From CDanielsen at nfb.org Tue Apr 6 04:42:47 2010 From: CDanielsen at nfb.org (Danielsen, Chris) Date: Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:42:47 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Louisiana Wins March Imaginator Drive Challenge! Message-ID: Louisiana Wins March Imaginator Drive Challenge! In the beginning of March, Imagination Fund Chairman Parnell Diggs urged affiliates to sign up for the Race for Independence as many of their members as possible by March 31. For every ten members of each of the Federation's fifty-two affiliates that signed up to be Imaginators and participate in the Race for Independence by the end of March, the affiliate was entered in a drawing to receive $250. Eleven affiliates (Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Louisiana, Ohio, Missouri, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, and Nebraska) were entered into the drawing, and Louisiana was the lucky winner! Congratulations, Louisiana, and congratulations to the other ten affiliates who signed up ten or more members in March! Their hard work led to an increased number of Imaginators participating in this important effort. Though the March challenge is over, it is not too late to sign up for the Race for Independence or encourage others to do so! To sign up to be an Imaginator and help build the Imagination Fund, please visit www.raceforindependence.org or call (410) 659-9314, extension 2371. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dandrews at visi.com Sun Apr 11 22:29:56 2010 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:29:56 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] =?iso-8859-1?q?NFB-NEWSLINE=AE_Delivers_Three_Million__?= =?iso-8859-1?q?Minutes_of_News_in_March?= 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 NFB-NEWSLINE® Delivers Three Million Minutes of News in March Baltimore, Maryland (April 9, 2010): The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to announce that NFB-NEWSLINE®—its free service that provides independent access by print-disabled people to hundreds of local and national publications and TV listings—delivered a record-setting three million minutes of news to its subscribers in March. NFB-NEWSLINE®'s record-setting month capped off an exciting start to 2010, including a long line of recent improvements and additions to the system. NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket—a dynamic software application for personal computers, which through an Internet connection automatically downloads the publications of a subscriber’s choice to his or her digital talking-book player—is now compatible with two more digital talking-book players, the BookSense and Book Port Plus. NFB-NEWSLINE® now offers more publications than ever before, with 317 newspapers and magazines available, which can be accessed by a number of methods: by download to a digital talking-book player, over the telephone, or on the Web. Most recently, NFB-NEWSLINE® added several prominent magazines, including the Smithsonian, Time, and The New Republic. The newest addition to the list of magazines available is Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, which contains features of specific interest to the blind. NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers can now also administer access to their favorite publications through the NFB-NEWSLINE® Web site (www.nfbnewsline.org), deciding which publications they wish to receive by phone, via the Web site, by e-mail, or with NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket. The Web interface allows each user to maintain separate lists of favorite publications for each delivery method. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “The record-setting number of minutes of news delivered in March clearly demonstrates that NFB-NEWSLINE® is reaching more subscribers than ever before. This vital service­­­­­—which offers the print-disabled unprecedented, round-the-clock access to news and information—continues to grow, regularly adding new publications and new features. We are extremely proud of the NFB-NEWSLINE® team for its hard work and dedication to providing the best service possible to subscribers.” NFB-NEWSLINE® allows those who cannot read conventional newsprint due to a visual or physical disability to access newspapers and magazines by download to a digital talking-book player, over the telephone, or on the Web. To learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE®, please visit www.nfbnewsline.org. Those interested in subscribing to the service may fill out the online application form, write to nfbnewsline at nfb.org, or call (866) 504-7300. In order to be eligible for NFB-NEWSLINE®, an individual must be a US resident who is legally blind or has a physical or learning disability that prevents the independent reading of newspapers. ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind. From PDiggs at nfb.org Wed Apr 14 09:02:15 2010 From: PDiggs at nfb.org (Diggs, Parnell) Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:02:15 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Imagination Fund Conference Call April 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM EST Message-ID: Subject: Imagination Fund Conference Call Tuesday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. (eastern) Dear Colleagues: Some of my fellow Federationists have asked me to conduct a fundraising seminar for those participating in the 2010 Race for Independence. The Dallas Convention is approaching fast, and we need to kick it into high gear for the final push to generate proceeds for NFB programs at the national, state, and local levels. If you have signed-up for the Race for Independence, or if you plan to do so, please call into (800) 910-2399 and use code 573791 next Tuesday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. (eastern). The call will last no longer than thirty minutes. During this brief call, you will be able to hear from some of those who have already met their fundraising goals for 2010. Find out how they did it. There is ample time to raise $250 by July 31, but we need to start now. I look forward to your participation in this important call, and I thank you for the work you are doing. Sincerely, Parnell Diggs, Chairman National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund *********************************** Parnell and Kim Diggs 8845-B Chandler Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 Home: 843-215-9056 Parnell office: 843-492-7411 Fax: 843-215-4928 From PDiggs at nfb.org Mon Apr 19 23:38:23 2010 From: PDiggs at nfb.org (Diggs, Parnell) Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:38:23 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Conference Call tomorrow, April 20, 2010, at 8:00 PM EST Message-ID: Dear Colleagues: Some of my fellow Federationists have asked me to conduct a fundraising seminar for those participating in the 2010 Race for Independence. The Dallas Convention is approaching fast, and we need to kick it into high gear for the final push to generate proceeds for NFB programs at the national, state, and local levels. If you have signed-up for the Race for Independence, or if you plan to do so, please call into (800) 910-2399 and use code 573791 tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 20, at 8:00 p.m. (eastern). The call will last no longer than thirty minutes. During this brief call, you will be able to hear from some of those who have already met their fundraising goals for 2010. Find out how they did it. There is ample time to raise $250 by July 31, but we need to start now. I look forward to your participation in this important call, and I thank you for the work you are doing. Sincerely, Parnell Diggs, Chairman National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ryano218 at comcast.net Tue Apr 20 01:32:10 2010 From: ryano218 at comcast.net (RyanO) Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:32:10 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] New List for Blind Conservatives Message-ID: I have been asked to circulate the following: Dave In October, 2008, a fellow Federationist and I were asked to reach out to the McCain campaign in hopes of persuading a representative to come speak at our monthly Denver chapter meeting on the topic of disability issues. We already had a rep from the Obama campaign in the person of one of our members, who was an official Obama surrogate. After several days of phone tag, I was informed that the McCain camp would not be sending a representative to speak to us. The reason I was given was because, "Obama was just too far ahead on disability issues." I and my fellow conservative blind friends were angry and hurt. We tried to give both sides equal time and felt we'd been told that we didn't matter. To that end, I felt I had two options. The first was to quit being a conservative and jump ship over to the other side. The second option was to get more actively involved and to make our voices heard on all levels. Anyone who knows me knows that option one was not an option. To that end, I have created a mailing list called, Brush Fires. It is primarily for blind conservatives so that we may form a network of communication and information. Let me stress that everyone is welcome on this list, no matter what their political stripe may be. In the spirit of the Federation, I believe that healthy debate and discussion fosters a more vibrant society for all of its members. Right now, the list is announce only. If we get big enough, I plan to turn it into a discussion mailing list. For more information, please Email me at ryano218 at comcast.net Thank you for your time and attention. RyanO From David.B.Andrews at state.mn.us Sat Apr 24 02:01:37 2010 From: David.B.Andrews at state.mn.us (Andrews, David B B (DEED)) Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:01:37 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] New Accessible Diabetic Devices Available Message-ID: From: Wilson, Joanne [mailto:JWilson at nfb.org] Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 1:43 PM To: Andrews, David B B (DEED) Subject: New Accessible Diabetic Devices Available Dear Colleagues, Five years ago, the NFB asked all the blood glucose meter companies to make a talking meter for our members. Prodigy was the only company to step up and make a talking meter. At our request, they made the first talking Prodigy AutoCode™ meter. They also worked with many NFB Team members for over a year and made the first fully audible Prodigy Voice™ meter allowing NFB Members with diabetes total independence. In 2008, we presented the NFB Access + Award to Prodigy for their Prodigy Voice™ meter. The Count-A-Dose has been used for many years by blind diabetics, so they can independently fill their insulin syringes. We were told it would no longer be available and we asked Prodigy again to help us out. Prodigy bought the patent rights to make the Count-A-Dose, and after some slight improvements, they released the new Prodigy Count-A-Dose® on April 1st, 2010. The NFB Independence Market in Baltimore will be selling the Prodigy Count-A-Dose® Later this year, Prodigy will also be releasing the first fully audible insulin pump, as well as a talking pill bottle, a laser lancing device, and other new accessible products. Please pass on this information on to blind diabetics. Sincerely, Joanne Wilson Executive Director of Affiliate Action National Federation of the Blind -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fowlers at syix.com Sun Apr 25 22:16:16 2010 From: fowlers at syix.com (Angela Fowler) Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:16:16 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] Attend A NFB Center Message-ID: Hello everyone, Interested in or just curious about the three NFB training centers? Want to attend one of these excellent centers, but not sure how to secure funding? Then come join us tomorrow, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. eastern time, 5 PM Pacific time for the California Association of Blind Students April membership teleconference. To join the conference, dial 218-339-2500. When prompted, enter pass code 958093, followed by the pound sign. Confirm that you have entered the correct pass code and you will automatically be placed in the conference. This will be an informative and interactive conference. The participation of all who attend is welcome and encouraged. Do come with any questions you may have. sincerely, Angela Fowler (president) California Association of Blind Students -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parnell at sccoast.net Wed Apr 28 00:51:56 2010 From: parnell at sccoast.net (Parnell and Kim Diggs) Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:51:56 -0500 Subject: [Sd-talk] NFB Blind Driver Challenge Launches Facebook Page! Message-ID: NFB Blind Driver Challenge Launches Facebook Page! Today marks the launch of the official NFB Blind Driver Challenge Facebook page! Stay up-to-date on all the latest news, videos, and photos relating to the Blind Driver Challenge and the Race for Independence by becoming a fan of the page on Facebook. As a fan, you will receive live updates from the Blind Driver Challenge in your newsfeed. We will be updating the page continuously; when there is breaking news or exciting new content, you will be among the first to know! Become a fan of the Blind Driver Challenge by visiting the Blind Driver Challenge Facebook page now! The Facebook page can also be used as a fundraising tool for the Race for Independence! Send the page to your friends and family to encourage them to learn more about the Race and the Blind Driver Challenge. In addition to the Facebook page, you can get updates on the Blind Driver Challenge and the Race for Independence by following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/nfb_voice) or visiting our YouTube page (www.youtube.com/nations_blind). And it is not too late to join the Race for Independence! To sign up to be an Imaginator and help build the Imagination Fund, please visit www.raceforindependence.org or call (410) 659-9314, extension 2371. Parnell Diggs, Chairman National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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