 



The URL for this survey is: 



http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?Mode=Survey&SurveyID=135&special=5453



Thank you in advance for your time and participation!



American Foundation for the Blind



If you do not wish to receive unsolicited e-mails from AFB, please respond to this e-mail with "REMOVE" in the subject line.


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From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Apr  9 21:55:11 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 16:55:11 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] April NFB SA chapter meeting
Message-ID: <BANLkTikDyB70OUi6Y_-mwvH=qWO4wFfNww@mail.gmail.com>

NFB Monthly Chapter Meeting

Come join the NFB local chapter at this months meeting at our new location!

Date: Saturday, April 16,

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Location: San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind
2305 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78210
(Employees Lunch Room, on the west side of Roosevelt Avenue south of Eads)

Please note, if you are taking Via Trans, the drop off will be at the
front of the building!

Agenda
 	Local and national update
 	Committees Row call
 	Future events
 	Plate sell, May 7!

Refreshments will be served!

The National Federation of The Blind is the voice of the nation?s
blind and leader in blindness related projects such as The Blind
Driver Challenge. For more information go to:

WWW.NFBSATX.ORG



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Apr 11 21:37:49 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:37:49 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] updated list of plate sell items that are needed
Message-ID: <BANLkTintSpXPYvYkBi7vtjE0QVcGb2DcxQ@mail.gmail.com>

Dear chapter members:

First of all, I would like to thank all of the people who already
signed up to donate an item for the plate sell! Your help is greatly
appreciated. And if you have yet to sign up, you still have time. Here
are some items that we are still needing.

1.	Charcoal and Lighter  Fluid
2.	more Serving utensils
3. Large Serving Bowls or Tupper ware
4. Ice chest
5. roasters
6. We need 1 more pot of rice and beans
7. About 3 more cooks
8. Cash donations to purchase Chicken fajitas

If you would be able to donate one of these particular items, please
let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks again!

A.	Z.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Apr 12 00:29:02 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:29:02 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Important message about meeting,
	please read! We are coming home!
Message-ID: <BANLkTimm9KShF=WHTJniskmLEnuieBqnGA@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Chapter Members,

I apologize for the late notice, but we are going to have to move our
meeting scheduled for this Saturday from The San Antonio Lighthouse to
the DBS office conference room, located at:

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)

The times will remain the same; meeting will start at 1 and go till 3 pm.

The reason for the late notice is because I was notified today that
The San Antonio Lighthouse would no longer be able to accommodate our
needs. So please make the arrangements that are necessary in order to
attend the meeting this Saturday!

Thank you in advance for your understanding and I look forward to
seeing you at the NFB SA chapter meeting this Saturday at the DBS
conference room! We are coming home!

A. Z.



From ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com  Tue Apr 12 00:46:31 2011
From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com (Cindy Garcia)
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:46:31 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] updated list of plate sell items that are needed
In-Reply-To: <BANLkTintSpXPYvYkBi7vtjE0QVcGb2DcxQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <BANLkTintSpXPYvYkBi7vtjE0QVcGb2DcxQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4FCD9170-0F61-4DCF-8D19-08352632A8EA@yahoo.com>

Questian, ho many roasters, ice chests, and such will foks need to bring?  Will it e asumed that who brings the chests brings the ice?  If so, how much?  Also, how many containers do you need?



Cindy Garcia

On Apr 11, 2011, at 4:37 PM, Jose Martinez <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear chapter members:
> 
> First of all, I would like to thank all of the people who already
> signed up to donate an item for the plate sell! Your help is greatly
> appreciated. And if you have yet to sign up, you still have time. Here
> are some items that we are still needing.
> 
> 1.    Charcoal and Lighter  Fluid
> 2.    more Serving utensils
> 3. Large Serving Bowls or Tupper ware
> 4. Ice chest
> 5. roasters
> 6. We need 1 more pot of rice and beans
> 7. About 3 more cooks
> 8. Cash donations to purchase Chicken fajitas
> 
> If you would be able to donate one of these particular items, please
> let me know as soon as possible.
> 
> Thanks again!
> 
> 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/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com



From ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com  Tue Apr 12 00:46:31 2011
From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com (Cindy Garcia)
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:46:31 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] updated list of plate sell items that are needed
In-Reply-To: <BANLkTintSpXPYvYkBi7vtjE0QVcGb2DcxQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <BANLkTintSpXPYvYkBi7vtjE0QVcGb2DcxQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4FCD9170-0F61-4DCF-8D19-08352632A8EA@yahoo.com>

Questian, ho many roasters, ice chests, and such will foks need to bring?  Will it e asumed that who brings the chests brings the ice?  If so, how much?  Also, how many containers do you need?



Cindy Garcia

On Apr 11, 2011, at 4:37 PM, Jose Martinez <jose.martinez07 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Dear chapter members:
> 
> First of all, I would like to thank all of the people who already
> signed up to donate an item for the plate sell! Your help is greatly
> appreciated. And if you have yet to sign up, you still have time. Here
> are some items that we are still needing.
> 
> 1.    Charcoal and Lighter  Fluid
> 2.    more Serving utensils
> 3. Large Serving Bowls or Tupper ware
> 4. Ice chest
> 5. roasters
> 6. We need 1 more pot of rice and beans
> 7. About 3 more cooks
> 8. Cash donations to purchase Chicken fajitas
> 
> If you would be able to donate one of these particular items, please
> let me know as soon as possible.
> 
> Thanks again!
> 
> 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/ccgarcia2005%40yahoo.com



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Thu Apr 14 11:36:03 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:36:03 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB chapter meeting reminder
Message-ID: <BANLkTi=ZogPBRm8VYD4niRbbTrGWN0grOA@mail.gmail.com>

Reminder,

Please remember that we are meeting at the DBS conference room located at:

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 Saturday from 1 to 3 pm.

See you all this Saturday!

A.	Z.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Apr 15 00:21:38 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:21:38 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [nfb-texas members] Website Analysis
In-Reply-To: <B5DE005093D345438B308E24F10D9C4D@Rufus>
References: <B5DE005093D345438B308E24F10D9C4D@Rufus>
Message-ID: <BANLkTikjYZNv6yTLf50+m0=B3dsrNnJUqw@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:18:13 -0400
Subject: [nfb-texas members] Website Analysis
To: members at nfb-texas.org

Hello all,

I have a huge favor to ask of users of Window Eyes, System Access, NDA,
VoiceOver and whatever other screen reader out there that isn't JAWS.  I'd
like to make sure the content at the site below is as accessible as
possible.  The audience is of an international scope, so your feedback will
be of significant assistance.  I have enough JAWS people, hence the
exclusion.  Any feedback, no matter how brutally critical, is encouraged,
and your assistance in helping me forward this to relevant lists would be
very much appreciated.  When you respond, please tell me what screen reader
and version you're using.  Thanks in advance!

http://www.changemakers.com/competitions

Best,

Joe

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves,
some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all."--Sam Ewing



From ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com  Wed Apr 20 04:10:51 2011
From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com (Cindy Garcia)
Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:10:51 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Nfbsatx] FW: [nfb-texas members] Fwd: DARS and other Legislative
	Session Update 4/13
Message-ID: <82984.27869.qm@web112605.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

I thought i would pass this along just in case you have not received this.

Cindy Garcia
Chapter Secretary

----Forwarded Message----
From: ccgarcia2005 at yahoo.com
To: members at nfb-texas.org
Sent: Tue Apr 19th, 2011 2:56 PM CDT
Subject: [nfb-texas members] Fwd: DARS and other Legislative Session Update 4/13

Please see below for legislative updates.

...Gabe

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kim Cunningham <kim at gulfimagesphoto.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:14:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: DARS and other Legislative Session Update 4/13

I just received this and thought I would share it.
Kim Cunningham



-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Scott [mailto:JScott at afb.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2011 4:58 PM
To: bbrookshire at austin.rr.com; Mary Ann Siller
Subject: DARS and other Legislative Session Update 4/13

** We have permission to share as is.  Please distribute to your networks.
Judy

This afternoon DARS will be at a Senate Finance Committee (SFC) hearing
where the panel is expected to take up pending items and riders for health
and human services in the general appropriations bill.  During its most
recent action on DARS, Senate Finance Committee restored nearly all DARS
programs to current funding levels and restored 20 staff positions in the
Blind Children's Program.  The one exception is Early Childhood Intervention
(ECI), where proposed funding for FY2012-13 remains below current levels but
higher than in the introduced appropriations bill.

This represents significant support from the Senate and keeps DARS' programs
on the front burner during conference committee.  Before we get to
conference committee (where the House and Senate iron out their differences
on the budget) the full Senate has to consider the SFC's recommendations and
vote out its version of the appropriations bill.  That should happen
sometime later this month.  Once appointed, the conference committee will
likely work right up to the end of session, leaving just enough time to get
the bill to the floor of each chamber for a final vote.  There is a
possibility that the budget may not be completed before the end of session,
in which case legislators would have to meet in a special session this
summer.

On the House side, the full House took up and debated its version of the
appropriations bill from April1 through April 3.  There were hundreds of
amendments offered and DARS benefited in a number of ways.  We received an
additional $10 million each year (from the introduced appropriations bill)
for the ECI program, full funding of $3.3 million each year for the Autism
program and full restoration of $6.5 million each year for the Comprehensive
Rehabilitation Services program.   A separate amendment fully funds all
children's programs (ECI, Blind Children's Program, Autism Program) at DARS,
including caseload growth, contingent upon passage of legislation related to
an assessment on subscription video service providers.  We will watch this
legislation closely.

HB 3629 by Representative Shelton, the "DARS consolidation bill," is still
pending in committee and is not scheduled for a hearing at this time.  The
House has until May 9th to report bills from committee and until May 13th to
get bills out of the House and over to the Senate.  The Senate would have to
schedule a hearing of its own on the bill and also debate it on the floor.
The Senate has until May 27th to do so.  While there is still time to move
bills through the process, time is getting short.

I know many of you have questions about bills related to furloughs, changes
in health benefits, pay, and other human resources topics.  There are a
number of these bills we continue to watch and you may find a list along
with current status at the following link:
http://darsnetmoss.dars.txnet.state.tx.us/sites/cc/cpc/82Leg/Human%20Resourc
es%20HR%20Bills/Forms/AllItems.aspx
<http://darsnetmoss.dars.txnet.state.tx.us/sites/cc/cpc/82Leg/Human%20Resour
ces%20HR%20Bills/Forms/AllItems.aspx>

While I understand that some of these bills may be concerning to you,
please remember that a lot will happen before any of these proposals could
become final.

Overall, DARS is faring well this session.  It is clear to me that
legislators value our programs and are doing all they can to ensure our
consumers' needs are met within the constraints of the revenue environment.
And our stakeholders have been great partners in helping decision-makers
understand the importance of our programs and services.  Much will happen
between now and May 30th, so stay tuned.  I will update you again soon.

But most importantly, thank you for ensuring that the important work of the
agency continues as I focus my attention on the Session.  I do so knowing
that each of you is making sure that our consumers are getting the services
they rely on.

Thank you,

Debra

Debra Wanser
Interim Commissioner
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
512-377-0600








-- 
Gabriel M. Cazares,
2nd Vice President
Texas Association of Blind Students - TABS
(A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas)
www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Phone: 713-581-0619
"Of course, loyalty to one's friends is an important principle. But so
is writing what you believe--otherwise, why bother to write at
all?"-Arianna Huffington




From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Tue Apr 26 02:31:02 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:31:02 -0500
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFBSA Second Annual Plate Sell
Message-ID: <BANLkTikv13S6kWx5xR6kRm5YUBk+6bXSfg@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Members and Friends of the Federation:

The San Antonio Chapter is hosting the final fundraiser for the spring
to help raise funds for the Braille Class that is slated to start on
May 21.

The NFB SA Chapter is working on becoming a resource for blind or
sited individuals young or old who are interested in learning Braille
here in San Antonio. But we need your help! The class will be offered
once a month with optional opportunities to hold study sessions
through out the month all free of charge!

For this we are hosting a plate sell at Rodriguez County Park on
Saturday, May 7 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Rodriguez County Park
6098 Jerome Rd, San Antonio, TX 78227

Near the intersection of Jerome Rd and Gena Rd, right off of Old HighWay 90!

Plates are 5 dollars, and consist of Chicken/beef fagita tacos plus
rice and beans!

If you are interested in purchasing a ticket please contact myself or
one of our members!

Plates will be available for pick up after 12:00 pm at the park
kitchen located at pavilion one!

The National federation of The Blind San Antonio Chapter is a non
profit organization devoted to the advancement and success of all
blind individuals. All events and projects that we are involved in and
are able to make a success is because of your support. We hope that
you consider helping this cause! Thank you in advance for your
continued support!

Best
Jose Martinez
President
NFB San Antonio
WWW.NFBSATX.ORG