From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Feb 3 02:58:24 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:58:24 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind and Wal-Mart Foundation Partner to Promote Braille Literacy Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind and Wal-Mart Foundation Partner to Promote Braille Literacy Wal-Mart Foundation to Sponsor Web Site for Exchange of Braille Reading Materials Baltimore, Maryland (February 2, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States and the country's leading advocate for Braille literacy, and the Wal-Mart Foundation are partnering to bring Braille reading materials to those who need them. The Wal-Mart Foundation is sponsoring NFB ShareBraille, a Web site to facilitate the exchange of Braille books through a community-run library. NFB ShareBraille will help connect those who want Braille with those who want to give Braille away, thus increasing the life of Braille materials. The Web site is located at www.nfbsharebraille.org. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "There are many contributing factors to the decline in Braille literacy among the nation's blind children and adults, but access to Braille reading materials is one such factor. That is why the National Federation of the Blind has launched NFB ShareBraille to help students, professionals, and avid readers find the Braille materials they need for enlightenment, productivity, and success. We deeply appreciate the Wal-Mart Foundation sponsoring this important effort." Crosby Cromwell, manager of disability markets for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., said: "Literacy is critically important to a fulfilling and productive life, and this is no less true for the blind than it is for anyone else. That is why we are proud to work with the National Federation of the Blind to increase the availability of Braille books and to support literacy for all blind Americans." NFB ShareBraille is part of the NFB's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. One of the campaign goals is to make Braille resources more available through online sharing of materials, enhanced production methods, and improved distribution. NFB ShareBraille is designed to help in meeting this goal by encouraging blind people to trade Braille books and build their personal libraries. Frequently, Braille materials in good condition are discarded because a new home for the materials cannot be found. NFB ShareBraille now offers a way for a community to close that gap and keep Braille reading materials circulating. 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 coin, which will feature the word "Braille" written in tactile Braille, will be released on March 26, 2009. The Wal-Mart Foundation plans to support other aspects of the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign in addition to sponsoring NFB ShareBraille. For more information about the campaign, please visit www.braille.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. From JFreeh at nfb.org Tue Feb 3 14:48:05 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:48:05 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind and Onkyo Corporation Promote Braille Literacy Message-ID: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Christopher S. Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen at nfb.org National Federation of the Blind and Onkyo Corporation Promote Braille Literacy Braille Essay Contest will Encourage Braille Usage Among the Blind Baltimore, Maryland (February 3, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, will administer the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest in the U.S. on behalf of the North American-Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union. The essay contest, sponsored by Onkyo Corporation, a Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, and the Braille Mainichi, part of the Mainichi Newspaper Company in Japan, was created to promote Braille literacy and to encourage the sharing of social and cultural information among blind and visually impaired persons. Blind or visually impaired persons in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply. The essays must be written in Braille and must pertain either to how the individual gains knowledge or independence through Braille or to an individual concept about world peace from the viewpoint of persons with disabilities. There will be two groups of competitors: a junior category for persons up to age twenty-five and a senior category for persons over age twenty-six. Four cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: ?We are very pleased to be a part of this important contest. 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, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are learning it. This contest will not only be a fun way for blind and visually-impaired persons to demonstrate the impact Braille has had on their lives but will also raise awareness of the importance of Braille literacy in every day applications.? Administering the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest in the United States is a facet 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 (1809?1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name. The contest begins on February 1, 2009, and ends on April 30, 2009. All entries must be received by April 30. For more information about the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest, including application information, please contact Trisha Tatam by phone at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2510 or by e-mail at ttatam at nfb.org. For more about the National Federation of the Blind?s Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.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. From CDanielsen at nfb.org Wed Feb 4 06:03:26 2009 From: CDanielsen at nfb.org (Danielsen, Chris) Date: Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:03:26 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind to Attend World Bank Workshop Message-ID: Dear Fellow Federationists: Dr. Fredric Schroeder, first vice president of the National Federation of the Blind, will address the World Bank workshop: "Actuality of Braille in Different Socioeconomic Settings," on February 10, 2009, at World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. The workshop, sponsored by the World Bank HDNSP, Education for All - Fast Track Initiative, GPDD, and the National Federation of the Blind, is intended to highlight the usability and affordability of Braille in all socioeconomic settings. The event will focus on current use of Braille in education in Africa and Latin America, with live interviews via videoconference with Kampala, Montevideo, and Sao Paulo. Registration is required for the workshop and registered guests may use the 1818 H Street NW entrance to the World Bank headquarters. To register, please contact Merced Blanquita Doroteo at Mswan at worldbank.org. From jsorozco at gmail.com Wed Feb 4 18:08:14 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 13:08:14 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] State Farm Youth Advisery Board Message-ID: Applications are now available for the State Farm Youth Advisory Board at www.statefarmyab.com/apply.php. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is one of the nations' most exciting opportunities for youth empowerment and development. The board is comprised of a diverse group of 30 young people, ages 17-20, chosen from each of 12 U.S. State Farm zones which cover all states within the United States, and one State Farm Canadian zone (Alberta, New Brunswick, or Ontario provinces only). Three at-large members are nominated by State Farm's national service-learning partners. Scholarships are provided to Youth Advisory Board members. Members of this Board play an important leadership role in creating and overseeing a $5 million a year signature service-learning initiative which addresses pressing issues of importance to youth, State Farm, and communities across North America. The Youth Board collectively helps identify these issues; develops the grant making processes for catalyzing large-scale, student-driven service-learning projects that systemically address the issues; selects the programs to receive grants; provides technical assistance and oversight to site grantees; and assists with the communications and outreach of the initiative. The Youth Board interacts with senior State Farm leaders in presenting and defending an analysis of their grant-making decisions. Application must be postmarked March 31, 2009 Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From JFreeh at nfb.org Fri Feb 6 20:35:42 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:35:42 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Rejects Nelson-Collins Amendment 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 Rejects Nelson-Collins Amendment Urges Senate to Retain Rehabilitation Funding Baltimore, Maryland (February 6, 2009): Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, said: "The purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 currently being debated in the United States Senate is to reduce unemployment and to restore economic security for all Americans. In order to accomplish this goal for Americans who are blind or have other disabilities, state vocational rehabilitation programs must be adequately funded. The National Federation of the Blind urges all members of the United States Senate to reject the Nelson-Collins Amendment and retain the $500 million currently allocated for vocational rehabilitation. By doing so, the Senate will ensure that all Americans have the training needed to work and contribute to this nation's economic prosperity." # # # 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 hlsnider at verizon.net Fri Feb 6 21:49:03 2009 From: hlsnider at verizon.net (HAROLD SNIDER) Date: Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:49:03 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Fw: UPDATE: Invitation""Actuality of Braille in Different Socio-economic Settings" - February 10, 2009 World Bank HQ 9:30-12:00 Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: To: "Global Partnership for Disability and Development" Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 11:28 AM Subject: UPDATE: Invitation""Actuality of Braille in Different Socio-economic Settings" - February 10, 2009 World Bank HQ 9:30-12:00 >Attached please find an updated agenda for the discussion "Actuality >of Braille >in Different Socio-economic Settings" > >In-person participation is for registered guests. To register, please send an >email to Merced Blanquita Doroteo at Mswan at worldbank.org by Sunday, >February 8. > >The event will be webcast at: > > http://vcg01.worldbank.org/vc/ > or > http://wbgvsivn.worldbank.org/starbak/default.jhtml > > >Karen Peffley >Disability & Development, HDNSP >The World Bank > >(See attached file: Invite Feb. 10, 09.doc) > > > > > > Maria Veronica > Reina > U> GPDD at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU > Sent by: Global cc > Partnership for > Disability and Subject > Development [GPDD] FW: Invitation""Actuality of > EDU> Settings" - February 10, 2009 World > Bank HQ 9:30-12:00 > > 02/02/2009 11:14 AM > > > Please respond to > Global Partnership > for Disability and > Development > EDU> > > > > > > >fyi > >From:] mnicoli at worldbank.org [mailto:mnicoli at worldbank.org] >Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 11:10 AM >Subject: Invitation""Actuality of Braille in Different >Socio-economic Settings" >- February 10, 2009 World Bank HQ 9:30-12:00 > > >You are cordially invited to participate in a workshop on "Actuality >of Braille >in Different Socio-Economic Settings" for the celebration of Louis Braille's >bicentennial. >The workshop is sponsored by: World Bank HDNSP & Education for All - >Fast Track >Initiative, the Global Partnership For Disability & Development and >the National >Federation of the Blinds. >The event will be organized at the World Bank HQ in Washington D.C. with >videoconference connections with Lagos, San Paulo, and webcast >External participants should use the visitor entrance at 18th Street NW room >(Room MC 13-121) >Please RSVP for logistics and special accommodations to Merced >Blanquita Doroteo >at Mswan at worldbank.org >Best regards >Marco > > > > >Marco Nicoli >Senior Knowledge Management Officer >THE WORLD BANK >HDNSP - Disability & Development Team >1818 H Street, NW >Washington D.C. 20433 > >Contact Info: >MNicoli at worldbank.org >Phone 202-473-0304 >Fax 202-614-0471 >Skype marco_nicoli_worldbank >www.worldbank.org/disability[attachment "Invitation Workshop Braille.doc" -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Invite Feb. 10, 09.doc Type: application/msword Size: 30720 bytes Desc: not available URL: From info at michaelhingson.com Thu Feb 12 02:57:11 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:57:11 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] KNFB Reader Mobile to be featured on this week's Tek Talk Training Monday February 16, 2009 Message-ID: The Accessible News Wire > During this week's Tek Talk event, Jim Gashel, Vice President of Business > Development for knfb Reading Technology, Inc. and Michael Hingson, > Director > of National Sales for the National Federation of the Blind KNFB Reader Mobile program will > demonstrate > their superior Mobile Reader product line for the blind and learning > disabled - featuring the first cell phone that reads and translates. > > 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 translated text. > > Contact: Jim Gashel > Email: jim at knfbreader.com > Direct Line: 443-854-0854 > Contact: Michael Hingson > Email: info at michaelhingson.com > 888-965-9191 > > Date: Monday, February 16, 2009. > > Time: 5:00 p.m. Pacific, 6:00 p.m. Mountain, 7:00 p.m. Central, 8:00 p.m. > Eastern and elsewhere in the world Tuesday 1:00 GMT. > > Where: Tek Talk Conference Room at: > > http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2 > > > Or, alternatively, > > http://www.accessibleworld.org names on the sign-in screen. > > All Tek Talk training 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. > > 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 > > Media Contacts: > Robert Acosta, Chair, Planning Committee > 818-998-0044 > Email: boacosta at pacbell.net > > Web: http://www.helpinghands4theblind.com > > George Buys > CEO. Talking Communities > Email: buys at talkingcommunities.com > > The Accessible World, a division of Vision Worldwide, Inc. 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. > 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 -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: b0c0c7.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3059 bytes Desc: not available URL: From JFreeh at nfb.org Fri Feb 13 03:38:09 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:38:09 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Responds to Authors Guild Statement on the Amazon Kindle 2 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 Responds to Authors Guild Statement on the Amazon Kindle 2 Baltimore, Maryland (February 12, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the largest organization of blind people in the United States, today responded to a statement put out by the Authors Guild advising its members to consider negotiating contracts prohibiting e-books to be read aloud by the new Amazon Kindle 2, which incorporates text-to-speech technology. The Authors Guild argues that the reading of a book out loud by a machine is a copyright infringement unless the copyright holder has specifically granted permission for the book to be read aloud. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind supports all technologies that allow blind people to have better access to the printed word, including the ability of devices like the Kindle 2 to read commercial e-books aloud using text-to-speech technology. Although the Authors Guild claims that it supports making books accessible to the blind, its position on the inclusion of text-to-speech technology in the Kindle 2 is harmful to blind people. The Authors Guild says that having a book read aloud by a machine in the privacy of one's home or vehicle is a copyright infringement. But blind people routinely use readers, either human or machine, to access books that are not available in alternative formats like Braille or audio. Up until now, no one has argued that this is illegal, but now the Authors Guild says that it is. This is absolutely wrong. The blind and other readers have the right for books to be presented to us in the format that is most useful to us, and we are not violating copyright law as long as we use readers, either human or machine, for private rather than public listening. The key point is that reading aloud in private is the same whether done by a person or a machine, and reading aloud in private is never an infringement of copyright. "Amazon has taken a step in the right direction by including text-to-speech technology for reading e-books aloud on its new Kindle 2," Dr. Maurer continued. "We note, however, that the device itself cannot be used independently by a blind reader because the controls to download a book and begin reading it aloud are visual and therefore inaccessible to the blind. We urge Amazon to rectify this situation as soon as possible in order to make the Kindle 2 a device that truly can be used both by blind and sighted readers. By doing so, Amazon will make it possible for blind people to purchase a new book and begin reading it immediately, just as sighted people do." ### 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 jmatte28 at comcast.net Sat Feb 14 17:06:56 2009 From: jmatte28 at comcast.net (jonathan matte) Date: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:06:56 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] just want to introduce myself to the list Message-ID: <6B8EE9B301E4439BB746822BE15EEEF3@homexpuser> Hi there. I'm not really use to subscribing to online lists but I'm always up for trying different things and since I enjoy meeting new people I thought that this might be one way to go about doing that sort of thing. So let me tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Jonathan but most of my friends call me Jon. I'm 26 and not actually from the state of Utah myself. I actually live in Massachusetts a city called Brockton located about 45 minutes south of Boston. I'm sure that alot of people would wonder why I would post to a list in utah considering that I don't even live there. Honestly I wasn't able to find a Boston chapter list on the NFB site and figured since I'm all about meeting new people it really shouldn't matter where I post. I tend to be a pretty laid back person but I have a wide variety of interests some of which include reading, listening to all types of music, talking online, on the phone, going out to dinner, sometimes to the movies, and browsing around in bookstores such as Barnes And Noble or Borders. My 2 big passions in life are books and music though I tend to be a bit ecclectic on both fronts. If you would like to know more about the sorts of things I'm interested in so far as either books or music are concerned feel free to ask and I'll be happy to go in to that sort of thing more in depth. I'm currently not in college though I was a while back but had some personal educational struggles which forced me to stop going for a while and I'm not exactly sure if I see myself going back. If you want to know more about my educational issues please ask me about this off list. I'm currently single and do not have any kids though like many people I'm always on the look out for that special person which I hope to meet at some point in my life time. I'm here to get to know all sorts of people so if you want to email me off list feel free my email address is jmatte28 at comcast.net Or if you have aim you can always IM me. My screen name is tvvault82 Unfortunately I don't have or use MSN or skype but if you do email me I'm very good about getting back to folks. I hope to meet lots of new people soon. Take care. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dandrews at visi.com Mon Feb 16 18:43:22 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:43:22 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Talking Glucose Meters Message-ID: I have been asked to circulate the following: Dave Ladies and Gentlemen: My name is Bernadette M. Jacobs. I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind, (NFB), and have been for many, many years. The NFB believes that blind people have a right to use accessible glucose monitoring meters. If you or someone you know has been denied the right to an accessible meter, the NFB should be notified. I am currently working as a "Consultant" with Diagnostic Devices, INC., (DDI), makers of the "New Prodigy Voice," the very newest of the Talking Glucose Monitoring Systems for the Blind/Visually Impaired diabetic. As everyone here that we are addressing is well aware, independent monitoring of one's blood sugars is vital and of utmost importance in our diabetes management!!! "A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!!!" We of the NFB are well aware that there are many, many blind/visually impaired diabetic patients who not only do not have meters they can independently use, but they are unable to receive such a meter because many insurance companies, brokers, and managed care facilities do not have these meters either on their formularies, or simply do not consider us "In Network." DDI, and NFB are currently working together with insurance companies and other managed care facilities in an effort to make things happen so that the "New Prodigy Voice" is available to anyone and everyone who needs a talking meter which he/she can use completely independently After all, Independence is what we're all about!! For those of you who need a talking glucose monitoring system and need more options available to you, I would cordially, as well as personally invite anyone to contact me or Charlie Brown off list at: You may contact Charlie Brown at cbrown at actionfund.org or by calling him at 410 659 9314, ext. 2206. You may reach me as follows: Bernadette M. Jacobs 1501 Langford Road Gwynn Oak, MD 21207-4958 Home Phone: 410-455-5311. Email: bandbjacobs at verizon.net For anyone who doesn't have computer access, I am a Grade Two Braille reader. Also for those with Limited Long Distance, you can call me and I'll simply offer to call you back to help you. Cordially, Bernadette M. Jacobs From KZakhnini at nfb.org Tue Feb 17 10:35:48 2009 From: KZakhnini at nfb.org (Zakhnini, Karen) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:35:48 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam Message-ID: Invent new things, learn more about sports, 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! But you must act now! The deadline for applications is March 1! 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. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!!! 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. 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 From qmsingleton at comcast.net Tue Feb 17 10:44:07 2009 From: qmsingleton at comcast.net (Quintina M. Singleton) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:44:07 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo Announcement, Jim McCarthy Interview Message-ID: The next "Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo" live internet radio show is scheduled for February 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. Mr. Ruffalo will be interviewing director of governmental affairs for the National Federation of the Blind, James McCarthy. A brief summary of this year's Washington Seminar, what listeners could be doing to assist in legislative initiatives presently, and advisement concerning how to stay informed with legislative issues year round are topics that will be discussed on the evening's show. I invite you to visit www.thruoureyes.org or to hear the program live via telephone dial 201 793 9022 with the access code: 2400484. From dandrews at visi.com Wed Feb 18 19:22:24 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:22:24 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Through Our Eyes Radio Program Interview Change Message-ID: We previously announced that Joe Ruffalo of Through Our Eyes Radio would be interviewing NFB's Legislative Director Jim McCarthy on Wednesday February 18th. Unfortunately, due to technical malfunctions it is necessary to reschedule this interview. We will place an appropriate announcement on NFBNET.ORG lists when we know when the rescheduled interview will take place. We and Through Our Eyes Radio apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you. David Andrews David Andrews and white cane Harry. From JFreeh at nfb.org Thu Feb 19 03:33:05 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:33:05 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to Serve as National Ambassador for Braille Literacy 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 Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to Serve as National Ambassador for Braille Literacy Baltimore, Maryland (February 18, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation's leading advocate for Braille literacy, announced today that Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a motivational speaker and former collegiate football player best known as the inspiration for the motion picture Rudy, will serve as a National Ambassador for Braille literacy. As an ambassador, Ruettiger will help advance the NFB'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 released on March 26, 2009, in recognition of 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. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to have Mr. Ruettiger as part of this historic initiative to bring Braille literacy to all of the blind children and adults in America who need it. As an extremely well-known American personality and powerful motivational speaker, Mr. Ruettiger's impact as a national spokesperson for Braille literacy will surely be huge. 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, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are currently learning it. Society would never accept a 10 percent literacy rate among sighted children; it should not accept such an outrageously low literacy rate among the blind. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, with the support of influential Americans like Mr. Ruettiger, will reverse the downward trend in Braille literacy and ensure that equal opportunities in education and employment are available to all of the nation's blind." Mr. Ruettiger said: "I am honored and pleased to serve as a National Ambassador for the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign. I strongly believe that one person can make a difference, and I am excited to help the National Federation of the Blind in its mission to improve the lives of blind children and adults throughout the country through the power of Braille literacy." For more information about the Braille Readers Are Leaders campaign and the Louis Braille commemorative coin, please visit www.braille.org. ### From JWilson at nfb.org Thu Feb 19 22:24:43 2009 From: JWilson at nfb.org (Wilson, Joanne) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:24:43 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Jury finds IA Dept. for Blind's guide dog policy does not discriminate Message-ID: ---------- From: Brammer, Robert [AG] [mailto:rbrammer at ag.state.ia.us] Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 1:53 PM To: Brammer, Robert [AG] Subject: Atty. Gen. release: Jury finds IA Dept. for Blind's guide dog policy does not discriminate To News Editors. From Bob Brammer (Iowa Attorney General?s Office ? 515-281-6699.) Please find a release pasted below. This will be posted soon at www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org . A jury entered a verdict Wednesday in this case in Polk County District Court. Best regards, Bram ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- For immediate release ? Thursday, February 19, 2009. Contact Bob Brammer ? 515-281-6699 Jury finds Iowa Department for the Blind?s Guide Dog Policy Does Not Discriminate Des Moines. A Polk County jury has rejected a Des Moines woman?s claim that the State of Iowa Department for the Blind discriminated against her by refusing her request to use a guide dog while she attended the Department?s orientation and adjustment training program. The Department for the Blind orientation and training program is a comprehensive program that utilizes a totally non-visual approach to teaching blindness skills. Students with partial vision are required to wear eyeshades to prevent reliance upon any visual cues during training. Department policies prohibit the use of any visual aids within the orientation and training program, including guide dogs. The Department has no objection to guide dogs in other situations. Stephanie Dohmen, who is legally blind, attended the program for several months beginning in September 2000 and sought to re-enter the program in June 2002 accompanied by her guide dog. Dohmen claimed in her lawsuit that the Department?s policy violated her rights under the Iowa Civil Rights Act and under federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. After a six-day trial, the eight-person jury rejected Dohmen?s claims in a verdict entered Wednesday. The Department for the Blind, which was represented in the trial by the Iowa Attorney General?s Office, argued that a totally non-visual approach ? and training without assistance of a guide-dog or other visual aids ? is the most effective approach for visually-impaired persons who are learning skills and techniques for dealing with blindness. The Department places no limitations upon the use of guide dogs in other settings, including in the Department for the Blind building in downtown Des Moines. For example, Karen Keninger, the Director of the Department, uses a guide dog, and the dog accompanied Keninger during her testimony at the trial. The orientation program typically includes about six months of full-time training in various problem-solving skills, such as cane-travel on public streets, using Braille, using computers, and dealing with many other situations. The Department for the Blind?s orientation and adjustment program was established in 1959 and is considered by many to be one of the most effective in the country. During the trial, the State Department for the Blind presented testimony from Joanne Wilson and Frederic K. Schroeder, each a former Commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration, which oversees programs for the blind around the country. ?Iowa?s orientation program profoundly changes lives,? said Wilson, who also is Executive Director of the National Federation of the Blind. ?It works. It?s a cutting-edge program and a model for other states.? Wilson is a Webster City native and ISU graduate who went through the Iowa Department for the Blind?s orientation program herself. Schroeder said: ?To me the central point is that individuals have a choice in the type of training they take. While programs must and should make reasonable accommodations, they cannot be required to alter the fundamentals of the program.? - 30 - From JFreeh at nfb.org Fri Feb 20 19:06:22 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:06:22 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] LSAC Discriminates Against Blind Law School Applicants 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 LSAC Discriminates Against Blind Law School Applicants National Federation of the Blind Sues Law School Admissions Council for Inaccessible Web Site and LSAT Preparation Materials Baltimore, Maryland (February 19, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people; its California affiliate; and a blind law school applicant, Deepa Goraya, are filing a lawsuit today against the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The complaint asserts that the LSAC, the body that administers the Law School Admissions Test (which most aspiring law students must take) and provides other services to law schools and law school applicants, violates the California Disabled Persons Act and the Unruh Act because its Web site (www.lsac.org) and LSAT preparation materials are inaccessible to blind law school applicants. The plaintiffs have attempted to meet with the LSAC to resolve the matter, but the LSAC canceled a planned meeting. Blind people access Web sites on computers equipped with screen access software that converts what is on the screen into synthesized speech or Braille. The keyboard is used instead of a mouse to navigate the Web site and click on selected links or buttons. If a Web site is improperly coded, however, blind computer users cannot access the site. Blind people can also use screen readers to access certain kinds of electronic documents, including those in the popular Portable Document Format (PDF). However, if PDF files are not properly "tagged," they cannot be used by the blind. The LSAC Web site contains accessibility barriers including improperly formatted online forms, tables and charts that cannot be read by screen access software, and faulty keyboard navigation support. These access barriers make it difficult or impossible for blind people to use the Web site to register to take the LSAT, among other things. The Web site is also the only avenue for people to apply online to any law school accredited by the American Bar Association. However, blind applicants cannot submit their applications without sighted assistance because the application forms are improperly formatted. In addition, none of the LSAT practice materials, which include previously administered versions of the test that sighted people can obtain on the LSAC Web site, are available in accessible electronic formats. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Internet is extremely useful to blind people, as well as our sighted peers, when Web sites are properly formatted according to well-established guidelines; there is no good reason for any Web site offering goods and services to the public to be inaccessible to blind people. For too long, blind people have experienced barriers to entering the legal profession, despite our long history of demonstrated success in that field. The National Federation of the Blind will not sit quietly while the LSAC willfully refuses to provide the same services to blind people seeking admission to law school that it does to the sighted. The LSAC is engaging in blatant discrimination against the blind and we will not stand for it." Deepa Goraya, a law school applicant and named plaintiff in the suit, said: "Trying to use the LSAC Web site made the experience of applying to law school a nightmare when it should have been as easy for me as for anyone else. I had to select and rely upon a reader for over fifty hours to complete my law school applications. Also, none of the practice tests available on the Web site were accessible. I want the process of gaining admission to law school to be easier for all blind people who are interested in entering this noble profession, and I hope this action will achieve that goal." ### 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 info at michaelhingson.com Thu Feb 26 02:24:19 2009 From: info at michaelhingson.com (Michael Hingson) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:24:19 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Announcing the New KnfbReader Mobile Sales Program Message-ID: Announcing the New KnfbReader Mobile Sales Program National Federation of the Blind Sales Initiative Fellow Federationists and Friends: On last month's presidential release Dr. Maurer announced the launch of a new program through which the NFB would be selling the KnfbReader Mobile. I am excited to announce that the National Federation of the Blind KnfbReader Mobile sales program is now under way. Beginning at the Washington Seminar the KnfbReader Mobile became available under this program. All attendees of Washington Seminar had an opportunity to see the reader and to purchase it. We got off to a good start at the seminar with several sales and a lot of demo time. As you may have heard, the price for the Reader has dropped significantly over the past few months. The price for the Reader software is now $995. By the time you receive this announcement all readers will be shipping with a new and improved version of the KnfbReader Mobile software. This latest edition of the program offers many fabulous improvements including: ? significantly better character recognition, ? a new and improved user interface, ? language translation with the purchase of an extra language package, and ? Support for the new Nokia 6220 Classic cell phone. Add the cost of the cell phone for $350, thus making the cost for the complete KnfbReader Mobile $1,345 and you have the most affordable and portable reading system available on the market. Under our sales program we will also be offering both Talks and MobileSpeak screen readers for the KnfbReader Mobile. With either Talks or MobileSpeak, all of the standard functions of the cell phones used in the KnfbReader Mobile system become fully accessible to blind people. We are excited to be able to offer not only the Reader but several ways to make the rest of the cell phone?s functions talk. The price for either Talks or MobileSpeak is $295. This means that for $1,640 you can have the latest and most advanced reading system available on the market today, as well as a fully accessible cell phone. After you have purchased your new reader, the support team and I will be ready to give you all the technical assistance and encouragement you need. We're always ready to answer any questions. You can purchase your KnfbReader Mobile with MasterCard or VISA or by check. Please contact me with any questions you may have at (888) 965-9191. There?s even more great news to share: The purchase of your KnfbReader Mobile can be financed under the NFB Technology Loan Program. If you wish to finance your purchase under this program, the interest rate for your loan will be 3 percent (the best rate in town!). To learn more about the loan program and to download an application, or to learn anything else about the NFB sales effort and the KnfbReader Mobile visit the special KnfbReader Mobile Web page at http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com. Finally, I'm pleased to tell you that I will be looking for some people to help sell the KnfbReader Mobile. If you're looking for extra income or something that can turn into a full-time job and if you believe that you can sell this product, please call me. I can be reached at (888) 965-9191 any time from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific Time. If you need to leave a voicemail, rest assured that I will call you back as soon as possible. You also may reach me at mailto:info at michaelhingson.com. I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you with your purchase of a KnfbReader Mobile as well as to supporting you as you learn to use your new device. I believe that this is a very exciting program that promises to be fruitful for the NFB. We all helped make the KnfbReader Mobile a reality. Because of the unwavering commitment of the National Federation of the Blind and Ray Kurzweil, the dream of a pocket-sized reading machine has now come to life. We have the opportunity to make this revolutionary technology available to blind people everywhere. I look forward to your help in making the KnfbReader Mobile the most widely-used product among blind people in the United States. Best wishes for your success, Mike Hingson 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 -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 545626.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 3059 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dnj.galloway at starpower.net Thu Feb 26 02:36:52 2009 From: dnj.galloway at starpower.net (Don and June) Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:36:52 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Brand New Braille note PK With Blue Logger GPS for Sale Message-ID: For Sale: A Brand New Braille note PK with Blue Logger GPS This unit has never been used. Asking $2,500 for both Don Galloway Please contact @ Dgalloway at starpower.net Phone: (202) 882-3816 Mobile: (202) 441-6140 From dandrews at visi.com Fri Feb 27 01:40:45 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:40:45 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Louis Braille Coin Launch Invitation Message-ID: Launch Invitation The launch of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will take place on March 26, 2009, at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. If you love Braille, want to learn more about it, or want to join us in our effort to bring awareness to the Braille literacy crisis, we urge you to attend this extraordinary event. It is not often that such a unique opportunity arises, and we hope that you will join us as we celebrate this defining moment in American history. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. and will last until approximately 1:00 p.m. There will be activities for all ages, and the first opportunity to purchase the Louis Braille Coin will be available exclusively to those in attendance. While seating is not limited, it is helpful for us to know how many people to expect. Please assist us in providing you with the best possible experience by filling out the event registration form at www.Braille.org. As details of the event are announced, your registration will ensure that you are the first to know. Event address: National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, MD 21230 For more information please call 410-659-9314 x2230 U.S. Mint Information The 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille system, which is still used by the blind to read and write. Louis Braille was born in Coupvray, France, near Paris, on January 4, 1809. At the age of three, he lost the sight in his left eye as the result of an accident in his father?s workshop. An infection spread to his right eye and he became completely blind by the age of four. At the age of 10, Braille received a scholarship to attend the Royal Institute for Blind Children in Paris, where he became the youngest student. At the school, most instruction was oral, but Braille read books for the blind, which had large letters embossed on the pages. In 1821, a captain in Napoleon?s army, Charles Barbier de la Serre, visited Braille?s school and introduced a system he had invented called ?night writing.? This was a method for communicating on the battlefield at night without having to talk or light a match, which could alert the enemy. It consisted of 12 raised dots which could be combined to represent words by sounds rather than letters. Over the next few months, Braille experimented with different configurations until he found a simpler one using just six dots. By the age of 15, using a blunt awl (the same type of tool that had injured his left eye 12 years earlier) to punch holes in paper to represent letters, Braille had developed the code that is essentially what we know today as modern Braille. It uses no more than six dots in a ?cell? of two columns of up to three dots each to represent letters and contains a system of punctuation and ?contractions? to speed reading and writing. It is read by passing the fingers over the raised dots. Today, Braille has been adapted to almost every known language and is used everywhere from bus stops and maps to music notation and text books. In his native France, Louis Braille?s achievement was recognized in 1952 ? the 100th anniversary of his death ? when his body was moved to Paris and interred in the Pantheon. Now, for the first time in history, a United States coin features readable Braille. It is available in both proof and uncirculated versions. The obverse (heads) features a portrait of Louis Braille designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor/Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It is also inscribed with LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, LOUIS BRAILLE, 1809 and 2009. The reverse (tails), showing a child reading a book in Braille, was designed by United States Mint AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor/Engraver Joseph Menna. The word Braille (abbreviated Brl in Braille code) is depicted in the upper field. The word INDEPENDENCE is featured on a bookshelf behind the child, in addition to the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Surcharges from sales of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar are authorized to be paid to the National Federation of the Blind to further its programs to promote Braille literacy. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Launch Invite and Mint Info.doc Type: application/msword Size: 32768 bytes Desc: not available URL: From KBowman at nfb.org Fri Feb 27 20:52:32 2009 From: KBowman at nfb.org (Bowman, Kristi) Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:52:32 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Assisting the March for Independence in Detroit Message-ID: Greetings: Do you have a friend, business associate, old high school buddy, or family member in the Detroit metro area? If you do, please let me know about them. As we approach our national convention in Detroit, we are again working to make our annual March for Independence ? A Walk for Opportunity an extraordinary success. One of the ways we have found to be very effective is to seek the support of local political, community, civic, and corporate leaders. Our Michigan affiliate is already working hard to do this. Noor Allain, Kristi Bowman, and myself are also spending time in Detroit. We are still developing the route, we are still seeking community leaders to serve as co-chairs for the event, we are looking for imaginative ideas to make the event empowering and distinctive, and we are seeking financial sponsors. So search your memories. If you have an uncle who is a marketing director, a cousin who works for traffic engineering, a friend of a friend who is the president of the downtown Lions Club, and so on and so forth. Please let me know. No idea is too silly. Some won't work out, but I'd rather have them. Send me an e-mail please or call my office at (866) 543-6808. We will be in Detroit next week, working with our Michigan affiliate leadership, the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and others. Thank you and stay imagining. At Your Service, Kevan Worley CEO,Worley Enterprises kevanworley at blindmerchants.org (866) 543-6808