[Nyabs] {Disarmed} Fwd: National Federation of the Blind Newsletter - A Record Breaking Convention
Nihal Erkan
nihal_erkan at hotmail.com
Thu Aug 13 16:53:56 UTC 2015
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
> From: "Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind " <IOF at nfb.org>
> Date: August 7, 2015 at 4:59:48 PM GMT+3
> To: Nihal Erkan <nihal_erkan at hotmail.com>
> Subject: National Federation of the Blind Newsletter - A Record Breaking Convention
> Reply-To: "Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind " <IOF at nfb.org>
>
>
>
> Imagineering Our Future
>
> Issue 77
>
> August 2015
>
> In this issue:
>
> Message from the President
> What's News at the NFB
> Braille Certification Training Program
> From the tenBroek Library
> Independence Market
> Access Technology
> NFB Calendar
> Citation
>
>
> Message from the President
>
> Dear Friends:
>
> Together, with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality. On the morning of July 8, 2015, 2,480 members of the National Federation of the Blind made history by setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest umbrella mosaic ever. All too often we are presented with low expectations that hold us back, but when it comes to raising expectations, the National Federation of the Blind has you covered.
>
>
> In my mind, the image of thousands of people transforming into our NFB icon and tagline, “live the life you want,” is symbolic of the collective action that has occurred in our organization since November 1940. No matter how big the task, how tough the fight, or how complex the solution might be, we come together to engineer the future we want. That is why we have committed to the future of our organization by using our seventy-fifth year to welcome seven hundred and fifty members into our organization.
>
> If you have not yet had the opportunity to join the Federation, please visit our membership page at https://nfb.org/how-join. If you are a member, take a moment to reach out to blind people in your community who are not yet members and tell them how they can make a difference in their life, and in the world, by joining this world-record setting organization.
>
> Thank you for the contributions you have made to make the National Federation of the Blind “officially amazing.” There is still more work to be done and there are more lives to be changed. I do not know what the next record will be, but I am certain that each of us will play a critical role in making those dreams come true.
>
> I will always remember the summer of 2015 as the warm summer when I helped make history with my Federation family.
>
> Here’s hoping your summer is officially amazing!
>
>
>
> Mark A. Riccobono, President
> National Federation of the Blind
>
>
>
> What's News at the NFB
>
> National Federation of the Blind Achieves GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title
>
> On July 8, 2015 as part of our seventy-fifth convention activities, the National Federation of the Blind attempted and broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for largest umbrella mosaic! On that hot morning, 2,480 Federationists, friends, family, and supporters from the Orlando community simultaneously opened umbrellas that displayed our icon and slogan “live the life you want.” You can read more details in the full press release on our website.
>
> Eighth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards Presented at 2015 Convention
>
> Each year during our national convention, the National Federation of the Blind presents the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This year five innovators who are helping blind people live the lives they want received a total of $50,000 in cash awards. See the full list of winners at https://nfb.org/national-federation-blind-awards-50000-0.
>
> National Federation of the Blind and Verifone Collaborate to Make Taxicab Terminals Accessible
>
> The National Federation of the Blind, the nation’s leading advocate for accessible technology, and Verifone will work together to enhance the accessibility of Verifone’s in-taxi technology for blind passengers by the end of this year, under an agreement that was recently reached by the two organizations. You can read more information about the collaboration at https://nfb.org/national-federation-blind-and-verifone-collaborate-make-taxicab-terminals-accessible.
>
> Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Convention Commemorative Items
>
> The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Organizing Committee commissioned various items to recognize the important Federation milestone we celebrated this year. These items were originally sold at convention, but now are available to all.
>
> NFB Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Jewelry
> Commemorate the National Federation of the Blind’s seventy-fifth anniversary with style! Treat yourself or a loved one to elegant, handcrafted jewelry that celebrates our diamond anniversary. The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Organizing Committee commissioned Sorella Jewelry Studio to design this jewelry collection for the NFB. Pendants, charms, rings, and cufflinks are available in various precious metals, including sterling silver; 10K white and yellow gold; 14K rose, white, and yellow gold; 18K rose, white, and yellow gold; and palladium. Each piece is cast in the solid metal of your choice and the recessed background matte finish contrasts beautifully with the high polished raised surface. The jewelry features our logo icon and “NFB 75” in tactual Braille. Jewelry orders are placed directly with Sorella Jewelry Studio. You may order online at http://www.sorellajewelry.com (search for NFB), or by phone at (800) 692-1950.
>
> Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Presidential Portrait Plaque
> The second offering comes from 3DPhotoworks. They produced the tactile and audio timeline of the Federation that convention attendees had a chance to examine (see article below in "From the tenBroek Library"). 3DPhotoworks has developed a mixed-media art piece, which has 3D photos of Dr. tenBroek, Dr. Jernigan, Dr. Maurer, and President Riccobono. The photos are arranged in the four corners starting top left with Dr. tenBroek and ending with President Riccobono in the lower right corner. A full-color seventy-fifth anniversary logo is located in the middle with “Live the Life You Want” in Braille. Each piece is customized with the member's name and "Member Since" the year he or she joined the Federation in Braille. Cost for this really cool piece of art is $49.99 plus $20 for shipping. For more information, or to arrange a purchase, please email john at 3dphotoworks.com with your contact information and NFB Plaque in the subject line.
>
> 2015 Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Convention Mugs
> This year attendees of the convention banquet could take home a handsome, clear glass Irish coffee mug with the seventy-fifth anniversary logo etched in the glass. If you would like to purchase one or more of these tasteful mugs, please call the Independence Market at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216 to place your order. The mugs are $7.50 each, plus shipping and handling.
>
> Thank You to Our Convention Sponsors
>
> We would like to offer a special thank you to the Accessibility Champion, Corporate Volunteerism, and Platinum convention sponsors of our 2015 National Convention:
>
> Accessibility Champion
> Google, Inc.
> Vanda Pharmaceuticals
>
> Corporate Volunteerism
> UPS
>
> Platinum
> Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP
> Delta Air Lines
> Oracle
> Target Corporation
>
>
>
>
> Braille Certification Training Program
>
> Under a contract with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS), the National Federation of the Blind administers the courses leading to NLS certification of Braille transcribers and proofreaders. Successful completion of these rigorous courses requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the students. We congratulate the following individuals who earned certification during the months from March 2015 and April 2015:
>
> Literary Braille Transcribing
>
> Alabama
>
> Elizabeth Allen Jones, Irondale
>
> Alaska
>
> Deborah Lyn Germaine, Anchorage
> Ingrid Marjorie Rasmussen, Anchorage
>
> Arizona
>
> Susan Marie Spraker, Tucson
>
> California
>
> Robert Leslie Harbold, Camarillo
> Andrea Lupe' Kessler, San Diego
> William David Lorance, Camarillo
>
> Colorado
>
> Duke Willus Helm, Burlington
>
> Florida
>
> Kelly Ann Charland, Kissimmee
> Linda Keyes Collins, St. Augustine
> Rebecca Sue Forgy, Jacksonville
> Nancy Buchanan Johnston, Jacksonville
> Marie Yolaine Pun, Winter Park
>
> Georgia
>
> Shanon Lee Lemonds, Atlanta
>
> Idaho
>
> Rebecca Ann Wynkoop, Nampa
>
> Iowa
>
> John Cyril Buenaventura, Anamosa
> Eddie Leroy Robinson, Anamos
>
> Kentucky
>
> Sean Petroff, Lexington
> Gregory Lamar Shack, Lexington
>
> Michigan
>
> Bradley Mark Fee, Jackson
> Clarence DeMarco Moore, Jackson
> Kenneth Ray Witherspoon, Jackson
>
> Minnesota
>
> Brigitte Mary Leino, Squaw Lake
>
> Montana
>
> Christina Anne Haagenson, Black Eagle
>
> Nevada
>
> Christopher Ruben Cooper, Las Vegas
> Michael Angelo Juliano, Las Vegas
> Kristopher Delon London, Las Vegas
>
> Ohio
>
> David A. Grimes, Cincinnati
> Ediberto Huertas, Grafton
> Amber Meloy, Cincinnati
> Gina Ann Whitman, Cleveland
>
> Oregon
>
> Lisa Marie Bannick, Forest Grove
>
> South Dakota
>
> Jonathan Ray Gundvaldson, Sioux Falls
>
> Texas
>
> Vickie Lee Diers, Houston
> Jamie Lindsey Watson, Arlington
>
> Washington
>
> Josefina Ornelas, Yakima
>
>
>
> Literary Braille Proofreading
>
> Colorado
>
> Kishia Latrice Mason, Denver
>
>
> Mathematics (Nemeth) Braille Transcribing
>
> Maryland
>
> Laurie Diane Moynihan, Arnold
>
> Michigan
>
> Raymond Eugene Murray, Jackson
>
> Texas
>
> Joyce Evelyn Stephenson-Lay (Turner), Gatesville
>
> Washington
>
> Teri Lee Johnson, Vancouver
>
>
>
> From the tenBroek Library
>
> As part of the celebrations for our seventy-fifth anniversary, the National Federation of the Blind was pleased to partner with the team at 3DPhotoworks to create a tactile, talking timeline, which chronicles the history of the NFB from our founding in 1940 to the present day. This timeline is filled with audio speeches from the current and past presidents, as well as tactile photographs that capture milestone events from throughout the past eight decades. It serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a trip down memory lane for veteran members, showcasing the impact of the Federation on blind men and women everywhere.
>
>
>
> Originally dreamt up by 3DPhotoworks co-founder, John Olson, the project was developed in collaboration with the tenBroek Library and Clara Van Gerven, the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind’s resident expert in tactile graphics. President Mark Riccobono was closely involved in the content development, in addition to voicing several of the audio segments. And Chris Danielsen, the NFB’s director of public relations, ensured that the Federation’s philosophy was accurately represented.
>
> The mission of 3DPhotoworks is to make the world’s greatest art and photography available to blind people. They recently received their first patent and have seven other patent applications pending worldwide. They have also engaged with Federationists to form a group of technical advisors, including members Luc Gandarias, Lynn Jackson, Arthur Schreiber, and Ed Bible. John and his colleagues value their input immensely and say that they couldn't do this work without them.
>
> This unique, museum-quality exhibit was on display throughout the festivities of the recent seventy-fifth anniversary convention, held in Orlando, Florida, July 4 through 10. To ensure that the timeline was accessible to all visitors, a Braille transcript of the audio recordings was attached to the display. In addition, Federationist and technical advisor, Luc Gandarias, was on hand to assist visitors and answer questions. The NFB plans to put the exhibit on display at our headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, sometime in the near future, where it will continue to be a great way to experience the historic events that made our organization what it is today.
>
> In the picture above, members Mikaela and Robin Smith (IN) explore the tactile timeline exhibit from 3DPhotoworks.
>
>
>
> Independence Market
>
> At the beginning of July, the NFB Independence Market could be found in the exhibit hall at our annual national convention in Orlando, Florida. Visitors had an opportunity to browse our entire collection of sales products and much of the free literature available from the NFB on various blindness-related topics. We bring all our sales items, because we know that our customers appreciate the chance to closely examine products before making a purchase. We also bring some of the free literature the NFB produces to acquaint convention attendees, especially first-timers, with the NFB’s positive "can-do" approach to blindness.
>
> We would not be able to operate the Independence Market at convention without the hundreds of volunteers who assist with product demonstrations and processing orders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who volunteered for one or more shifts as product demonstrators, storekeepers, pay-station attendants, and cashiers. Your contributions were invaluable and we would not have been able to do it without you. Thanks again for all your help. We hope that we can count on many of you again to assist next year.
>
> A question we frequently hear is “What’s new at the Independence Market this year?” Here is a partial list.
>
> One of the popular items this year was our new infrared forehead and ear thermometer. It gives an almost instant reading of body temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The unit speaks six languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Russian. We sold out quickly at convention, but by the time you read this, we will be fully stocked again.
>
> Braille playing cards are always popular. This year we brought back plastic-coated, paper Braille playing cards, as some folks like these better. If your preference is for the all-plastic Braille playing cards, we continue to carry these as well. We also identified a new source for Brailled pinochle cards, so these have made a comeback. Finally we added a Braille version of the rook card game to our product offerings. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play this card game; we have Brailled the instructions for you.
>
> If you are a Braille user, you may be glad to know that we now carry the 11" x 11½" heavyweight Braille paper in more convenient packs of one hundred sheets. This year we have also added some Braille mini-notepads to our product lineup. These little Braille notepads come in two versions (spiral-bound and tear-off), and are a perfect complement to our business card slate. These mini-pads, together with the business card slate, fit in even the smallest pockets, so you will always be equipped to jot down a short Braille note.
>
> And if you are learning Braille or if you like word games, our new Braille word board may be for you. You can use it to spell out brief messages in Braille and print, and to play various word games. The board has sockets to place letter tiles in a ten-by-thirteen grid. The square letter tiles feature a print and Braille letter with a locator notch at the top. Ninety-eight letter tiles are included.
>
> Finally, we want to tell you about the Aftershokz Bluez 2 wireless Bluetooth bone conduction headphones now available through the Independence Market. Bone conduction technology transmits sound via the cheekbones to the inner ear, leaving the user's ears unblocked and free to hear other environmental sounds. Pair these lightweight wrap-around headphones via Bluetooth with any compatible device, including iOS devices and smart-phones. You can listen to music or GPS prompts, and even talk on the phone, while still hearing traffic cues, etc. Because the unit does not cover the ears, the design is also hearing-aid compatible. The power button, volume control, and multi-function button are tactually distinguishable. The headphones give various audio prompts, including a low battery warning. These Bluetooth headphones are a must for all those iPhone and Android phone users out there.
>
> In the next issue of Imagineering Our Future, we will introduce the remaining products that are new this year.
>
> For more information about the products and literature available from the NFB Independence Market, please visit us online or contact us via email at independencemarket at nfb.org or by phone at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216.
>
>
>
>
> Access Technology
>
> National convention is always a highlight, but this one was especially exciting. Who hates a birthday party, after all? This year’s technology seminar day was an especially interactive one, and the sessions on gaming and productivity tools drew lots of great dialogue. The session on wearables generated so many curious questions that even after lengthy Q&A and a break, the presenters from Sunu and Sprint had more conversations to wrap up in the hallway. The final session, on training materials, provided an incredibly wide-ranging list of sources for training, responding to one of the most common questions this team gets asked on a given day.
>
> If you ask the Access Technology Team, every day is a web accessibility day, but this fall we’re inviting everyone. On November 4, we will be co-hosting the Web Accessibility Training Day at the NFB Jernigan Institute with the Maryland Technology Assistance Program. This year, the technical and policy breakout sessions will start right after the keynote, so that we can fit even more customized content into a packed program. Expect sessions on achieving culture changes that support accessibility, web accessibility testing, and the Section 508 refresh, as well as many other topics. Registration will open shortly. Further information will be posted on https://nfb.org/web-accessibility-day.
>
> In other news, you will find a new post by summer intern Jeremy Capati up on the Access Technology blog, detailing his push to use technology to his advantage in becoming a better Braille user.
>
>
>
>
> NFB Calendar
>
> Upcoming Events
>
> September 11-13, 2015: NFB STEM2U Leadership Academy
>
> June 19-25, 2016: NFB EQ (first iteration)
>
> July 31-August 6, 2016: NFB EQ (second iteration)
>
> August 2016: WBU-ICEVI General Assembly
>
>
>
> 2015 Fall State Conventions
>
> August 21-23: NFB of South Carolina
>
> September 9-11: NFB of Arizona
>
> September 17-20: NFB of North Carolina
>
> September 19: NFB of North Dakota
>
> September 17-20: NFB of West Virginia
>
> September 24-26: NFB of Kentucky
>
> September 25-27: NFB of Iowa
>
> September 25-26: NFB of Wyoming
>
>
>
> Citation
>
> We have come together to determine our value and to reflect our hope; we have pushed against the institutional and social pressures that suppressed our value; we have cultivated value and put it to work; and we have implemented an aggressive program to eliminate the barriers that prevent us from giving our full value. While this is a great start, our work is not done. We have not reached the limits of our value. Are we inherently limited by blindness, or can we continue to expand the horizons? Have we discovered all of the barriers that stand in our way, or are there still real and perceived obstacles preventing us from showing our full potential? Are we as blind people doing our part to maximize that value, or do we continue to fall into the limits of low expectations? Or to say it another way, are we truly living the lives we want and letting our value shine?
>
> -- Mark Riccobono. "The Federation at Seventy-Five: The Determination of Value and the Reflection of Hope.” 2015 NFB National Convention, Orlando, Florida, July 10, 2015.
>
>
>
> Thank you for reading the NFB’s Imagineering Our Future.
>
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> If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, please email JerniganInstitute at nfb.org.
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> Interesting links:
>
> Archive of Straight Talk About Vision Loss videos
>
> National Center for Blind Youth in Science
>
> Access Technology Tips
>
> TeachBlindStudents.org
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> Blogs:
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> Access Technology
>
> Voice of the Nation's Blind
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> 200 East Wells Street
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