From JerniganInstitute at nfb.org Fri May 1 01:21:37 2009 From: JerniganInstitute at nfb.org (Mark Riccobono) Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:21:37 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB Imagineering Our Future: "No need for greed, we want to read!" Message-ID: Imagineering Our Future Issue 12 April 30, 2009 In this issue: * Message from the Executive Director * What's New * Education * Braille Initiative * Straight Talk About Vision Loss * Technology Talk * From the Jacobus tenBroek Library * Independence Market * Parent Outreach * Spotlight on the Imagination Fund * NFB Calendar * Citation [] Message from the Executive Director When the Federation was founded in 1940, one pillar of the work of the organization was to raise expectations among the blind themselves and fortify them with knowledge, because knowledge is power. In founding the NFB Jernigan Institute, the Federation took this to the next level by creating an information center that will drive innovation and disseminate knowledge in ways previously unimagined. Despite the achievements we have made since 1940 and the explosion of opportunities that have come from the programs of our Jernigan Institute, we still spend considerable time protecting the right of the blind to have access to knowledge. As you will see in this month’s issue of our e-newsletter, we are hard at work disseminating knowledge and protecting the right of the blind to have access to more of it. Our success in the past has brought us to where we are today, but it is clear that there is more work to be done. We are on the verge of significantly closing the knowledge gap that has faced the blind for decades­a gap that is not a result of blindness but rather a result of the inaccessibility of popular avenues for disseminating knowledge. With programs that empower blind people, the stimulation of technologies to access information, and advocacy that teaches the public about the opportunities that come from considering nonvisual accessibility in the sharing of knowledge, the NFB Jernigan Institute is closing the information gap. Now, more than ever before, the blind are on the verge of having equality of opportunity in accessing critical sources of knowledge. If you have not already pledged your support to our petition to ensure the reading rights of people with print disabilities­the right to knowledge­I now invite you to do so. Knowledge is power, and you can make a difference by signing your name to the list of thousands who believe that blindness should not stop one from having access to that knowledge. Graphic: Signature of Mark Riccobono Mark A. Riccobono, Executive Director, NFB Jernigan Institute [] Featured NFB News Photo: Kindle 2 NY protest Allow Everyone Access to E-books In February of this year, Amazon, Inc. released a new version of its e-book reader. The Kindle 2 includes a feature that allows downloaded e-books to be read aloud using text-to-speech technology. The Authors Guild has objected to this feature, and under pressure from the Guild, Amazon has announced that it will give authors and publishers the ability to disable the text-to-speech function on any or all of their e-books available for the Kindle 2. Naturally, this is a blow to blind people and others with print disabilities who can benefit from the text-to-speech feature and who would love to be able to purchase books and start reading them immediately for the first time in history. The Authors Guild’s proposed solution was that to read their books with text-to-speech we must either submit to a special registration system or pay extra, because it believes these e-books are licensed only for visual display. For this reason the National Federation of the Blind has joined with other organizations representing people who cannot use print effectively to fight the Authors Guild. The resulting Reading Rights Coalition now includes over thirty organizations of the blind, people with dyslexia, people with learning or processing issues, seniors losing vision, people with spinal cord injuries, people recovering from strokes, and many others for whom the addition of text-to-speech on the Kindle 2 promised for the first time easy, mainstream access to over 270,000 books, magazines, and newspapers. The Reading Rights Coalition, led by the NFB, kicked off a public education campaign on April 7 with an informational protest in front of the Guild’s headquarters in New York City. Next the Coalition participated in the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book fair in the world, which took place on the University of California at Los Angeles campus April 25-26. The coalition table in the festival’s exhibit area provided the reading and publishing communities with information about our concerns. We will continue and increase public pressure on the Authors Guild until it reverses its stance. Help us by signing this online petition to allow everyone access to e-books. [] Education Parent gives her young son a cane lesson The NFB Jernigan Institute is holding an innovative Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference in collaboration with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and various professionals in the early childhood field from across the Mid-Atlantic region. This two-day conference (May 8-9, 2009) will bring together families of blind children and early childhood service providers, teachers, and professionals in order to disseminate the NFB's approach to best practices in early childhood education for blind children. Families of blind and low vision children ages birth to seven who live in the Mid-Atlantic region are encouraged to attend. Families who live outside of the area are also welcome to attend, but should be aware that some of the exhibits and information will be region-specific. Families can choose among a variety of breakout sessions on topics such as early movement, literacy, and active learning. Families will also be able to consult with early childhood professionals. Children are encouraged to attend with their parents as there will be activities with young blind children in mind. To attend please complete and submit the online or print registration form. For more information e-mail Mary Jo Thorpe, Education Programs Specialist, NFB Jernigan Institute; call (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407; or visit the Beginnings and Blueprints page. [] Braille Initiative Photo: Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar It has been just about a month since the historical launch of the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. Here are some interesting updates: ~ Coins have been selling at a rate of about 144 per hour. ~ At this rate, coins will sell out in 86 days. So what do these numbers mean? If you were to think of each coin's $10 surcharge as representing the difference we have made in the Braille education of one child, we have already changed the lives of more than 100,000 children! Every coin sold truly helps us to end the Braille literacy crisis. (For background information, see The Braille Literacy Crisis in America: Facing the Truth, Reversing the Trend, Empowering the Blind.) To purchase your coin and be a part of the change, please visit the U.S. Mint Web site or call 1-800-USA-Mint. Enjoy the video that premiered at the launch of the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar on March 26, 2009, What Braille Means to Me. For more information about Braille, the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Siver Dollar, and the NFB's other Braille literacy efforts, please visit Braille.org, join the literacy campaign mailing list, or follow on the social networking site Twitter. [] Straight Talk About Vision Loss The KnfbReader Mobile Photo: KnfbReader Mobile The Straight Talk About Vision Loss team presents Straight Talk About Vision Loss Episode 25. The National Federation of the Blind is the only national distributor of the KnfbReader Mobile and its related products, and our interview is with Michael Hingson, who is leading this effort. In addition to reading documents anywhere, the device can identify U.S. currency, translate from foreign languages, and store and transfer files. The Reader is easy to use­it takes a photo of the print, then character recognition software, in conjunction with high quality text-to-speech, reads the writing aloud. There is financing help available through a low interest loan program. This portable reading device was developed through a joint venture between Kurzweil Technologies and the National Federation of the Blind. [] Product and Access Technology Talk Last Friday, the Access Technology team hosted visitors in the International Braille and Technology Center for the Blind who were in town for the American Society for Engineering Education Spring 2009 Mid-Atlantic Conference. Anne Taylor, NFB Jernigan Institute's Director of Access Technology, also presented to the plenary session of this conference on Saturday on the importance of considering accessibility in the technology design process. The team has added some more updates on the Access Technology Blog from the California State University at Northridge’s annual Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference: CSUN in Los Angeles Demonstrations PDF Accessibility Wizard Interviews with Serotek and Peter Cantisani Anne Taylor talks to GW Micro, Enabling Technologies, and Nuance Anne Taylor interviewing Gareth Collins from Dolphin Computers at CSUN On the Access Technology tips page, HumanWare contributed a tip on the new update for the Victor Reader Stream: Bookmark Alert. Dolphin Computers also shared some of their EasyConverter Tips! [] From the tenBroek Library Ari Ne'eman address the Symposium Photo: Ari Ne'eman gives Keynote Address The 2009 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, New Perspectives on Disability Law Advancing the Right to Live in the World, took place in the Jernigan Institute on April 17, 2009. Over ninety people from throughout the United States and Canada attended, and Mr. Hamou Bouakkaz, Technical Advisor to the Mayor of Paris, also participated as part of a United States Department of State sponsored tour of the Jernigan Institute. A total of fifty-seven academic, advocacy, and governmental organizations were represented including Stiehm Law Office; Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.; Wellesley College; Department of Homeland Security; D.C. Office of Human Rights; Westchester Independent Living Center; and Women Embracing Abilities Now. Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy, headed the list of leading national and international advocates and scholars who made presentations at the 2009 symposium. Other presenters included Assistant Attorney General Maura Healey, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Professor Gerard Quinn, National University of Ireland, Galway; Christine Griffin, United States Equal Employmeent Opportunity Commission; and Samuel Bagenstos, Visiting Professor at UCLA School of Law. Ari Ne'eman, Founding President of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, was the luncheon keynote speaker. Go to the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium Web page to hear recordings of the 2009 symposium sessions. [] Independence Market Braille Is Beautiful program Photo: Braille Is Beautiful full set Braille Is Beautiful Kits Available from the NFB Independence Market During this year of celebrating Louis Braille's birth and accomplishments, we have updated the Braille Is Beautiful Program to make it even easier to share the message of the power of Braille with sighted children. This innovative diversity awareness program uses the beauty of Braille to build a bridge of understanding between sighted and blind children. It teaches sighted students how to read and write the Braille alphabet code. As they discover how much fun it is to read and write Braille "bumps," they come to respect and appreciate the way blind children learn, and ultimately accept them as friends and equals in the classroom. The program targets sighted children in grades four through six, but it can be adapted for younger or older youth. It can be used in the classroom and with youth clubs, service organizations, and individual students. No previous experience with Braille or blindness is required to successfully teach the material. The program comes in different kits to fit different budgets and instructional needs. The following kits are now available for ordering from the NFB Independence Market: Teacher’s Guide Economy Kit, Audiovisual Kit, and Curriculum Program Kit. [] Parent Outreach Just out­a special issue of Future Reflections, the quarterly publication for parents and teachers of blind children published by the NFB. According to editor Barbara Cheadle, in "A Celebration of Braille" you'll find: "inspiring stories that celebrate the impact Braille has had in the lives of ordinary people, exciting articles that describe a few of the innovative programs that bring the beauty and versatility of Braille into the lives of both blind and sighted children, informative articles with practical tips and strategies about how to use Braille more effectively, rousing calls-to-action from Braille advocates, and some fun facts about Braille that readers can easily share with family and friends." Take a look and celebrate Braille! [] Spotlight on the Imagination Fund Photo: Kids on blind-built bikes Photo: Kids on blind-built bikes “I got a new bike! And it was built by a blind man.” In this space we usually spotlight the one of the projects conducted by Federation chapters and affiliates around the country with support from the Imagination Fund. The projects that receive funding exemplify our NFB esprit and imagination, help spread our positive message, and increase the possibilities in blind people’s lives. In like spirit, a team building session was held this month in Indianapolis. Several hundred blind entrepreneurs attending business leadership training worked together to assemble dozens of bikes and then gave them to children from the local boys and girls club. Leading the way with his customary energy and enthusiasm was Kevan Worley, the vigorous chairman of our Imagination Fund and president of the sponsoring organization, the National Association of Blind Merchants. Read how the blind gave back to the community through the Build-a-Bike program. The Imagination Fund provides support for the outreach efforts of local Federation chapters and affiliates throughout the United States as well as the research, technology, and education programs and initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute. The Imagination Fund was established January 2004 with the Grand Opening of our NFB research and training institute. There's a new way to make change with a dollar The need for NFB Jernigan Institute programs, increased Braille literacy, and exciting affiliate programs has never been greater. Now more than ever, we need the help of every member and your friends. This year the Imagination Fund is introducing the Every Member, Every Friend Match Campaign. Simply pledge a single dollar each day for the months April through July 2009. Your $1 a day commitment plus a friend’s matching $1 a day over the course of only four months will total $240 to support the outreach efforts of local Federation chapters and affiliates throughout the United States and the research, technology, and education programs and initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute. Plus we'll give you March for Independence merchandise when your friends or family members match your promise! While March for Independence T-shirts are only available to Marchers if they raise $250, participants in the Every Member, Every Friend Match Campaign will earn a T-shirt for $240 when a friend matches a participant's $1 a day commitment (a $10 discount). And the benefits increase with the matches! Participants who get 3 matches will receive this year’s March for Independence $500 prize (a $20 discount). Those who get 7 matches or more will receive the top prize, the medallion awarded to Marchers who raise $1,000 or more (a $40 discount). Please visit the Every Member, Every Friend page to learn how you can educate your friends and make your promises to help end the Braille literacy crisis today. [] NFB Calendar 2009 Year of Louis Braille's Bicentennial, launch of the first U.S. coin containing readable Braille, and kickoff of the NFB Braille Literacy Campaign. Contact the U.S. Mint to purchase your own Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. April 4, 2009 Thanks to all of our supporters of The Cane Event: Celebrating Braille Image: Whozit wearing a top hat Readers are Leaders. The event held in Members Hall at NFB headquarters in Baltimore was an overwhelming success, and we're already making plans for next year! This event netted over $100,000 for the Jernigan Institute Braille Literacy Campaign. May 8-9, 2009 Beginnings and Blueprints Early Childhood Conference, open to parents of blind children ages birth to seven. Part of NFB Jernigan Institute's Early Childhood Education initiative. May 10, 2009 Mother's Day! Honor your mom with an NFB e-Card on her special day. She will be very proud that you made a donation to Braille Literacy and the National Federation of the Blind IN HER NAME! All recipients will be listed on the Imagination Fund Web site. Your mom will receive her e-card whenever you specify. SEND e-CARD NOW May 15-17, 2009 Future Directions in Braille Research Seminar at the NFB Jernigan Institute. May 30, 2009 Pre-registration cut-off for NFB 2009 National Convention. When purchased online before May 31st, the pre-registration fee for convention is $15 ($20 on-site) and the cost of a banquet ticket is $35 ($40 on-site). June 15-26, 2009 Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program in Wisconsin. July 3-8, 2009 NFB 2009 National Convention, Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan. For reservations, write directly to the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan 48243, or call 1-800-266-9432. Information for sponsors, exhibitors, and other attendees is online. Available throughout May­discounted online pre-registration and banquet ticket sales. July 6, 2009 Motor City March for Independence, A Walk for Opportunity, Detroit, Michigan. Register to participate in the third annual March in Detroit. Hear an audio report on last year's Dallas March. July 13-24, 2009 Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program in Georgia. July 26-August 1, 2009 NFB Youth Slam: A STEM Leadership Academy, University of Maryland, College Park. View a video about this exciting event! August 3-15, 2009 Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) program in Maryland. [] Citation What We Believe We respect that authors have the right to control their content and be paid for their work. Reading a book aloud with text-to-speech technology, however, is not a violation of copyright. The Authors Guild’s threatened removal of text-to-speech from its books and its proposed alternatives­a burdensome registration system or extra charge for people with print disabilities to read their books­constitutes discrimination against people with print disabilities, censorship, and is bad business for authors and publishers. We want to pay for and read books like everybody else. ­Excerpt from statement of the Reading Rights Coalition, comprising over thirty organizations representing the 15 million Americans who cannot read print because of blindness, dyslexia, spinal cord injury, and other print disabilities. If your organization wants to join the Reading Rights Coalition, please use the Contact Us form. View what you can do as an individual to promote equal access to books for people with print disabilities. Take Action Now! Back to 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 Photo: Young woman playing flute Interesting links: Archive of Straight Talk about Vision Loss videos National Center for Blind Youth in Science Access Technology Tips Photo: Youth practicing martial art Blogs: Access Technology Voice of the Nation's Blind Photo: Senior couple Publication archives: Voice of the Diabetic Future Reflections Braille Monitor Photo: Mom and son take a moment and a hug Graphic Logo: National Federation of the Blind Visit us at nfb.org 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 Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity [] Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 (410) 659-9314 Fax (410) 659-5129 E-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org Visit us at www.nfb.org Better Business Bureau logo American Institute of Philanthropy logo 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. If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe, please e-mail JerniganInstitute at nfb.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JWilson at nfb.org Tue May 5 21:08:57 2009 From: JWilson at nfb.org (Wilson, Joanne) Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 16:08:57 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Pre-registration for National Convention Message-ID: Attention Conventioneers: The early bird gets more than the worm when pre-registering for the national convention! Registering in advance will help you avoid never-ending lines, will give you more time to get involved in action-packed convention activities, and will save you some cash. Visit by May 31 to complete the easy registration process. Hope to see you in Detroit... but not in the registration lines! Joanne Wilson From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue May 5 21:30:47 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 05 May 2009 16:30:47 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Martha Reeves to Participate in the National Federation of the Blind Motor City March for Independence Reeves to Serve as Honorary Co-chair of Event Baltimore, Maryland (May 5, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) announced today that Martha Reeves, former lead singer of the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, will take the stage serving as a co-chair for the organization's fundraising walk-a-thon event. The third annual Motor City March for Independence will take place on the morning of July 6, 2009, as part of the National Federation of the Blind convention, which will be held in Detroit this year. Over a thousand blind people from across the nation will march to raise money to benefit blind people all over the United States and to raise awareness about the capabilities of the blind. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are truly delighted to have Ms. Reeves participate in this year's March for Independence. As an individual whose talent has significantly contributed to Detroit's musical landscape and a well-known leader in her community, she will be a valuable contributor to this very important event." Ms. Reeves said: "By developing innovative approaches in education, technology, and services, the National Federation of the Blind is making huge strides to help the world's blind achieve independence. I am thrilled to support the NFB third annual March for Independence. I am equally pleased that the NFB has chosen to support Detroit by selecting it as the location for the occasion." During Ms. Reeves's tenure with The Vandellas, the group had over a dozen hit singles including "Dancing in the Street," "Nowhere to Run," and "Jimmy Mack." Since 2005, Reeves has served as an elected councilwoman for the city of Detroit, Michigan. Martha Reeves joins Councilwoman Joanne Watson and other local Detroit luminaries who have agreed to co-chair the event. For more information about the March for Independence, including how to participate and how to sponsor a marcher, visit www.marchforindependence.org. To learn more about the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org. ### 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 the lives of blind people 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. From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu May 7 01:33:44 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Wed, 06 May 2009 20:33:44 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] National Federation of the Blind Comments on Release of Large-screen Kindle 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 Comments on Release of Large-screen Kindle Urges Accessibility of New E-book Reader for Students Baltimore, Maryland (May 6, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind Americans, commented today on the release by Amazon, Inc. of a new version of its Kindle electronic reading device. The new Kindle has a larger screen than previous versions and is being marketed by Amazon as a potential platform for the display of textbooks for college and graduate students. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are appalled that Amazon is releasing a new Kindle device ostensibly for the use of students that does not contain features that make it accessible to the blind. While this new device has the ability to read text aloud, its controls and user interface are not accessible to blind people; therefore, blind students will not have access to electronic textbooks available for the device. If the controls on the Kindle are made accessible to the blind, however, blind students will have equal access to textbooks at the same time as their sighted peers for the first time in history. We therefore urge Amazon to introduce a user interface for the Kindle that is accessible to the blind as soon as possible. Until such an accessible interface is introduced by Amazon, no college or university should deploy this device for use by its students, since doing so will place blind students at an unfair disadvantage compared to their sighted peers and will violate state and federal laws requiring equal access to textbooks and course materials for students with disabilities." ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info at michaelhingson.com Thu May 7 14:56:41 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (mhingson) Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 09:56:41 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Accessible World Presents: "I Survived 9/11," May 12 Message-ID: From: News Wire [mailto:listservice at mail.accessibleworld.org] Subject: Accessible World Presents: "I Survived 9/11," May 12 Accessible World Presents: "I Survived 9/11," May 12 News Wire Special Programs Series "Beyond Surviving to Thriving," Lessons from 9/11 with Michael Hingson Far from being an increasingly distant event from our collective history, the lessons of 9/11 are vital for successfully coping with the chaos of today's economic climate. According to Michael Hingson, World Trade Center survivor, "this country is undergoing a radical attack of the status quo, as people are confronted with radical changes - whether changes in livelihood, financial status or the competitive environment - many of which are confusing and painful. Safety and security in the traditional ways of doing things have been stripped away." To some, Michael Hingson is another person with a "disability." For those who know his amazing story, his superior "abilities" enabled him to successfully navigate through the chaos of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Michael and his Guide Dog Roselle lead a group of people down from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center to safety moments before the building collapsed. His "disability"--blindness - became an asset; his teamwork with Roselle saved his life and the lives of those with him. For Michael Hingson, teamwork and overcoming adversity are not optional. Join Robert Acosta, host of Accessible World "Tek Talk," to hear Michael share how you can navigate beyond "surviving" to thriving! Michael Hingson is a National Public Speaker specializing in topics including Diversity, Inclusion, Teamwork and Overcoming Adversity. To engage Michael Hingson for your next meeting or special event, please contact The Michael Hingson Group at: info at michaelhingson.com or call 415-827-4084. Date: Tuesday, May 12th, 2009. Time: 6:00 p.m. PDT, 7:00 p.m. MDT, 8:00 p.m. CDT, and 9:00 p.m. EDT and elsewhere in the world Wednesday 1:00 GMT Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time; go to TheAuditorium at: http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs5affc3cfa191 Or, alternatively. Select the Auditorium at: http://www.accessibleworld.org. Enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen. All Special Program Events are recorded so if you are unable to participate live at the above times then you may download the presentation or podcast from the Tek Talk archives on our website at http://www.accessibleworld.org All online interactive programs require no password, are free of charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience or text chat with the attendees. If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms. Sign up information for all Accessible World News Wires and discussion lists are also available at our website http://www.accessibleworld.org. Accessible World Contacts: Robert Acosta, Chair Accessible World 818-998-0044 Email: boacosta at pacbell.net Web: http://www.helpinghands4theblind.org Joann Becker, Events Coordinator Accessible World 617-969-1213 Email: joannbecker at pcomcast.net George Buys, CEO Talking Communities Email: buys at talkingcommunities.com The Accessible World, a division of Helping Hands For The Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them. -- If you no longer wish to receive any more announcements from the Accessible World announce list service, you may unsubscribe, edit your preferences or forward this email by using one of the links below. Unsubscribe: this link Update your preferences or unsubscribe: this link Forward a Message to Someone: this link Powered by PHPlist2.10.8, © tincan ltd The Michael Hingson Group “Speaking with Vision” Michael Hingson, President (415) 827-4084 info at michaelhingson.com www.michaelhingson.com for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit: http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com From JLazarus at nfb.org Thu May 7 19:52:35 2009 From: JLazarus at nfb.org (Lazarus, Jerry) Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 14:52:35 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Notice to Affiliates, Divisions, Committees, and Groups Message-ID: From: Jerry Lazarus, Exhibit Coordinator, 2009 NFB National Convention Attention: Affiliates, Divisions, Committees, and Groups: Please be aware that space in the Exhibit Hall can still be obtained through May 29. If you are an Affiliate President, or head of a division, committee, or group, and wish to have a table in the exhibit hall, please obtain an exhibitor application from our Web site, or this link exhibitor application. Fill in the pertinent information and send the completed form to Exhibit Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Or, it can be e-mailed to Jerry Lazarus: jlazarus at nfb.org. Other documents available from our Web site include the Exhibitor Fact Sheet and Guidelines providing details on hall setup, operating hours, teardown, and related information. Should you have additional questions, please contact Jerry at 410-659-9314, extension 2297, or by e-mail at jlazarus at nfb.org. Jerry L. Lazarus Director of Special Projects Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998 (410) 659-9314, Ext. 2297 Fax: (410) 659-5129 http://www.nfb.org jlazarus at nfb.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Listserv notice to NFB Exhibitors- May 2009.doc Type: application/msword Size: 27648 bytes Desc: not available URL: From donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com Fri May 8 00:37:49 2009 From: donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com (Donna Posont) Date: Thu, 07 May 2009 19:37:49 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Need for national convention door prizes Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: Donna Posont Subject: national convention door prizes National convention will soon be upon us. If you or your chapter, division, or state organization would be so kind as to donate a door prize it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to mail anything ahead you may send it to Donna Posont 15429 Prospect St. Dearborn, Mi 48126 or call 313-220-8140. You may bring door prizes to convention and feel free to take them to the Michigan suite. Remember, cash is always a delightful prize and it is easy to carry to Detroit and easy to carry home or use while a convention. Thanks for your kindness, Donna Posont -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From KBowman at nfb.org Fri May 8 16:50:55 2009 From: KBowman at nfb.org (Bowman, Kristi) Date: Fri, 08 May 2009 11:50:55 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Make A Promise - Change A Life With A Dollar Message-ID: This message is from Joanne Wilson on behalf of the Imagination Fund. Dave Hello All: NFB has relied on the generosity of our communities for as long as I can remember. The donations that we receive are integral to the work that we accomplish. It is because of this relevant truth that I am asking for your support. Since its inception in 2004, the Imagination Fund has given out well over a million dollars to support local and national outreach efforts. The money you have worked hard to raise has most definitely been used well! There are many plans for what we would like our future to look like and for how we can continue to build a future of opportunity and change what it means to be blind for younger generations. The simple reality is that in order to accomplish our goals, we must be able to pay for our programs. YOU CAN HELP! We have created a mini March for Independence campaign that offers the ability for you and the members in your chapters and affiliates to get special incentives when you participate. How the campaign works is outlined below. I urge you to READ the information below and then to REGISTER for the mini-March campaign. If you haven't raised any money yet, this campaign may be perfect for you (read below and you'll see why). Thank you very much for considering this campaign and being a part of a brighter future for all blind people. Joanne Wilson How it works: When you JOIN the Every Member, Every Friend Match Campaign you PROMISE to support the campaign with a PROMISE of a dollar a day or $30 per month for the next four months paid in flexible (options everyone can afford) automatic monthly installments deducted from your checking account or billed to your credit card. Then: YOU get just ONE OTHER PERSON to MATCH your PROMISE with the same flexible, personalized, automatic payment schedule. You get: When you make a promise and get ONE match, we'll throw in a March for Independence t-shirt! More matches will get additional March incentives! Many of us have not yet started fundraising for the March for Independence! NOW IS THE TIME! DON'T DELAY! JOIN THE CAMPAIGN NOW! I'd like MORE INFORMATION Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dandrews at visi.com Fri May 8 22:19:00 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Fri, 08 May 2009 17:19:00 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Independent Living Library Liaison Iowa Message-ID: State of Iowa Transfer/Promotional Opportunity Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1 May 8, 2009 Independent Living Library Liaison This is an eighteen month merit exempt position. Supports library patrons with the conversion to the use of digital talking books. Provides instruction one-on-one and in groups across the state on the use of new and existing technologies needed to access reading materials in alternative media. Develops book discussion groups and works with library staff to identify and develop resources these groups can use to become self-directed and self-sustaining. Coordinates library services and activities with other agency services and activities. Assesses need for blindness related services, provides basic instruction in the use of alternative techniques and low vision aids, and makes referrals as appropriate for additional agency services. Develops and implements outreach strategies designed to increase the number of individuals who access and use agency services with a special focus on library services. Makes presentations on library services to consumer groups and civic, social and professional organizations and participates in public awareness events. Must possess knowledge of or be able to learn effective alternative techniques of blindness, particularly in the areas of communications, travel with a long white cane, and home and personal management. Must possess highly developed teaching and counseling skills, good public speaking and writing skills, excellent organizational skills, and excellent judgment. Must possess the abilities to handle sensitive situations, solve problems, and work as a member of a team. Intensive training in appropriate skills and attitudes of blindness will be provided. Extensive statewide travel. Some evenings, overnights, and weekends. This position will not extend beyond eighteen months. Minimum qualifications are: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing, or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work, or; the equivalent of three years of full-time experience as a rehabilitation counselor or teacher shall be considered as qualifying provided the employee has successfully completed training to meet the certification criteria established by the agency, or; an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time professional work experience for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years. Salary range: $42,369.60 - $64,521.60 annually, plus comprehensive benefit package, pay grade 28, pay plan 000 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday For further information contact Becky Criswell, Supervisor, Independent Living, at 515-281-1299 or 800-362-2587. Persons who wish to be considered for this position must submit a resume and letter of application to Karen A. Keninger, Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 or karen.keninger at blind.state.ia.us no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009. EEO/AA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Mon May 11 13:52:40 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Mon, 11 May 2009 08:52:40 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today National Federation of the Blind Launches Program to Sell 50,000 Coins before the Shuttle Returns KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (May 11, 2009): When the space shuttle Atlantis takes off today, it will carry two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars. This unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to contain tactile, readable Braille. At the same time, the National Federation of the Blind will launch a program to sell 50,000 of these limited edition coins to raise funds to advance Braille literacy in the United States before the shuttle returns to earth in eleven days. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “This is an exciting moment because the general public has the chance to buy a piece of history­a coin that not only represents knowledge and empowerment for blind people but that also will visit the Hubbell Space Telescope. Just as the Hubbell telescope has advanced our knowledge of the universe, purchasing the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will advance the cause of equality for the blind.” Mark Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, said: “Blind children in America are facing a crisis­only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate. It is imperative that the general public act swiftly to reverse illiteracy among blind children. That is why we are asking everyone to purchase a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar before Atlantis returns to earth.” To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The proof silver dollar is $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar is $33.95. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From goldendolphin17 at hotmail.com Fri May 15 03:12:45 2009 From: goldendolphin17 at hotmail.com (Kathy Nimmer) Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 22:12:45 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Service Dog Book Project Message-ID: I have been asked to circulate the following: David Andrews Book About Service Dogs Needs Your Stories Let your voice be heard! Kathy Nimmer, a blind high school English teacher and writer from Indiana, has launched an international effort to gather true stories of people with disabilities and their service dogs, to be included in an anthology that Nimmer will seek to publish in the mass market commercial publishing industry. The project, entitled "Two Plus Four Equals One," will celebrate what happens when two hands plus four paws combine for one magical union. The web site, http://www.servicedogstories.com, has been set up to promote the project, receive prospective submissions, gather contact info from individuals who have worked with service dogs in any capacity, and field inquiries about the book. Nimmer, now working with her third guide dog, wants to hear from you. Start thinking of incidents involving you and your dogs, things that were funny, scary, surprising, disappointing, empowering, sad, or simply memorable. The book will include nonfiction stories, anecdotes, tributes, and poetry. Explanations and samples of the four genres can be found on the web site. And, you don't have to be a seasoned writer to take part! There is an interview option where Nimmer will talk with you and write something for you about your dog experiences. Submissions will be accepted for consideration through September 30, 2009. For purposes of this project, "service dogs" are any canines trained to assist people with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or in wheelchairs, as well as those with other medical conditions including (but not limited to) autism, epilepsy, and muscular or balance impairments. Nimmer is hoping to hear from people with disabilities, as well as those who have raised or trained service dogs, or simply witnessed service dogs in action. If you fit into any of these categories, it is time to let your voice be heard! As members of the disability community, you are the best resources for the dissemination of information about this book that Nimmer is hoping will change public perceptions of the disabled and their working dogs, so spread the word! Go to http://www.servicedogstories.com or contact Kathy Nimmer with questions or suggestions at kathy at servicedogstories.com Kathy Nimmer: Teacher, Author, Motivational Speaker http://guidedogjourney.livejournal.com Even if the shadows of the valley hide your view, You still must believe in the mountains. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu May 21 05:58:59 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 00:58:59 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Reading Rights Coalition Denounces Random House Message-ID: [] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: cdanielsen at nfb.org Reading Rights Coalition Denounces Random House Random House Has Denied 15 Million Print-Disabled Americans Access to its Books New York City (May 20, 2009): The Reading Rights Coalition, representing more than 15 million print-disabled Americans, has denounced publishing giant Random House, which has turned off text-to-speech on all of its e-books available for Amazon's Kindle 2 reading service. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "When Random House turned off the text-to-speech function on all of its e-books for the Kindle 2, it turned off access to this service for more than 15 million print-disabled Americans. The blind and other print-disabled readers have the right to purchase e-books using this service with text-to-speech enabled. Blocking text-to-speech prohibits access for print-disabled readers and is both reprehensible and discriminatory. We urge President Obama, whose e-books are now being blocked from over 15 million Americans, to either demand that access be restored or to move to a publisher who does not engage in discrimination." Dr. Cynthia Stuen, Senior Vice President of Policy and Evaluation for Lighthouse International, said: "Having the technology available to give people with impaired vision and other print disabilities equal and timely access to the printed word should be celebrated and encouraged in a civil and just society for all." Andrew Imparato, President and Chief Executive Officer for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), said: "Random House is callously disregarding the right of American consumers with disabilities to get access to the same content at the same price at the same time as everyone else. Random House's decision to turn off the feature that makes this content accessible to millions of print-disabled Americans is a bad business decision with real human consequences and it must be corrected immediately." Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind, said: "The recent action by Random House disabling text-to-speech on e-books is the latest and most egregious discriminatory action against the nation's 15 million print-disabled individuals. Random House either doesn't care or doesn't understand the impact this will have on those who would otherwise have equal access to books and other printed materials in the same manner as our non-disabled peers. We must work collaboratively to do everything possible to assure such access for this growing constituency." James Love, Director of Knowledge Ecology International (KEI), said: "KEI is disappointed that Random House is turning off text-to-speech on its Kindle 2 e-books. In a world where access to knowledge is central to everything, Random House certainly understands this action will isolate and marginalize many persons with reading disabilities." K. Eric Larson, Executive Director and CEO of National Spinal Cord Injury Association, said: "All Americans have the right to equal access and many people living with paralysis use text-to-speech capabilities in order to gain that access. Our members are also consumers and "turning off" text-to-speech means that some will not buy books they would otherwise purchase." John R. Sheehan, Chairman of the Xavier Society for the Blind, said: "The Xavier Society for the Blind is committed to the notion that ALL books should be accessible to all people. When a book about Mother Teresa is among those whose text-to-speech functions have been disabled, we fear that we are seeing the beginning of a blanket cut-off of a function that should be open and available to all, especially (but not exclusively) to those with visual impairments or other problems that limit access to printed materials." When Amazon released the Kindle 2 e-book reading service on February 9, 2009, the company announced that the device would be able to read e-books aloud using text-to-speech technology. Under pressure from the Authors Guild, Amazon has announced that it will give publishers the ability to disable the text-to-speech function on any or all of their e-books available for the Kindle 2 service. Random House is the first publisher to turn off text-to-speech on all of its e-books and thus deny the rights of print-disabled people across America. The Reading Rights coalition includes the blind, people with dyslexia, people with learning or processing issues, seniors losing vision, people with spinal cord injuries, people recovering from strokes, and many others for whom the addition of text-to-speech on the Kindle 2 promises for the first time easy, mainstream access to over 270,000 books. For more information about the Reading Rights Coalition, please visit www.readingrights.org. To sign our petition, go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/We-Want-To-Read. If you are an author who supports our cause, please send your contact information to readingrights at nfb.org. ### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 683204d.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 4660 bytes Desc: not available URL: From info at michaelhingson.com Thu May 21 18:35:04 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Thu, 21 May 2009 13:35:04 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] KnfbReader Mobile to be demonstrated next Tuesday May 26th Message-ID: KNFB Reader Mobile to be demonstrated this coming Tuesday, May 26, 2009 This coming Tuesday Michael Hingson, Director of National KnfbReader Mobile Sales for the National Federation of the Blind, and the NFB sales team will demonstrate the exciting KnfbReader Mobile Reader - featuring the first cell phone that reads and translates print into voice. The knfb Reader Mobile is a major advancement in print access for the Blind. The software, delivered on a multifunction cell phone, allows the user To snap pictures of any printed material and have it read aloud immediately. The first of its kind, the pocket-sized device allows individuals to Have print analyzed and read aloud in real time and in real life situations. The latest version is now able to read in a variety of languages Including French, German, Dutch, Belgian Dutch, Italian, and Castilian. Additionally, the software is able to translate between languages, displaying and reading aloud in English translated text. The reader also can read U.S. Currency on demand. Michael Hingson says, "The KnfbReader Mobile is the only truly portable reading system available to blind and other print handicapped individuals which will read almost any printed information aloud." "This on-line demonstration will give people a close-up look at the Reader. We will be taking questions after the actual demonstration." The demonstration will include a discussion of the product cost and availability. The NFB Reader Sales team will also be introduced. "There has never been a better time to consider owning one of these wonderful devices", Hingson states. Contact: Michael Hingson Email: info at michaelhingson.com 888-965-9191 Date: Tuesday May 26, 2009. Time: 8:00 P.M. Eastern, 7:00 P.M. Central, 6:00 P.M. Mountain, 5:00 P.M. Pacific, and elsewhere in the world 01:00 GMT Wednesday May 27. Where: KnfbReader Mobile conference room: which you can locate by clicking on the following link: Enter the Conference Room Here Or, alternatively, http://74.208.96.53/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsb18eeae3cfd2. After reaching the conference room entry page follow the instructions to enter the conference room itself. No password is required. We will record the event and put it on Michael Hingson's web site http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com so if you are unable to participate live at the above times then you may download the presentation or podcast from the website listed above. This online interactive program requires no password, is free of Charge, and open to anyone worldwide having an Internet connection, a Computer, speakers, and a sound card. Those with microphones can interact audibly with the presenters and others in the virtual audience. If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available On the entry screen to the online conference room. The Michael Hingson Group "Speaking with Vision" Michael Hingson, President (415) 827-4084 info at michaelhingson.com www.michaelhingson.com for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit: http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com http://michaelhingson.com/images/knfbReader-michael_hingson.jpg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: c8a470.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3059 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dandrews at visi.com Fri May 22 21:19:15 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 16:19:15 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB 2009 Convention Agenda Message-ID: The National Federation of the Blind Logo 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION DETROIT, MICHIGAN JULY 3 to JULY 8 Text box Whozit THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN WELCOME YOU TO THE 69th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Marc Maurer, President National Federation of the Blind 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Mary Ellen Jernigan Executive Director for Operations and Chairwoman, Convention Organization and Activities Fred Wurtzel, President National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 1212 North Foster Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48912-3309 Detroit Marriott® at the Renaissance Center Renaissance Center (313) 568-8000 Courtyard by Marriott® 333 E. Jefferson Avenue (313) 222-7700 DETROIT MARRIOTT The 69th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind is being held in Michigan at the Detroit Marriott® at the Renaissance Center. As usual, our hotel rates are very good: singles and doubles $62, triples $66, and quads $68. In addition to the room rates, there is a 15 percent sales tax. There is no charge for children under eighteen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is required. Proof of convention registration is necessary, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Otherwise, regular hotel rates must be paid. The Detroit Marriott is a seventy-two story round hotel in the middle of a larger complex of buildings known as the Renaissance Center. The lowest level is the Motor Lobby where people arriving by taxis and automobiles enter the hotel. There are bellmen at this entrance and elevators going directly to the main lobby of the hotel, which is located on Level Three. All hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the exhibit hall are on Levels Three, Four, and Five. A bank of twelve elevators is located in the center of the hotel in a corridor oriented along the east-west axis of the building. The first six elevators at the west end of the corridor (three on each side) serve floors three through forty. The next six elevators (three on each side) serve floors three, four, five, and forty through seventy. Just beyond each end of the elevator corridor a set of escalators serves Levels Three, Four, and Five. To reach the main hotel lobby you should leave the elevator corridor heading west. The hotel restaurant (Forty-two Degrees North) and Volt (a bar which also serves an extensive array of food) can be entered from the main lobby. Many other food outlets including a large food court are located on Levels A, One, and Two in the Renaissance Center complex. The easiest way to exit the hotel proper into other parts of the Renaissance Center Complex is to use an escalator located near the Coach Insignia Restaurant elevator at the south end of Level Three of the hotel. The Detroit Marriott has a smoke-free policy. COURTYARD MARRIOTT The Courtyard Marriott is connected to Level Two of the Renaissance Center Complex by an enclosed overhead walkway. It may also be reached by leaving the Renaissance Center at Level One through the Jefferson Lobby. We are using both sleeping rooms and meeting space in the Courtyard Marriott. A group of Whozits marching together. “MOTOR CITY” MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE: SUPPORTING OUR IMAGINATION FUND CAMPAIGN On Monday, July 6, we open the convention with our spectacular third March for Independence. Marching through downtown Detroit, we will celebrate our liberty among friends, family members, and supporters. Please gather for this fundraising and “friend-raising” walk-a-thon and rally at 6:45 Monday morning in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott. Most of the route is along the beautiful RiverWalk promenade and culminates with a rally in Rivard Plaza. Marcher drop-in briefing sessions are on Sunday, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Let’s walk together to make the Motor City March a truly magnificent event. NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE! Our host affiliate invites you to celebrate with them by renewing old friendships and/or forming new ones on Monday, July 6, at 7:00 pm in the Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3. Entertainment by “Nine,” a nine-piece band that will perform Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards­guaranteed to create an exciting atmosphere and stir pleasant memories. ROOKIE ROUNDUP Rookie Roundup Logo All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, July 3, in the Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. President Maurer and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week’s activities. Veteran conventioneers should urge all first-timers to attend this special event. Also, first-time rookies are invited to join an informal, fun gathering on Sunday, July 5, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the Affiliate Action Suite 6801. REGISTRATION & PREREGISTRATION Registration activities take place in the Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4; at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 5; and at other times as listed throughout the week. The fee for registration at convention is $20 per person (if you preregistered before May 31, the fee was $15), and all those attending the convention (both local and out of town people) are asked to register. Convention registration is a requirement for door prize eligibility and a number of other convention activities. We condition rates for hotel rooms on proof of registration, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Therefore, please register as soon as possible after arrival. EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET Exhibits and the NFB Independence Market are located in the Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3. The exhibit hall hours are: Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday Noon to 1:45 pm; sponsors only from 7:00-10:00 pm Tuesday Noon to 1:45 pm­Note: This is the final time that Independence Market and Literature will be open. Tuesday 7:00 to 10:00 pm­Exhibit Hall only; Independence Market and Literature closed) There is a special event for sponsor-level exhibitors only on Monday, July 6, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm (see “Special Attention” section and agenda listing for more information). Sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE® at the NEWSLINE table, check the agenda for times to visit Room 6401 to learn about it, or call local number (313) 483-1147 to use NEWSLINE at convention. Any alterations in the general session schedule which may occur during the convention will result in conforming shifts in the exhibit schedule and will be announced in the exhibit areas. A number of affiliated NFB divisions and committees have tables. Many new electronic devices are demonstrated, as well as a special exhibit of materials and resources for the deaf-blind. MEETINGS General sessions of the convention are being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The morning sessions convene at 9:30 am on Monday, and 9:00 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The convention adjourns promptly at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8. Please note that all requests for announcements by Dr. Maurer during general sessions must be submitted in Braille. BANQUET AND BANQUET TICKET EXCHANGE The banquet is being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8. Banquet tickets purchased at convention are $40.00 (the cost was $35 if purchased before May 31) and are on sale during registration on Saturday and Sunday, and from noon to 12:30 and 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday. No banquet tickets will be available for purchase after Monday. It will be necessary to have your banquet ticket with you to attend the banquet; it will be collected at the banquet table. Arrangements should be made for reserved table assignments by taking the ticket(s) you purchase to the Banquet Exchange Table in the registration area, where you may exchange either an individual ticket or a group of tickets for reserved seating. Banquet tables seat ten people. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND DEVOTIONS On Sunday, July 5, Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., will celebrate a Roman Catholic Mass at 7:15 am in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Also on Sunday at 11:45 am services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Devotional services will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3, at 7:30 am on Tuesday, and 8:00 am on Wednesday. Please note there is no service on Monday morning. Services are nonsectarian and will end at least fifteen minutes prior to morning convention sessions. knfbReader MOBILE THE CELL PHONE THAT READS PRINT With the power of digital photography and unique cell phone software, reading print on the go wherever you are is now possible for blind people. Come and learn about this fabulous, life-changing technology in the exhibit hall and at demonstration and training sessions planned in the afternoon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and in the evening on Tuesday. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SPECIAL ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS • A Federation Information Desk will be in the registration area from Saturday morning, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, if you have questions or need assistance. The Michigan affiliate will also maintain a table near the hotel check in desk in the main lobby to provide assistance and hospitality during much of the convention. • When you register, you will be given a badge. Please wear it at all times during the convention. • The room number for the Presidential Suite is 7010. Someone will be on hand in the Presidential Suite throughout most of the convention to greet you and make appointments for you with the President or anyone else you wish to see. The Presidential Suite will not be open during the business sessions of the convention, the Sunday morning Board of Directors meeting, Monday morning (due to the Independence March), or the Wednesday evening banquet. Come to the Presidential Suite. You will be most welcome. • The room number for Mary Ellen Jernigan, Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities, is 6910. Questions concerning hotel rooms, meeting rooms, banquet, scheduling, registration, and other matters dealing with convention arrangements should be referred to the Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities. • Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB Treasurer may do so by going to the DaVinci Room, Level 4 on Monday, July 6, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, or on Tuesday, July 7, between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm. • The Michigan Suite (Fred Wurtzel, President) is 6805. • The Affiliate Action and Rookie Activities Suite (Joanne Wilson and Pam Allen, Coordinators) is 6801. • We are again offering NFB Camp (child-care services) for children six weeks through ten years of age in Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 during convention sessions, most meetings, and the banquet. Preregistration and payment by June 15 were required for NFB Camp. NFB Camp is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of Main Street Montessori Association. Alison McQuillan, camp worker and teacher since 1998, is the activities director. Please note that NFB Camp provides morning and afternoon snacks, but parents are required to provide lunch for their child(ren) every day. Times listed are the opening and closing times for NFB Camp. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for all late pickups. NFB Camp hours: Friday, 7/3 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, 7/4 Closed Sunday, 7/5 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 5:30 pm Monday, 7/6 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday, 7/7 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Wednesday, 7/8 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Banquet 7/8 6:30 pm to 30 minutes after closing • A Special Evening For Sponsor-Level Exhibitors: Again this year, the exhibit hall will reopen from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Monday, July 6, for a very special evening dedicated solely to Sponsor-Level Exhibitors listed here. Come and bring a guest to say “thank you” to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are­Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel®, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. • The ever-popular Showcase of Talent is back again at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, presented by the Performing Arts Division. Admission price is $5.00. If you would like to participate in the Showcase, make sure to sign up early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. • Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no raffles or other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or at the banquet. The single exception to this rule will be that national divisions may (if they request it in advance) conduct such drawings during the convention or at the banquet. LaSalle A Room, Level 5 will be set aside at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, for all other drawings. Any group or affiliate wishing to conduct drawings at this time (or any person wishing to know the winners) may go at noon on Wednesday to the LaSalle A Room. AFFILIATED DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES, AND GROUPS The Federation carries on its business through divisions, committees, and groups. The meetings of some of these have been scheduled for particular times and are listed in the agenda. Others have not been formally scheduled but will meet at the call of their chairpersons or presidents. If you have matters that you would like to discuss with any of the following divisions, committees, or groups, you should contact: Divisions: • Agriculture and Equestrian: Fred Chambers, President; • Assistive Technology Trainers: Michael Barber, President; • Classics, Antiques, and Rods or Special Interest Vehicles (CARS): Joseph B. Naulty, President; • Deaf-Blind: Burnell Brown, President; • Diabetes Action Network for the Blind: Michael Freeman, President; • Human Services: Melissa Riccobono, President; • National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith: Tom Anderson, President; • National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs: James R. Bonerbo, President; • National Association of Blind Lawyers: Scott LaBarre, President; • National Association of Blind Merchants: Kevan Worley, President; • National Association of Blind Office Professionals: Lisa Hall, President; • National Association of Blind Piano Technicians: Don Mitchell, President; • National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals: Melody Lindsey, President; • National Association of Blind Students: Terri Rupp, President; • National Association of Blind Veterans: Dwight Sayer, President; • National Association of Guide Dog Users: Marion Gwizdala, President; • National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB): Nadine Jacobson, President; • National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science: Curtis Chong, President; • National Federation of the Blind Krafters: Joyce Kane, President; • National Federation of the Blind Seniors: Judy Sanders, President; • National Organization of Blind Educators: Sheila Koenig, President; • National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC): Carol Castellano, President; • Performing Arts: Dennis Holston, President; • Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President; • Science and Engineering: John Miller, President; • Sports and Recreation: Lisamaria Martinez, President; • Travel and Tourism: Don Gillmore, President; • Writers: Robert Leslie Newman, President. Committees: • Ambassadors: Angela Wolf, Chairperson; • Blind Educator of the Year Award: David Ticchi, Chairperson; • Committee on Assistive Technology (COAT): Curtis Chong, Chairperson; • Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety (CAPS): Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; • Committee to Empower Underserved Populations (CEUP): Ron Brown, Chairperson; • Cultural Exchange and International Program: Diane McGeorge, Chairperson; • Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Joyce Scanlan, Chairperson; • Employment: Buna Dahal, Chairperson; • Imagination Fund: Kevan Worley, Chairperson; • Jacobus tenBroek Award: Ramona Walhof, Chairperson; • Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Tami Jones, Chairperson; • Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chairperson; • Library Services: David Hyde, Chairperson; • Loan Fund: Donald C. Capps, Chairperson; • Membership: Ron Gardner, Chairperson; • Newel Perry Award: Allen Harris, Chairperson; • Newsletter Publications: Norma Crosby, Chairperson; • NFB-NEWSLINE® Program Steering: David DeNotaris, Chairperson; • PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chairperson; • Planned Giving: John Halverson, Chairperson; • Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology: Gary Wunder, Chairperson; • Public Relations: Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; • Research and Development: Curtis Chong, Chairperson; • Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chairperson; • Scholarship: Anil Lewis, Chairperson; • Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chairperson; • Spanish Translation: Norman Gardner, Chairperson; • White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson. Groups: • Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink, Chairperson; • Blind Parents: Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; • Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin, Co-Chairpersons; • Educators of Blind Children: Gail Wagner, Chairperson; • Geordi's Engineers: Lorraine Rovig, Chairperson; • Legislative Initiatives Discussion: Don Burns, Coordinator; • Living History: Michael Freholm, Chairperson; • NFB Ham Radio: D. Curtis Willoughby, Chairperson; • NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chairperson; • NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairpersons; • Orientation and Mobility: Edward C. Bell, Chairperson; • Professionals in Blindness Education: Heather Field, Chairperson; • Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chairperson. CONVENTION AGENDA Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009 7:30 - 8:45 am­HAM RADIO GROUP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Raphael Room, Level 4 Discuss hotel frequencies and architectural features and distributing special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and Spanish-speaking attendees. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 7:45 am - 6:30 pm­THE FUTURE IS OURS AND THEIRS Parent, Rehabilitation, and Orientation & Mobility Joint Conference for Families and Rehabilitation Professionals (7:45 - 8:45 am­Registration and coffee; 12:00 to 2:00 pm­NBPCB Awards Luncheon, Ambassador Three Ballroom) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 NOPBC Fees: Adults $30; Youth (13-18) $20; Children (5-12) $10 NABRP Fees (includes lunch): Students $75; Professionals $100 Note: Conference admission included with either registration above. Sponsors: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC); National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (NABRP); and the Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at the Louisiana Tech University. Chairpersons: Carol Castellano and Edward Bell 8:00 am - 4:30 pm­PROFESSIONALS IN BLINDNESS EDUCATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Heather Field, Chairperson 8:30 am­NFB CAMP: IT’S MORE THAN CHILD’S PLAY (CHILD CARE) Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 Please see “Special Attention” section of agenda for further information. (Preregistration by June 15 was required.) 8:30 - 11:30 am­WHAT’S NEW IN JAWS 10 AND MAGic 11, AND A FIRST LOOK AT JAWS 11­FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, for an exciting and informative session covering all of the new details surrounding JAWS and MAGic development. This will also be the first look at JAWS 11 scheduled for public beta in August and includes a demo of Windows 7. Bring questions! Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 8:30 am - 5:00 pm­IBTC’S ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 am­Mobile productivity on cell phones. 10:30 am - noon­Create DAISY books from your desktop. 1:30 - 3:00 pm­Web 2.0 features with screen access software. 3:30 - 5:00 pm­Lesser-known names in screen access software. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon­GW MICRO: BRAILLE SENSE PLUS AND VOICE SENSE­Registration $10; Refreshments provided. Nicolet A Room, Level 5 The Braille Sense Plus is the lightest note taker with a 32-cell Braille display, and the Voice Sense is the smallest note taker. Learn about the features of GW note takers including the GW Sense Navigation GPS. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm­NFB YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 14-18) Sponsored by NFB Jernigan Institute; Mary Jo Thorpe, Coordinator Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 9:00 - 10:15 am­PARENTS-REHAB SEMINAR Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott 10:30 am - 12:00 noon­ALL ABOUT ME Help shape the future of youth outreach for the NFB. 2:00 - 3:00 pm­BACK & BICEPS, CHEST & TRICEPS Learn the “ropes” about working out in a gym. 3:30 - 5:00 pm­ME AND YOUTUBE An interactive YouTube activity for teens. 9:00 am - 10:00 pm­NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 9:00-11:00 am, 2:00-6:00 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm­Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 11:30 am -1:30 pm­Affiliate presidents’ gathering. Learn about NFB- NEWSLINE Online and how to promote NEWSLINE. 6:30 - 8:00 pm­Exhibit for parents and their blind children (ages 10+). Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 10:00 am - 5:00 pm­EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE SEMINAR Richard B Room, Level 5 10:00 am–Registration; 10:30 am–Seminar begins Key strategies for job hunting: How? Where? What? Remember, innovation and authenticity produce abundant opportunities. Gain the secrets of obtaining and maintaining employment. Buna Dahal, Chairperson 10:15 am - 12:00 noon­NOPBC BRAILLE CARNIVAL (ages 5-13) Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm­PAC MATE, BEYOND NOTE TAKING­FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Jonathan Mosen as we explore the power of PAC Mate Omni, from beaming your KNFB Reader Mobile documents to be read in Braille, to watching TV right from your PAC Mate Omni. See our new StreetTalk VIP GPS solution in action. 1:00 - 3:00 pm­WRITERS DIVISION WORKSHOP ($5.00 fee) Room 6405, 60th floor Visit with a published author. Robert Leslie Newman, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm­SWIM CLINIC; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Pool, Courtyard Marriott Annie Sawicki, part of the AdapTap team (that designed an award-winning device by blind swimmers), is conducting a swimming workshop. Take a break with a cool dip in the pool. Lisamaria Martinez, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm­HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND USER GROUPS LaSalle A and B Rooms, Level 5 Sessions: 1:00 Breeze; 2:00 BrailleNote; 3:00 Stream; 4:00 Mobile Devices Join HumanWare and other users to learn about recent updates and share product tips. Ask questions and give us your suggestions for your favorite HumanWare product. Door Prizes for every session! 1:30 - 2:45 pm­knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 2:00 - 3:30 pm­NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS One-Two Buckle My Shoe, Three-Four Out the Door Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Developmental timelines from preschool through elementary. Instructors: Debbi Head, Heather Field, Annee Hartzell Show Me the Technology: Middle School/High School Renoir Room, Level 4 What is needed, how to work with the school to get it, and what to do when all else fails. Instructors: Dr. Matt Maurer and Al Lovati Literacy for All Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Large print? Braille? Both? How to tell what is best for your child. Great Expectations: Mobility Instruction and Blind Children with Additional Disabilities Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott High expectations, real life goals, and how to achieve them in the area of independent travel. Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt 2:00 - 5:00 pm­NOPBC TRIP TO PENRICKTON CENTER Meeting place to be announced Parents of children with significant multiple disabilities can visit this center which uses the Active Learning techniques of Lilli Nielsen. 2:00 - 5:00 pm­NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (Note to parents: Volunteers will accompany the children from one workshop to the other.) Not-so-mad Scientists: Hands-on Chemistry Experiments: Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Andrew Greenberg, Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, and Dr. Lillian Rankel 2:00 – 3:30 pm­For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 – 5:00 pm­For Grades 6 through 12 Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, Cont’d. Tactile Drawings and Representations: Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Ann Cunningham and Debbie Kent Stein 2:00 – 3:30 pm­For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 – 5:00 pm­For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:00 - 5:00 pm­GW MICRO: WINDOW-EYES TRAINING (Registration $10; Refreshments provided) Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Explore the power of Window-Eyes with advanced scripting support, Office 2007, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Come to see the best support for the Internet in a screen reader. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 2:00 - 7:00 pm­KRAFTERS KORNER Richard A Room, Level 5 Meet some talented Federation crafters and purchase their beautiful hand-made items for sale. Joyce Kane, Krafters Division President 3:00 - 4:30 pm­MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE (Workshop One; Workshop Two is on Saturday at 4:00 pm) Brulé A Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. 3:00 - 4:45 pm­ knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 5:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLIND ENTREPRENEURS Brulé B Room, Level 5 James R. Bonerbo, President Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 3:30 - 4:50 pm­NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS Access for Everyone Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott Learn how blind and low-vision children of all abilities can access education and information in school and in the world. Instructor: Dr. Denise Robinson Braille Music for Dummies Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Just enough to stay one step ahead of the kids. Instructors: Jennifer Dunnam and Kyle Conley Spaghetti, Meatballs, and Birthday Parties Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Manners, cafeterias, games, playgrounds, and friends (Pre-K and Elementary) Instructors: Debbi Head and Emily Gibbs Bring Me to the Mall­Text Me Later Renoir Room, Level 4 Manners, food courts, and friends (middle and high school) Instructors: Eric Guillory and Deja Powell 5:00 - 6:30 pm­PARENTS AND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS JOINT CONFERENCE RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 - 10:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS BUSINESS MEETING Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 6:00 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins Topics: airline emergency procedures and evacuation; creating and growing state associations of guide dog users; and protecting the rights of guide dog users through advocacy and education. Marion Gwizdala, President Whozit FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm–Registration; 7:00 pm–Meeting begins Featuring a hands-on Braille proofreading workshop. Guest speaker is from Seedlings Braille Books for Children. Lisa Hall, President 7:30 - 10:00 pm­NOPBC FAMILY HOSPITALITY NIGHT Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in, relax, and chat in an informal atmosphere. 8:00 - 10:00 pm­NFB LIONS GROUP Room 6405, 60th floor NFB members who are also Lions are urged to meet to share ideas and experiences. Co-Chairpersons: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota 8:00 - 10:00 pm­ROOKIE ROUNDUP RECEPTION­GAINING INSIGHT FOR FIRST-TIMERS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 First-time conventioneers, don't miss this event! President Maurer and former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions. Coordinator: Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind and President of the NFB of Louisiana 8:00 pm - midnight­KARAOKE NIGHT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. You'll have a great time. Braille song lists available. Hosted by BLIND, Incorporated 9:00 - 10:00 pm­NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Angela Wolf, Chairperson Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 9:00 am - 5:00 pm­REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 9:00 am 5:00 pm­EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE­Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm­WHAT’S NEW WITH NFB-NEWSLINE® Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Presentational seminar about the world’s largest audible newspaper service for the blind and visually impaired. Topics cover newest online initiatives and improvements to the service. 1:00 - 5:00 pm­EXPLORING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN MOBILE REFRESHABLE BRAILLE AND TACTILE GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGIES Richard A Room, Level 5 1:00-2:00­ALVA Braille Controller: more than just a Braille display. 2:00-3:00­Talking Tactile Tablet: exploring tactile images, interactive games. 3:00-4:00­Reading On the Go!: read books, texts, etc. using a cell phone. 4:00-5:00­Mobile Geo: a new GPS solution for accessible cell phones. Larry Lewis, President, Flying Blind, Inc. 1:00 - 5:00 pm­NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION­SECTIONS ONE AND TWO Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Participants must have preregistered. Exam Sections Three and Four are on Sunday, July 5 (see agenda listing). Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:30 pm­RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Renaissance Cartier Ballroom, Level 4 Sharon Maneki, Chairperson 1:30 - 2:45 pm­ knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 2:00 - 5:00 pm­NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Braille Beats Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Kids get into Braille music in a fun way. Instructor: Kyle Conely 2:00 – 3:30 pm­For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 – 5:00 pm­For Grades 6 through 12 You Want to Move It, Move It Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Judo expert Lisamaria Martinez and friends get you moving! 2:00 – 3:30 pm­For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 – 5:00 pm­For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:30 - 4:30 pm­TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION Raphael Room, Level 4 Don Gillmore, President 3:00 - 4:45 pm­knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:30 - 10:00 pm­NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 3:30-6:00 pm and 8:30-10:00 pm­Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:30-8:00 pm­Gathering for professionals in the field of work with the blind for an evening of presentations and possibilities. 4:00 - 5:30 pm­MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 4:00 - 6:00 pm­SPANISH SEMINAR Brulé B Room, Level 5 Conducted entirely in Spanish. Learn about the Federation, hear from some of our leaders, and network with other Hispanic members. Facilitators: Rosy Carranza and A.Z. Martinez 4:30 - 5:30 pm­WAL-MART AND NFB JERNIGAN INSTITUTE: FUTURE INNOVATIONS FORUM Brulé A Room, Level 5 Join a town hall meeting on Equal Access at the Pharmacy Counter. Discuss emerging issues, best practices, and preferences as a blind or low-vision consumer. Influence future work through the NFB Jernigan Institute to encourage innovative Pharmacy practices and take the opportunity for the world's largest retailer to hear your voice. 4:30 - 6:00 pm­TWELFTH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL­National Association of Blind Lawyers; Scott LaBarre, President Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. Federation lawyers are pitted against each other reenacting an old Federation case with the audience serving as the jury. 6:00 - 7:30 pm­NEWSLETTER PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DaVinci Room, Level 4 Covering state newsletters, formatting a good publication, and publishing in accessible formats. Norma Crosby, Chairperson 6:00 - 10:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 pm–Registration ($5.00) & Meet-and-Greet; 7:00 pm–Meeting Happy 42nd birthday to NABS! Remember to bring your contact information on a Brailled index card for registration. Terri Rupp, President 6:45 - 7:45 pm­IMAGINATION FUND TRAINING MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Kevan Worley, Facilitator Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm­NFB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS SEMINAR Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this seminar about state financial programs, financial data, and planning the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. Topics include: 990s, state charitable registrations, end-of-year preparations, and other issues. Facilitators: Bridgid Burke and Charlie Brown 7:00 - 8:30 pm­PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION Richard A Room, Level 5 Ivan Weich, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm­CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND RODS (CARS) DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 Joseph B. Naulty, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm­“KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE,” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND PIANO TECHNICIANS SEMINAR Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how to have a career in piano tuning and repair; it can enhance your independence. Don Mitchell, President 7:30 - 9:30 pm­MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 The more we educate, the more we grow. Ron Gardner, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm­BLIND PARENTS GROUP Brulé B Room, Level 5 Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:00 pm­WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:30 pm­WEBMASTERS WORKSHOP Greco Room, Level 4 A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division Webmasters. Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Webmasters Group Whozit SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 8:00 - 10:00 pm­COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY SERVICES Duluth A Room, Level 5 David Hyde, Chairperson 9:00 - 10:00 pm­SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Norman Gardner, Chairperson Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009 7:15 - 8:15 am­ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., Celebrant 8:00 am - 10:00 pm­NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 60th floor 8:00-11:00 am, 1:30-5:30 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm­Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:00-7:00 pm­Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology Committee gathering. Learn about NFB-NEWSLINE’s revolutionary new online initiatives. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm­REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 8:30 am 5:00 pm­ EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE­Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 9:00 11:30 am­NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to all) Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 11:45 am - 12:45 pm­THE DIVISION FOR ME­NFB YOUTH TRACK Greco Room, Level 4 A meet-and-greet with NFB division representatives. Coordinator: Mary Jo Thorpe. Co-sponsored by NOPBC and NFB Jernigan Institute. 11:45 am - 1:15 pm­CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm­ROOKIE ROUNDUP GATHERING Affiliate Action Suite 6801 Attention rookies! Participate in a gathering of fun for first-time conventioneers. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have your convention questions answered by experienced Federationists. Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:30 - 4:00 pm­DIABETES ACTION NETWORK FOR THE BLIND Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:00 pm – Meeting begins Keynote speaker is Ann S. Williams, PhD, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator with much experience with diabetic issues. Mike Freeman, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS Richard A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:00 pm – Meeting begins Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address ongoing struggles to gain equal access to Web sites, employment, legal texts and exams. Scott LaBarre, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm­NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE LaSalle B Room, Level 5 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:00 pm – Meeting begins Discuss recent releases, concerns of information technology professionals, and other topics. Curtis Chong, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm­“OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION”­National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith Cadillac A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:00 pm – Meeting begins; Tom Anderson, President 12:30 5:00 pm­REVOLUTIONIZING RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS MEETING Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 12:30 pm – Registration; 1:30 pm – Meeting begins Those involved in the Randolph-Sheppard program or who operate a similar business discuss protection of the priority and the creation of new business opportunities and outreach. Kevan Worley, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm­SPORTS 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 Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:45 - 4:30 pm­MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG ADVENTURE! (Ages 9-14) Meet (and return) at back of Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Hang out as a group and have fun exploring with blind mentors Michael Freholm and Garrick Scott. 1:00 - 3:00 pm­BLIND PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS GROUP Duluth A Room, Level 5 Elizabeth Campbell, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm­CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Diane McGeorge, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm­“GRABBING HEADLINES FOR YOUR AFFILIATE” SEMINAR­PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Topics: locating press contacts; drafting press releases; developing relationships with reporters and editors; working effectively with the media. Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; Seminar conducted by Chris Danielsen and Jessica Freeh, NFB Public Relations 1:00 - 3:00 pm­NOPBC DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING: MAKING THEIR FUTURE DREAMS COME TRUE Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Carol Castellano, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm­PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION DaVinci Room, Level 4 Unveiling the “Music of the Movement” album. Hear from an artist recruiter about a media company paving the way for blind audio professionals. Dennis Holston, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm­WRITERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Renoir Room, Level 4 Robert Leslie Newman, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:00 - 4:30 pm­NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS Brulé B Room, Level 5 1:00 pm – Registration; 1:30 pm – Meeting begins Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms; meeting in groups specific to grade level and content areas of interest to create a network of mentors. Sheila Koenig, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm­AUTO SHOW (CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES) Location to be announced. Joe Naulty, CARS Division President 1:00 - 5:00 pm­NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION­SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR Cascade C and D Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Participants must have preregistered. Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:00 - 5:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS Brulé A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm – Registration; 2:00 pm – Meeting begins Network, share mutual interests, find placement strategies, and examine and discuss concerns and current issues. Melody Lindsey, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm­“SENIORS IN CHARGE” NFB SENIORS DIVISION MEETING & (SOMEWHAT) SILENT AUCTION Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Find out ways to spread our message of hope to newly blind seniors. We’re also having our popular not-so-silent auction. Judy Sanders, President 1:00 - 6:00 pm­HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION SEMINAR AND BUSINESS MEETING Nicolet A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm – Registration; 2:00 pm – Meeting begins; 5:00 pm – Networking Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and music or dance therapists meeting to network and ask questions. Melissa Riccobono, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:30 - 4:45 pm­knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Session One: 1:30 - 2:45 pm; Session Two: 3:00 - 4:45 pm Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 4:30 pm­NOPBC PARENT POWER WORKSHOP Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Parent leaders from around the country share their experiences. Moderator: Barbara Mathews 3:15 - 4:45 pm­MEET THE BLIND MONTH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS SEMINAR: PLANS AND ACTION EQUAL SUCCESS Duluth B Room, Level 5 October is “Meet the Blind Month.” Find out about events that are entertaining and fun and encouraging chapters to try new types of fundraising and meet-and-greet events. Jerry Lazarus, NFB Jernigan Institute 5:00 - 6:30 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS RECEPTION Richard B Room, Level 5 For NABL members and seminar participants to promote networking and fellowship within our membership. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Scott LaBarre, President 5:00 - 7:00 pm­BRAILLE BOOK FLEA MARKET Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Happy Birthday, Louis Braille! Browse tables of new and used Braille and print/Braille books. UPS volunteers will ship the books to your home free of charge. Donations requested to support the Braille Readers are Leaders program. Cake and snacks for browsers. Cosponsored by NOPBC and NAPUB. Coordinator: Peggy Chong 5:00 - 8:00 pm­JUDO WORKSHOP; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Join USA Judo and paralympian bronze medal winner Greg DeWall to learn about judo from people involved in the sport. See you on the mat! Lisamaria Martinez, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 5:30 - 7:00 pm­KURZWEIL 1000 USERS’ MEETING Richard A Room, Level 5 Join the Kurzweil 1000 Users’ Contingent! Meet with Steve Baum, Vice President of Engineering, and share some Kurzweil 1000 experiences. Kurzweil 1000 is our state-of-the-art, text-to-speech and life navigation software for blind and visually impaired readers. 5:30 - 7:30 pm­AGRICULTURE AND EQUESTRIAN DIVISION Duluth A Room, Level 5 Fred Chambers, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm­BACK TO BASICS: FOUNDATIONS IN MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Topics: running a purposeful chapter meeting, community projects and chapter fundraising, and weaving Federation philosophy into local meetings. NFB Affiliate Action Team 6:00 - 10:00 pm­DEAF BLIND DIVISION Nicolet B Room, Level 5 6:00 pm – Registration; 7:00 pm – Meeting begins Burnell Brown, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS SEMINAR 6:00 pm – Registration; 7:00 pm – Meeting begins Brulé A Room, Level 5 Topics: Islam, the Koran, and guide dogs; Training Centers and Guide Dogs: a panel discussion; and massage for dogs. You can also “test drive” a guide dog! Marion Gwizdala, President 6:30 - 9:00 pm­ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm – Registration; 7:00 pm – Meeting begins Note-taking devices to recommend to clients and what to do about students who are seemingly “unteachable.” Michael Barber, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 6:30 - 9:30 pm­SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DIVISION Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott 6:30 pm – Registration; 7:00 pm – Meeting begins John Miller, President 7:00 - 8:30 pm­LIVING HISTORY GROUP Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history. Michael Freholm, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm­“SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS” a play by Jerry Whittle (Admission: $5.00; Second Performance is at 9:00 pm) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind’s summer training program for blind children. 7:00 - 9:00 pm­COMMITTEE TO EMPOWER UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Ron Brown, Chairperson 7:00 - 9:00 pm­FEDERATION RE-GENERATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Do you need to rejuvenate and kick-start your affiliate with fresh ideas? Re-generate! Get a new generation involved. Join the NFB Jernigan Institute Education Team to learn more about program possibilities. 7:00 - 9:00 pm­NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Cadillac A Room, Level 5 Unveiling new craft initiatives, including plans for a new Web site and information on our Monday night nationwide chats. Joyce Kane, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF BRAILLE (NAPUB) SEMINAR Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Celebrating Louis Braille’s 200th birthday! Receive information about the commemorative Louis Braille silver dollar, the NFB Share Braille Web site project, and more. Nadine Jacobson, President Whozit SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 7:00 - 9:00 pm­NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Guest speakers; reviewing access technology; unveiling the 2009 NABV pin. Pay dues and receive an NABV-3 shirt. Dwight Sayer, President 7:00 - 10:00 pm­MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE MARCHER DROP-IN BRIEFINGS (THREE SEPARATE SESSIONS) Brulé B Room, Level 5 Session One: 7:00-8:00 pm; Session Two 8:00-9:00 pm; Session Three 9:00-10:00 pm. Drop in anytime and help us lead the 2009 March for Independence. Facilitator: Kevan Worley 7:30 - 9:00 pm­DADS’ NIGHT OUT Contact Brad Weatherd for location All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Sponsored by the NOPBC 7:30 - 9:00 pm­NFB IN JUDAISM MEETING Room 6405, 60th Floor David Stayer, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm­COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION, EVALUATION, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY; Gary Wunder, Chairperson Greco Room, Level 4 8:00 - 9:30 pm­MAKING BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Make Braille books at home that will inspire your child to read and explore. Sponsored by NOPBC. Instructors: Carlton Walker and Krystal Guillory 9:00 - 10:30 pm­“SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS,” a play by Jerry Whittle (Second Performance) Admission: $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind’s summer training program for blind children. 9:30 - 10:30 pm­FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray A group of Whozits marching together. MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 6:45 am­MOTOR CITY MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE RALLY! Please gather in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott for a 7:00 am start. NOTE: Because of the March for Independence, there are no registration, devotions, Independence Market and Literature, or Exhibit Hall activities on Monday morning. ************************************************** OPENING GENERAL SESSION 9:30 am INVOCATION 9:35 am WELCOMING CEREMONIES 9:55 am CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED Dwight Sayer, President, National Association of Blind Veterans, National Federation of the Blind; Winter Gardens, Florida 10:05 am ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE 11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm­REGISTRATION ($20); FINAL BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40)­Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm­EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE­Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm­NFB CHAPTER PRESIDENTS MEETING AFFILIATE ACTION SUITE 6801 Informal gathering for NFB chapter presidents only to discuss issues of interest to Federationists at the grassroots level. Chapter presidents attending this convention should not miss this important meeting. Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 12:15 - 2:00 pm­LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI LUNCHEON Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Contact: Pam Allen, Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm PRESIDENTIAL REPORT, Marc Maurer 3:00 pm POLICIES TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSION, SAFETY, AND PRODUCTIVITY The Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of Congress, 15th Congressional District; Michigan 3:20 pm PROMOTING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: A PRIORITY FOR MANUFACTURERS The Honorable Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; McLean, Virginia 3:40 pm THE JOURNEY OF BRAILLE: FROM THE HANDS OF THE CREATOR TO EARTH ORBIT 4:00 pm THE VALUE OF A COIN, OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND OF A CLASS OF HUMAN BEINGS Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Research Professor, San Diego State University; Vienna, Virginia 4:25 pm PROVIDING THE FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS: BRAILLE BOOKS Brian A. McDonald, President, National Braille Press; Boston, Massachusetts 4:40 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 5:30 - 6:30 pm­NOMINATING COMMITTEE; Sharon Maneki, Chairperson Cadillac A Room, Level 5 6:00 - 8:00 pm­AFB INTRODUCES ACCESSIBLE WALKING DIRECTIONS AND NEW CareerConnect FEATURES Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 The American Foundation for the Blind’s reception introduces Mapquest Accessible Walking Directions and new CareerConnect offerings. Be the first to try a free on-line directions service. Join up as a CareerConnect leader or mentor. We look forward to reconnecting with old friends. 6:00 - 9:00 pm­INDOOR 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! Lisamaria Martinez, President 6:30 - 8:00 pm­GUITAR SEMINAR LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Learn about the guitar; get advice from a professional musician, Cameron Strife; $5 donation. Presented by the NFB Performing Arts Division 6:30 - 10:00 pm­NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATION Room 6401, 60th floor Drop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:30 pm­NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS: IEPs: Evals, Goals, Strategies, the Law Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Carlton Walker The Science of Getting in on Science Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, Dr. Lillian Rankel Mental Mapping: Using Environmental Sounds and Clues Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Daniel Kish Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm­BOOKSHARE AT NFB MEMBER PARTY LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Enjoy snacks and refreshments while meeting the Bookshare staff. This is your opportunity to talk with us and share your ideas; we’re here to listen. Plan to have fun with contests, drawings, and interacting with your fellow members. We look forward to seeing you. 7:00 - 9:00 pm­BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS: THE INITIATIVE FOR CHANGE Duluth B Room, Level 5 One representative from each affiliate should attend this session. Help to ensure Braille literacy for all by learning about the exciting developments and discuss strategies for promoting Louis Braille bicentennial coins. 7:00 - 9:00 pm­MOVING LEGISLATION ON THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Each affiliate should send one representative. Learn the best methods of increasing support for our legislative priorities. Changing lives through laws is our business. Led by Jesse Hartle, NFB Strategic Initiatives Staff 7:00 - 10:00 pm­A SPECIAL EVENING FOR SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 The exhibit hall reopens for an evening dedicated solely to sponsor-level exhibitors. Come and bring a guest to say “thank you” to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are­Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel®, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. 7:00 - 10:00 pm­NOPBC CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY (ages 5-13) A UNIVERSALLY FUN TIME Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in and explore the universe with Noreen Grice; volunteers led by Michael Freholm Whozit MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - midnight­NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3 “There may be trouble ahead but while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance let’s face the music and dance!” Join our host affiliate to enjoy dancing or simply listening to some really good music. Entertainment provided by “Nine,” a nine-piece band performing Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards. 7:30 - 8:30 pm­NFB YOUTH TRACK MEETINGS ME AND THE GOSSIP GIRLS (ages 14-18) Greco Room, Level 4 Girls­bring your questions and thoughts about makeup, dating, or just how to get more involved in your school. ME AND THE GUYS (ages 14-18) Renoir Room, Level 4 Guys­talk about cars, dating, school, or how to nail that perfect job to make a little extra money. 8:00 - 10:00 pm­COMMITTEE ON AUTOMOBILE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (CAPS); Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson Nicolet A Room, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 pm­NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS Pro to Pro to Parent to Para­Learn How Your Child’s “Team” Can Work Together Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Denise Robinson and Gail Wagner Taking the Headaches Out of Adapting in Math Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Eric and Krystal Guillory Summer Jobs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Volunteering Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Jan Bailey Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 7:30 - 8:15 am­DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:00 8:30 am­REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am FINANCIAL REPORT 10:00 am ELECTIONS 10:30 am EXPANDING ACCESS TO DIGITAL INFORMATION FOR THE BLIND Gilles Pepin, Chief Executive Officer, HumanWare; Drummondville, Canada 10:50 am A BLIND ATHLETE IN THE PARALYMPICS Tyler Merren, 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Member, Men’s Goalball; Kalamazoo, Michigan 11:05 am DEVELOPMENTS AT THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES, PERKINS Steven M. Rothstein, President, Perkins School for the Blind; Watertown, Massachusetts 11:25 am THE FEDERATION IN THE WORLD FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD BLIND UNION Maryanne Diamond, President, World Blind Union; Melbourne, Australia 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm­REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm­EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE­(Final Time Period for Independence Market and Literature) Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REPORT John Paré, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 2:35 pm REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS 5:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 6:00 - 10:00 pm­IT WASN'T ME, A MURDER MYSTERY AT THE CLUB Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Play along as guests at a dance club while private investigators try to solve a murder. Early arrivers are assigned a character role to play for the evening. Latecomers won't be able to play along but are welcome to watch the game and enjoy the experience. Presented by NFB Youth Track. 6:30 - 9:00 pm­COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE Brulé A and B Rooms, Level 5 Discover how good training can change your life. Julie Deden, Director 6:30 - 9:30 pm­NOPBC CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY (Ages 5-14) WE WILL NOT LET CONVENTION ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOT Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Led by Michael Freholm Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm­NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATION Room 6401, 60th floor Stop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:15 pm­knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 7:00 - 8:30 pm­BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Duluth B Room, Level 5 Linda Mentink, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm­NINTH ANNUAL RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS Richard B Room, Level 5 Socialize, network, and learn more about Randolph-Sheppard and other business opportunities we can create through our work in the NFB. Kevan Worley, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm­COUNCIL OF U.S. DOG GUIDE SCHOOLS (CUSDGS) RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how a dog guide can impact your life from featured speaker Michael Hingson, a World Trade Center survivor. Meet representatives from participating schools and learn about their programs. You can even schedule a “Juno” walk for later in the week. 7:00 9:00 pm­“SOCIAL SECURITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME: WHAT APPLICANTS, ADVOCATES, AND RECIPIENTS SHOULD KNOW” SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Information on Social Security and SSI benefits, including the income subsidy program for those receiving the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Presenter: Dan Frye, Attorney and Associate Editor of the Braille Monitor Whozit TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 7:00 10:00 pm­EXHIBITS ONLY (Independence Market and Literature Closed)­Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 7:00 - 11:00 pm­ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT­Admission $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Register early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program in memory of Mary Ann Parks. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Division; Dennis Holston, President 7:00 - 11:00 pm­HUMANWARE LOW VISION PRODUCTS SEMINAR Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Come and learn about HumanWare’s exciting low vision products in a hands-on, interactive seminar: myReader 2 video magnifier; SmartView desktop units; portable handheld devices; and a distance viewing system. Presenter: Ed Wikdall 8:00 - 10:00 pm­COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LaSalle A Room, Level 5 If you have an interest in new technologies and believe that spectacular accomplishments are possible when blind people themselves are involved­then join our meeting. Curtis Chong, Chairperson 8:00 - 11:30 pm­MONTE CARLO NIGHT Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Try your luck at any of the usual card games found on a casino floor. Prizes go to the top three winners holding the most chips at the end of the evening. Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Students 8:30 - 9:45 pm­knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print­it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 9:30 - 10:30 pm­FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 8:00 - 8:45 am­DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:30 9:00 am­REGISTRATION ($20)­Final opportunity to register. Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am THE NEAR-PERFECT AUDIO BOOK: HOW WE DO IT Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. Mary Beth Wise, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. 9:25 am QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION 9:30 am THE DEMAND, THE CRISIS, THE SOLUTION IN EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND Edward Bell, Ph.D., Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech University; Ruston, Louisiana 9:45 am THE THEORY AND THE PRACTICE: EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL Denise M. Robinson, Ph.D., Teacher and Coordinator of Programming for Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Yakima, Washington 10:00 am WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THAT CHILD BLIND? Carol Castellano, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind; Madison, New Jersey Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 10:20 am TEACHING AN ESSENTIAL SKILL: BRAILLE Jerry Whittle, Teacher-Counselor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana April Davis, Coordinator of Summer Programs for Blind Children, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana James Mays, Industrial Arts Teacher, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana Deja Powell, Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Salt Lake City, Utah Anil Lewis, President, National Federation of the Blind of Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia Terri Rupp, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada 10:50 am FROM THE CENTER OF HISTORY: FIVE YEARS INTO THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland 11:10 am FRONTIER CAREERS FOR THE BLIND INCLUDE ENGINEERING Leigh R. Abts, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Engineering and Education, University of Maryland; College Park, Maryland 11:25 am NFB NEWSLINE: FROM PHONE TO COMPUTER TO PODCAST TO POCKET Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm­HAM RADIO GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 We will consider the amendment of the division constitution that we adopted last year. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm­NFB CAMP TOY SALE Marquette A Room, Level 5 Everything must go­30 to 70 percent off toys purchased for NFB Camp. 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm­RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 12:15 - 1:45 pm­EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NLS Nicolet B Room, Level 5 A question-and-answer session with Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and staff of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. ************************************************** GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm SHAPING THE STANDARD FOR THE LEGAL COMMUNITY: THE NECESSITY FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR ALL Daniel Goldstein, Esq., Partner, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP; Baltimore, Maryland 2:25 pm NEGOTIATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC BOOKS: A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, A SMASHING SUCCESS Jack Bernard, Esq., Chair, Counsel for Disability Concerns, and Assistant General Counsel, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan 2:45 pm THE COMMITMENT OF MICROSOFT TO ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY Rob Sinclair, Director of Accessibility, Microsoft Corporation; Redmond, Washington Whozit WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 3:05 pm TRANSCENDING THE BARRIERS OF YESTERDAY, ANTICIPATING THE ROMANCE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW Ray Kurzweil, President and Chief Executive Officer, KNFB-Reading Technology, Inc.; Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 3:25 pm REPRESENTING THE CITY OF CHICAGO Patti Chang, Esq., Senior Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois 3:45 pm DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARD Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee, and Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Columbia, Missouri 4:15 pm THE RIGHT OF THE PEDESTRIAN TO BE SAFE IN THE WORLD Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Washington, D.C. 4:30 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN ************************************************** 7:00 pm­BANQUET Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 INVOCATION MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Fredric K. Schroeder INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS BANQUET ADDRESS: Marc Maurer SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 10:00 pm - midnight­AFTER BANQUET PARTY Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 10:00 pm­SCIENCE FICTION MEETING All persons interested in science fiction and fantasy are welcome to join in an open discussion. Please contact Ed Meskys for room location. Whozit Thank You... The National Federation of the Blind would like to give a special thank you to VBrick Systems for donating the technology and Internet services to allow full streaming of all general sessions of the convention, the meeting of the board of directors, and the annual banquet. Through this contribution, more individuals will learn about the outstanding work that comes out of the largest gathering of the blind in the world. The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Exhibit Hall Convention Sponsors below. Their messages follow. Platinum Sponsors: HumanWare UPS Gold Sponsors: Deque Systems, Inc. Freedom Scientific Oracle Silver Sponsors: En-Vision America Intel® Wal-Mart Bronze Sponsors: Adobe Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS) IBM Independent Living Aids (ILA) Microsoft Exhibit Hall Sponsors: GW Micro J&B Medical Supply National Industries for the Blind ReadHowYouWant Roche Diagnostics David Andrews and white cane Harry. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 9169 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image003.gif Type: image/gif Size: 2798 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image005.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1023 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: clip_image011.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1222 bytes Desc: not available URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Sun May 24 16:23:12 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Sun, 24 May 2009 11:23:12 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] National Federation of the Blind Congratulates NASA on Successful Mission Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind Congratulates NASA on Successful Mission Two Louis Braille Coins Return with Atlantis EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (May 24, 2009): When the space shuttle Atlantis landed today, it also returned from space two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars. This unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to contain tactile, readable Braille. Sales of the coin will be used to support the National Federation of the Blind “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign. The campaign is a national initiative created to double the number of blind children learning Braille by 2015. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “The National Federation of the Blind wishes to congratulate NASA on a successful mission to enhance our capability to explore the far reaches of space. We are also pleased that this mission promoted Braille literacy by carrying two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars into orbit. Blind children in America are facing a crisis­only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent illiterate. By dramatically publicizing this coin, whose own mission is to raise critically needed funds to support Braille literacy, NASA has helped to reverse this devastating trend.” To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). The proof silver dollar is available for $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar sells for $33.95. For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From f.wurtzel at comcast.net Wed May 27 20:50:56 2009 From: f.wurtzel at comcast.net (Fred Wurtzel) Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 15:50:56 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Ground transportation service from the airport (DTW) to the Detroit Marriott and Courtyard Marriott hotels at the Renaissance Center and vise-versa. Message-ID: May 26, 2009 From: Mr. Fred Wurtzel, NFB of Michigan affiliate president To: NFB members attending the 2009 National Convention in Detroit RE: Ground transportation service from the airport (DTW) to the Detroit Marriott and Courtyard Marriott hotels at the Renaissance Center and vise-versa. We are pleased to share information on a service being made available to NFB members through Enjoi Transportation, prior to, during, and after our convention taking place in Detroit, from July 3rd- July 8th. Enjoi Transportation will offer a range of transportation vehicles from mini-vans to mini-buses, up to 46 passenger motor coaches. All vehicles are air-conditioned. Enjoi Transportation will provide round-trip ground transportation from Detroit Metro Airport (McNamara and North terminals) to the Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center to attendees for the round-trip discounted rate of $45.00 per person. Upon arrival at Detroit Metro Airport, attendees will be met by greeters in the baggage claim sections of both terminals who will assist arrivals to the registration table(s) and then onto awaiting shuttles for transport of members and luggage to the hotel(s). Ground transportation service will be available on a 24-hour basis throughout the convention dates. Those interested in this service are encouraged to make reservations at least 48 hours before arrival; however, ground transportation will also be available to attendees upon arrival to Detroit Metro Airport. (Single direction service is also available at $22.50 per person) Reservations can be made starting immediately via phone by using the information stated below. Credit card payments will be accepted. Please note that members who make a reservation, then change their plans and do not cancel their reservation within 48 hours of their scheduled arrival will be charged a one-way trip fee, of $22.50. Please consider this opportunity to save on the cost of transportation while in Detroit. There is no regular shuttle service from the airport terminals to hotels as we have had in other cities. Airport taxi and sedan service is available, but charges are approximately $50 EACH WAY per person. If you are interested in obtaining more information or making a reservation prior to your arrival in Detroit, please contact Enjoi Transportation at one of the following numbers: 1(877) ENJOI-US, 1(877) 365-6487, (313) 758-1000, via fax at (313) 758-1001, or via email at glynn at enjoitrans.com. SPECIAL NOTE: Please be aware the neither the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) nor the NFB of Michigan is responsible for this service in any way. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Memo-Enjoi Transportation Detroit.doc Type: application/msword Size: 56832 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dandrews at visi.com Thu May 28 01:32:10 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 27 May 2009 20:32:10 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] More Rooms Available for NFB Convention Message-ID: Joanne Wilson tells us: Rooms are now also available in the Hilton Garden Inn, about seven blocks north of the Renaissance Center, at 351 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226. The above convention rates apply, with a nonrefundable deposit of $60.00 at booking and a five-night minimum stay for arrivals beginning Thursday, July 2, and departures no later than Friday, July 10. Please note this means that by making a reservation there you are obligated to pay for the full five nights at convention rates even if you stay fewer than five nights. You may make reservations through Hilton's reservation system at 1-866-534-5356 through Friday, June 12. Be sure to tell the agent you are attending the National Federation of the Blind convention. These rooms will go quickly; therefore, you should call right away to ensure having a reservation. From DFrye at nfb.org Fri May 29 19:30:56 2009 From: DFrye at nfb.org (Frye, Dan) Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 14:30:56 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] International Copyright Concerns for Blind Readers Message-ID: Colleagues: I am circulating a lengthy post regarding efforts to limit an international treaty that would allow for rules that parallel existing domestic exceptions to the copyright law for blind people to govern in an international context. Please help bring pressure on authorities by letting President Obama know that these provisions would be useful, and ask him to direct his representatives to abandon their hostile posture toward aspects of the treaty that would be helpful. You may Email your concerns to: President at whitehouse.gov The post follows: Right now, in Geneva, at the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization, history is being made. For the first time in WIPO history, the body that creates the world's copyright treaties is attempting to write a copyright treaty dedicated to protecting the interests of copyright users, not just copyright owners. At issue is a treaty to protect the rights of blind people and people with other disabilities that affect reading (people with dyslexia, people who are paralyzed or lack arms or hands for turning pages). This should be a slam dunk: who wouldn't want a harmonized system of copyright exceptions that ensure that it's possible for disabled people to get access to the written word? The USA, that's who. The Obama administration' US negotiators have joined with a rogue's gallery of rich country trade representatives to oppose protection for blind people. Other nations and regions opposing the rights of blind people include Canada and the EU. Update: Also opposing rights for disabled people: Australia, New Zealand, the Vatican and Norway. Activists at WIPO are desperate to get the word out. They're tweeting madly from the negotiation (technically called the 18th session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights) publishing editorials on the Huffington Post, etc. Here's where you come in: this has to get wide exposure, to get cast as broadly as possible, so that it will find its way into the ears of the obscure power-brokers who control national trade-negotiators. I don't often ask readers to do things like this, but please, forward this post to people you know in the US, Canada and the EU, and ask them to reblog, tweet, and spread the word, especially to government officials and activists who work on disabled rights. We know that WIPO negotiations can be overwhelmed by citizen activists -- that's how we killed the Broadcast Treaty negotiation a few years back -- and with your help, we can make history, and create a world where copyright law protects the public interest. I am attending a meeting in Geneva of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This evening the United States government, in combination with other high income countries in "Group B" is seeking to block an agreement to discuss a treaty for persons who are blind or have other reading disabilities. The proposal for a treaty is supported by a large number of civil society NGOs, the World Blind Union, the National Federation of the Blind in the US, the International DAISY Consortium, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), Bookshare.Org, and groups representing persons with reading disabilities all around the world. The main aim of the treaty is to allow the cross-border import and export of digital copies of books and other copyrighted works in formats that are accessible to persons who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or have other reading disabilities, using special devices that present text as refreshable braille, computer generated text to speech, or large type. These works, which are expensive to make, are typically created under national exceptions to copyright law that are specifically written to benefit persons with disabilities. .. The opposition from the United States and other high income countries is due to intense lobbying from a large group of publishers that oppose a "paradigm shift," where treaties would protect consumer interests, rather than expand rights for copyright owners. The Obama Administration was lobbied heavily on this issue, including meetings with high level White House officials. Assurances coming into the negotiations this week that things were going in the right direction have turned out to be false, as the United States delegation has basically read from a script written by lobbyists for publishers, extolling the virtues of market based solutions, ignoring mountains of evidence of a "book famine" and the insane legal barriers to share works. Obama Joins Group to Block Treaty for Blind and Other Reading Disabilities COPYRIGHT EXCEPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS Twitter feed for #sccr18 With Kind Regards, *********************** Daniel B. Frye, J.D. Associate Editor The Braille Monitor National Federation of the Blind Office of the President 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314 Ext. 2208 Mobile: (410) 241-7006 Fax: (410) 685-5653 Email: DFrye at nfb.org Web Address: www.nfb.org "Voice of the Nation's Blind" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dandrews at visi.com Sat May 30 16:09:11 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 11:09:11 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Updated NFB National Convention Agenda Message-ID: Minor updates have been made to the 2009 NFB convention agenda. Please see below. In addition it was converted to text before being pasted in this e-mail message, so those of you who had e-mail problems with it previously shouldn't have them this time. If you wish to download the full Microsoft Word document, go to the link below. http://www.nfb.org/nfb/National_Convention.asp 2009 ANNUAL CONVENTION DETROIT, MICHIGAN JULY 3 to JULY 8 THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN WELCOME YOU TO THE 69th ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Marc Maurer, President National Federation of the Blind 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Mary Ellen Jernigan Executive Director for Operations and Chairwoman, Convention Organization and Activities Fred Wurtzel, President National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 1212 North Foster Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48912-3309 Detroit Marriott® at the Renaissance Center Renaissance Center (313) 568-8000 Courtyard by Marriott® 333 E. Jefferson Avenue (313) 222-7700 DETROIT MARRIOTT The 69th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind is being held in Michigan at the Detroit Marriott® at the Renaissance Center. As usual, our hotel rates are very good: singles and doubles $62, triples $66, and quads $68. In addition to the room rates, there is a 15 percent sales tax. There is no charge for children under eighteen in the room with parents as long as no extra bed is required. Proof of convention registration is necessary, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Otherwise, regular hotel rates must be paid. The Detroit Marriott is a seventy-two story round hotel in the middle of a larger complex of buildings known as the Renaissance Center. The lowest level is the Motor Lobby where people arriving by taxis and automobiles enter the hotel. There are bellmen at this entrance and elevators going directly to the main lobby of the hotel, which is located on Level Three. All hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms, and the exhibit hall are on Levels Three, Four, and Five. A bank of twelve elevators is located in the center of the hotel in a corridor oriented along the east-west axis of the building. The first six elevators at the west end of the corridor (three on each side) serve floors one, three, four, five, and forty through seventy. The next six elevators (three on each side) serve floors one, three, four, five, and nine through forty. Just beyond each end of the elevator corridor a set of escalators serves Levels Three, Four, and Five. To reach the main hotel lobby you should leave the elevator corridor heading west. The hotel restaurant (Forty-two Degrees North) and Volt (a bar which also serves an extensive array of food) can be entered from the main lobby. Many other food outlets including a large food court are located on Levels A, One, and Two in the Renaissance Center complex. The easiest way to exit the hotel proper into other parts of the Renaissance Center Complex is to use an escalator located near the Coach Insignia Restaurant elevator at the south end of Level Three of the hotel. The Detroit Marriott has a smoke-free policy. COURTYARD MARRIOTT The Courtyard Marriott is connected to Level Two of the Renaissance Center Complex by an enclosed overhead walkway. It may also be reached by leaving the Renaissance Center at Level One through the Jefferson Lobby. We are using both sleeping rooms and meeting space in the Courtyard Marriott. “MOTOR CITY” MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE: SUPPORTING OUR IMAGINATION FUND CAMPAIGN On Monday, July 6, we open the convention with our spectacular third March for Independence. Marching through downtown Detroit, we will celebrate our liberty among friends, family members, and supporters. Please gather for this fundraising and “friend-raising” walk-a-thon and rally at 6:45 Monday morning in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott. Most of the route is along the beautiful RiverWalk promenade and culminates with a rally in Rivard Plaza. Marcher drop-in briefing sessions are on Sunday, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Let’s walk together to make the Motor City March a truly magnificent event. NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE! Our host affiliate invites you to celebrate with them by renewing old friendships and/or forming new ones on Monday, July 6, at 7:00 pm in the Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3. Entertainment by “Nine,” a nine-piece band that will perform Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards—guaranteed to create an exciting atmosphere and stir pleasant memories. ROOKIE ROUNDUP All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a reception from 8:00 to 10:00 pm on Friday, July 3, in the Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. President Maurer and other Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you to the convention and preview the week’s activities. Veteran conventioneers should urge all first-timers to attend this special event. Also, first-time rookies are invited to join an informal, fun gathering on Sunday, July 5, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm in the Affiliate Action Suite 6801. REGISTRATION & PREREGISTRATION Registration activities take place in the Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 4; at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 5; and at other times as listed throughout the week. The fee for registration at convention is $20 per person (if you preregistered before May 31, the fee was $15), and all those attending the convention (both local and out of town people) are asked to register. Convention registration is a requirement for door prize eligibility and a number of other convention activities. We condition rates for hotel rooms on proof of registration, including the showing of an NFB registration badge if requested. Therefore, please register as soon as possible after arrival. EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET Exhibits and the NFB Independence Market are located in the Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3. The exhibit hall hours are: Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday Noon to 1:45 pm; sponsors only from 7:00-10:00 pm Tuesday Noon to 1:45 pm—Note: This is the final time that Independence Market and Literature will be open. Tuesday 7:00 to 10:00 pm—Exhibit Hall only; Independence Market and Literature closed) There is a special event for sponsor-level exhibitors only on Monday, July 6, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm (see “Special Attention” section and agenda listing for more information). Sign up for NFB-NEWSLINE® at the NEWSLINE table, check the agenda for times to visit Room 6401 to learn about it, or call local number (313) 483-1147 to use NEWSLINE at convention. Any alterations in the general session schedule which may occur during the convention will result in conforming shifts in the exhibit schedule and will be announced in the exhibit areas. A number of affiliated NFB divisions and committees have tables. Many new electronic devices are demonstrated, as well as a special exhibit of materials and resources for the deaf-blind. MEETINGS General sessions of the convention are being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The morning sessions convene at 9:30 am on Monday, and 9:00 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The convention adjourns promptly at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8. Please note that all requests for announcements by Dr. Maurer during general sessions must be submitted in Braille. BANQUET AND BANQUET TICKET EXCHANGE The banquet is being held in the Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8. Banquet tickets purchased at convention are $40.00 (the cost was $35 if purchased before May 31) and are on sale during registration on Saturday and Sunday, and from noon to 12:30 and 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday. No banquet tickets will be available for purchase after Monday. It will be necessary to have your banquet ticket with you to attend the banquet; it will be collected at the banquet table. Arrangements should be made for reserved table assignments by taking the ticket(s) you purchase to the Banquet Exchange Table in the registration area, where you may exchange either an individual ticket or a group of tickets for reserved seating. Banquet tables seat ten people. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND DEVOTIONS On Sunday, July 5, Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., will celebrate a Roman Catholic Mass at 7:15 am in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Also on Sunday at 11:45 am services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3. Devotional services will be held in Ambassador Ballroom One, Level 3, at 7:30 am on Tuesday, and 8:00 am on Wednesday. Please note there is no service on Monday morning. Services are nonsectarian and will end at least fifteen minutes prior to morning convention sessions. knfbReader MOBILE THE CELL PHONE THAT READS PRINT With the power of digital photography and unique cell phone software, reading print on the go wherever you are is now possible for blind people. Come and learn about this fabulous, life-changing technology in the exhibit hall and at demonstration and training sessions planned in the afternoon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and in the evening on Tuesday. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SPECIAL ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS • A Federation Information Desk will be in the registration area from Saturday morning, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, if you have questions or need assistance. The Michigan affiliate will also maintain a table near the hotel check in desk in the main lobby to provide assistance and hospitality during much of the convention. • When you register, you will be given a badge. Please wear it at all times during the convention. • The room number for the Presidential Suite is 7010. Someone will be on hand in the Presidential Suite throughout most of the convention to greet you and make appointments for you with the President or anyone else you wish to see. The Presidential Suite will not be open during the business sessions of the convention, the Sunday morning Board of Directors meeting, Monday morning (due to the Independence March), or the Wednesday evening banquet. Come to the Presidential Suite. You will be most welcome. • The room number for Mary Ellen Jernigan, Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities, is 6910. Questions concerning hotel rooms, meeting rooms, banquet, scheduling, registration, and other matters dealing with convention arrangements should be referred to the Chairwoman of Convention Organization and Activities. • Individuals needing to conduct business with the NFB Treasurer may do so by going to the DaVinci Room, Level 4 on Monday, July 6, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, or on Tuesday, July 7, between 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm. • The Michigan Suite (Fred Wurtzel, President) is 6805. • The Affiliate Action and Rookie Activities Suite (Joanne Wilson and Pam Allen, Coordinators) is 6801. • We are again offering NFB Camp (child-care services) for children six weeks through ten years of age in Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 during convention sessions, most meetings, and the banquet. Preregistration and payment by June 15 were required for NFB Camp. NFB Camp is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of Main Street Montessori Association. Alison McQuillan, camp worker and teacher since 1998, is the activities director. Please note that NFB Camp provides morning and afternoon snacks, but parents are required to provide lunch for their child(ren) every day. Times listed are the opening and closing times for NFB Camp. A late fee of $10 will be assessed for all late pickups. NFB Camp hours: Friday, 7/3 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, 7/4 Closed Sunday, 7/5 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 5:30 pm Monday, 7/6 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday, 7/7 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Wednesday, 7/8 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 5:30 pm Banquet 7/8 6:30 pm to 30 minutes after closing • A Special Evening For Sponsor-Level Exhibitors: Again this year, the exhibit hall will reopen from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on Monday, July 6, for a very special evening dedicated solely to Sponsor-Level Exhibitors listed here. Come and bring a guest to say “thank you” to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are—Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel®, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. • The ever-popular Showcase of Talent is back again at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 7, presented by the Performing Arts Division. Admission price is $5.00. If you would like to participate in the Showcase, make sure to sign up early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. • Raffle tickets will not be sold in the registration area, and no raffles or other such drawings will take place during convention sessions or at the banquet. The single exception to this rule will be that national divisions may (if they request it in advance) conduct such drawings during the convention or at the banquet. LaSalle A Room, Level 5 will be set aside at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, July 8, for all other drawings. Any group or affiliate wishing to conduct drawings at this time (or any person wishing to know the winners) may go at noon on Wednesday to the LaSalle A Room. AFFILIATED DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES, AND GROUPS The Federation carries on its business through divisions, committees, and groups. The meetings of some of these have been scheduled for particular times and are listed in the agenda. Others have not been formally scheduled but will meet at the call of their chairpersons or presidents. If you have matters that you would like to discuss with any of the following divisions, committees, or groups, you should contact: Divisions: • Agriculture and Equestrian: Fred Chambers, President; • Assistive Technology Trainers: Michael Barber, President; • Classics, Antiques, and Rods or Special Interest Vehicles (CARS): Joseph B. Naulty, President; • Deaf-Blind: Burnell Brown, President; • Diabetes Action Network for the Blind: Michael Freeman, President; • Human Services: Melissa Riccobono, President; • National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith: Tom Anderson, President; • National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs: James R. Bonerbo, President; • National Association of Blind Lawyers: Scott LaBarre, President; • National Association of Blind Merchants: Kevan Worley, President; • National Association of Blind Office Professionals: Lisa Hall, President; • National Association of Blind Piano Technicians: Don Mitchell, President; • National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals: Melody Lindsey, President; • National Association of Blind Students: Terri Rupp, President; • National Association of Blind Veterans: Dwight Sayer, President; • National Association of Guide Dog Users: Marion Gwizdala, President; • National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB): Nadine Jacobson, President; • National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science: Curtis Chong, President; • National Federation of the Blind Krafters: Joyce Kane, President; • National Federation of the Blind Seniors: Judy Sanders, President; • National Organization of Blind Educators: Sheila Koenig, President; • National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC): Carol Castellano, President; • Performing Arts: Dennis Holston, President; • Public Employees: Ivan Weich, President; • Science and Engineering: John Miller, President; • Sports and Recreation: Lisamaria Martinez, President; • Travel and Tourism: Don Gillmore, President; • Writers: Robert Leslie Newman, President. Committees: • Ambassadors: Angela Wolf, Chairperson; • Blind Educator of the Year Award: David Ticchi, Chairperson; • Committee on Assistive Technology (COAT): Curtis Chong, Chairperson; • Committee on Automobile and Pedestrian Safety (CAPS): Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; • Committee to Empower Underserved Populations (CEUP): Ron Brown, Chairperson; • Cultural Exchange and International Program: Diane McGeorge, Chairperson; • Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award: Joyce Scanlan, Chairperson; • Employment: Buna Dahal, Chairperson; • Imagination Fund: Kevan Worley, Chairperson; • Jacobus tenBroek Award: Ramona Walhof, Chairperson; • Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund: Tami Jones, Chairperson; • Kenneth Jernigan Fund: Allen Harris, Chairperson; • Library Services: David Hyde, Chairperson; • Loan Fund: Donald C. Capps, Chairperson; • Membership: Ron Gardner, Chairperson; • Newel Perry Award: Allen Harris, Chairperson; • Newsletter Publications: Norma Crosby, Chairperson; • NFB-NEWSLINE® Program Steering: David DeNotaris, Chairperson; • PAC Plan: Scott LaBarre, Chairperson; • Planned Giving: John Halverson, Chairperson; • Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology: Gary Wunder, Chairperson; • Public Relations: Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; • Research and Development: Curtis Chong, Chairperson; • Resolutions: Sharon Maneki, Chairperson; • Scholarship: Anil Lewis, Chairperson; • Shares Unlimited in NFB (SUN): Sandy Halverson, Chairperson; • Spanish Translation: Norman Gardner, Chairperson; • White Cane and Affiliate Finance: Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson. Groups: • Blind Musicians: Linda Mentink, Chairperson; • Blind Parents: Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson; • Blind Professional Journalists: Elizabeth Campbell and Bryan Bashin, Co-Chairpersons; • Educators of Blind Children: Gail Wagner, Chairperson; • Geordi's Engineers: Lorraine Rovig, Chairperson; • Legislative Initiatives Discussion: Don Burns, Coordinator; • Living History: Michael Freholm, Chairperson; • NFB Ham Radio: D. Curtis Willoughby, Chairperson; • NFB in Judaism: David Stayer, Chairperson; • NFB Lions: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota, Co-Chairpersons; • Orientation and Mobility: Edward C. Bell, Chairperson; • Professionals in Blindness Education: Heather Field, Chairperson; • Webmasters: Gary Wunder, Chairperson. CONVENTION AGENDA FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2009 7:30 - 8:45 am—HAM RADIO GROUP EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Raphael Room, Level 4 Discuss hotel frequencies and architectural features and distributing special FM receivers for the hearing-impaired and Spanish-speaking attendees. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 7:45 am - 6:30 pm—THE FUTURE IS OURS AND THEIRS Parent, Rehabilitation, and Orientation & Mobility Joint Conference for Families and Rehabilitation Professionals (7:45 - 8:45 am—Registration and coffee; 12:00 to 2:00 pm—NBPCB Awards Luncheon, Ambassador Three Ballroom) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 NOPBC Fees: Adults $30; Youth (13-18) $20; Children (5-12) $10 NABRP Fees (includes lunch): Students $75; Professionals $100 Note: Conference admission included with either registration above. Sponsors: National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC); National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (NABRP); and the Professional Development & Research Institute on Blindness (PDRIB) at the Louisiana Tech University. Chairpersons: Carol Castellano and Edward Bell 8:00 am - 4:30 pm—PROFESSIONALS IN BLINDNESS EDUCATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Heather Field, Chairperson 8:30 am—NFB CAMP: IT’S MORE THAN CHILD’S PLAY (CHILD CARE) Marquette A and B Rooms, Level 5 Please see “Special Attention” section of agenda for further information. (Preregistration by June 15 was required.) 8:30 - 11:30 am—WHAT’S NEW IN JAWS 10 AND MAGic 11, AND A FIRST LOOK AT JAWS 11—FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, for an exciting and informative session covering all of the new details surrounding JAWS and MAGic development. This will also be the first look at JAWS 11 scheduled for public beta in August and includes a demo of Windows 7. Bring questions! FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 8:30 am - 5:00 pm—IBTC’S ACCESS TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 am—Mobile productivity on cell phones. 10:30 am - noon—Create DAISY books from your desktop. 1:30 - 3:00 pm—Web 2.0 features with screen access software. 3:30 - 5:00 pm—Lesser-known names in screen access software. 9:00 am - 12:00 noon—GW MICRO: BRAILLE SENSE PLUS AND VOICE SENSE—Registration $10; Refreshments provided. Nicolet A Room, Level 5 The Braille Sense Plus is the lightest note taker with a 32-cell Braille display, and the Voice Sense is the smallest note taker. Learn about the features of GW note takers including the GW Sense Navigation GPS. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm—NFB YOUTH TRACK SESSIONS (ages 14-18) Sponsored by NFB Jernigan Institute; Mary Jo Thorpe, Coordinator Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 9:00 - 10:15 am—PARENTS-REHAB SEMINAR Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott 10:30 am - 12:00 noon—ALL ABOUT ME Help shape the future of youth outreach for the NFB. 2:00 - 3:00 pm—BACK & BICEPS, CHEST & TRICEPS Learn the “ropes” about working out in a gym. 3:30 - 5:00 pm—ME AND YOUTUBE An interactive YouTube activity for teens. 9:00 am - 10:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 9:00-11:00 am, 2:00-6:00 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm—Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 11:30 am -1:30 pm—Affiliate presidents’ gathering. Learn about NFB- NEWSLINE Online and how to promote NEWSLINE. 6:30 - 8:00 pm—Exhibit for parents and their blind children (ages 10+). FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 10:00 am - 5:00 pm—EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE SEMINAR Richard B Room, Level 5 10:00 am­Registration; 10:30 am­Seminar begins Key strategies for job hunting: How? Where? What? Remember, innovation and authenticity produce abundant opportunities. Gain the secrets of obtaining and maintaining employment. Buna Dahal, Chairperson 10:15 am - 12:00 noon—NOPBC BRAILLE CARNIVAL (ages 5-13) Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm—PAC MATE, BEYOND NOTE TAKING—FREEDOM SCIENTIFIC, INC. Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Join Jonathan Mosen as we explore the power of PAC Mate Omni, from beaming your KNFB Reader Mobile documents to be read in Braille, to watching TV right from your PAC Mate Omni. See our new StreetTalk VIP GPS solution in action. 1:00 - 3:00 pm—WRITERS DIVISION WORKSHOP ($5.00 fee) Room 6405, 64th floor Visit with a published author. Robert Leslie Newman, President 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 by blind swimmers), is conducting a swimming workshop. Take a break with a cool dip in the pool. Lisamaria Martinez, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm—HUMANWARE PRODUCT SHOWCASE AND USER GROUPS LaSalle A and B Rooms, Level 5 Sessions: 1:00 Breeze; 2:00 BrailleNote; 3:00 Stream; 4:00 Mobile Devices Join HumanWare and other users to learn about recent updates and share product tips. Ask questions and give us your suggestions for your favorite HumanWare product. Door Prizes for every session! 1:30 - 2:45 pm—knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 2:00 - 3:30 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS One-Two Buckle My Shoe, Three-Four Out the Door Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Developmental timelines from preschool through elementary. Instructors: Debbi Head, Heather Field, Annee Hartzell Show Me the Technology: Middle School/High School Renoir Room, Level 4 What is needed, how to work with the school to get it, and what to do when all else fails. Instructors: Dr. Matt Maurer and Al Lovati Literacy for All Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Large print? Braille? Both? How to tell what is best for your child. Great Expectations: Mobility Instruction and Blind Children with Additional Disabilities Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott High expectations, real life goals, and how to achieve them in the area of independent travel. Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt 2:00 - 5:00 pm—NOPBC TRIP TO PENRICKTON CENTER Meeting place to be announced Parents of children with significant multiple disabilities can visit this center which uses the Active Learning techniques of Lilli Nielsen. 2:00 - 5:00 pm—NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (Note to parents: Volunteers will accompany the children from one workshop to the other.) Not-so-mad Scientists: Hands-on Chemistry Experiments: Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Andrew Greenberg, Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, and Dr. Lillian Rankel 2:00 ­ 3:30 pm—For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ­ 5:00 pm—For Grades 6 through 12 FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, Cont’d. Tactile Drawings and Representations: Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Ann Cunningham and Debbie Kent Stein 2:00 ­ 3:30 pm—For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ­ 5:00 pm—For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:00 - 5:00 pm—GW MICRO: WINDOW-EYES TRAINING (Registration $10; Refreshments provided) Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Explore the power of Window-Eyes with advanced scripting support, Office 2007, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Come to see the best support for the Internet in a screen reader. Presenters: Raul Gallegos and Chris Park. To register, call (260) 489-3671. 2:00 - 7:00 pm—KRAFTERS KORNER Richard A Room, Level 5 Meet some talented Federation crafters and purchase their beautiful hand-made items for sale. Joyce Kane, Krafters Division President 3:00 - 4:30 pm—MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE (Workshop One; Workshop Two is on Saturday at 4:00 pm) Brulé A Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. 3:00 - 4:45 pm— knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLIND ENTREPRENEURS Brulé B Room, Level 5 James R. Bonerbo, President FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 3:30 - 4:50 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS Access for Everyone Skyline A Room, Courtyard Marriott Learn how blind and low-vision children of all abilities can access education and information in school and in the world. Instructor: Dr. Denise Robinson Braille Music for Dummies Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Just enough to stay one step ahead of the kids. Instructors: Jennifer Dunnam and Kyle Conley Spaghetti, Meatballs, and Birthday Parties Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Manners, cafeterias, games, playgrounds, and friends (Pre-K and Elementary) Instructors: Debbi Head and Emily Gibbs Bring Me to the Mall—Text Me Later Renoir Room, Level 4 Manners, food courts, and friends (middle and high school) Instructors: Eric Guillory and Deja Powell 5:00 - 6:30 pm—PARENTS AND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS JOINT CONFERENCE RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS BUSINESS MEETING Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 6:00 pm­Registration; 7:00 pm­Meeting begins Topics: airline emergency procedures and evacuation; creating and growing state associations of guide dog users; and protecting the rights of guide dog users through advocacy and education. Marion Gwizdala, President FRIDAY, JULY 3, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm­Registration; 7:00 pm­Meeting begins Featuring a hands-on Braille proofreading workshop. Guest speaker is from Seedlings Braille Books for Children. Lisa Hall, President 7:30 - 10:00 pm—NOPBC FAMILY HOSPITALITY NIGHT Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in, relax, and chat in an informal atmosphere. 8:00 - 10:00 pm—NFB LIONS GROUP Room 6405, 64th floor NFB members who are also Lions are urged to meet to share ideas and experiences. Co-Chairpersons: Ramona Walhof and Milton Ota 8:00 - 10:00 pm—ROOKIE ROUNDUP RECEPTION—GAINING INSIGHT FOR FIRST-TIMERS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 First-time conventioneers, don't miss this event! President Maurer and former rookies will be on hand to welcome you and answer questions. Coordinator: Pam Allen, Director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind and President of the NFB of Louisiana 8:00 pm - midnight—KARAOKE NIGHT?? Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. You'll have a great time. Braille song lists available. Hosted by BLIND, Incorporated 9:00 - 10:00 pm—NFB AMBASSADORS COMMITTEE MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Angela Wolf, Chairperson SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009 9:00 am - 5:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 9:00 am 5:00 pm—EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE—Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm—WHAT’S NEW WITH NFB-NEWSLINE® Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Presentational seminar about the world’s largest audible newspaper service for the blind and visually impaired. Topics cover newest online initiatives and improvements to the service. 1:00 - 5:00 pm—EXPLORING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN MOBILE REFRESHABLE BRAILLE AND TACTILE GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGIES Richard A Room, Level 5 1:00-2:00—ALVA Braille Controller: more than just a Braille display. 2:00-3:00—Talking Tactile Tablet: exploring tactile images, interactive games. 3:00-4:00—Reading On the Go!: read books, texts, etc. using a cell phone. 4:00-5:00—Mobile Geo: a new GPS solution for accessible cell phones. Larry Lewis, President, Flying Blind, Inc. 1:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION—SECTIONS ONE AND TWO Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Participants must have preregistered. Exam Sections Three and Four are on Sunday, July 5 (see agenda listing). Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:30 pm—RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE Renaissance Cartier Ballroom, Level 4 Sharon Maneki, Chairperson 1:30 - 2:45 pm— knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 2:00 - 5:00 pm—NOPBC SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH Braille Beats Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Kids get into Braille music in a fun way. Instructor: Kyle Conley 2:00 ­ 3:30 pm—For Kindergarten through Grade 5 3:30 ­ 5:00 pm—For Grades 6 through 12 You Want to Move It, Move It Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Judo expert Lisamaria Martinez and friends get you moving! 2:00 ­ 3:30 pm—For Grades 6 through 12 3:30 ­ 5:00 pm—For Kindergarten through Grade 5 2:30 - 4:30 pm—TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION Raphael Room, Level 4 Don Gillmore, President 3:00 - 4:45 pm—knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:30 - 10:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 3:30-6:00 pm and 8:30-10:00 pm—Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:30-8:00 pm—Gathering for professionals in the field of work with the blind for an evening of presentations and possibilities. 4:00 - 5:30 pm—MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Attendees will learn the latest information about the Institute and about how they can utilize its programs to build the organization at the local level. We expect the discussion to spark new, imaginative ideas for future programs. Led by Mark Riccobono, Jernigan Institute Executive Director. SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 4:00 - 6:00 pm—SPANISH SEMINAR Brulé B Room, Level 5 Conducted entirely in Spanish. Learn about the Federation, hear from some of our leaders, and network with other Hispanic members. Facilitators: Rosy Carranza and A.Z. Martinez 4:30 - 5:30 pm—WAL-MART AND NFB JERNIGAN INSTITUTE: FUTURE INNOVATIONS FORUM Brulé A Room, Level 5 Join a town hall meeting on Equal Access at the Pharmacy Counter. Discuss emerging issues, best practices, and preferences as a blind or low-vision consumer. Influence future work through the NFB Jernigan Institute to encourage innovative Pharmacy practices and take the opportunity for the world's largest retailer to hear your voice. 4:30 - 6:00 pm—TWELFTH ANNUAL MOCK TRIAL—National Association of Blind Lawyers; Scott LaBarre, President Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Admission: $5.00. Federation lawyers are pitted against each other reenacting an old Federation case with the audience serving as the jury. 6:00 - 7:30 pm—NEWSLETTER PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DaVinci Room, Level 4 Covering state newsletters, formatting a good publication, and publishing in accessible formats. Norma Crosby, Chairperson 6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 6:00 pm­Registration ($5.00) & Meet-and-Greet; 7:00 pm­Meeting Happy 42nd birthday to NABS! Remember to bring your contact information on a Brailled index card for registration. Terri Rupp, President 6:45 - 7:45 pm—IMAGINATION FUND TRAINING MEETING Greco Room, Level 4 Kevan Worley, Facilitator SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm—NFB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND TREASURERS SEMINAR Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Affiliate presidents and treasurers are asked to attend this seminar about state financial programs, financial data, and planning the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. Topics include: 990s, state charitable registrations, end-of-year preparations, and other issues. Facilitators: Bridgid Burke and Charlie Brown 7:00 - 8:30 pm—PUBLIC EMPLOYEES DIVISION Richard A Room, Level 5 Ivan Weich, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm—CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND RODS (CARS) DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 Joseph B. Naulty, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm—“KEYS TO INDEPENDENCE,” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND PIANO TECHNICIANS SEMINAR Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how to have a career in piano tuning and repair; it can enhance your independence. Don Mitchell, President 7:30 - 9:30 pm—MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 The more we educate, the more we grow. Ron Gardner, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm—BLIND PARENTS GROUP Brulé B Room, Level 5 Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:00 pm—WHITE CANE AND AFFILIATE FINANCE COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Alpidio Rolón, Chairperson 8:00 - 9:30 pm—WEBMASTERS WORKSHOP Greco Room, Level 4 A meeting for all NFB affiliate and division Webmasters. Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Webmasters Group SATURDAY, JULY 4, Continued 8:00 - 10:00 pm—COMMITTEE ON LIBRARY SERVICES Duluth A Room, Level 5 David Hyde, Chairperson 9:00 - 10:00 pm—SPANISH TRANSLATION COMMITTEE Raphael Room, Level 4 Norman Gardner, Chairperson SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009 7:15 - 8:15 am—ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Fr. Gregory Paul, C.P., Celebrant 8:00 am - 10:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATIONS Room 6401, 64th floor 8:00-11:00 am, 1:30-5:30 pm, and 8:30-10:00 pm—Learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 6:00-7:00 pm—Promotion, Evaluation, and Advancement of Technology Committee gathering. Learn about NFB-NEWSLINE’s revolutionary new online initiatives. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($20); BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40); Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 8:30 am 5:00 pm— EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE—Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 9:00 11:30 am—NFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (Open to all) Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 11:45 am - 12:45 pm—THE DIVISION FOR ME—NFB YOUTH TRACK Greco Room, Level 4 A meet-and-greet with NFB division representatives. Coordinator: Mary Jo Thorpe. Co-sponsored by NOPBC and NFB Jernigan Institute. 11:45 am - 1:15 pm—CHURCH SERVICES FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm—ROOKIE ROUNDUP GATHERING Affiliate Action Suite 6801 Attention rookies! Participate in a gathering of fun for first-time conventioneers. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have your convention questions answered by experienced Federationists. SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 12:30 - 4:00 pm—DIABETES ACTION NETWORK FOR THE BLIND Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 12:30 pm ­ Registration; 1:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Keynote speaker is Ann S. Williams, PhD, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator with much experience with diabetic issues. Mike Freeman, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS Richard A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ­ Registration; 1:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Examine laws affecting blind people and others with disabilities; address ongoing struggles to gain equal access to Web sites, employment, legal texts and exams. Scott LaBarre, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm—NFB IN COMPUTER SCIENCE LaSalle B Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ­ Registration; 1:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Discuss recent releases, concerns of information technology professionals, and other topics. Curtis Chong, President 12:30 - 5:00 pm—“OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH COURAGE AND DETERMINATION”—National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith Cadillac A Room, Level 5 12:30 pm ­ Registration; 1:00 pm ­ Meeting begins; Tom Anderson, President 12:30 5:00 pm—REVOLUTIONIZING RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS MEETING Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 12:30 pm ­ Registration; 1:30 pm ­ Meeting begins Those involved in the Randolph-Sheppard program or who operate a similar business discuss protection of the priority and the creation of new business opportunities and outreach. Kevan Worley, President 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, Continued 12:45 - 4:30 pm—MIDDLE SCHOOL BIG ADVENTURE! (Ages 9-14) Meet (and return) at back of Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Hang out as a group and have fun exploring with blind mentors Michael Freholm and Garrick Scott. 1:00 - 3:00 pm—BLIND PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS GROUP Duluth A Room, Level 5 Elizabeth Campbell, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm—CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Duluth B Room, Level 5 Diane McGeorge, Chairperson 1:00 3:00 pm—“GRABBING HEADLINES FOR YOUR AFFILIATE” SEMINAR—PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Topics: locating press contacts; drafting press releases; developing relationships with reporters and editors; working effectively with the media. Barbara Pierce, Chairperson; Seminar conducted by Chris Danielsen and Jessica Freeh, NFB Public Relations 1:00 - 3:00 pm—NOPBC DIVISION ANNUAL MEETING: MAKING THEIR FUTURE DREAMS COME TRUE Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Carol Castellano, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm—PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION DaVinci Room, Level 4 Unveiling the “Music of the Movement” album. Hear from an artist recruiter about a media company paving the way for blind audio professionals. Dennis Holston, President 1:00 - 4:00 pm—WRITERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Renoir Room, Level 4 Robert Leslie Newman, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:00 - 4:30 pm—NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF BLIND EDUCATORS Brulé B Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ­ Registration; 1:30 pm ­ Meeting begins Blind teachers discuss techniques they use in their classrooms; meeting in groups specific to grade level and content areas of interest to create a network of mentors. Sheila Koenig, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm—AUTO SHOW (CLASSICS, ANTIQUES, AND SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES) Location to be announced. Joe Naulty, CARS Division President 1:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) OFFICIAL EXAMINATION—SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR Cascade C and D Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Participants must have preregistered. Sponsored by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board 1:00 - 5:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS Brulé A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ­ Registration; 2:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Network, share mutual interests, find placement strategies, and examine and discuss concerns and current issues. Melody Lindsey, President 1:00 - 5:00 pm—“SENIORS IN CHARGE” NFB SENIORS DIVISION MEETING & (SOMEWHAT) SILENT AUCTION Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Find out ways to spread our message of hope to newly blind seniors. We’re also having our popular not-so-silent auction. Judy Sanders, President 1:00 - 6:00 pm—HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION SEMINAR AND BUSINESS MEETING Nicolet A Room, Level 5 1:00 pm ­ Registration; 2:00 pm ­ Meeting begins; 5:00 pm ­ Networking Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and music or dance therapists meeting to network and ask questions. Melissa Riccobono, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 1:30 - 4:45 pm—knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Session One: 1:30 - 2:45 pm; Session Two: 3:00 - 4:45 pm Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 3:00 - 4:30 pm—NOPBC PARENT POWER WORKSHOP Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott Parent leaders from around the country share their experiences. Moderator: Barbara Mathews 3:15 - 4:45 pm—MEET THE BLIND MONTH ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS SEMINAR: PLANS AND ACTION EQUAL SUCCESS Duluth B Room, Level 5 October is “Meet the Blind Month.” Find out about events that are entertaining and fun and encouraging chapters to try new types of fundraising and meet-and-greet events. Jerry Lazarus, NFB Jernigan Institute 5:00 - 6:30 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND LAWYERS RECEPTION Richard B Room, Level 5 For NABL members and seminar participants to promote networking and fellowship within our membership. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Scott LaBarre, President 5:00 - 7:00 pm—BRAILLE BOOK FLEA MARKET Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Happy Birthday, Louis Braille! Browse tables of new and used Braille and print/Braille books. UPS volunteers will ship the books to your home free of charge. Donations requested to support the Braille Readers are Leaders program. Cake and snacks for browsers. Cosponsored by NOPBC and NAPUB. Coordinator: Peggy Chong 5:00 - 8:00 pm—JUDO WORKSHOP; SPORTS & REC DIVISION Skyline B Room, Courtyard Marriott Join USA Judo and paralympian bronze medal winner Greg DeWall to learn about judo from people involved in the sport. See you on the mat! Lisamaria Martinez, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 5:30 - 7:00 pm—KURZWEIL 1000 USERS’ MEETING Richard A Room, Level 5 Join the Kurzweil 1000 Users’ Contingent! Meet with Steve Baum, Vice President of Engineering, and share some Kurzweil 1000 experiences. Kurzweil 1000 is our state-of-the-art, text-to-speech and life navigation software for blind and visually impaired readers. 5:30 - 7:30 pm—AGRICULTURE AND EQUESTRIAN DIVISION Duluth A Room, Level 5 Fred Chambers, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm—BACK TO BASICS: FOUNDATIONS IN MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT Ambassador Two Ballroom, Level 3 Topics: running a purposeful chapter meeting, community projects and chapter fundraising, and weaving Federation philosophy into local meetings. NFB Affiliate Action Team 6:00 - 10:00 pm—DEAF BLIND DIVISION Nicolet B Room, Level 5 6:00 pm ­ Registration; 7:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Burnell Brown, President 6:00 - 10:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GUIDE DOG USERS SEMINAR 6:00 pm ­ Registration; 7:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Brulé A Room, Level 5 Topics: Islam, the Koran, and guide dogs; Training Centers and Guide Dogs: a panel discussion; and massage for dogs. You can also “test drive” a guide dog! Marion Gwizdala, President 6:30 - 9:00 pm—ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINERS DIVISION Renoir Room, Level 4 6:30 pm ­ Registration; 7:00 pm ­ Meeting begins Note-taking devices to recommend to clients and what to do about students who are seemingly “unteachable.” Michael Barber, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 6:30 - 9:30 pm—SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DIVISION Cascade A and B Ballrooms, Courtyard Marriott 6:30 pm ­ Registration; 7:00 pm ­ Meeting begins John Miller, President 7:00 - 8:30 pm—LIVING HISTORY GROUP Nicolet A Room, Level 5 Dedicated to recording, preserving, and appreciating Federation history. Michael Freholm, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm—“SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS” a play by Jerry Whittle (Admission: $5.00; Second Performance is at 9:00 pm) Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind’s summer training program for blind children. 7:00 - 9:00 pm—COMMITTEE TO EMPOWER UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Ron Brown, Chairperson 7:00 - 9:00 pm—FEDERATION RE-GENERATION Duluth B Room, Level 5 Do you need to rejuvenate and kick-start your affiliate with fresh ideas? Re-generate! Get a new generation involved. Join the NFB Jernigan Institute Education Team to learn more about program possibilities. 7:00 - 9:00 pm—NFB KRAFTERS DIVISION BUSINESS MEETING Cadillac A Room, Level 5 Unveiling new craft initiatives, including plans for a new Web site and information on our Monday night nationwide chats. Joyce Kane, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE THE USE OF BRAILLE (NAPUB) SEMINAR Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Celebrating Louis Braille’s 200th birthday! Receive information about the commemorative Louis Braille silver dollar, the NFB Share Braille Web site project, and more. Nadine Jacobson, President SUNDAY, JULY 5, Continued 7:00 - 9:00 pm—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND VETERANS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Guest speakers; reviewing access technology; unveiling the 2009 NABV pin. Pay dues and receive an NABV-3 shirt. Dwight Sayer, President 7:00 - 10:00 pm—MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE MARCHER DROP-IN BRIEFINGS (THREE SEPARATE SESSIONS) Brulé B Room, Level 5 Session One: 7:00-8:00 pm; Session Two 8:00-9:00 pm; Session Three 9:00-10:00 pm. Drop in anytime and help us lead the 2009 March for Independence. Facilitator: Kevan Worley 7:30 - 9:00 pm—DADS’ NIGHT OUT Contact Brad Weatherd for location All dads, sighted and blind, are welcome. Sponsored by the NOPBC 7:30 - 9:00 pm—NFB IN JUDAISM MEETING Room 6405, 64th Floor David Stayer, Chairperson 7:30 - 10:00 pm—COMMITTEE FOR THE PROMOTION, EVALUATION, AND ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY; Gary Wunder, Chairperson Greco Room, Level 4 8:00 - 9:30 pm—MAKING BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Make Braille books at home that will inspire your child to read and explore. Sponsored by NOPBC. Instructors: Carlton Walker and Krystal Guillory 9:00 - 10:30 pm—“SOMETIMES TRUTH REPELS,” a play by Jerry Whittle (Second Performance) Admission: $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 A play about the teaching career of Louis Braille performed by the Louisiana Center for the Blind Players. Proceeds go to the Louisiana Center for the Blind’s summer training program for blind children. 9:30 - 10:30 pm—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 6:45 am—MOTOR CITY MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE RALLY! Please gather in the Wintergarden on Level A of the Detroit Marriott for a 7:00 am start. NOTE: Because of the March for Independence, there are no registration, devotions, Independence Market and Literature, or Exhibit Hall activities on Monday morning. OPENING GENERAL SESSION 9:30 am INVOCATION 9:35 am WELCOMING CEREMONIES 9:55 am CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM: VETERANS RECOGNIZED Dwight Sayer, President, National Association of Blind Veterans, National Federation of the Blind; Winter Gardens, Florida 10:05 am ROLL CALL OF STATES AND APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE 11:45 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($20); FINAL BANQUET TICKET SALES ($40)—Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm—EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE—Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 12:15 - 2:00 pm—LOUISIANA CENTER FOR THE BLIND ALUMNI LUNCHEON Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Contact: Pam Allen, Director, Louisiana Center for the Blind GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm PRESIDENTIAL REPORT, Marc Maurer 3:00 pm POLICIES TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSION, SAFETY, AND PRODUCTIVITY The Honorable John D. Dingell, Member of Congress, 15th Congressional District; Michigan 3:20 pm PROMOTING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: A PRIORITY FOR MANUFACTURERS The Honorable Dave McCurdy, President and CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; McLean, Virginia 3:40 pm THE JOURNEY OF BRAILLE: FROM THE HANDS OF THE CREATOR TO EARTH ORBIT 4:00 pm THE VALUE OF A COIN, OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND OF A CLASS OF HUMAN BEINGS Fredric K. Schroeder, Ph.D., Research Professor, San Diego State University; Vienna, Virginia 4:25 pm PROVIDING THE FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS: BRAILLE BOOKS Brian A. McDonald, President, National Braille Press; Boston, Massachusetts 4:40 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 5:30 - 6:30 pm—NOMINATING COMMITTEE; Sharon Maneki, Chairperson Cadillac A Room, Level 5 6:00 - 8:00 pm—AFB INTRODUCES ACCESSIBLE WALKING DIRECTIONS AND NEW CareerConnect FEATURES Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 The American Foundation for the Blind’s reception introduces Mapquest Accessible Walking Directions and new CareerConnect offerings. Be the first to try a free online directions service. Join up as a CareerConnect leader or mentor. We look forward to reconnecting with old friends. 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! Lisamaria Martinez, President 6:30 - 8:00 pm—GUITAR SEMINAR LaSalle B Room, Level 5 Learn about the guitar; get advice from a professional musician, Cameron Strife; $5 donation. Presented by the NFB Performing Arts Division 6:30 - 10:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATION Room 6401, 64th floor Drop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:30 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS: IEPs: Evals, Goals, Strategies, the Law Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Carlton Walker The Science of Getting in on Science Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Cary Supalo, Marilyn Winograd, Dr. Lillian Rankel Mental Mapping: Using Environmental Sounds and Clues Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Daniel Kish MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - 8:30 pm—BOOKSHARE AT NFB MEMBER PARTY LaSalle A Room, Level 5 Enjoy snacks and refreshments while meeting the Bookshare staff. This is your opportunity to talk with us and share your ideas; we’re here to listen. Plan to have fun with contests, drawings, and interacting with your fellow members. We look forward to seeing you. 7:00 - 9:00 pm—BRAILLE READERS ARE LEADERS: THE INITIATIVE FOR CHANGE Duluth B Room, Level 5 One representative from each affiliate should attend this session. Help to ensure Braille literacy for all by learning about the exciting developments and discuss strategies for promoting Louis Braille bicentennial coins. 7:00 - 9:00 pm—MOVING LEGISLATION ON THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Each affiliate should send one representative. Learn the best methods of increasing support for our legislative priorities. Changing lives through laws is our business. Led by Jesse Hartle, NFB Strategic Initiatives Staff 7:00 - 10:00 pm—A SPECIAL EVENING FOR SPONSOR-LEVEL EXHIBITORS Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 The exhibit hall reopens for an evening dedicated solely to sponsor-level exhibitors. Come and bring a guest to say “thank you” to our sponsors and to enjoy their interesting offers and demonstrations. Our convention sponsors are—Platinum: HumanWare and UPS; Gold: Deque Systems, Inc., Freedom Scientific, and Oracle; Silver: En-Vision America, Intel®, and Wal-Mart; Bronze: Adobe, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), IBM, Independent Living Aids (ILA), and Microsoft; Exhibit Hall: GW Micro, J&B Medical Supply, National Industries for the Blind, ReadHowYouWant, and Roche Diagnostics. 7:00 - 10:00 pm—NOPBC CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY (ages 5-13) A UNIVERSALLY FUN TIME Cascade D Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Drop in and explore the universe with Noreen Grice; volunteers led by Michael Freholm MONDAY, JULY 6, Continued 7:00 - midnight—NFB OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALITY DANCE Ambassador Ballroom, Level 3 ? “There may be trouble ahead but while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance let’s face the music and dance!”? Join our host affiliate to enjoy dancing or simply listening to some really good music. Entertainment provided by “Nine,” a nine-piece band performing Motown, soul, classic rock, pop, and old standards. 7:30 - 8:30 pm—NFB YOUTH TRACK MEETINGS ME AND THE GOSSIP GIRLS (ages 14-18) Greco Room, Level 4 Girls—bring your questions and thoughts about makeup, dating, or just how to get more involved in your school. ME AND THE GUYS (ages 14-18) Renoir Room, Level 4 Guys—talk about cars, dating, school, or how to nail that perfect job to make a little extra money. 8:00 - 10:00 pm—COMMITTEE ON AUTOMOBILE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (CAPS); Deborah Kent Stein, Chairperson Nicolet A Room, Level 5 8:30 - 10:00 pm—NOPBC CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOR PARENTS, REHAB PROFESSIONALS, AND INTERESTED OTHERS Pro to Pro to Parent to Para—Learn How Your Child’s “Team” Can Work Together Cascade A Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Dr. Denise Robinson and Gail Wagner Taking the Headaches Out of Adapting in Math Cascade B Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructors: Eric and Krystal Guillory Summer Jobs, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Volunteering Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Instructor: Jan Bailey TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2009 7:30 - 8:15 am—DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:00 8:30 am—REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am FINANCIAL REPORT 10:00 am ELECTIONS 10:30 am EXPANDING ACCESS TO DIGITAL INFORMATION FOR THE BLIND Gilles Pepin, Chief Executive Officer, HumanWare; Drummondville, Canada 10:50 am A BLIND ATHLETE IN THE PARALYMPICS Tyler Merren, 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Member, Men’s Goalball; Kalamazoo, Michigan 11:05 am DEVELOPMENTS AT THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES, PERKINS Steven M. Rothstein, President, Perkins School for the Blind; Watertown, Massachusetts 11:25 am THE FEDERATION IN THE WORLD FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE WORLD BLIND UNION Maryanne Diamond, President, World Blind Union; Melbourne, Australia 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 12:00 noon 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 2:00 pm—REGISTRATION ($20) Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 12:00 noon 1:45 pm—EXHIBITS AND NFB INDEPENDENCE MARKET AND LITERATURE—(Final Time Period for Independence Market and Literature) Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm STRATEGIC INITIATIVES REPORT John Paré, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 2:35 pm REPORTS, RESOLUTIONS, AND OTHER BUSINESS 5:00 pm ADJOURN 6:00 - 10:00 pm—IT WASN'T ME, A MURDER MYSTERY AT THE CLUB Mackinac East Ballroom, Level 5 Play along as guests at a dance club while private investigators try to solve a murder. Early arrivers are assigned a character role to play for the evening. Latecomers won't be able to play along but are welcome to watch the game and enjoy the experience. Presented by NFB Youth Track. 6:30 - 9:00 pm—COLORADO CENTER FOR THE BLIND OPEN HOUSE Brulé A and B Rooms, Level 5 Discover how good training can change your life. Julie Deden, Director 6:30 - 9:30 pm—NOPBC CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY (Ages 5-14) WE WILL NOT LET CONVENTION ACQUAINTANCES BE FORGOT Cascade C Ballroom, Courtyard Marriott Led by Michael Freholm TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 6:30 - 10:00 pm—NFB-NEWSLINE® PRESENTATION Room 6401, 64th floor Stop by and learn about NEWSLINE In Your Pocket, Web News on Demand, and other new features. 7:00 - 8:15 pm—knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 7:00 - 8:30 pm—BLIND MUSICIANS GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Duluth B Room, Level 5 Linda Mentink, Chairperson 7:00 - 8:30 pm—NINTH ANNUAL RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLIND MERCHANTS Richard B Room, Level 5 Socialize, network, and learn more about Randolph-Sheppard and other business opportunities we can create through our work in the NFB. Kevan Worley, President 7:00 - 9:00 pm—COUNCIL OF U.S. DOG GUIDE SCHOOLS (CUSDGS) RECEPTION Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 Learn how a dog guide can impact your life from featured speaker Michael Hingson, a World Trade Center survivor. Meet representatives from participating schools and learn about their programs. You can even schedule a “Juno” walk for later in the week. 7:00 9:00 pm—“SOCIAL SECURITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME: WHAT APPLICANTS, ADVOCATES, AND RECIPIENTS SHOULD KNOW” SEMINAR Cadillac B Room, Level 5 Information on Social Security and SSI benefits, including the income subsidy program for those receiving the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Presenter: Dan Frye, Attorney and Associate Editor of the Braille Monitor TUESDAY, JULY 7, Continued 7:00 10:00 pm—EXHIBITS ONLY (Independence Market and Literature Closed)—Ontario Exhibit Hall, Level 3 7:00 - 11:00 pm—ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF TALENT—Admission $5.00 Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 Register early by contacting Beth Allred at the convention. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program in memory of Mary Ann Parks. Sponsored by the Performing Arts Division; Dennis Holston, President 7:00 - 11:00 pm—HUMANWARE LOW VISION PRODUCTS SEMINAR Nicolet B Room, Level 5 Come and learn about HumanWare’s exciting low vision products in a hands-on, interactive seminar: myReader 2 video magnifier; SmartView desktop units; portable handheld devices; and a distance viewing system. Presenter: Ed Wikdall 8:00 - 10:00 pm—COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LaSalle A Room, Level 5 If you have an interest in new technologies and believe that spectacular accomplishments are possible when blind people themselves are involved—then join our meeting. Curtis Chong, Chairperson 8:00 - 11:30 pm—MONTE CARLO NIGHT Mackinac West Ballroom, Level 5 Try your luck at any of the usual card games found on a casino floor. Prizes go to the top three winners holding the most chips at the end of the evening. Sponsored by the National Association of Blind Students 8:30 - 9:45 pm—knfbReader MOBILE DEMONSTRATION & TRAINING Greco Room, Level 4 Use your cell phone to read print—it’s really that simple! Come and learn how this fabulous, life-changing technology can work for you. Go totally mobile and join the reading revolution today! 9:30 - 10:30 pm—FRIENDS OF RECOVERY MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 Coordinator: Gary Ray WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009 8:00 - 8:45 am—DEVOTIONS Ambassador One Ballroom, Level 3 8:30 9:00 am—REGISTRATION ($20)—Final opportunity to register. Renaissance Foyer, Level 4 GENERAL SESSION 9:00 am INVOCATION 9:05 am THE NEAR-PERFECT AUDIO BOOK: HOW WE DO IT Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. Mary Beth Wise, Quality Assurance Specialist, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; Washington, D.C. 9:25 am QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION 9:30 am THE DEMAND, THE CRISIS, THE SOLUTION IN EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND Edward Bell, Ph.D., Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness, Louisiana Tech University; Ruston, Louisiana 9:45 am THE THEORY AND THE PRACTICE: EDUCATION FOR THE BLIND IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL Denise M. Robinson, Ph.D., Teacher and Coordinator of Programming for Blind and Visually Impaired Students; Yakima, Washington 10:00 am WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THAT CHILD BLIND? Carol Castellano, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, National Federation of the Blind; Madison, New Jersey WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 10:20 am TEACHING AN ESSENTIAL SKILL: BRAILLE Jerry Whittle, Teacher-Counselor, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana April Davis, Coordinator of Summer Programs for Blind Children, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana James Mays, Industrial Arts Teacher, Louisiana Center for the Blind; Ruston, Louisiana Deja Powell, Cane Travel Instructor, Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Salt Lake City, Utah Anil Lewis, President, National Federation of the Blind of Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia Terri Rupp, President, National Federation of the Blind of Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada 10:50 am FROM THE CENTER OF HISTORY: FIVE YEARS INTO THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND JERNIGAN INSTITUTE Mark Riccobono, Executive Director, National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute; Baltimore, Maryland 11:10 am FRONTIER CAREERS FOR THE BLIND INCLUDE ENGINEERING Leigh R. Abts, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor of Engineering and Education, University of Maryland; College Park, Maryland 11:25 am NFB NEWSLINE: FROM PHONE TO COMPUTER TO PODCAST TO POCKET Scott White, Director of Sponsored Technology, National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore, Maryland 11:40 am REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 12:00 pm ADJOURN WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm—HAM RADIO GROUP BUSINESS MEETING Raphael Room, Level 4 We will consider the amendment of the division constitution that we adopted last year. D. Curtis Willoughby (KA0VBA), Chairperson 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm—NFB CAMP TOY SALE Marquette A Room, Level 5 Everything must go—30 to 70 percent off toys purchased for NFB Camp. 12:00 noon - 1:45 pm—RAFFLES AND DRAWINGS LaSalle A Room, Level 5 12:15 - 1:45 pm—EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NLS Nicolet B Room, Level 5 A question-and-answer session with Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, and staff of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. GENERAL SESSION 2:00 pm CALL TO ORDER 2:05 pm SHAPING THE STANDARD FOR THE LEGAL COMMUNITY: THE NECESSITY FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR ALL Daniel Goldstein, Esq., Partner, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP; Baltimore, Maryland 2:25 pm NEGOTIATING ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONIC BOOKS: A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING, A SMASHING SUCCESS Jack Bernard, Esq., Chair, Counsel for Disability Concerns, and Assistant General Counsel, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan 2:45 pm THE COMMITMENT OF MICROSOFT TO ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY Rob Sinclair, Director of Accessibility, Microsoft Corporation; Redound, Washington WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, Continued 3:05 pm TRANSCENDING THE BARRIERS OF YESTERDAY, ANTICIPATING THE ROMANCE OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW Ray Kurzweil, President and Chief Executive Officer, KNFB-Reading Technology, Inc.; Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 3:25 pm REPRESENTING THE CITY OF CHICAGO Patti Chang, Esq., Senior Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois 3:45 pm DR. JACOB BOLOTIN AWARD Gary Wunder, Chairperson, Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee, and Secretary, National Federation of the Blind; Columbia, Missouri 4:15 pm THE RIGHT OF THE PEDESTRIAN TO BE SAFE IN THE WORLD Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Washington, D.C. 4:30 pm REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS 5:00 pm ADJOURN 7:00 pm—BANQUET Renaissance Ballroom, Level 4 INVOCATION MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Fredric K. Schroeder INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATIONS BANQUET ADDRESS: Marc Maurer SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 10:00 pm - midnight—AFTER BANQUET PARTY Ambassador Three Ballroom, Level 3 10:00 pm—SCIENCE FICTION MEETING All persons interested in science fiction and fantasy are welcome to join in an open discussion. Please contact Ed Meskys for room location. Thank You... The National Federation of the Blind would like to give a special thank you to VBrick Systems for donating the technology and Internet services to allow full streaming of all general sessions of the convention, the meeting of the board of directors, and the annual banquet. Through this contribution, more individuals will learn about the outstanding work that comes out of the largest gathering of the blind in the world. The National Federation of the Blind acknowledges with gratitude our Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Exhibit Hall Convention Sponsors below. Their messages follow. Platinum Sponsors: HumanWare UPS Gold Sponsors: Deque Systems, Inc. Freedom Scientific Oracle Silver Sponsors: En-Vision America Intel® Wal-Mart Bronze Sponsors: Adobe Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS) IBM Independent Living Aids (ILA) Microsoft Exhibit Hall Sponsors: GW Micro J&B Medical Supply National Industries for the Blind ReadHowYouWant Roche Diagnostics