From agrima at nbp.org Thu Dec 4 01:59:39 2008 From: agrima at nbp.org (Tony Grima) Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:59:39 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] NBP-Announce: Anna Dresner's 'It's Not on the Keyboard: Typing Special Characters and Foreign Languages in Word' Message-ID: It's Not on the Keyboard: Typing Special Characters and Foreign Languages in Word By Anna Dresner In braille, PortaBook, or ASCII Text, $5 Accents, the copyright symbol, the yen sign, diacritical marks, alphabets such as Cyrillic-if you use a screen reader or braille display and need to type characters that aren't on the standard keyboard, this booklet will help! This book covers the two scenarios in which you might want to type such characters: One, if you need to type things like the copyright symbol, the yen sign, or an e with an acute accent but are working primarily in English; and two, if you want to type in a language that uses many symbols that aren't on the standard keyboard or are in a completely different alphabet, and you want to have them all readily available on the keyboard. Author Anna Dresner also covers how to work in a foreign language, and offers helpful tips such as controlling the AutoCorrect feature and making shortcut keys for symbols. Check out the table of contents: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/SPECIAL.html ****** To order any books, send payment to: NBP, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115-4302 Or call and charge it: toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext 20. Or order any of our books online at http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html . _______________________________________________ Nbp mailing list Nbp at nbp.org PLEASE DO NOT respond to this message! It is an automated message and your query will not reach us. Send questions to orders at nbp.org . Visit us at http://www.nbp.org From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu Dec 4 02:30:47 2008 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:30:47 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] =?iso-8859-1?q?NFB=92s_Target_Lawsuit_Settlement_May_Mean_?= =?iso-8859-1?q?Money__for_You_=96_Check_out_www=2Enfbtargetlawsuit=2Ecom_?= =?iso-8859-1?q?_now!?= Message-ID: NFB?s Target Lawsuit Settlement May Mean Money for You ? Check out www.nfbtargetlawsuit.com now! Are you legally blind? Have you tried to access the goods or services on Target.com using screen-reader software while you were in the State of California at any time between February 7, 2003 and December 9, 2008? Did you have trouble using that Web site? If so, you are probably eligible to receive up to $7,000.00 from Target under terms of the settlement between that company and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). However, you have to apply, and time is rapidly running out. To be eligible, you must fill out and submit a claim form by no later than January 8, 2009. There are two ways to get the claim form. The easiest way is to go to www.nfbtargetlawsuit.com. You will find the claim form, instructions, and other information. You may also request a claim form from: NFB v. Target Claims Administrator, RG2 Claims Administration LLC, P.O. Box 59479, Philadelphia, PA 19102-9479 (866-742-4955). There is still time for you to submit your claim. The form may be submitted online by January 8, 2009, or mailed to the address above, postmarked by that date. You do not have to be an NFB member to qualify. Jessica A. Freeh Public Relations Assistant NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2348 E-mail: jfreeh at nfb.org From KZakhnini at nfb.org Fri Dec 5 01:38:00 2008 From: KZakhnini at nfb.org (Zakhnini, Karen) Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:38:00 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] NFB Youth Slam Message-ID: The National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam A 2009 STEM Leadership Academy Observe! Discover! Evolve! Launch rockets, perform astronomy, examine new technology, learn about engineering, solve crimes like on CSI, design solutions for the environment, meet new friends from all over the United States, play goal ball, watch movies, dance, make podcasts, meet blind role models, and experience many other adventures at the NFB Youth Slam! From July 26-August 1, 2009, two hundred blind and low vision high school students will stay at the University of Maryland, College Park, to be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities meant to build confidence, expand leadership and advocacy skills, and increase science literacy. Participants will also attend various social events as well as workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and advocacy. The NFB Youth Slam will culminate in an inspiring rally in Washington DC! Those interested in participating as students or mentors should complete an application by March 1, 2009. After an initial screening process, eligible students will be accepted into the program through random selection. Students and mentors need not have a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this academy. If you are interested in being a student or mentor participant or if you'd like to learn more about the NFB Youth Slam visit http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/youth_slam.asp. Send questions about the NFB Youth Slam to youthslam at nfb.org. Karen C. Zakhnini Education Project Manager Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2293 Fax: (410) 659-5129 Imagine a Future Full of Opportunity... From newmanrl at cox.net Wed Dec 10 07:18:35 2008 From: newmanrl at cox.net (Robert Newman) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:18:35 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] NFB- 2009 Writing Contest for Youth and Adults Message-ID: NFB Writers' Division Writing contests For Both Youth And Adults The National Federation of the Blind Writers' Division wishes to announce our annual writing contests. The opening date for submissions in both the contests for youth and for adults is January 1st, with the closing on (Post Marked) April 1st. See all requirements below: Youth Writing Contest The NFB Writers' Division is hosting a Youth Writing Contest to promote Braille literacy and excellence in creative writing. Entries will be judged on creativity and quality of Braille. We are looking for creative writing, in the form of fiction and poetry. There is no charge for entering. This is a contest for students who use Braille. Entries must Be submitted in hand embossed Braille, either on a slate and stylus or on a Braille writer. No computer Braille entries will be considered. Submissions must be Brailled by the entrant. Elementary students (K-5) may submit contracted Braille, uncontracted Braille, or an acceptable combination of the two. Students in higher grades will be expected to submit stories or poetry in contracted Braille. There are six categories, as follows: Elementary Fiction; Elementary Poetry; Middle School Fiction; Middle School Poetry; High School Fiction; High School Poetry. Elementary is K-5. Middle School is 6-8. High School is 9-12. The contest begins January first, and ends, postmarked date April first. There will be three cash prizes for each of the six categories. First prize per contest is $25. Second prize is $15 and third prize is $5. Submissions for fiction may not exceed one thousand words. Poetry may not exceed twenty lines. Authors may submit multiple entries and all work must be original and unpublished. Each entrant must provide an identical print copy for possible publication. Entries must be accompanied by a cover sheet containing entrant's information: Name, address, phone, email, title of the entry, school and grade of entrant. Winners will be announced at our division meeting during the July 2009 NFB National convention held in Detroit, Michigan. Send to Fred Wurtzel, 1212 N Foster, Lansing Michigan, 48912. Adult Writing Contest The NFB Writers' Division's writing contest of fiction short stories and poetry for adults will be open for submissions starting January 1st, closing Post Marked April 1st. Top prize for each contest is $100, second $50, and third $25. Winners will be announced at our division meeting during the July 2009 NFB National convention held in Detroit, Michigan. Fiction: short stories can be up to 3,000 words and can be of any genre. All work must be original and previously unpublished. If you wish to submit- You are required to send a cover sheet with title of all entries, name, address, phone and email (if available). A second requirement , is please have your documents double spaced and if you are sending it hardcopy, it cannot be handwritten. The cost for submission of a single story is $5.00. You can send either a check or money order made out to the NFB Writers' Division. You have two choices for submission: First is the traditional method of sending hardcopy and check, and if you do so, send it to Tom Stevens address- 1203 S. Fairview Road, Columbia MO 65203. The second method is to email your writing and cover letter to cthls at earthlink.net And for payment for electronic submissions check our web site and see if we have PayPal by then URL http://www.nfb-writers-division.org Or, if you need to snail-mail the check, use Tom's address in choice one. Poetry: Entrants are invited to submit original poetry of up to 36 lines. If you wish to submit- You are required to send a cover sheet with title of all entries, name, address, phone and email (if available). A second requirement , is please have your documents double spaced and if you are sending it hardcopy, it cannot be handwritten. The cost is $5.00 for up to 3 poems and you can send either a check or money order made out to the NFB Writers' Division. You have two choices for submission: First is the traditional method of sending hardcopy and check, and if you do so, send it to Lori Stayer, 2704 Beach Drive, Merrick NY 11566. The second method is to email your writing and cover letter to LoriStay at aol.com And for payment for electronic submissions check our web site and see if we have PayPal by then URL http://www.nfb-writers-division.org Or, if you need to snail-mail the check, use Lori's address in choice one. President NFB Writers' Division Robert Leslie Newman Email- newmanrl at cox.net Division Website- Http://www.nfb-writers-division.org Robert Leslie Newman Email- newmanrl at cox.net THOUGHT PROVOKER Website- Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info From dandrews at visi.com Wed Dec 10 07:52:42 2008 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:52:42 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] NFB of Oregon Alaska Cruise Benefit Message-ID: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF OREGON ALASKA CRUISE BENEFIT SEPTEMBER 5 ? 12, 2009 *** Seven-night Alaska cruise aboard the beautiful Norwegian Cruise Line Star --- all-you-can-eat food with 11 restaurant choices and 24-hour room service; top-notch, nightly entertainment, including elaborate Broadway-style productions, comedians, concerts, etc.; state-of-the-art spa facilities; variety of activities for all ages, as well as an abundance of quiet areas to relax *** Exciting Alaska itinerary highlighting spectacular glaciers that are so close you can hear ice breaking into the water; 7,000 foot high snowcapped mountains, which drop immediately to sea level; fresh, saltwater, crisp air; wildlife ? whales, hundreds of seals, bear, moose; an opportunity to ride the White Pass and Yukon Railroad, a historic railway operated during the Gold Rush era and offers an unforgettable scenic train trip over the White Pass SPECIAL PROMOTIONS *** The National Federation of the Blind of Oregon (NFBO) will receive a donation of $100 per cabin booked! *** For every 8th cabin booked, the NFBO will receive a bonus donation of a minimum of $634. *** Everyone will receive $50 onboard credit (per cabin; offered when the group reaches 8 booked cabins) *** $20 discount per person for the first 5 Inside Cabins booked by March 1, 2009 ITINERARY Itinerary Map DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART Sat, Sept 5 Seattle, Washington 4:00pm Sun, Sept 6 Inside Passage (Cruising) Mon, Sept 7 (Labor Day) Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00am 3:00pm Tues, Sept 8 Juneau, Alaska 7:00am 1:30pm Sawyer Glacier (Cruising) Wed, Sept 9 Skagway 7:00am 5:00pm Thurs, Sept 10 Prince Rupert, BC, Canada 4:00pm 10:00pm Fri, Sept 11 At Sea Sat, Sept 12 Seattle, Washington 8:00am CRUISE RATES Inside Cabin = $654* Ocean View Cabin = $824* (with a ?picture? window ? NOT a little porthole) Ocean View Cabin with a Balcony = $1,184* *Rates are per person based on double occupancy & do not include taxes & port fees, currently around $395 per person & are subject to change until paid in full. Discounted 3rd & 4th person rates are available upon request. SPACE IS LIMITED --- BOOK EARLY! A deposit of $275 per person is required to guarantee your space on this cruise. This deposit, minus a $25 per person cancellation penalty, is REFUNDABLE until June 5, 2009, which is when the final payment is due. Contact Kim Howell with Travelfax 1-800-480-7405 or email- kim at travelfax.biz -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: clip_image001.gif Type: image/gif Size: 20421 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gwunder at earthlink.net Wed Dec 10 09:08:34 2008 From: gwunder at earthlink.net (Gary Wunder) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:08:34 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Diane McGeorge E-mail Reminder-Washington Seminar Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: McCarthy, Jim Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 3:27 PM Subject: Diane McGeorge E-mail Reminder-Washington Seminar Fellow Federationists: The following message comes from Diane McGeorge who organizes much of the logistics of Washington Seminar. The time is growing closer than you might think. Our 2009 Washington Seminar will run from Sunday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 11. "Please get your reservations in as soon as possible." Our deadline for hotel reservations is January 5, 2009, which is only about one month off. Following is the information which I need to have to assure you of a room at the Holiday Inn. The address of the Holiday Inn Capitol is 550 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. 1. First of all I will need to have the names of the persons in the room. Please spell the first and last name of each person if you make the reservation by phone. You may do so by calling: (303) 778-1130, extension 219, or email (see below); and 2. I will need to have your arrival date and departure date. If people are sharing the room and their arrival and departure dates are different from yours, please be sure to indicate that; and 3. I will need to know if you wish a smoking or a non-smoking room. Also, if you have any special requirements, please advise. For example, if you require an accessible room, please include that information. If you wish to have a roll-away bed in the room, please let me know. If you request a roll-away bed, there will be an additional $15 charge per night; and 4. If you make your reservation by phone, and if you have an e-mail address, please leave that address so that we may send you confirmation that your reservation was received and processed. If you have no e-mail address, then please leave a telephone number so that I may call you back with a confirmation. You may make your reservations by e-mail by sending your request to Lisa Bonderson. Lisa's address is: lbonderson at cocenter.org. Either Lisa or I will send you a confirmation. The hotel rates are $154 per night for single, double, triple, or quad. There is an additional 14.5% hotel tax each night. When you check in you must be prepared to cover at least the first night of your stay with either a credit card or check; and then arrange to pay the balance by presenting a credit card or writing a check for the remainder of the cost. If state delegations will be paying for members with one check or one credit card, please advise Ed Cruz in the Holiday Inn Capitol accounting department prior to your arrival and he will make special arrangements for your delegation. It is also very advisable to supply to Mr. Cruz a list of the names of persons your delegation may plan to cover. It would also be advisable for you to supply me with the same list prior to arrival so that we will all be on the same page and this will lessen problems. Mr. Cruz has always been very helpful. Remember please, the deadline is January 5, 2009. There will be a number of special meetings during the seminar and you will want to watch the NFB Website for special announcements. The Great Gathering-In meeting will be held on Sunday, February 8, at 5 p.m. You certainly don't want to miss that. I hope this answers all of your questions. I look forward to seeing all of you in D.C. in February. Have a blessed holiday season. Diane McGeorge DM/wb From gwunder at earthlink.net Wed Dec 10 09:09:14 2008 From: gwunder at earthlink.net (Gary Wunder) Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:09:14 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Braille Test at Washington Seminar Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: Braille Certification To: Louise Walch Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 5:42 PM Subject: Braille Test at Washington Seminar Dear NFB State Presidents, Please find attached a flyer announcing that testing for the National Certification in Literary Braille will be held on the Saturday prior to our Washington Seminar. Please pass this information along to your membership and others you think might be interested. Thanks in advance. -Louise Louise G. Walch NBPCB Coordinator 210-464-6144 Braille at nbpcb.org www.nbpcb.org ----- Braille Test at Washington Seminar Feb 7, 2009 THE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN LITERARY BRAILLE (NCLB) As you may be aware, the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT) of the National Library Service (NLS) has been transferred to the administration of the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB). With the NLBCT as its cornerstone, the NBPCB has established the National Certification in Literary Braille (NCLB), which is a complete professional credential that requires recertification on a five year cycle. Individuals who were certified with the NLBCT prior to 2006 will need to retest through the NBPCB; however, the initial fee may be waived if the applicant can show proof of original NLBCT credential. The NCLB is currently the only nationally recognized certification in literary Braille. The examination has not been substantially changed from its earlier version once administered by the NLS, however a five year recertification requirement has been instituted in the interest of maintaining high standards. The exam is not aimed at transcribers. Rather, it is a valid test of a person's ability to competently read, write, and understand contracted, literary Braille, and is being targeted to all individuals who teach Braille professionally, and/or those seeking to be credentialed in this area. The next scheduled exam open for certification and recertification in 2009 is: Date: Saturday, February 7, 2009 Time: 8:00am-5:00pm (Doors close 8:30am) Location: Holiday Inn Capitol (Columbia II) 550 C Street SW Washington, DC 20024 Cost: $250 combined application/testing fee Deadline: Sunday, January 4, 2009 (or $275 late registration January 5-25) Subsequent NCLB examinations will be convened wherever an appropriate venue can be procured, and sufficient applicant numbers make it possible. Please contact the NBPCB for more details. To apply online go to: http://www.nbpcb.org/nclb/application/ or to download the NCLB Candidate Guidelines please visit: http://www.nbpcb.org/nclb/ For additional information please visit the NBPCB website at: www.nbpcb.org, call the NBPCB office at (318) 257-4554, or contact Louise Walch, NBPCB Coordinator, at: braille at nbpcb.org. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Flyer NCLB DC1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 31744 bytes Desc: not available URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Mon Dec 15 18:45:47 2008 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:45:47 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Comments on Saturday Night Live Segment Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Public Relations Specialist 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 Saturday Night Live Segment Largest Organization of the Blind Criticizes Attack on Blind Americans Baltimore, Maryland (December 15, 2008): Chris Danielsen, spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?The biggest problem faced by blind people is not blindness itself, but the stereotypes held by the general public about blindness and blind people. The idea that blind people are incapable of the simplest tasks and are perpetually disoriented and befuddled is absolutely wrong. This misconception contributes to an unemployment rate among blind people that stubbornly remains at 70 percent. That is why the National Federation of the Blind is disappointed that Saturday Night Live chose to portray Governor Paterson in a comedy routine that focused almost exclusively on his blindness. Attacking the Governor because he is blind is an attack on all blind Americans?blind children, blind adults, blind seniors, and newly blinded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The National Federation of the Blind urges the producers of Saturday Night Live to consider the serious negative impact that misinformation and stereotypes have on blind people before continuing in this unfortunate vein of humor.? ### From jsorozco at gmail.com Tue Dec 16 04:45:00 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:45:00 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] State Division Materials Message-ID: Dear state student division presidents and representatives: The NABS web site is well underway. As we grow closer to the launch we're turning to our student leadership at the state level to help us collect information about some specific information in your affiliates. If your affiliate offers a scholarship, we would like to know. If you have an upcoming state convention, we'd like the dates. If there is a unique program in your state that only exists in your geographic boundaries, we'd like you to share it with others. Help us build a complete repository of information that equally shares details about the happenings in your division and affiliate. If you could pass this along to me by Sunday, December 21, you'd be my favorite person. Also, I want to take a moment to thank Peter Donahue for throwing in his technical assistance to help us meet our ambitious deadline. He's good people, and any affiliate and/or division would be fortunate to have him in their corner. Thanks all. Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From MThorpe at nfb.org Mon Dec 22 18:31:25 2008 From: MThorpe at nfb.org (Thorpe, Mary Jo) Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:31:25 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] NFB BELL Program for 2009 Message-ID: Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning 2009 NFB BELL Summer Program The NFB Jernigan Institute is pleased to announce the Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Nonvisual Learning (BELL) program in the summer of 2009. The BELL program is designed to serve as a demonstration program to help provide intensive Braille instruction to low vision children during the summer months. This pilot program will be modeled after the successful 2007 BELL Program led by the NFB of Maryland state affiliate. The NFB Jernigan Institute plans to expand this program into two additional states during the summer of 2009. Selected states will host the Institute's BELL Core team during the two weeks of their program. BELL Core Team members will facilitate a variety of fun, hands-on lessons ranging from group activities to one-on-one instruction to help teach Braille to low vision students ages four to twelve. The program will run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please visit www.nfb.org/nfb/Bell_Program_2009.asp to learn more about this exciting program. Interested in being part of the BELL Core Team? Members of this team will be responsible for creating and implementing the curriculum and various activities for the three BELL program sites. These individuals will work closely with staff members from the NFB Jernigan Institute and the state coordinators from selected states to design lesson plans and projects for the program. Selected team members will be hired as contractual summer staff for the NFB Jernigan Institute beginning in June through the middle of August 2009. Team members will also participate in the NFB Youth Slam. Qualifications We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are passionate about encouraging the next generation of blind children and eager to promote Braille literacy. Teachers of the Blind/Low Vision and those with experience teaching Braille to children are highly encouraged to apply. However, members do not have to be certified teachers to be effective participants in the NFB BELL program, but they should have experience working with young children. Benefits All aspects of the program, including transportation, room, and board will be provided by the NFB at no expense to selected team members. Team members will also receive a $3,500 stipend as payment for the summer. This program is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals to assist blind children and help to promote our efforts for Braille literacy. How to Apply Please visit the Web site to obtain an application. Applications are due by February 1, 2009. For all other questions about the NFB BELL Program, please contact: Mary Jo Thorpe, Education Programs Specialist, National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407, or by e-mail at mthorpe at nfb.org. From jsorozco at gmail.com Wed Dec 24 00:45:33 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:45:33 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] FW: [nabs-l] Calling All New State Student Divisions... Message-ID: Subject: [nabs-l] Calling All New State Student Divisions... Hello NABS listers, If you're a member of a state student division that was organized during the past two years (2007 or 2008), we'd like to hear from you! NABS is putting together an informational handbook for people interested in starting or building up student divisions in their states. We're compiling a bunch of examples of great seminars, fund-raisers and other activities that other state divisions have done. We have a bunch of contributions already from some of our largest and oldest divisions, but we'd also like to include input from some of our newer divisions as well, to inspire those of us who are starting from the very beginning. So if your division is less than two years old and you've recently sponsored a seminar, fund-raiser or other activity that went well, we'd like to hear about it! Please reply on-list and tell us about your activity. Better yet, if you still have the agenda or other written materials from your event that you'd be willing to share with other NABS leaders, please send them to me individually at arielle71 at gmail.com Thanks in advance for your contributions! Hope everyone has an excellent holiday and a happy and healthy New Year, Arielle Silverman First Vice-President, National Association of Blind Students _______________________________________________ nabs-l mailing list nabs-l at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nabs-l: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jsorozco %40gmail.com From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri Dec 26 00:28:00 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:28:00 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] NABS Division Trivia Message-ID: <5A2F2ECF2EAB4F1485C70113E622E100@MonkeyPaw> 1. In what year was NABS established? 2. Can anyone name the presidents of NABS from its inception through the present? 3. Are there any noteworthy tidbits of NABS history you could identify? If anyone has information on any of these points, let us know. I've been in contact with a few of you but figured a general call might generate more ideas. We're trying to build a comprehensive profile of the division. Any assistance you can provide would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri Dec 26 00:31:45 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:31:45 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] UnitedHealth Heroes Service-learning Grants Message-ID: To all eligible state divisions: This grant may be of interest to you. If you live in the listed states and have considered engaging a community service project to put your members to work, this may be a worthwhile opportunity. Our office will be announcing another grant opportunity of potential interest to you in January. To learn more visit: www.ysa.org/awards/ Best, Joe Orozco UnitedHealth Heroes Service-Learning Grants: Asking young people to take the lead in solving the most critical health problem facing their generation! (Applicants from selected states in the USA) Youth Service America and UnitedHealthcare are excited to offer the UnitedHealth HEROES service-learning grants, a Global Youth Service Grant (GYSG). More than 200 awards are available for youth-led community education projects. These grants of up to $1,000 support teachers, community-based and school-based service-learning coordinators, and students in the health professions to implement service-learning projects around childhood obesity. The selected projects will engage children and youth ages 5 to 25 in youth-led solutions. We encourage 'Semester of Service' length projects that launch in February, and use Global Youth Service Day (April 24-26, 2009) to bring visibility to their projects. Grants will support projects in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and in the following specific areas: Florida-selected counties, Illinois-Chicagoland and Peoria; and New York-Long Island, New York City, and Syracuse. Deadline: January 15, 2009. For application materials, visit http://tinyurl.com/UHHeroesGrant . Questions? E-mail: healthheroes at ysa.org YSA improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri Dec 26 19:53:36 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:53:36 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] State Student Division Materials Message-ID: <956189FF9F824482BD8B5C6E93AF0E64@MonkeyPaw> Dear state division representatives: We need a few items from you to ensure the upcoming NABS web site contains up-to-date information on your state division. 1. Does your division have a web site? If so, please send us the URL to this web site or web page to be included in our list. 2. If you have not already done so, please send us a list of upcoming events. Please include event name, date, time and location and any other relevant information to be made a part of the NABS Calendar of Events. This information can be added later, after the launch, but if you have information now, we would love to make it a part of the site right away. 3. Do you have any photographs and/or videos of your division at work? Send them to me off-list. We will include them on the NABS site where appropriate. Thank you for your cooperation. We are now only days from the unveiling of the NABS web site, and we are counting on you to make the first launch a good one. Regards, Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From andrewjedg at gmail.com Sat Dec 27 04:05:13 2008 From: andrewjedg at gmail.com (Andrew Edgcumbe) Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:05:13 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] new member Message-ID: Hi all I just joined this group. My name is Andrew. I am 22 years old. I joined this group more to reach out to people and hopfully learn something. I am not in colleege or anything. I am from Canada. From jsorozco at gmail.com Sun Dec 28 22:07:45 2008 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:07:45 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] Photo Submissions for NABS Site Message-ID: <3F19BECA6FCC47D2B5A4ACBCD833DB55@MonkeyPaw> Dear students, Thank you to those student divisions who have submitted photographs for the NABS web site. In order to keep a cohesive system, please ensure that your photos are accompanied by a brief description of what the photograph displays. Also, please ensure the file itself is titled in such a way as to make matching between the description and image an easy task. Submissions not meeting this criteria will not be considered for inclusion on the site. Thank you again, and if you have not yet submitted information, photographs or other details of your state division, now is the time to do so. Regards, Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From cdanielsen8 at aol.com Tue Dec 30 03:01:19 2008 From: cdanielsen8 at aol.com (Chris Danielsen) Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:01:19 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Louis Braille Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Public Relations Specialist National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330 (410) 262-1281 (cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind Celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Louis Braille Events to be Held Nationwide in Over One Hundred Locations Baltimore, Maryland (December 29, 2008): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation?s largest and oldest organization of blind people, will hold events nationwide on Sunday, January 4, 2009, to promote Braille literacy and help celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809?1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name. In over one hundred bookstores, libraries, and other venues all across the nation, National Federation of the Blind representatives will demonstrate Braille and the power of Braille literacy. ?There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind. Despite the undisputed value of Braille, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it. These events will help raise awareness of the importance of Braille literacy and are an integral part of our nationwide campaign to reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and to ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation?s blind,? said Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. The events are being held nationwide as part of the National Federation of the Blind?s Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be minted in 2009 in recognition of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. The commemorative coin design will also be previewed at the events. For more information about the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org. To find out about events in your area, please contact Fredric Schroeder at fschroeder at 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 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. Please visit our Web site: www.nfb.org. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Jan 4 National Braille literacy events release2.doc Type: application/msword Size: 92160 bytes Desc: not available URL: From SWhite at nfb.org Tue Dec 30 19:53:40 2008 From: SWhite at nfb.org (White, Scott) Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:53:40 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Job Opening on the NFB-Newsline Team Message-ID: Subject: Job opening on the NFB-NEWSLINE team 12/30/08 Good Day, I am writing to inform you that we have an opening at the National Center for the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland for a Manager of Content for Sponsored Technology. Please see below or visit the below web site for a job description and instructions on how to apply. http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Malcontents.asp?SnID=642008648 Thank you. Scott A. White Director of Sponsored Technology Programs NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Telephone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2231 Cell: 410-300-8283 Fax: (410) 685-5653 Email: swhite at nfb.org Manager of Content for Sponsored Technology Description: Under the supervision of the Director of Sponsored Technology Programs, the Manager of Content for Sponsored Technology has primary responsibility for maintaining quality control of the information presented on NFB-NEWSLINE? as well as the addition of new content on the service. The manager acts as the point of contact between content providers and NFB-NEWSLINE?. Additionally the manager assists the Director of Sponsored Technology with other sponsored technology activities as needed. Responsibilities: * Monitors the NFB-NEWSLINE? system for stability, identifies problem issues and takes appropriate corrective measures. * Investigates and responds to system trouble reports from subscribers and state sponsors' management. * Communicates with stakeholders on the status of any repairs and projected timelines. * Performs periodic system and content checks to verify that the service is performing properly and resolves any issues discovered. * Routinely throughout the day monitors the updating of NFB-NEWSLINE? content to discover any discrepancies. * Identifies the reason for any discrepancies found and communicates with the content provider or staff members to facilitate resolution of the issue, continuing to track the content problem until it is fully resolved. * In conjunction with the Director, provides the technical staff with direction on the priority level of content fixes and additions. * Designs, implements, and manages a newspaper content escalation process for reporting and resolving newspaper content problems and issues. * Provides management with weekly and biweekly reports on the status of outstanding content issues and additions. * Participates in an on-call rotation with other team members for evening and weekend resolution of system issues. * Handles all aspects of acquiring content for the NFB-NEWSLINE? service, including initial contact and negotiation of contract with content providers, communicating technical requirements to the IT staff of the content provider, and ensuring quality control of the newly acquired content prior to its public release. * Monitors all newspaper contracts, identifies out-of-date contracts and brings these contracts up to our current standards. * Provides Level 1 general support to users regarding registration for service, changes in contact information, and general questions. * Provides Level 2 support and troubleshooting of technical issues reported by stakeholders and either resolves the issue or communicates it to appropriate personnel for resolution. * Provides support and training to state sponsors and coordinators on the use of the administration Web site. * Makes updates and additions to the NFB-NEWSLINE? Web site using a content management system when required. * Processes online forms from the Web site such as the application for service and e-mail delivery. * Recommends NFB-NEWSLINE? feature enhancements and initiatives to the Director of Sponsored Technology based on sponsor and subscriber feedback. Skills Required: * Ability to execute multiple tasks efficiently and effectively; * Ability to self-manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines; * A basic understanding of XML, HTML and FTP as an essential qualification; * The ability to set priorities and establish work routines independently; * Excellent oral and written communication skills; * Ability to learn new skills quickly; * Ability to deliver oral presentations to small and large groups; * Ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people and to troubleshoot problems; * Excellent follow-up skills; * Demonstrated skill in use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and Outlook; * Ability to perform basic computer tasks required for the efficient operation of a business office. Education: A High School diploma is required. Other combinations of education and experience demonstrating qualifications to perform the work will be considered. Comments: Some out-of-state overnight travel is required. Requires an individual with above-average commitment to making a difference for a significant group of human beings frequently denied full opportunity in society. There are no ?positions? in the traditional sense at the National Center for the Blind for many of our jobs. Candidates are hired on the basis of their education and experience ratings and performance in multiple interviews and then assigned where needed. We seek individuals who long to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail on the basis of ability, not be denied opportunity on the basis of society?s stereotypes. Applicants should send, preferably via e-mail, a r?sum? and cover letter indicating salary requirements to: Anthony Cobb, Director of Human Resources, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone 410-659-9314, ext. 2281; fax 410-685-5653; e-mail Acobb at nfb.org. The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Job opening on the NFB-NEWSLINE team 2008-12-30.rtf Type: application/rtf Size: 1235 bytes Desc: not available URL: From LoriStay at aol.com Wed Dec 31 03:31:46 2008 From: LoriStay at aol.com (by way of David Andrews ) Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:31:46 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Youth Writing Contest Message-ID: Do you know a budding writer? Pass this along! Lori Stayer Youth Writing Contest! The NFB Writers' Division is hosting a Youth Writing Contest to promote Braille literacy and excellence in creative writing. Entries will be judged on creativity and quality of Braille. We are looking for creative writing, in the form of fiction and poetry. There is no charge for entering. This is a contest for students who use Braille. Entries must Be submitted in hand embossed Braille, either on a slate and stylus or on a Braille writer. No computer Braille entries will be considered. Submissions must be Brailled by the entrant. Elementary students (K-5) may submit contracted Braille, uncontracted Braille, or an acceptable combination of the two. Students in higher grades will be expected to submit stories or poetry in contracted Braille. There are six categories, as follows: Elementary Fiction; Elementary Poetry; Middle School Fiction; Middle School Poetry; High School Fiction; High School Poetry. Elementary is K-5. Middle School is 6-8. High School is 9-12. The contest begins January first, and ends, postmarked date April first. There will be three cash prizes for each of the six categories. First prize per contest is $25. Second prize is $15 and third prize is $5. Submissions for fiction may not exceed one thousand words. Poetry may not exceed twenty lines. Authors may submit multiple entries and all work must be original and unpublished. Each entrant must provide an identical print copy for possible publication. Entries must be accompanied by a cover sheet containing entrant's information: Name, address, phone, email, title of the entry, school and grade of entrant. Winners will be announced at our division meeting during the July 2009 NFB National convention held in Detroit, Michigan. Send to Fred Wurtzel, 1212 N Foster, Lansing Michigan, 48912. Questions? contact Fred Wurtzel at f.wurtzel at comcast.net or 517-485-0326 From KZakhnini at nfb.org Wed Dec 31 18:10:53 2008 From: KZakhnini at nfb.org (Zakhnini, Karen) Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:10:53 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Second NFB Youth Slam Message-ID: In the summer of 2009 we will have our second National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam for blind high school students. The program will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park. We still need plenty of mentors and students to apply, so please help us get the word out. If you need more information about the program or are interested in being a student or mentor participant, please visit http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Youth_Slam.asp and fill out the appropriate application. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you! Sincerely, Karen C. Zakhnini Education Project Manager Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2293 Fax: (410) 659-5129 Support Braille literacy and empowering programs by sponsoring me in the Motor City March for Independence! Visit http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/TR/walk/General?px=1003222&pg=personal&fr_id=1050