From christellablue at gmail.com Wed Jul 1 02:48:09 2009 From: christellablue at gmail.com (Christella Garcia) Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:48:09 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Sports and Recreation Events Message-ID: Hi, convention is fast approaching and the Sports and Recreation division is excited to bring three exciting events to all of you. However, we need to get some logistics out of the way so we can enjoy the fun. Therefore, I am attaching the liability waver which will need to be signed by anyone who wants to participate in any of our exciting events. Please note, you must sign a waver for each event. For example, if a person wants to participate in the swimming and judo events then they will need to sign a separate waver for each event. If you have difficulty accessing the form or if you have any other questions please email me off list at: christellablue at gmail.com or call me on my cell (916) 208-3213. and I will do my best to assist you. Below you will find the time and place for each event. The wavers will also be available at each event. Parents please sign a waver for any child under age eighteen. Thanks, and let the games begin. Christella Garcia Sports and recreation division vice president. Friday, July 3, 2009 1:00 - 4:00 pm—SWIM CLINIC: SPORTS & REC DIVISION Pool, Courtyard Marriott Annie Sawicki, part of the AdapTap team (that designed an award-winning device for blind swimmers), is conducting a swimming workshop. Take a break with a cool dip in the pool. Sunday, July 5, 2009 12:30 - 5:00 pm—SPORTS AND RECREATION DIVISION Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:00 pm – Meeting begins Wear your sweats and come ready for hands-on presentations in yoga and much more! Lisamaria Martinez, President Sunday, July 5, 2009 5:00 - 8:00 pm—JUDO WORKSHOP; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Join USA Judo Paralympic bronze medal winner Greg DeWall to learn about judo from people involved in the sport. See you on the mat! Monday, July 6, 2009 6:00 - 9:00 pm—INDOOR ROWING; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline A and B Rooms, Courtyard Marriott Row your way into fitness and maintain a healthy lifestyle using an accessible rowing machine. Prizes plus plenty of fun! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Liability Waiver with NFB1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 30208 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dandrews at visi.com Wed Jul 1 02:44:45 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:44:45 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] 2009 Motor City March Info Packet Message-ID: The 2009 Motor City March for Independence: NFB in the D Before the March · An information session for Marchers will be held on Saturday, July 4, at 6:45 p.m. in the Greco Room on Level 4. · The ambassador briefing sessions will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Brulé B Room on Level 5. Those Federationists wanting to serve as ambassadors or wanting to familiarize themselves with the March and rally, can drop in any time during the three hour briefing session. The March route and tasks will be covered in detail. · Marchers can register for the March, turn in donations, and pick up their March items (such as t-shirts and medallions) at the Imagination Fund table in the Renaissance Foyer on Level 4 near the Convention registration table during registration times. March Gathering Places and Times­Be Ready to Chant and Cheer · Ambassadors and other March volunteers need to report at the Wintergarden entrance on Atwater Street by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6. · Appointed sign and banner carriers need to gather 100 yards to the left of the Wintergarden entrance by 6:30 a.m. to pick up their banners/signs. · Torchbearers need to gather toward the front of the procession, at least 100 yards to the right of the Wintergarden entrance at 6:30 a.m. · Rally coordinators and stagers need to report to Rivard Plaza by 6:30 a.m. · Marchers need to gather at least 100 yards to the right of the Wintergarden entrance by 6:45 a.m. What will happen at the March At 6:45 a.m. the March for Independence will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Maurer. The Torch of Freedom will be lit and the March will begin by 7:00 a.m.! Around 7:30 a.m., as we are heading back toward the Renaissance Center, the “mini-Marchers” will join the procession and we'll all march together toward the rally site at Rivard Plaza. By 8:00 a.m. we will reach Rivard Plaza and the rally will begin. Route description 1. Gather at the Wintergarden entrance on Atwater Street. Walk west on the south side of Atwater Street toward Renaissance Drive West. Be aware of potential traffic on the north side of the street. 2. Just after Bates Street (on your right), take a left back onto the RiverWalk. 3. Follow the RiverWalk until passing Hart Plaza (on your right) and the Detroit Princess Riverboat (on your left). 4. Return back to Atwater Street, which becomes Civic Center Drive. Follow Civic Center Drive to Joe Louis Arena. 5. At the intersection of 3rd Street and Civic Center Drive (with Joe Louis Arena on the right) make a left back onto the RiverWalk, and follow it back toward Hart Plaza. 6. Take the cobblestone path that leads up to Hart Plaza. 7. Go through Hart Plaza, past the fountain, and toward East Jefferson Avenue. 8. Just before East Jefferson Avenue, follow the large concrete path to the right that crosses a dead-end street (to the Ford Auditorium on the right) and leads to Bates Street. 9. Turn right onto Bates Street and continue southeast to Atwater Street. Make a left back onto Atwater Street and follow it east, back toward the Renaissance Center. We will then take the ramp to the RiverWalk. 10. Continue east along the RiverWalk the short distance to Rivard Plaza for the rally. 11. Join the rally at Rivard Plaza! The Mini-March For those who cannot walk the full 4 kilometer route (1 kilometer less than last year), there is a shorter route of approximately four blocks. This mini-March will join the main procession as it passes back by the Renaissance Center on the way to the rally site. To join the mini-March, please gather at 7:15 a.m. at the Wintergarden exit of the Renaissance Center. We will take the ramp down to the RiverWalk. If you choose to use the steps instead of the ramp to the RiverWalk, please note these steps are especially deep. There will be ambassadors on hand to make sure mini-Marchers connect with the main procession at the right time. The Rally Program The rally will begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Rivard Plaza. Water will be available at the rally site for all participants. The rally program will include speeches by Dr. Maurer, Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, and Dave McCurdy of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. Three outstanding Imagination Fund grant programs will be featured, and be ready to dance in the streets when Martha Reeves performs some of her Motown hits. At about 8:45 a.m., Dr. Maurer and other VIPs will lead the procession out of the plaza back to the Wintergarden. Marchers should make their way to the opening of General Session in the Renaissance Ballroom on Level 4 by 9:30 a.m. Be sure to stay for the entire rally­there are bound to be lots of surprises throughout the morning! Transportation Those with wheelchairs or special transportation needs should come to the Imagination Fund table during registration times to make sure their needs are met. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dandrews at visi.com Wed Jul 1 19:37:03 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:37:03 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] See and Win Orator for Blackberry Smartphones at NFB Convention Message-ID: Introducing Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones New screen reader software application provides blind and visually impaired customers with a solution to access BlackBerry smartphones With The National Federation of the Blind conference just around the corner, HumanWare is pleased to introduce its newest software solution called "Orator for BlackBerry for BlackBerry Smartphones" to the NFB members. Access to information through mobile devices is key in today's business world and the use of smartphones have become the predominant way of communication for business professionals and management. With over 21 million subscribers in 150 countries the BlackBerry Smartphones have grown in popularity to become the smartphone of choice to stay in touch with work, family and friends and important information while on the go. Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones is a innovative screen reader software that enables visually impaired users to access and operate BlackBerry Smartphones Issue from a joint collaboration with Code Factory, the leading provider of screen reader technology and maker of Mobile Speak, and Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of the award winning portfolio of BlackBerry products and solutions, Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones is design to convert the information visually display on the device screen into a voice output enabling people who are visually impaired to use BlackBerry smartphones to increase independence and productivity in today's competitive world. Available for the new QWERTY BlackBerry smartphones, Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones will provide you with greater freedom to manage your daily activities in the way that is most convenient for you with the ability to stay connected anytime, anywhere. If you are attending the National Federation of the Blind conference come visit us at the HumanWare booth to be amongst the first to get your hands on a personal demonstration and have a sneak peak at this coming solution for BlackBerry smartphones. Whether you are attending the conference or not don't miss the chance to win one of 4 BlackBerry smartphones with Orator software package. To register your name you must log on at www.orator4bb.com\draw and fill out the form. This will automatically enter your name in the draw. Winners will be announced on the HumanWare site on July 31 If you are interested in learning more on the Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones solution and find out why BlackBerry devices are so popular, be sure to attend the product presentation. Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones: blind access solution for BlackBerry Smartphones When: Friday July 3rd, 2009 Time: 4h00 to 4h50 PM Where: LaSalle A and B Room, Level 5 Speakers: Michel Pepin, Orator for BlackBerry Smartphones Product Manager, HumanWare From this session you will learn the features and benefits of this screen reader solution and find out more on the BlackBerry device applications that will be supported For those of you that will not be available to attend this presentation, be sure to visit us in the exhibit hall at the HumanWare booth during the following exhibit hours: Saturday July 4th, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday July 5th, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday July 6th, 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday July 7th, 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Come and discover if Orator for BlackBerry Smartphone is the solution for you to stay connected with what is important in your life. Visit our web site at www.orator4 bb.com to find out more about this unique mobile solution About HumanWare HumanWare (http://www.humanware.com/) is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare provides products to people who are blind and have low vision and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a collection of innovative products include BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for the blind in education, business and for personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital audiobook players, and SmartView Xtend, the first fully modular and upgradeable CCTV-based video magnifier. David Andrews and white cane Harry. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Thu Jul 2 10:32:39 2009 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:32:39 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Presenting the 12TH Annual Mock Trial Message-ID: PRESENTING THE 12TH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS Saturday, July 4th Ambassador 1 Ballroom, level 3, Marriott Renaissance Center 4:30--6:00 p.m. The National Association of Blind Lawyers is pleased to present the 12TH Annual Mock Trial featuring the case of Malus v. Malus in the District Court for the State of Federation, County of Whoseit, the Honorable Charles S. Brown, Presiding. This case pits a sighted father against a blind mother who are getting divorced and fighting over their three children. Randy Malus, the sighted father, alleges that the blind are incapable of safely taking care of young children. Angela Malus, the sighted mother, counter alleges that Randy is a dead beat dad who is incredibly irresponsible and that the children are far better off with her. Shockingly, Angela's own mother, Melissa Love Joy, intends to testify on behalf of Randy Malus. John Goodfellow, Angela's sighted neighbor, intends to tell the Court what a wonderful mom Angela is. Experts on both sides will tell the Court with whom the children should be placed. You the audience are the jury and will need to decide who is more competent to have custody of these three lovely children, ages 2, 4, and 7. All you have to do is pay your juror registration fee of $5.00 and you can help decide this important case. Scott C. LaBarre, Esq. President, NABL LaBarre Law Offices P.C. 1660 South Albion Street, Ste. 918 Denver, Colorado 80222 303 504-5979 (voice) 303 757-3640 (fax) slabarre at labarrelaw.com (e-mail) www.labarrelaw.com (website) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From armckenzie at fsu.edu Sat Jul 4 16:42:06 2009 From: armckenzie at fsu.edu (Amy McKenzie) Date: Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:42:06 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Online Survey Recruitment Message-ID: I have been asked to circulate the following: Dave Recruitment Message: Drs. Amy McKenzie and Susan Smedema of Florida State University are conducting an online survey social support and life satisfaction in persons with visual impairment. You are invited to participate in this survey if you are 18 years of age or older, and have a diagnosed visual impairment. Participation in the survey will take approximately 30 minutes. There are no anticipated risks beyond those encountered in daily living to completing the survey. Please click on the following link if you wish to participate: http://www.survey.coe.fsu.edu/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=n40Ln62 You may also email Dr. McKenzie at armckenzie at fsu.edu to have this link emailed to you directly or to receive a hard copy of the survey in regular print, large print, or braille. Thank you very much! Amy R. McKenzie, Ed.D. Assistant Professor Program in Visual Impairment and Susan M. Smedema, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Rehabilitation Counseling and Services -----Original Message----- From: David Andrews [mailto:dandrews at visi.com] Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 2:03 PM To: Amy McKenzie Subject: Re: Online Survey Recruitment It is ok with me. You can either write me some sort of announcement, that I will circulate, or I can draw from what you sent me. Dave At 12:13 PM 6/27/2009, you wrote: >Dear Mr. Andrews, > >My name is Amy McKenzie and I am an Assistant Professor in the >Program in Visual Impairments at Florida State University. Along >with my colleague, Susan Smedema, I am preparing to recruit for an >online survey regarding the relationship between social supports and >life satisfaction in adults with visual impairments. Dr. Smedema is >an Assistant Professors in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at >FSU. We have received human subjects approval to conduct this study >through the Florida State University Office of Research. > >We would like to post recruitment messages in some format to the NFB >listservs and/or message boards due to its strong consumer >membership. We believe that we can reach the broadest group of >participants through your organization. Electronic recruitment >methods are being used since this is an online study. > >I have attached the proposed recruitment letter and consent letter >to this e-mail. Please let me know your thoughts! > >Sincerely, >Amy R. McKenzie > >Amy R. McKenzie, Ed.D. >Assistant Professor >Program in Visual Impairment >College of Education, Florida State University >850-645-6588 From dandrews at visi.com Mon Jul 6 15:02:02 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:02:02 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB Convention Stream Available Message-ID: Many of you have asked about watching and/or listening to a stream of the NFB national convention, now going on in Detroit. There is a audio/video stream that is available when general sessions of the convention are in session. I presume that it will also be available for the banquet. The address is: http://www.vbossengage.com/Engage/NFB/Index.aspx David Andrews and white cane Harry. From dandrews at visi.com Mon Jul 6 16:39:02 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:39:02 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Updated Link for NFB Convention Stream Message-ID: Earlier today I posted a link to listen/watch a live stream of the NFB convention, now going on in Detroit. The link used an embedded Silverlight player that may not be accessible to all. Below is a new link that uses your default media player. We apologize for any problems that this has caused anybody. http://vbricksys.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/vbricksys/58969/300_vbricksys-nfb_30241_090615.asx Dave David Andrews and white cane Harry. From dandrews at visi.com Thu Jul 16 19:26:16 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:26:16 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Minnesota State Services for the Blind Director's Job Open, St. Paul Message-ID: The job of Director of Minnesota State Services for the Blind is now open. You can apply on line, and the closing date is July 27th. You can view the job, and apply at: https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/JobPosting/1ecf38fe20f55e017024b29a0573cc76/View Please circulate, as we need to get somebody good into the position David Andrews State of Minnesota Job Posting: View Banner image with the text 'Employment, Opening Worlds of Possibilities, My State Job Search' DIRECTOR SERVICES FOR THE BLIND $ 32.42-$ 46.56 hourly, $ 67,693-$ 97,217 annually Date Posted: 07/16/2009 Closing Date: 07/27/2009 Hiring Agency: Employment & Econ Development Dept Division/Bureau: SSB Location: St. Paul Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Posting Number: 09DEED000128 Employment Conditions: Permanent, Full-time Work Shift: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday-Friday Travel Required: yes Job Grouping: General Administration Classified Status: Classified Job Description: The Director is responsible for leadership in developing and managing State Services for the Blind's (SSB) State Plans and programs for federal Vocational Rehabilitation (including Assistive Technology) and Independent Living, its Independent Living-Older Blind program and Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities program, and the Communication Center. It is the Director's responsibility to provide fiscal leadership, secure resources, manage the preparation of financial plans and SSB program budgets and to manage the disbursement, accounting, and reporting of federal and state appropriations for the blind and including grants and gift funds so that all resources are utilized effectively and in accord with both federal and state regulations. Provide leadership, initiative and management in the design and implementation of new developments and technologies, ideas, and directions as well as effective strategies for research, program evaluation and quality assurance. The Director creates a clear focus on the unique character of the work of SSB and its role in the Minnesota Workforce Center System. The position supervises (directly and indirectly) 110 staff members including Program Directors for: Workforce Development (Vocational Rehabilitation); the Communication Center and Senior Services; Technology; Administrative Services. SSB has a central office in St. Paul and at 12 Workforce Centers across the state. Minimum Qualifications: 3 years experience as a manager or administrator responsible for a program providing vocational rehabilitation services (or employment and training services), AND you must possess a graduate degree in Rehabilitation, Public or Business Administration, Education, Psychology or a closely related area. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants who meet the experience and educational requirement will be further evaluated on their qualifications (education/training, paid or volunteer work/life experience, and accomplishments/achievements) for this position as demonstrated in the areas listed below. Preference will be given to applicants with experience working in rehabilitation for persons who are blind/visually impaired. Please use the Job Specific Questions Section to respond to each of these four areas: 1) Rehabilitation a) Knowledge of rehabilitation programs and services - including vocational rehabilitation, independent living rehabilitation, special education and the One-Stop (Workforce Center) system of the Workforce Investment Act; b) Experience in rehabilitation programs for persons who are blind and visually impaired; c) Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations governing the provision of rehabilitation services to persons who are blind and visually impaired. 2) Management a) Managerial, supervisory and related administrative roles and functions; b) Planning and development of program policies and procedures. Include here a description of achievements/accomplishments which demonstrate the highest level of: 1) leadership and initiative; and 2) problem solving and creativity; c) Quality assurance (e.g., case reviews, compliance, auditing, etc), program evaluation (e.g., vendor effectiveness studies, etc.), cost/benefit studies, and forecasting future resource needs and service demands. 3) Budget development and fiscal management. Please include the approximate amounts of dollars controlled. 4) Experience in making presentations to and working with policy making bodies (e.g., legislative committees) and with professional, consumer and provider groups and councils. Selection Process: The selection process is a resume-based, skill-matching process. Your resume will be entered into a database. The software program matches your skills with the skills needed to perform the duties of the position. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. If you have already submitted a resume to this database within the last 12 months that clearly identifies your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience, you do not need to submit another. How to Apply: You are strongly encouraged to submit your resume through the online Resume Builder at < https://statejobs.doer.state.mn.us/ResumeBuilder >. You may copy and paste in your existing resume or let the software create a resume for you. You may edit your resume later should your contact information or experience change. The Resume Builder also collects your work preference information so we can match you with future job openings that meet your interests. Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to both your current and anticipated Human Resources offices. If you wish to apply with a paper copy, submit your resume AND a completed State of Minnesota Employment Application form to: Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB), 200 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155. Be sure to indicate the posting number of this job on your application. The paper application is available on the State Employment Web and MMB web sites, at any state agency HR office, or by calling 651-259-3637. Contact for More Information: Sue Zeches, 651/259-7107/sue.zeches at state.mn.us. table end David Andrews and white cane Harry. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From MRiccobono at nfb.org Sun Jul 19 00:57:53 2009 From: MRiccobono at nfb.org (Riccobono, Mark) Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:57:53 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB Youth March for Independence Message-ID: Come join the National Federation of the Blind for a historic gathering to celebrate the next generation of blind innovators! On Friday, July 31, the blind students and their mentors from the 2009 NFB Youth Slam will gather in our nation’s capitol for an inspirational rally at the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool followed by the NFB Youth March for Independence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. After the march, blind students, blind mentors, and friends will gather for a celebratory program of the past week’s achievements in the United States Capitol Visitor Center. Members of congress will be in attendance, and speakers will include Dr. Marc Maurer (President of the NFB), NFB Youth Slam students, members of the United States Congress, and officials from NASA including one of the astronauts from the STS 125 shuttle mission--the same mission that carried two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to space. We encourage Federationists and friends to come be part of these historic events­you will not want to miss it! Schedule of Events: The rally at the Lincoln Memorial will kick off at 2:45 p.m. just in front of the reflecting pool and at the foot of the steps where so many other revolutionary historic gatherings have taken place. The NFB Youth March is expected to leave the rally site at the Lincoln Memorial at approximately 3:20 p.m. proceeding down the National Mall to the National Air and Space Museum. Please note that the distance from the memorial to the museum is approximately 1.5 miles. The closing ceremonies at the Capitol Visitors Center will begin at 5:30 pm. (doors open) with the program beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Congressional Auditorium. The Capitol Visitor Center is closed to the public, so please let security know that you are attending the NFB event. We encourage you to get there early as there is a security screening before the entrance to the Capitol Visitor Center; the link to items that are not permitted is http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Visit/Visitor%20Safety%20and%20Policies/. The Capitol Visitors Center entrance is on the East side of the Capitol near the intersection of First and Maryland streets. If you are coming to the concluding ceremony only, the easiest way to get there is by metro. The three closest stops are: * Union Station – Located at First Street, NW, and Massachusetts Avenue * Capitol South – Located at First Street between C and D Streets, SE * Federal Center, SW – Located at the Southwest corner of Third and D streets, SW For more information about the metro, visit http://www.wmata.com/. Please join us for this historic event where the next generation of the blind is helping to change what it means to be blind! The NFB Youth Slam is one of the ways that the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is providing more opportunities for blind youth to pursue careers that were once falsely perceived as impossible and empowering the next generation to interject their voice into the leadership of this country. Let us celebrate the accomplishments of these youth and their mentors while looking forward to their future full of opportunities! If you have any questions, please call Mark Riccobono at 410-659-9314 ext. 2368 or e-mail mriccobono at nfb.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu Jul 23 08:42:39 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:42:39 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] National Federation of the Blind and Blind Business Owner File Complaint with Small Business Administration Message-ID: 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 National Federation of the Blind and Blind Business Owner File Complaint with Small Business Administration SBA's Inaccessible Web Site Discriminates Against the Blind Baltimore, Maryland (July 22, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading advocate for equal access by the blind to information technology, and Virgil Stinnett, a blind business owner from Honolulu, Hawaii, filed an administrative complaint today with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The complaint asserts that the SBA's Web site violates Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act because it is inaccessible to blind people who use text-to-speech screen access technology or Braille displays to access information on the Internet. Because of the inaccessibility of the SBA Web site, blind people cannot fill out forms on the site or take online courses offered by the SBA. Mr. Stinnett was unable to apply for certification under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act because of the inaccessibility of the Web site. Section 8(a) certification would provide Mr. Stinnett's business with access to federal and private procurement markets. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Blind Americans have the same dreams, the same goals, and the same entrepreneurial spirit as all other Americans. If we are to have equal access to the tools and techniques needed to be effective business owners and to compete on terms of equality with our sighted peers, we must have equal access to the resources offered on the SBA Web site and other government sites. The National Federation of the Blind demands equality for blind business owners and will tolerate nothing less." Virgil Stinnett, owner of Good News HI, a business providing military dining services, said: "As a blind entrepreneur, access to the SBA Web site is critical in order for me to use its programs and services and expand my business. The fact that I could not access the Web site has cost me time and resources that I would not have needed to expend if I had been able to use the site like everyone else. I hope the action we are taking today will prompt the SBA to take immediate steps so that all Americans, blind and sighted, have equal access to the programs, training, and resources that it provides." Complainants are represented by attorneys Daniel F. Goldstein and Allison L. Harper of Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, 120 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202, (410) 962-1030, fax: (410) 385-0869, dfg at browngold.com, ah at browngold.com, www.browngold.com. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Fri Jul 24 03:24:38 2009 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:24:38 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Looking for People Message-ID: Greetings: We are very interested in talking to anyone who is blind/visually impaired and interested in pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. We are also interested in talking to any blind/visually impaired employees who either work directly for or through a contractor to provide switchboard/communication services for the Veterans Administration. Finally, we are interested in speaking with anyone, blind/visually impaired, who is planning on attending law school, is currently an undergrad, and who plans on taking the LSAT either this fall or in the next year. Please contact me at the below information. Thanks, Scott C. LaBarre, Esq. LaBarre Law Offices P.C. 1660 South Albion Street, Ste. 918 Denver, Colorado 80222 303 504-5979 (voice) 303 757-3640 (fax) slabarre at labarrelaw.com (e-mail) www.labarrelaw.com (website) CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the designated recipient, you may not read, copy, distribute or retain this message. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender at 303) 504-5979 or slabarre at labarrelaw.com, and destroy and delete it from your system. This message and any attachments are covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From AZNOR99 at aol.com Mon Jul 27 00:20:19 2009 From: AZNOR99 at aol.com (by way of David Andrews ) Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:20:19 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB Youth Slam Now on Twitter Message-ID: 200 blind high school students have just converged on the campus of the University of Maryland to spend a wild week learning about science, technology, engineering, and math. With more than 70 adult blind mentors, they will build greenhouses, dissect sharks, learn CSI techniques, and even drive cars. You can follow along through the week and learn breaking news from the NFB Youth Slam by going to www.twitter.com/NFBYouthSlam or follow “NFBYouthSlam” if you already have a Twitter account,. Two hundred blind and low vision students from all across the country will attend this five-day adventure that will engage, inspire, and encourage the next generation of blind youth to consider careers falsely believed to be impossible for the blind. Have you ever wanted to build and launch a rocket? Are you interested in learning about forensics? Or do you have an interest in journalism? The possibilities are plentiful at the NFB Youth Slam! While staying at the University of Maryland, College Park, students will be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities designed to build confidence and increase science literacy. Participants Students and mentors dance during the closing party of the 2007 will also have the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and blindness. In addition, students will have time for fun and mingling during social activities, such as extreme sports, recreation night, and a talent show. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 684e108.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 6791 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dandrews at visi.com Fri Jul 31 15:36:12 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:36:12 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] How many children in America are not taught to read? Message-ID: From Dr. Maurer: Subject: [Brl-campaign] How many children in America are not taught to read? The answer is 90 percent if the children are blind. Most Americans are shocked to hear this statistic. And we should be. The blind read and write using Braille, so why is our educational system failing to teach Braille to so many children? Why are these children being denied the opportunities that come with a proper education? What if you could not read and write? Where would you be today? There are three primary reasons for this educational crisis: (1) there are not enough Braille teachers; (2) some teachers of blind children have not received enough training; and (3) many educators do not think Braille instruction is even necessary. To bring critically-needed attention to this educational crisis, the United States Congress authorized the minting of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar with a portion of the sale of each coin going toward a revolutionary and comprehensive Braille literacy campaign. Learning to read and write is fundamental to education, which in turn is paramount to full and equal participation in American society. This coin, the first U.S. coin to have proper tactile Braille, symbolizes independence, opportunity, and the potential of blind people to make significant contributions to society when they learn to read and write using Braille. To learn more, read our report The Braille Literacy Crisis in America, or watch our video Making Change with a Dollar. Please purchase this unique and beautiful coin now and help solve this educational crisis for blind children in America. The law authorizing this 2009 silver dollar requires that any coins not sold by midnight on December 31, 2009, be melted down. Time is of the essence­­a 90 percent illiteracy rate is not acceptable and the opportunity to purchase this coin will soon be gone. Be part of the solution, give the gift of literacy, and create new opportunities. Please buy the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar now. Marc Maurer, President NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND