[Travelandtourism] Member and non-member information and updates

Wed May 6 14:59:38 UTC 2015

Hello:

My responses to the questions would be the following:

What is your name? Justin Young

 Are you an NFB member? Yes

If so what state & Chapter? Member at Large through the National
Office, but hoping to get more involved in the New York State
Affiliate.

 Are you attending the National Convention? Unfortunately I am unable
to attend this year, but it is my goal to attend one in the future.

 Have you attended one of our teleconferences, we have one at least
once a month? No, but perhaps sometime in the future I will be able
to.

 Have you attended the Meeting at National Convention in the past. No

 Do you belong to a committee in your state, whether locally or
throughout your state? Nothing officially, but a few years ago I tried
to work with my County Legislature member on transportation/traffic
initiatives.

 Are you on a committee or advisory board with the bus, airlines,
train, cruise lines?  Not currently, but I am in the process of
looking into this matter.

 Do you want to know more about the Travel & Tourism Division?  Yes-
always enjoy learning from other's experiences.

Hope that helps,

Justin

On 5/6/15, Cheryl Echevarria via Travelandtourism
<travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Good morning all:
>
> All Officers you need to do this as well. Thank you.
>
> I would love if you all would introduce yourselves, especially if you are
> new. This is something new we are doing to help grow the division. The lists
> on the NFBnet.org are welcome to anyone blind or sighted, NFB Members or
> Not, Travel & Tourism members or not.
>
> We also have on our list those that work in the industry as suppliers, they
> do not post or respond, they read here, and get ideas on how to help you the
> blind, whether you are blind or a friend or family member of a blind person.
>
> We talk all forms of travel and mobility. Mobility will help in all forms of
> travel. Ideas come from those who have experienced travel in all forms.
> Whether you are traveling independently, sighted guide, cane travel, guide
> dog, etc.
>
> The only one of the officers that actually work as a travel professional, is
> myself. Been doing this now since 2009.  We have brought to our
> teleconference calls in the past and our meetings, those that work in the
> travel industry from Disney to Norwegian Cruise Lines, to Special Needs
> Group (provides guide dog relief boxes for cruise lines, braille menus,
> wheelchair & scooter rentals, dedicated special foods and more)
>
> So if you can indulge us in answering the survey below, and Secretary Margo
> Downey or interim Secretary John Tebockhorst will be taking this information
> down to help us in the future.
>
> Again, you don't have to be a member, but again, this is our 75th
> Anniversary and all State Affiliates, Chapters and Divisions are looking to
> seek to grow in our 75th year and beyond. Thank you.
>
> I will go first.
>
> What is your name?
> Cheryl Echevarria
>
> Are you an NFB member? Yes, I have been a member since 2006, currently the
> President of the NFB Travel & Tourism Division (since 2011),
>
> If so what state & chapter - NFB of New York State, and Vice President of
> the Greater Long Island Chapter
>
> Are you attending the National Convention? Yes, this will be my 8th
> convention. My first one was in Atlanta in 2007, only missed the Detroit
> Convention in 2009
>
> Have you attended one of our teleconferences, we have one at least once a
> month? Yes - We are also looking to use nfblive.org to have meetings in the
> future
>
> Have you attended the Meeting at National Convention in the past.
> Yes been a member of the division since 2010
>
> Do you belong to a committee in your state, whether locally or throughout
> your state? Yes I am on a committee here in the town of Brentwood, NY where
> I live that works with my local town Legislator about improving the able
> ride program, and also other issues within our town.
>
> Are you on a committee or advisory board with the bus, airlines, train,
> cruise lines? I have been on the Norwegian Cruise Lines Travel Agent
> University Board from 2012-2014. It is a 2 year term. Where I helped
> implement Braille and other services with the cruise lines.
>
> Currently working with Sandals Resorts (Sandals for couples only, Beaches
> for everyone by Sandals, and Grand Pineapple Resort (economy product from
> Sandals Resorts) travel agent committee on improving accessibility and
> training their employees.
>
> Actively work with the country of Bermuda with Lions International of New
> York State to improve services for the blind.
>
> Do you want to know more about the Travel & Tourism Division?
>
> I learn from all of you. Remember there is no I in the word team, and NFB is
> a family we work together. You do not have to be a travel professional to
> change things in travel.
>
> Here is information about the division below.
>
> http://nfbtravel.org/home-page/
>
>
> Cheryl Echevarria, President
> National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division
> A proud division of the
> NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the life you want"
> www.nfbtravel.org
> 631-236-5138
> cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
> blindness is not what holds you back.
>
>
> Cheryl Echevarria
> Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel for all
> ages is our passion!
> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
> 631-456-5394
>
> Visit my website to get my FREE report, "Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a Travel
> Professional"
>
> I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to friends and
> family members that deserve the best vacation that they can imagine
>
> P.S. - Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just starting
> out and looking for that romantic destination for your destination wedding
> or honeymoon. Booking that planned family vacation to Walt Disney World or
> that bucket list trip that Grandma  & Grandpa are planning for the family, I
> would love to help you.
>
> We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all her
> braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Phil via Travelandtourism
> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 11:17 PM
> To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
> Cc: Phil
> Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] What's important to you as a blind air
> traveler?
>
> Hi Jordan, thanks for sharing this very useful advice! Can you please
> describe a bit more how Northwest, Continental and Southwest are better, and
> how Delta, American and U.S. Air are not as good?
> Thanks a lot!
> Best,
> Phil
>
> On 5/5/15, Jordan Gallacher via Travelandtourism
> <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Bus wise, the Greyhound iPhone app is totally inaccessible.
>> Air travel wise there needs to be more and better training of the
>> customer service agents who come to assist.  I find that all airlines
>> are different, and I have had the most success with used to be
>> Northwest, Continnential, and Southwest getting assistance wise.
>> Delta, US Air and American I have had problems with assistance.
>> Jordan
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>> Behalf Of Phil via Travelandtourism
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2015 11:09 AM
>> To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
>> Cc: Phil; Milton Taylor; john Tebockhorst; Steven Hastalis; Jemal
>> Powell; miltjotaylor at gmail.com
>> Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] What's important to you as a blind air
>> traveler?
>>
>> Hi all, thanks for sharing your views on this! Many good points so far.
>> Besides things that frustrate you, what are some things that airlines
>> and airports are doing well that are important to you and that they
>> should keep doing or expand? Please feel free to cite both domestic or
>> international examples.
>> Also, what are some things that are done well for blind bus and train
>> travelers that you wish were also somehow available for blind air
>> travelers?
>> Thanks a lot!
>> Phil
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On 5/5/15, Cheryl Echevarria via Travelandtourism
>> <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> It was a statement in general, where looks are deceiving and that you
>>> should educate and advocate.
>>>
>>> Don't sit back and let them force you into a wheelchair.
>>>
>>> Today many people at the airport do not do this any longer. If you
>>> show that you are confident and professional and not rude or mean
>>> about something and calmly. This is not saying that I am responding
>>> directly to Trevor on this topic.
>>>
>>> Learning myself, I have fought tooth and nail in a rude and nasty
>>> attitude in the past to the rude and nasty people at the airport, it
>>> gets you nowhere.
>>>
>>> If you patient, educated and instill your rights not just at the
>>> airport, but anywhere, then they will be less likely to treat you
>>> like a person they don't respect. To that person they respect and
>>> will learn from and take that back with them to work.
>>>
>>> Case in point, nothing to do with the airport.
>>>
>>> During Meet the Blind Month of October 2013. Travel & Tourism did
>>> there 1st Fundraiser Trip to Las Vegas & Utah. The tour company we
>>> used never knew anything about the blind, and what we could do or how
>>> we could explore the areas around us.
>>>
>>> We had an experiment with all travelers on our 1st full day, while we
>>> were at one of the State Parks.
>>>
>>> We got out and walked around, somewhere wondering, we cannot see
>>> anything why are we here.
>>>
>>> I said to everyone stop where you are, what do you hear?
>>>
>>> Some heard birds and the horses in the air because this park was also
>>> a place they people came to ride their horses.
>>>
>>> Some people said they heard nothing and were happy about it, because
>>> where they live, it was all noise, that it was peace full.
>>>
>>> I said, mend down and touch something. Some felt the desert plants or
>>> flowers, the red clay dirt.
>>>
>>> We ate lunch together as a picnic, that was tasting.
>>>
>>> We got to climb up to where the original settlers heading north
>>> carved their names and dates on the side of the canyons at the park.
>>>
>>> Some couldn't climb so they slid down on their butts, like myself.
>>>
>>> The point I am trying to make is, that we are also teachers to one
>>> another and to those around us.
>>>
>>> So getting back to the airports, and sensitivity of having people run
>>> after you with a wheelchair, or not getting your off the planes fast
>>> enough, etc.
>>>
>>> Remember that we represent all blind people and not just each other.
>>> Educating that we don't need a wheelchair or an arm, or fighting to
>>> sit anywhere with a guide dog on a plane, like Secretary - Margo
>>> Downey did a few years ago with her dog.
>>>
>>> Or the arrest of people for sitting in the an emergency exit seat of
>>> a plane.
>>>
>>> So, the response may not be fully to answer Trevor about looking
>>> blind, or anything else. It has to do the general questions this
>>> morning about the airlines.
>>>
>>> We have had people arrested for sitting in areas of the planes.
>>>
>>> The point is that we need to stand up for ourselves. So other will
>>> follow.
>>>
>>> We are in our 75th Year, let's keep up that fight. If we do not want
>>> something and we didn't ask for it, then do use it.
>>>
>>> If we did then take it.
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheryl Echevarria, President
>>> National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division A
>>> proud division of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the
>>> life you want"
>>> www.nfbtravel.org
>>> 631-236-5138
>>> cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
>>> the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create
>>> obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life
>>> you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
>>>
>>>
>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>> Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel
>>> for all ages is our passion!
>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>> 631-456-5394
>>>
>>> Visit my website to get my FREE report, "Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a
>>> Travel Professional"
>>>
>>> I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to
>>> friends and family members that deserve the best vacation that they
>>> can imagine
>>>
>>> P.S. - Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just
>>> starting out and looking for that romantic destination for your
>>> destination wedding or honeymoon. Booking that planned family
>>> vacation to Walt Disney World or that bucket list trip that Grandma
>>> & Grandpa are planning for the family, I would love to help you.
>>>
>>> We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all
>>> her braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of Alabama
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: tattenberg at gmail.com [mailto:tattenberg at gmail.com]
>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 9:58 AM
>>> To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
>>> Cc: Cheryl Echevarria; Milton Taylor; john Tebockhorst; Steven
>>> Hastalis; Jemal Powell; miltjotaylor at gmail.com
>>> Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] What's important to you as a blind
>>> air traveler?
>>>
>>> Not sure what your point is with reference to what I said. I did not
>>> talk about appearance of blindness.
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>> On May 5, 2015, at 3:23 AM, Cheryl Echevarria via Travelandtourism
>>>> <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Trevor:
>>>>
>>>> No one knows until we tell them.
>>>>
>>>> No one knows I am blind because I don't look blind, or I am not
>>>> blind enough.
>>>>
>>>> I don't look diabetic, but I have had low blood sugar and shake for
>>>> no apparent reason.
>>>>
>>>> We need to educate and advocate. If we don't then there is no reason
>>>> for the NFB. We will always have to be polite and better than the
>>>> other person to educate them.
>>>>
>>>> Also, put your foot down! If they still don't do what you ask, ask
>>>> for management.
>>>>
>>>> Cheryl Echevarria, President
>>>> National Federation of the Blind's Travel and Tourism Division A
>>>> proud division of the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND - "Live the
>>>> life you want"
>>>> www.nfbtravel.org
>>>> 631-236-5138
>>>> cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>>> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
>>>> the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create
>>>> obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life
>>>> you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Cheryl Echevarria
>>>> Travel is our specialty and offering the best of meaningful travel
>>>> for all ages is our passion!
>>>> http://www.echevarriatravel.com
>>>> reservations at echevarriatravel.com
>>>> 631-456-5394
>>>>
>>>> Visit my website to get my FREE report, "Top 5 Good Reasons to Use a
>>>> Travel Professional"
>>>>
>>>> I build my business on referrals. Please pass my details on to
>>>> friends and family members that deserve the best vacation that they
>>>> can imagine
>>>>
>>>> P.S. - Families of all sizes is my specialty. Whether you are just
>>>> starting out and looking for that romantic destination for your
>>>> destination wedding or honeymoon. Booking that planned family
>>>> vacation to Walt Disney World or that bucket list trip that Grandma
>>>> & Grandpa are planning for the family, I would love to help you.
>>>>
>>>> We have partnered with Braille Smith. www.braillesmith.com for all
>>>> her braille needs.  Gail Smith is the Secretary of the NFB of
>>>> Alabama
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Travelandtourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> On Behalf Of Trevor Attenberg via Travelandtourism
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 2:39 AM
>>>> To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
>>>> Cc: tattenberg at gmail.com
>>>> Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] What's important to you as a blind
>>>> air traveler?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> What an excellent  question.
>>>> I would like airport and airline staff to be less condescending and
>>>> overbearingly custodial. They should provide directions when asked
>>>> instead of insisting on following the blind customer around or
>>>> calling for a wheelchair. They should thus know how to provide
>>>> verbal directions.  It should be assumed that blind people do not
>>>> need a wheelchair unless it is specifically requested. It should
>>>> also be assumed that blind people can board the plane without
>>>> assistance and without boarding before everyone
>>>> else. Special assistance should be requested and not expected.   Staff
>>>> at
>>>> the security check points especially need to remember such protocol.
>>>> Blind people are allowed to bring their cane through the metal
>>>> detector. Blind people should not be grabbed, pulled, or pushed
>>>> without permission. If rules are being broken then blind people
>>>> should be vocally warned before physical contact. It should be
>>>> assumed that blind people can move through the airport unescorted;
>>>> and they can use stairs, escalators, and moving walkways just like
>>>> everyone else. They do not necessarily need elevators.
>>>> I realize that many blind people, including several on this list do
>>>> have additional needs, and thus require extra assistance. But a good
>>>> universal policy is to allow people to ask for help rather than
>>>> allowing assumptions of relative helplessness to prevail. I also
>>>> know that sometimes it is very helpful if not necessary for blind
>>>> people to get personal escorts from place to place in an airport;
>>>> but again, blind people need to be allowed to practice free will.
>>>> And I would like to see airport staff and other people home their verbal
>>>> skills.
>>>> Best,
>>>> Trevor
>>>>   .
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>>> On May 4, 2015, at 9:59 PM, Ivonne Mosquera via Travelandtourism
>>>>> <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> It would be helpful to have an independent way of calling or
>>>>> texting for assistance, once a flight has landed, to facilitate
>>>>> with connections or exiting the airport. This is typically left up
>>>>> to the flight attendants or the gate agents, and they often forget
>>>>> or take a long time to do it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Ivonne
>>>>> www.iminmotion.net
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>>> On Tue, May 5, 2015 12:49 AM EDT Phil via Travelandtourism wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> My name is Phil. Hope everyone is doing well. This is my first
>>>>>> time posting to the Travel and Tourism list but certainly not my
>>>>>> first time posting to nfbnet lists. smile I'd like to hear your
>>>>>> opinion on this... I'm doing a research project on blind and
>>>>>> visually impaired people's air travel experience. In particular
>>>>>> I'd am trying to compile a list of things that you consider would
>>>>>> make an booking website, airline or airport "blind-friendly".
>>>>>> Besides obvious things like not barring a blind passenger from
>>>>>> boarding, accessible kiosks and accessible apps, what other things
>>>>>> are important for you as a blind or visually impaired traveler? It
>>>>>> can be both things that are already being done or you wish someday
>>>>>> they would do, and it can be both technology-related or staff or
>>>>>> corporate policy or even marketing.
>>>>>> I'm trying to look at this from all 360 degrees and compile a long
>>>>>> list, so please feel free to list as many things as you can think
>>>>>> of and as brief or detailed as you wish!
>>>>>> Let's share and see what each other think!
>>>>>> Thanks everyone!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Best,
>>>>>> Phil
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Travelandtourism mailing list
>>>>>> Travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> Travelandtourism:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org/ivon
>>>>>> n
>>>>>> e
>>>>>> m
>>>>>> 99%40yahoo.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Travelandtourism mailing list
>>>>> Travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>>>> for
>>>>> Travelandtourism:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org/tatte
>>>>> n
>>>>> b
>>>>> e
>>>>> rg%40gmail.om
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> Travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
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>>>> for
>>>> Travelandtourism:
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>>>> a
>>>> n
>>>> dmaxx%40hotmail.com
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> for
>>>> Travelandtourism:
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>>>> b
>>>> e
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>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 0
>>> 03%40gmail.com
>>>
>>
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>> dseptember%40gmail.com
>>
>>
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>
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