<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello All,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am writing to spread the word about Be My Eyes, a newly-released iOS app designed to connect blind users with a network of sighted volunteers who are willing to assist us with tasks which require sighted assistance, e.g. object identification and reading information such as that provided on prescription labels. This free app uses a video chat software with which a blind person can enter a request for help, a sighted user can respond to the request, and a video chat can be initiated which allows both users to interact to ensure that the best information possible is obtained. In the short time this app has been on the App Store, its network has spread beyond its native Denmark to a worldwide community with over 7000 blind users and 80,000 sighted volunteers. However, as more blind Americans learn about the app and download it, the lack of American volunteers often leaves blind users without someone with whom to connect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For this reason, I am asking those receiving this message who are sighted to give back to the blind community by downloading the app and becoming a volunteer. There is no commitment involved and nothing which binds you to a certain responsibility. You need only sign up as a sighted user after downloading the free app from the iOS App Store. When a request is submitted by a blind user, you will get a notification asking if you are available to accept it. If you have time, you can accept; if not, you are welcome to reject it. The request will then move on to the next volunteer. Please also encourage your friends and family to download the app and build the network. More information about the app and how to get involved can be found at: <a href="http://www.bemyeyes.org">http://www.bemyeyes.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a blind person, I can personally attest to the occasional need for sighted help, blindness skills notwithstanding. It can be frustrating at times when a pair of eyes is needed for something but none is available. This is a free, easy and non-time-consuming way to provide very useful help to the blind when we need it. If enough sighted people from around the world become a part of the Be My Eyes network, we could forever eradicate the inconvenience which comes when needed sighted assistance is unavailable. Please consider becoming a part of this growing community by downloading the app to your iPhone and following the simple steps required to create an account. If you have any questions about this app and your involvement in it, please feel free to contact me. Thank you in advance for your support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chris<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chris Nusbaum, Vice President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maryland Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone: (443) 547-2409<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com">dotkid.nusbaum@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Twitter: @Chrisn98 and @NFBMD<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations for blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>