From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Jan  3 22:20:04 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 16:20:04 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: Reminder of the upcoming LAW Program
In-Reply-To: <7638A85981599142811F69FBB9508B6B03A7CE2C@FPNTEXCBE01.services.local>
References: <7638A85981599142811F69FBB9508B6B03A7CE2C@FPNTEXCBE01.services.local>
Message-ID: <AANLkTin5QrGyL=-LoR0E4DLDOHHhiLVVhZPLKpzd9mQt@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Kobelinski, Melissa" <MKobelinski at nfb.org>
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2011 08:35:28 -0500
Subject: Reminder of the upcoming LAW Program
To:

The National Federation of the Blind Announces the 2011 NFB Leadership
and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program



Engaging the Voice of America's Blind Youth



April 8-12, 2011



This four-day experience will provide blind and low-vision students in
grades six to nine, or ages twelve to sixteen, with a unique opportunity
to explore the inner workings of our country's government, its history,
and its culture, while staying at the headquarters for the National
Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to learning
about the history of the organized blindness civil rights movement, how
resolutions are passed, and how blindness legislation is created,
participants will become familiar with advocacy work for blind
individuals and available resources for blind students and adults.
Highlights of the program include: visits to historical sites in
Washington, D.C., meetings with influential government leaders,
presentations by prominent leaders from the largest blindness advocacy
group in the country, a tour of the National Federation of the Blind
national headquarters, and opportunities to interact with technology
from the International Braille and Technology Center, the largest lab of
Braille and speech products for the blind.



Twenty-four students will be accepted for the LAW program. All accepted
students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or
blind/low-vision mentor from their home state. There will be a $250 fee
per student/chaperone pair. Transportation, room, and board will be
provided for students and chaperones.



Apply now by going to www.nfb.org/LAWProgram. Applications are due by
February 1, 2011. For more information, contact Treva Olivero, Education
Program Specialist, at (410) 659-9314, extension 2295, or by e-mail at
teolivero at nfb.org.





Melissa Kobelinski

The Jernigan Institute

Nation Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street
at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext 2423



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Jan  5 01:13:27 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2011 19:13:27 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] 2011 NFB Youth Slam
In-Reply-To: <auto-000188587275@mailfront1.g2host.com>
References: <auto-000188587275@mailfront1.g2host.com>
Message-ID: <AANLkTi=tOzcEepBytgv-gg+5We18LbrFABB1A5MruX=D@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Hartle, Mary Jo" <mhartle at nfb.org>
Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:14:03 -0600
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] 2011 NFB Youth Slam
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org


Don't forget to apply for the third biennial NFB Youth Slam.  There's
sure to be something for everyone.  We guarantee this summer program
will be like no other you've ever been to before!  One hundred and
fifty blind and low vision students from all across the country will
be selected to attend this five-day adventure, to be held in
Baltimore, Maryland, at Towson University July 17-23,2011.



While staying on a college campus, students will be mentored by blind
role models during fun and challenging activities designed to build
confidence and increase science literacy.  Participants will also
have the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as
leadership, career preparation, and blindness.  In addition, students
and mentors will take part in a variety of social events throughout
the week.  Come to the NFB Youth Slam and meet other blind and low
vision students from all over the United States!



Interested students who will be age fourteen at the time of the
program, and are starting high school (ninth grade) in the fall of
2011 or are currently in high school (including those graduating in
the spring of 2011) should complete an application online at
<http://www.blindscience.org>www.blindscience.org before March 1,
2011.  Students need not have a strong interest in science,
technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate,
enjoy, and benefit from this extraordinary experience. Adult
volunteers are also needed for this program, and Volunteer
applications can also be found at the site.



If you have any questions about the NFB Youth Slam, please visit the
Web site or contact Mary Jo Hartle, Director of Education, NFB
Jernigan Institute,

(410) 659-9314, extension 2407, or e-mail
<mailto:YouthSlam at nfb.org>YouthSlam at nfb.org.



Keep up on the latest with the NFB Youth Slam at our blog on
<http://www.blindscience.org>www.blindscience.org or follow
NFBScience on Twitter.





Mary Jo T. Hartle



Mary Jo Thorpe-Hartle, MEd, NOMC

Director of Education
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410)659-9314 ext. 2407
Email: <mailto:mhartle at nfb.org>mhartle at nfb.org
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Jan  5 23:50:48 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2011 17:50:48 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] President Signs Pedestrian
 Safety Enhancement Act
In-Reply-To: <auto-000188739697@mailfront1.g2host.com>
References: <auto-000188739697@mailfront1.g2host.com>
Message-ID: <AANLkTikZKgRC=GtOEU1FFEQsfZLtFXyo6UJHVmpCY-4C@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Freeh, Jessica" <JFreeh at nfb.org>
Date: Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:15:46 -0600
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] President Signs Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act
To: nfbnet-members-list 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)

cdanielsen at nfb.org




President Signs Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act

Washington, D.C. (January 5, 2011): The National Federation of the
Blind today commended President Barrack Obama for signing into law
the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (S. 841), which will protect
the blind and other pedestrians from injury as a result of silent
vehicle technology.

"The National Federation of the Blind is pleased that this critical
legislation has been signed into law, preserving the right to safe
and independent travel for the blind," said Dr. Marc Maurer,
President of the National Federation of the Blind.  "The blind, like
all pedestrians, must be able to travel to work, to school, to
church, and to other places in our communities, and we must be able
to hear vehicles in order to do so.  This law, which is the result of
collaboration among blind Americans, automobile manufacturers, and
legislators, will benefit all pedestrians for generations to come as
new vehicle technologies become more prevalent.  We look forward to
working with the Department of Transportation throughout the
regulatory process."

Because blind pedestrians cannot locate and evaluate traffic using
their vision, they must listen to traffic to discern its speed,
direction, and other attributes in order to travel safely and
independently.  Other people, including pedestrians who are not
blind, bicyclists, runners, and small children, also benefit from
hearing the sound of vehicle engines.  New vehicles that employ
hybrid or electric engine technology can be silent, rendering them
extremely dangerous in situations where vehicles and pedestrians come
into proximity with each other.

###





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.  Please visit our
Web site: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Jan  8 23:39:38 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2011 17:39:38 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Foundation scholarship competition for
	creative young people
In-Reply-To: <9B9EA4EB0B75491AB9603A20679666C5@Rufus>
References: <9B9EA4EB0B75491AB9603A20679666C5@Rufus>
Message-ID: <AANLkTi=GZbzdZDdZTMXvM=7y8KAaiwpyKoHgbui=X3uo@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2011 18:25:58 -0500
Subject: [TABS] Foundation scholarship competition for creative young people
To: Arizona-students at nfbnet.org, CABS at nfbnet.org,
CABS-talk at nfbnet.org, CCB-Alumni at nfbnet.org, FABS at nfbnet.org,
IABS-talk at nfbnet.org, kansas-blind-students at nfbnet.org,
la-students at nfbnet.org, mabs at nfbnet.org, mi-abs at nfbnet.org,
mn-abs at nfbnet.org, nabs-presidents at nfbnet.org, ncabs at nfbnet.org,
nebraska-students at nfbnet.org, new-hampshire-students at nfbnet.org,
nfbkabs at nfbnet.org, oabs at nfbnet.org, tabs at nfbnet.org, uabs at nfbnet.org,
vabs at nfbnet.org, nabs-l at nfbnet.org, njabs-talk at nfbnet.org,
tabs_students at googlegroups.com, massabs at nfbnet.org

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has launched a new scholarship program
to help
cultivate the next generation of great artists and writers
with the establishment of the
Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Arts Award. The new award, worth up
to $50,000 per
year, will recognize and reward the most promising
up-and-coming artists and writers
from lower-income backgrounds.

The Graduate Arts Award will enable ten students with
artistic and creative merit and
outstanding academic achievement to pursue a graduate degree
in the fine arts,
performing arts, or creative writing. The award will provide
funding for tuition, room
and board, required fees, and books, and is renewable for up
to three years.

Students eligible for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate
Arts Award must be
nominated by their undergraduate institution by mid-February
2011. For additional
information, a list of faculty representatives, and
eligibility requirements, please
visit:
http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships

-- 
The Texas Association of Blind Students
Web Site:
http://www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Be sure to follow us by searching tabs.students at gmail.com on Facebook,
MySpace, and Twitter.

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 jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Mon Jan 10 04:10:32 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2011 22:10:32 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] NFB Chapter Meeting
Message-ID: <AANLkTimv=+ZBGqtued8HdCwQnBuROWYh-fuBsWNCOdZV@mail.gmail.com>

NFB Monthly Chapter Meeting

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

Date: Saturday, January 15,

Time: 1:00 to 2:30 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)

Agenda
 	Local and national update
 	Committee assignments
 	Fundraising
 	Braille Class
 	Organization overview
 	Elections

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 adrijana.prokopenko at gmail.com  Tue Jan 11 15:18:47 2011
From: adrijana.prokopenko at gmail.com (adrijana prokopenko)
Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:18:47 +0100
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Trying to find a blind person
Message-ID: <AANLkTinpnv0sxwOvwB=b_UDtNEBQTN8UKnuc2RiqAcc-@mail.gmail.com>

Hello to all members,

I just joined this list and thought to introduce myself and say hi. My
name is Adrijana and I am a 31-year old lady working as an English
teacher in Macedonia. I am also blind myself and would wellcome any
correspondence. Love making friends, so feel free to email me if you
wish.

 I am also trying to find some information about a blind person from
SanAntonio. His name is Dominic, he is 42, with brown hair and green
eyes. He is either doing or has finished his graduate studies at the
university of Texas in SanAntonio. Not sure if he is an NFB member,
but if anyone can help me, feel free to email me privately. Thanks.

 Adrijana



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Wed Jan 12 13:04:38 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:04:38 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: NFB Imagineering Our Future: Vision, invention,
 and fulfillment in 2011
In-Reply-To: <10271194.1294597646613.JavaMail.www@app203>
References: <10271194.1294597646613.JavaMail.www@app203>
Message-ID: <AANLkTinNsQ7mQTPu7fm-eGN6XFHd9m+bbGko6mv0zv3P@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mark Riccobono <JerniganInstitute at nfb.org>
Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2011 12:26:30 -0600 (CST)
Subject: NFB Imagineering Our Future:  Vision, invention, and
fulfillment in 2011
To: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com

Graphic Logo: NFB Jernigan Institute
View this newsletter as HTML in your browser.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=2wbw0xDm8OZ37B4g5te9nA..

View last month's newsletter.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=zcMhzgebKhQSOVQDw6njcg..

Imagineering Our Future

     Issue 30

January 2011

In this issue:

*  Message from the Executive Director
*  What's New
*  Education
*  Braille Initiative
*  Advocacy
*  Straight Talk About Vision Loss
*  Product and Access Technology Talk
*  From the tenBroek Library
*  Independence Market
*  Parent Outreach
*  Spotlight on the Imagination Fund
*  NFB Calendar
*  Citation

Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Those who find significance in numbers find powerful value in the
number 11. The number 11 is said to signify, among other things,
vision, invention, and fulfillment. Whether or not you find any
interest in numerology, you had to find synergy between this
perspective of the number 11 and the year ahead for the National
Federation of the Blind.

On January 5, we started the year by celebrating the vision of the NFB
when President Obama signed into law the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement
Act. The NFB began raising concerns about the dangers posed by silent
vehicles roughly eight years ago. It took some time for our vision of
a world friendly to both pedestrians and more-energy-efficient
vehicles to get the attention of policymakers. After years of work,
our vision has been signed into law and is also being considered in
international policy discussions.

On January 29, we will see the first public demonstration of our most
recent efforts at invention. The Blind Driver Challenge
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=tJ7hw_4ImDJjnmdz7so23Q..

(TM) represents an inventive spirit that will advance our mission
to push both the horizon of independence for and shatter
misconceptions about the capacity of the blind. I hope you will be on
hand for our historic demonstration in Daytona.

Finally, what could be more fulfilling than the tremendous work ahead
for the Federation this year? This work includes educational programs,
new employment opportunities, and expanded outreach to newly blind
individuals in each of our fifty-two affiliates. The scope and reach
of the Federation is broader and deeper than ever before. The
fulfillment is observed in the lives of thousands of blind people who
are positively impacted by the work of the Federation on a daily
basis.

Whether or not you believe in the symbology of numbers, you cannot
help but find meaning in the plans for the National Federation of the
Blind in 2011. I hope that you will resolve yourself to be more
engaged in the fulfilling work we are carrying out across the country.

Happy New Year!

Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono

Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute

Featured NFB News

Dr. Marc Maurer in the driver's seat. Photo Credit: Virginia
Tech

Photo: Dr. Marc Maurer in BDC(tm) vehicle
Last Call for the NFB Blind Driver Challenge(TM)

The official start time for our NFB Blind Driver Challenge(TM)
demonstration has been set for 11:30 a.m. on January 29, 2011, at the
Daytona International Speedway, preceding the Rolex 24 at
Daytona.  This will be an historic exhibition of a blind person
using innovative nonvisual access technology to perform a task most
people thought impossible-independently driving an
automobile.  The foundation of many misperceptions about blind
people and blindness will be shaken. If you plan to be in the NFB
grandstands to watch the first demonstration of a blind person
independently driving a car, please e-mail us right away at
bdc at nfb.org, or call Kristian Kuhnke at (410) 659-9314, ext.
2219.

You can obtain more information about the NFB Blind Driver
Challenge(TM), Rolex 24 at Daytona tickets, and discounted lodging,
by visiting www.blinddriverchallenge.org and reading the article
"Planning to Make History in Daytona" in the December
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=ZKrqZ03EoryWPcLoTDs3Bw..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=jSYXItqdREUja7K7dXMEjQ..

Braille Monitor.  Hope to see you in Daytona!

National Federation of the Blind and eBay Partner to Increase
eCommerce Job Opportunities

The NFB/eBay Entrepreneur Project is looking for serious entrepreneurs
who want to create new eBay businesses or expand existing businesses
to include eBay selling. We will offer successful applicants eBay
training and connect them with experienced blind business people and
other experts who will provide assistance in specific areas, such as
business planning, development, and working with accessible accounting
software.

Individuals chosen for the Business Start-Up Pilot will take part in
an intensive training program at the NFB Jernigan Institute in
Baltimore. They will receive transportation, lodging, training
classes, accessible training materials, and ongoing mentorship
support. The deadline to apply for this training is January 15, 2011.

If running your own eBay business appeals to you, please write to
entrepreneurs at nfb.org or call Mary Ellen Gabias at (410)
878-2660.   For further details, go to the article
"Training Our Way to Business Opportunities" by Mary Ellen
Gabias in the December

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=QTfBoW41Qal8ESBpHhe44g..

Braille Monitor.

Education

2011 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Blind middle school students ages 12-16 have an exciting opportunity
to come to the NFB to participate in the NFB Leadership and Advocacy
in Washington, D.C., (LAW) program on April 8-12, 2011. Students will
learn about the importance of collective action, blindness
legislation, and the history of the organized blind movement first
hand.  Applications are available online. The deadline to submit
applications is February 1, 2011.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=SS27x-Y_k0ZWnYPFSsaVjQ..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KSzNKQtedUUVeRbJIt9jlg..



Braille Initiative

Little girl using Braillewriter. Composing an essay?

Little girl doing homework on Brailler

Onkyo Braille Essay Contest

The NFB administers the Onkyo Braille Essay Contest in the U.S. on
behalf of the North American/Caribbean Region of the World Blind
Union.  The essay contest, sponsored by Onkyo Corporation, a
Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, and the Braille Mainichi,
part of the Mainichi Newspaper Company in Japan, was created to
promote Braille literacy and to encourage the sharing of social and
cultural information among blind and visually impaired persons.

Essays are required to be written in Braille and to pertain either to
how the individual gains knowledge or independence through Braille or
to an individual concept about world peace from the viewpoint of
persons with disabilities.  There are two groups of competitors:
a junior category for persons up to age twenty-five and a senior
category for persons over age twenty-six.  Each winner receives a
substantial cash prize, a plaque, and other gifts from the Onkyo
Corporation.  See the full list of 2010 Onkyo Braille Essay
Contest winners contained in NFB's press release on the
competition.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=9rnM_OLtz_pUmblpVAgFdg..

The 2011 NFB Writing Contest is Coming Soon!

The annual writing contest sponsored by the Writers' Division of
the NFB is open through April 1.  Adults eighteen years and over
compete in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction categories.  The
youth contest is all about Braille-all poetry and fiction
entries are required to be submitted in Braille.  Youth are
divided into three groups: 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.

For additional contest details and submission guidelines, go to the
Writers' Division Web site.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0UrK-_xixVaG9cjzCUeC-Q..



Advocacy

The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate both passed the
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, and they sent it on its way to the
White House, where President Obama signed it.  The law will
ensure that blind people and other pedestrians can travel safely
because they will be able to hear "quiet cars"
approaching.   The Associated Press reported on the bill's
success in the article "Congress: Hybrid cars should be seen AND
heard."  For more information, see NFB's press
release.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Nv47EsZnb4Tq3empmA8k7g..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Ok61_Uozp9fjx57VV6IYNg..

Straight Talk About Vision Loss

Photo: Anil Lewis beside Blind Driver Challenge (TM) car

The Straight Talk About Vision Loss video series takes a break this
month.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=htoVm7lsaVwRNyLoSWeAew..

The Jernigan Institute invites Straight Talk viewers to enjoy photos
taken at Virginia International Raceway in December of Blind Driver
Challenge
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xpdWN9scO305hrsUzFlLfw..

(TM)  vehicle testing.  Found on their Facebook page, Virginia
Tech entitles the album "Members of the National Federation of
the Blind joined faculty and students from Virginia Tech College of
Engineering and employees of partner TORC Technologies to test drive
the new BDC vehicle."


Product and Access Technology Talk

The Access Technology team looks forward to an action-packed 2011. As
usual, the new year starts with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas, which is sure to bring some exciting new electronics to the
fore.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=35uUFUK-TdBl9E62Q_jcgw..

In March, the team will present at the 26th Annual International
Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN) in San
Diego. The team will cover the following topics: the use of social
networks by the blind, tactile graphics, and comparing notetakers and
mainstream alternatives. CSUN is always a great place to learn about
new technology and exchange ideas with others in access technology.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=msowMVuxO6cA0MXyL9tt1Q..

For reports from the Consumer Electronics Show floor and a post on the
Book Port Plus, go to the NFB Jernigan Institute's Access
Technology Blog.  We promise to continue to share our
technological discoveries with you in 2011 as we did in 2010.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xCDuB79HYWsB9KKITXQ28w..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=79oj2zbVafy-684lMOErQA..



>From the tenBroek Library

We're going digital!

The tenBroek Library has enhanced its usefulness to those unable to
visit us in Baltimore or who use screen readers. In the November
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JDVCd3iwjAYysHXrv3A_mQ..

Imagineering we announced that the Internet Archive had scanned
all issues of the Braille Monitor back to 1957. Clean files are now
being mounted on the NFB Web site; and we will continue to clean and
add issues until the entire run is available.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Zkw8LhTrf0z20Q3HGhGVGw..

We've also been making headway in creating links from records in
THE BLIND CAT to digital files. Search for your favorite Kernel Book,
or banquet speech; they're all there!  Look also for other
files that reside on the NFB Web site, such as NFB Vice President Fred
Schroeder's doctoral dissertation.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=aAmB75Lp53N48OqLuyYftg..

Sometimes we link to publishers' Web sites, especially when a
periodical is available at no cost online. (Unfortunately some issues
are only available in inaccessible PDF format. If you encounter an
inaccessible file that you need to see, please let us know, and
we'll try to help.) Try looking for each of these on THE BLIND
CAT link:
jtblibrary at nfb.org
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=QfcHV1cKQ2ORNzKVNArHhQ..

*  Deaf-Blind Perspectives
*  The Disability History Association Newsletter

We are also linking to digitized versions of books in our collection
that are no longer under copyright. We're finding that many of
them have already been digitized-by the Internet Archive or
Google Books or other services-and we've simply linked to
the existing files. We already have more than a hundred active links.
So, look up a few of these items on THE BLIND CAT, and let us know
what you think:
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=LyqvapzwrPwB0QKm69S0ZQ..

*  Laura Bridgman: Dr. Howe's Famous Pupil and What He Taught
Her by Maud Howe and Florence Howe Hall
*  Light for the Blind: A History of the Origin and Success of
Moon's Institution for Embossing and Circulating the Bible
and Other Books in Moon's Type for the Blind
*  Five Lectures on Blindness by Kate M. Foley
*  Blindness and the Blind, or, A Treatise on the Science of
Typhlology by W. Hanks Levy

And, just before Christmas we sent a shipment of eighty books to the
Internet Archive for scanning. Links to the new files will appear in
THE BLIND CAT within a month or two.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3IwHEYBvv60M5QU033Z0TQ..

It's an exciting project. Stay tuned for further news.

Independence Market

In a recent issue of Imagineering we described the Braille and large
print calendars available through the NFB Independence Market.
Some are still looking for a calendar solution to best fit their
needs.  We have just added a new large print organizer to our
product line.  Here are the details.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=8AS8391SIJdijKLH2tcj5A..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=jB2FqtU-K_LYfudBbmpKlg..

Photo: 2011 large print planner

2011 Large Print Planner   This organizer designed with
low-vision professionals in mind features easy-to-read large print.
The spiral-bound 14-page planner with a black leatherette cover
measures 8-1/2 x 11 inches. All calendar views are spread over two
pages and include current and upcoming year at a glance views as well
as 12 monthly and 53 weekly views. Pages for names and addresses,
notes, and personal information are also included.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Tfwmjw7o0m93Y8aF4_Srpw..

For more information contact us either via e-mail at
IndependenceMarket at nfb.org or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension
2216.  The NFB Independence Market staff wishes you a happy and
healthy New Year.

Parent Outreach

Mathematician Dr. Al Maneki moderated a panel on access to mathematics
classes by blind students at the 2010 National Convention. He wrote
about it in "I Survived Math Class" in the
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=Y77nQbxOmjuTW4FnjEw4lg..

Future Reflections 2010 convention issue.  Al says that the
response to the panel was enthusiastic, but it raised a number of
unanswered questions. He realized how little is actually known about
how blind people handle the many challenges of math. With the help of
the Jernigan Institute, Dr. Maneki has compiled a series of survey
questions to help us learn more.  Please consider participating
in this survey designed to gather information on handling math in
Braille.  Al Maneki can be contacted at apmaneki at earthlink.net,
(443) 745-9274, or 9013 Nelson Way, Columbia, Maryland 21045

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=nyxttI6aCg6CCMEQZrknqg..

The TeachBlindStudents.org initiative is a resource for those
interested in exploring what it would be like to be a teacher of the
blind.  Its goal is to increase the ranks of educational
professionals specializing in teaching blind students through the
Teacher Recruitment Network and Teacher of Tomorrow mentoring program.
The Teacher of Tomorrow program's mission is to connect
enthusiastic students who are preparing to teach blind children with
the support, resources, and positive blindness philosophy of the
National Federation of the Blind. This partnership represents a unique
opportunity for growth and innovation. Emerging teachers and the
organized blind movement will work jointly to provide blind students a
high-quality education that draws on proven professional practice from
the vast expertise and mentorship available through the organized
blind movement.    The NFB has now chosen the initial cohort
participants.  For more information, see the
article "NFB Teacher of Tomorrow
Program:  Partnerships for Success," by Rosy Carranza,
in the January 2011
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3b9mG3eRoXPqfp_KpW9VeQ..

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=4kQItg5Bh27qVRN8wpte0A..

Braille Monitor.

Spotlight on the Imagination Fund

Lenora Marten petting an alligator

Photo: Lenora Marten pets an alligator

One of the purposes of the Imagination Fund

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=YQS3e4iNX1FY2rs7Rp6g2w..

is to support the innovative, informative, and inspiring programs of
the affiliates and divisions of the National Federation of the Blind
through Imagination Fund grants. The Florida Organization of Parents
of Blind Children (FOPBC) applied for and was awarded an Imagination
Fund grant for a program they developed called "Adventures in
Blind Optimism."  It gives parents and blind children the
opportunity to network, socialize, interact, and participate in
educational workshops on Saturdays throughout the year.

Why is networking between parents of blind children so
important?  According to Lenora Marten, President of the FOPBC,
"There is absolutely nothing that replaces information gathered
from parent-to-parent.  It warms my heart when I see parents meet
at an event, bonding and sharing with each other.  And most of
the time, that sharing results in the improvement in the lives of
their blind children."

To learn about some of the informative and fun activities of this
program, please visit the Adventures in Blind Optimism Web page.

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=OYjbhYyrQcrorusAYGso7g..



NFB Calendar

January 1, 2011    Room reservations open for 2011 National
Convention.  Call (866) 996-6338
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=sqOVoek5AAunnJPFfX9Lig..

January 4, 2011  Louis Braille's birthday; Braille Readers
Are Leaders contest reading period ends
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=KtaILsknLUOtookdXLt_fw..

January 15, 2011  Deadline to apply for NFB/eBay Entrepreneur
Project training.  Contact Mary Ellen Gabias or read
"Training Our Way to Business Opportunities," December
entrepreneurs at nfb.org

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WKMAjEEuMDssPsFL5MyjkA..

Braille Monitor

January 22, 2011   Deadline to make room reservations for
Washington Seminar. Do not contact the hotel; call (303) 778-1130,
extension 219, or e-mail Lisa Bonderson
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=cyjosxBMv__a60fr-5bVyA..
lbonderson at cocenter.org

January 29, 2011   Blind Driver Challenge(TM) first public
demonstration at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway,
Daytona Beach, Florida
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=3tJhyHKDMoT7_Vu9U5LPJw..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=qABwXmamHCmkDzhCwRC49Q..

January 31-February 3, 2011   NFB Washington Seminar,
Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street, S.W.; Washington, D.C.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=QdAMN7OBbsl6bFtr3POJOA..

February 1, 2011    Registration deadline for NFB
Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) program, April
8-12, 2011
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=jByiNCmBOGKP4HInvsKJ4w..

March 1, 2011    NFB 2011 Youth Slam application
deadline
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=MYRIKoGcwZo0n5qvE3mDxA..

March 31, 2011  Deadline to apply to win one of thirty 2011 NFB
Scholarships
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=SR7R2FBXeJPySPx8-Qto2g..

March 31, 2011   Deadline for Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
nominations
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=hKCDz7C_pdLpUjKw71Mbew..

April 8-12, 2011    Leadership and Advocacy in
Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program, Baltimore and D.C.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=WxwowCNSeQ00MMYmWJhihQ..

April 14, 2011   Deadline to apply for financial assistance to
attend National Convention. For details, contact Kenneth Jernigan
Convention Scholarship Fund chairman Allen Harris or read
"Convention Scholarships Available," January 2011
allen.harris at dwx.com

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=M3-e8oZo8Hokbb7cHIDd1g..

Braille Monitor

April 14-15, 2011   Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law
Symposium, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute,
Baltimore
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=JE3wpBmewDkwGqqtkVGOaA..

July 3-8, 2011  The 71st Annual NFB National Convention, Rosen
Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=0oy0FyxJKY-t2bRA_DuDwQ..
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=aDC7g1xWJp1GK1eVoo5aWw..

; see 2011 Convention Bulletin

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=94BHTcHEGXF-sYCtiQzVJA..

July 17-23, 2011  The 3rd Biennial NFB Youth Slam, Towson
University, Maryland
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=P6fKuDGcERtcj3eJHh5PHA..



Citation

Ray Kurzweil. Photo Credit: Helene Delillo

Photo: Ray Kurzweil. Photo Credit: Helene Delillo

Disabilities | "Handicap" redefined

PREDICTION: There is a growing perception that the primary
disabilities of blindness, deafness, and physical impairment do not
necessarily impart handicaps. Disabled persons routinely describe
their disabilities as mere inconveniences. Intelligent technology has
become the great leveler.

ACCURACY: Correct

DISCUSSION: Indeed, the perception of disabled persons (such as blind
persons) being profoundly handicapped has changed dramatically over
the past 15 years. This is the result both of technologies-such
as portable reading machines that overcome the handicaps associated
with these disabilities-and civil rights advocacy by groups such
as the National Federation of the Blind.

Blind people, for example, are routinely taking every category of
jobs. According to Laura Sloate, the blind managing director of a Wall
Street firm, "Blindness was a disability. Now it's just a
minor, minor impairment." Perhaps most encouraging is that when
David Paterson, a blind man, became Governor of New York State, it was
considered a routine development.

-Ray Kurzweil; inventor, bestselling author, and futurist; How
My Predictions Are Faring, page 49, October 2010; downloaded from
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=12uxkbEowbsAsfYU6C2pBQ..



Back to Top
#Top

Thank you for reading the NFB Jernigan Institute's
Imagineering Our Future.







Mentor Trevor Attenberg leads campers along the nature trail





Photo: Group on white water raft


Support the Jernigan Institute through the Imagination Fund
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=QV62izS-zTkWJLaisUeWBA..

Photo: Young woman playing flute

Interesting links:

Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=b1PMQJpdiXK_0SQkVmA_cw..

National Center for Blind Youth in Science
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=tjQp7g9-zWa1XHV8f5PSXQ..

Access Technology Tips
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=oO5uflZ5HljWqbtTMKEq9Q..



Photo: Youth practicing martial art

Blogs:

Access Technology
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=bMG5x06IeHHoxfsmBdbneQ..

Voice of the Nation's Blind
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=xBkeCesiQUwBUhcKo5evLA..



Photo: Senior couple

Publication archives:

Future Reflections
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=NqYEVWnJudtANlkv9wiBuQ..

Braille Monitor
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=n01dEF8EW0Q107OSW6JDwA..





Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug





Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind

Photo: Blind little girl with cane

Photo: Blind youth reading Braille book

Photo: Blind girl examining model of constellations

Photo: Blind boy with tactile globe

Blind Teens Carry the 2007 Youth March for Independence Banner

Visit us at nfb.org
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=clgw13UgTSlehsnAyF-jkA..



Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity



Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314      Fax (410)
659-5129      E-mail
JerniganInstitute at nfb.org

JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future

Visit us at www.nfb.org
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=t0UkcW-qnjyoqprGsozTvg..



Better Business Bureau logo

American Institute of Philanthropy logo

http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=mEiSlc779kzTf37MpH5_lg..



The National Federation of the Blind meets the rigorous Standards for
Charity Accountability set forth by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and
is Top-Rated by the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Forward this newsletter.
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/R?i=1IgwkufZCvJGDtELNqYk9g..

If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe,
please e-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org.

JerniganInstitute at nfb.org?subject=Reply%20to%20Imagineering%20Our%20Future



To unsubscribe from all future email, paste the following URL into your browser:
http://www.raceforindependence.org/site/CO?i=AdrUuAUFApmLp0yafACQiGcXzALZ4jf1&cid=1061



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Thu Jan 13 02:18:27 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:18:27 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Serotek And Humanware Open House
Message-ID: <AANLkTinpSTRbo+AU7Lcu9dv3ez2MyzjkuLzicUyj8NqD@mail.gmail.com>

You are all cordially invited to this event!

---


Serotek And Humanware Open House

Event: Serotek and Humanware Open House at the San Antonio Lighthouse

Information about the Event:

Serotek, makers of System Access and DocuScan Plus, is teaming up with
Humanware, leaders in note taking devices such as the new Braille Note
Apex and the Victor Reader Stream, are coming to the San Antonio
Lighthouse for the Blind to show you the power of ?Accessibility
Anywhere.?. Dan Brown of Humanware, and Joe Steinkamp of Serotek, will
be on hand to show you how you can use the System Access Mobile
Network to access email and audio described movies on your Victor
Reader Stream. Or, how you can walk up to a Windows based computer
without any Assistive Technology installed and have it speaking with
Braille in seconds through the use of System Access To Go and the
portability of the Brailliant or the Braille Connect. Come by to hear
what?s new, what?s cool and what?s affordable in today?s access
technology.

Date: Tuesday January 25th 2011

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, Frank Boardroom, 2305
Roosevelt Ave. San Antonio, TX 78210

Contact: Marti Hathorn 210.533.5195

To learn more about Serotek and System Access visit: www.serotek.com
To learn more about the Victor Reader Stream, Braille Note, Braille
Connect and the Brailliant
Visit: www.humanware.com



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Jan 14 00:33:33 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:33:33 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Fwd: [TABS] Internship Possibility for Students
In-Reply-To: <A49D83D92F334613AF9548B8FE54C2E2@Rufus>
References: <A49D83D92F334613AF9548B8FE54C2E2@Rufus>
Message-ID: <AANLkTinHUYjDsQYy3BWMYbTrnC-YMH2qECMuzZ+B1dFR@mail.gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:19:26 -0500
Subject: [TABS] Internship Possibility for Students
To: Arizona-students at nfbnet.org, CABS at nfbnet.org,
CABS-talk at nfbnet.org, CCB-Alumni at nfbnet.org, FABS at nfbnet.org,
IABS-talk at nfbnet.org, kansas-blind-students at nfbnet.org,
la-students at nfbnet.org, mabs at nfbnet.org, mi-abs at nfbnet.org,
mn-abs at nfbnet.org, nabs-presidents at nfbnet.org, ncabs at nfbnet.org,
nebraska-students at nfbnet.org, new-hampshire-students at nfbnet.org,
nfbkabs at nfbnet.org, oabs at nfbnet.org, tabs at nfbnet.org, uabs at nfbnet.org,
vabs at nfbnet.org, nabs-l at nfbnet.org, njabs-talk at nfbnet.org,
tabs_students at googlegroups.com, massabs at nfbnet.org,
nfb-talk at nfbnet.org

The Sierra Group is assisting Barclays Bank as they recruit candidates with
disabilities and veterans for their well paying summer internships! Deadline
is short, please send your resumes
College students with disabilities, including VETERANS, take note, Barclays
Capital, a leading global investment bank, has a culture that emphasizes
teamwork and collaboration. LEARN while you EARN. Apply today for a 10 week,
PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIP!
Internships are located across the country and abroad.
Fields of study range from Investment Banking, to Technology, to Human
Resources and MORE

Please submit your resumes today! DEADLINE to apply for Summer 2011, 10
week, PAID Internships is Jan. 14th so apply
NOW.www.barcap.com/expectexcellence to apply directly.

-- 
The Texas Association of Blind Students
Web Site:
http://www.nfb-texas.org/tabs.html
Be sure to follow us by searching tabs.students at gmail.com on Facebook,
MySpace, and Twitter.

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 jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Jan 14 01:08:48 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:08:48 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Martin Luther King March Information
Message-ID: <AANLkTi=7pqHXJOfO=AyYO03tUzoqt4TcZq980NyYCFis@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Members,

The NFB San Antonio chapter will be participating in the Martin Luther
King March set to happen this Monday January 17. If you are interested
in marching the details are as follows:

We will all have to be at:

Martin Luther King Academy
3501 Martin Luther King Drive
San Antonio, TX 78220-2399
(210) 223-8621

No later then 9:15 AM. March will start at 10:00 AM!

The March will finish at:

Pittman-Sullivan Park
1101 Iowa
78203

We will be arriving there at around 12:00 PM.

If you would like Via trans to pick you up near the park there is a
YMCA near by, the address is as follows.

Davis-Scott Family YMCA
1213 Iowa
San Antonio TX
78203

The Event will be going until 4:00 PM, but the March will be over by
12:00 PM. After the March everybody will be free to go. If you plan to
attend make sure to let me know so that we can make sure we are all
together. Please let me know if there are any questions. I hope to see
you all out there!

A. Z.



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Fri Jan 14 03:13:22 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:13:22 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Chapter meeting Saturday
Message-ID: <AANLkTimHnkPBzwRiUPLJ6xR4evQMQUE_FwEnCtc-9gn0@mail.gmail.com>

Just a reminder, chapter meeting this Saturday! If you are planning to
become a new member or continue your membership, dues will be
collected at this meeting. It is only 5 dollars per person for the
whole year. Do to prier problems, no checks will be excepted! Cash
only, thanks!

-----

NFB Monthly Chapter Meeting

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

Date: Saturday, January 15,

Time: 1:00 to 2:30 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)

Agenda
 	Local and national update
 	Committee assignments
 	Fundraising
 	Braille Class
 	Organization overview
 	Elections

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  Sun Jan 23 19:53:03 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:53:03 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Committes
Message-ID: <AANLkTi=p5b_2tRfrBHhynGAiOz-2bSc1BOA_wroH7-q5@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Chapter:

I am putting together the list of committees and individuals who plan
to participate in them. If you would like to join one let me know, or
if you would like to be removed from one please let me know as well. I
hope to have committees up and running by next meeting at the latest.
Hope everyone is having a great Sunday.

------

Chapter Committees:

Membership committee:
Cindy G.
Daniel
Elsa

Fundraising Committee:
Bryan
Denise
Pat
Cindy M
Sara

Refreshments Committee:
Athalie
Pat
Denise
Cindy M

Braille Class Committee:
Mary
Cindy G
Daniel
Denise
Sara

Out Reach Committee:
Athalie
Mike G
Cindy G



From jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sun Jan 23 19:55:43 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:55:43 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Chapter Committees
Message-ID: <AANLkTinvWA6boSBM1+SYNWk=OgCVa3OTUL9HpEykrRsN@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Chapter:

I am putting together the list of committees and individuals who plan
to participate in them. If you would like to join one let me know, or
if you would like to be removed from one please let me know as well. I
hope to have committees up and running by next meeting at the latest.
Hope everyone is having a great Sunday.

------

Chapter Committees:

Membership committee:
Cindy G.
Daniel
Elsa

Fundraising Committee:
Bryan
Denise
Pat
Cindy M
Sara

Refreshments Committee:
Athalie
Pat
Denise
Cindy M

Braille Class Committee:
Mary
Cindy G
Daniel
Denise
Sara

Out Reach Committee:
Athalie
Mike G
Cindy G



From pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com  Mon Jan 24 20:11:09 2011
From: pdonahue2 at satx.rr.com (Peter Donahue)
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:11:09 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] New Blind Driver Challenge Information on Home Page
Message-ID: <000301cbbc02$d74f0e30$82070b43@yourfsyly0jtwn>

Good afternoon everyone,

    We're less than a week from the debut of a public demonstration of a car 
drivable by a blind person. To keep members and friends up-to-date on the 
latest news concerning our Blind Driver Challenge check our home page 
throughout the week for additional links. You can now follow the Blind 
Driver Challenge on Twitter or become a Blind Driver Challenge Facebook fan 
by selecting the appropriate links on the chapter Web site home page.

    Later in the week links to permit folks to watch and hear the car 
demonstration and other events live from Daytona will be posted so check the 
site throughout the week for additional information and details. The Web 
site URL is:
http://www.nfbsatx.org

Let's rev up our engines and prepare to make history in Daytona this coming 
weekend.

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 jose.martinez07 at gmail.com  Sat Jan 29 19:02:13 2011
From: jose.martinez07 at gmail.com (Jose Martinez)
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 13:02:13 -0600
Subject: [Nfbsatx] Blind Man Drives Car Independently
In-Reply-To: <auto-000192481181@mailfront1.g2host.com>
References: <auto-000192481181@mailfront1.g2host.com>
Message-ID: <AANLkTinXPXAPFpXTTst58vgzFna0g0jdW1T0gK1d0L7=@mail.gmail.com>

----------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
John G. Par? Jr.
Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2218
(410) 917-1965 (Cell)
jpare at nfb.org

Blind Man Drives Car Independently

Avoids Dynamic Obstacles

Baltimore, Maryland (January 29, 2011): The
National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the
oldest and largest organization of blind people
in the nation, announced today that for the first
time a blind individual has driven a street
vehicle in public without the assistance of a
sighted person.  Mark Anthony Riccobono, a blind
executive who directs technology, research, and
education programs for the organization, was
behind the wheel of a Ford Escape hybrid equipped
with nonvisual technology and successfully
navigated 1.5 miles of the road course section of
the famed track at the Daytona International Speedway.

The historic demonstration was part of pre-race
activities leading up to the Rolex 24 At Daytona
this morning.  Mr. Riccobono not only
successfully navigated the several turns of the
road course but also avoided obstacles, some of
which were stationary and some of which were
thrown into his path at random from a van driving
in front of him.  Later he successfully passed
the van without collision.  The Ford Escape was
equipped with laser range-finding censors that
conveyed information to a computer inside the
vehicle, allowing it to create and constantly
update a three-dimensional map of the road
environment.  The computer sent directions to
vibrating gloves on the driver?s hands,
indicating which way to steer, and to a vibrating
strip on which he was seated, indicating when to speed up, slow down, or stop.

Mr. Riccobono said: ?The NFB?s leadership in the
Blind Driver Challenge? has taken something
almost everyone believed was an impossible dream
and turned it into reality.  It was thrilling for
me to be behind the wheel, but even more
thrilling to hear the cheers from my blind
brothers and sisters in the grandstands*?today
all of the members of the NFB helped drive us
forward*.  It is for them and for all blind
Americans that the National Federation of the
Blind undertook this project to show that blind
people can do anything that our sighted friends
and colleagues can do as long as we have access
to information through nonvisual means.  Today we
have demonstrated that truth to the nation and the world.?

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind, said: ?Just as our
colleague Mark Riccobono successfully surmounted
many obstacles on the Daytona course today, blind
people routinely surmount barriers by using
alternative techniques and technologies.  When
there is not a solution available, we muster our
resources and combine them with those of the
partners who make common cause with us to produce
the innovations necessary to create such a
solution.  That is how the NFB Blind Driver
Challenge? came to happen, and that is how we
will make all of our dreams come true.?

The NFB Blind Driver Challenge? is a research
project of the National Federation of the Blind
Jernigan Institute?the only research and training
facility on blindness operated by the blind.  The
Jernigan Institute challenged universities,
technology developers, and other interested
innovators to establish NFB Blind Driver
Challenge? (BDC) teams, in collaboration with the
NFB, to build interface technologies that will
empower blind people to drive a car
independently.  The purpose of the NFB Blind
Driver Challenge? is to stimulate the development
of nonvisual interface technology.  The Virginia
Tech/TORC NFB BDC team, under the direction of
Dr. Dennis Hong, director of the Robotics and
Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech., is the
only team that has accepted the challenge.  The
team uses the ByWire XGV? developed by TORC
technologies as the research platform for the
development and testing of the nonvisual
interface technologies that allow a blind person to drive.

For more information about the NFB, please visit
www.nfb.org.  For our digital news release about
the Blind Driver Challenge? and the debut of the
BDC car at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, including
audio and video clips for television and radio,
please visit www.DigitalNewsRelease.com/?q=NFB_CarKit.

###


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



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