From jsorozco at gmail.com Thu Jan 1 12:29:26 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 07:29:26 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] Last Call for Site Content Message-ID: Dear student divisions: This is your last opportunity to send us any materials you wish to make a part of the NABS site launch on Monday. We're down to the final count, and anything you wish included as a general resource or promotional plug for your division needs to be into us as soon as possible. There will always be ample opportunities for people to submit content later, but we hope to attract significant traffic for the site in the first days of its public existence, making this a prime opportunity for you to sell your state division to your membership and the public at large. On Monday evening the web site will be officially turned over to the National Association of Blind Students. If you should read this message past that point, please forward your material to Terri Rupp. She will turn it over to the proper board member for consideration. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Joe Orozco "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."--James M. Barrie From dandrews at visi.com Tue Jan 6 02:29:16 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:29:16 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind to Exhibit at Consumer Electronics Show 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 to Exhibit at Consumer Electronics Show Exhibit Will Highlight Products Blind People Can Use Baltimore, Maryland (January 5, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, in partnership with the Sendero Group, will exhibit at the international Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held January 6-11, 2009, in Las Vegas. The CES, the largest technology showcase in the world, will feature a booth sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind and the Sendero Group that highlights "vision free" products-mainstream products that blind people can use independently. The NFB and the Sendero Group will be manning the booth along with internationally-acclaimed singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder. The Sendero Group is the developer of the first accessible GPS and talking map, and one of the products that will be featured at the booth is their new Mobile Geo, an accessible GPS program for cell phones and PDAs. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Many new consumer electronics and home appliances are designed with visual displays and interfaces that make it extremely difficult and in some cases impossible for the blind to use them independently. It is critical that blind people have access to all features of mainstream products and technology with the same ease of use as the sighted. The Consumer Electronics Show is an important opportunity to reach out to manufacturers and encourage them to create accessible products. Creating technology that is accessible to and usable by blind people is not difficult, and it is essential if the blind are to be independent, productive citizens." Representatives from the National Federation of the Blind and the Sendero Group, along with Stevie Wonder, will be at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, in booth 72044 during the Consumer Electronics Show. For more information about accessible technology or the National Federation of the Blind, please visit www.nfb.org . ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves 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 dandrews at visi.com Tue Jan 6 03:38:56 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:38:56 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] =?iso-8859-1?q?Washington_Seminar_Announcement_-_K-NFB_Rea?= =?iso-8859-1?q?der_=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Mobile_Drawing?= Message-ID: National Federation of the Blind logo Graphic Photo boy with cane on the beach March for Independence logo On behalf of the chairman of the Imagination Fund and the March for Independence, I would like to ask everyone to register, register, register now for our third annual march that will take place on Monday, July 6, at our national convention in Detroit. It is important that we have well over one thousand Federationists registered by the time we gather for our winter legislative "march on Washington." Time is of the essence...don't delay, register now. Everyone who is registered to participate in the march by 4:00 p.m. on February 8, 2009, will be placed in a drawing to win a K-NFB Reader Mobile. The drawing will be held during Washington Seminar at the Great Gathering-In; you need not be present to win, but you do need to be registered to win! If you are already registered, help us now by reaching out to others to get them registered. You can register by going online to http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=C7GtaSzY4WQ2HBQblDsP _A.. , or by contacting Kristi Bowman at (410) 659-9314, extension 2406, or kbowman at nfb.org. Unsubscribe | Update Preferences | Visit Our Web Site | Tell-A-Friend http://nfb.convio.net/site/CO?i=8UeaqXN3XpDUrb6x2xAdz4MZyY4qHsgz& cid=0 http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=inMr9X6HnFiJSPnIZRgp pA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=RVrRP1B0TxeX1ErQa1po CA.. http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/R?i=oTp55u-XaDlauB-Sk6hq Kg.. 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, MD 21230 410-659-9314 From jsorozco at gmail.com Fri Jan 9 13:09:14 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 08:09:14 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] Opprotunity to Win Tickets to the Inauguration from Case Foundation and Youth Service America Message-ID: <369DCF13903641D9A0F169B90B36D8F0@MonkeyPaw> Hello all, Interested in coming to DC for the inaugural celebration? You may be, if expenses were paid. Maybe airfare, hotel, the inauguration and the Hawaii inaugural ball? You have three days to tell your story. See our message below: Subject: Opprotunity to Win Tickets to the Inauguration from Case Foundation and Youth Service America Want to win a trip to the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and be a part of MLK Day of Service? As we usher in this exciting new era of change we recognize that everyone has a part to play. So, how will YOU commit to bringing about change in your neighborhood, your community or your nation? Youth Service America and the Case Foundation are calling on people across the country to join the Change Begins With Me campaign by sharing how you will be part of the change. Tell us your commitment in 250 characters or less and enter for your chance to win a trip to Washington, DC to be part of the MLK Day of Service and exciting inaugural celebration events including two tickets to the official Inauguration of Barack Obama. No idea is too big or too small. Tell us how you will commit to change NOW. http://casefoundation.org/change?source=CBYSA Joe Orozco -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From KZakhnini at nfb.org Fri Jan 9 21:43:08 2009 From: KZakhnini at nfb.org (Zakhnini, Karen) Date: Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:43:08 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam Message-ID: The National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam A 2009 STEM Leadership Academy Observe! Discover! Evolve! Launch rockets, invent new things, 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. NFB Youth Slam 2009?Observe! Discover! Evolve! Karen C. Zakhnini Education Project Manager Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2293 Fax: (410) 659-5129 From dandrews at visi.com Sun Jan 11 04:59:52 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:59:52 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] National Federation of the Blind to Award $50,000 in 2009 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 Announces Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards National Federation of the Blind to Award $50,000 in 2009 Baltimore, Maryland (January 7, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind today announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Program. Each year the National Federation of the Blind presents cash awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. Dr. Jacob Bolotin was a blind physician who lived and practiced in Chicago in the early twentieth century. He was widely known and respected in Chicago and throughout the Midwest during his career, which spanned the period from 1912 until his untimely death at the age of thirty-six in 1924. He was particularly recognized for his expertise on diseases of the heart and lungs. Bolotin used his many public speaking engagements to advocate for the employment of the blind and their full integration into society. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Dr. Jacob Bolotin was a pioneer who overcame low expectations and discrimination to become a renowned member of the medical profession without the benefit of the support services and civil rights protections available to blind people today. He was also a fierce advocate for greater opportunity for the blind in his time, and doubtless would have been a leader in the organized blind movement had he lived to see it come into being. The Jacob Bolotin Award Program celebrates his pioneering spirit by recognizing and supporting outstanding programs, technologies, and individual efforts that promote independence and opportunity for blind Americans." Recipients of the 2009 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards will be determined by the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee of the National Federation of the Blind. Online applications are due by April 15, 2009. Individuals or organizations are encouraged to apply on behalf of themselves or others. The award recipients will be announced at the 2009 National Federation of the Blind Convention in Detroit. A total of $50,000 will be distributed to the award recipients. The Jacob Bolotin Award Program is funded through the generosity of Dr. Bolotin's nephew and niece, Alfred and Rosalind Pearlman. In addition to establishing the Alfred and Rosalind Pearlman Trust to endow the awards, the late Mrs. Pearlman also wrote The Blind Doctor: The Jacob Bolotin Story. The book has been published by Blue Point Books and can be ordered directly from the publisher at www.bluepointbooks.com . Proceeds from book sales will also benefit the award program. For more information or to fill out the online application, please visit www.nfb.org. ### About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves 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 jsorozco at gmail.com Mon Jan 12 21:48:39 2009 From: jsorozco at gmail.com (Joe Orozco) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:48:39 -0500 Subject: [Uabs] Announcing NABSLink.org Message-ID: <3D7A32652C9947ED9857411869A2B494@MonkeyPaw> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Terri Rupp, President National Association of Blind Students (NABS), A Division of the National Federation of the Blind (707) 567-3019 president at nabslink.org/ Online Portal Opens New Frontiers for Blind Students: Las Vegas, Nevada (January 12, 2009)-The National Association of Blind Students announced today the first phase launch of its official web site, NABSLink.org. The site comes at the commencement of a new campaign to reach blind and visually impaired students across the country and is a direct response to the need for centralized information for high school and post-secondary students. Terri Rupp, president of NABS, said: "Students play a crucial role in the movement of the organized blind. We rely on the up and coming generation to keep the momentum fresh, and it was time we did something to gather all the tools for their success in a single convenient location to keep that momentum strong." The site styles itself after a virtual university. Among other features, NABSLink hosts a Career Center and Bluebook to connect students with a number of informative tools and resources to facilitate their independence inside and outside of the classroom. To facilitate communication between the organization's leadership, membership and the public at large there is also an official blog and wiki project. The web development team believes these individual features will help cultivate a thriving repository of up-to-date information to aid students at various levels in their educational and professional development. The NABS Board of Directors is pleased to finally release the first phase of a project it hopes to continue growing with the contributions and support of its members and the general public. Anyone is welcomed to help build upon this foundation. Ultimately the site will foster self-sufficiency and independence and be one more vehicle to expand opportunities for all blind students pursuing a myriad of professional paths. # # # About the National Association of Blind Students The mission of the National Association of Blind Students is to promote equal access to opportunities for all blind students inside and outside of the classroom. Through conferences, professional networks, mentoring and advocacy we are changing what it means to be blind in the 21st century, and we achieve this by adhering to and supporting the goals of the National Federation of the Blind. 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From slabarre at labarrelaw.com Tue Jan 13 04:24:57 2009 From: slabarre at labarrelaw.com (Scott C. LaBarre) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:24:57 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] [nabs-l] law school admissions test Message-ID: Greetings: We are collecting information regarding the experience of blind and visually impaired students applying for and taking the law school admissions test. For anyone who is currently going through the process or has done so in the last couple of years, I would like you to contact me off list at the information below because we have a brief survey we would like to have you complete. Some of you have already done this, but please contact me to amke sure we have your information. Please also forward this email to anyone to whom you think it may apply. Thanks in advance for your help. Scott C. LaBarre, Esq. LaBarre Law Offices P.C. 1660 South Albion Street, Ste. 918 Denver, Colorado 80222 303 504-5979 (voice) 303 757-3640 (fax) slabarre at labarrelaw.com (e-mail) www.labarrelaw.com (website) CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the designated recipient, you may not read, copy, distribute or retain this message. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender at 303) 504-5979 or slabarre at labarrelaw.com, and destroy and delete it from your system. This message and any attachments are covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. ?? 2510-2521. From Bcheadle at nfb.org Tue Jan 13 20:11:46 2009 From: Bcheadle at nfb.org (Cheadle, Barbara) Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:11:46 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Call for articles for Future Reflections Message-ID: From: Barbara Cheadle, Editor, Future Re: Call for Articles for Future Reflections: In keeping with the 200th birthday of Louis Braille and the NFB's nationwide Braille literacy campaign, the first issue of 2009 will be a special issue in celebration of Braille. I am eager to review original articles, ideas for articles, leads on writers for articles, and previously published articles. The deadline for submitting material is February 16, 2009. Please send material to me at this e-mail address: bcheadle at nfb.org. You can call me with questions, tips, or suggestions at the NFB office number in Baltimore, MD, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time): (410) 659-9314, ext. 2360. Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting lots of good materials and ideas. (Mrs.) Barbara Cheadle, Editor Future Reflections NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230 Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2360 Fax: (410) 659-5129 bcheadle at nfb.org http://www.nfb.org/nopbc From dandrews at visi.com Wed Jan 21 01:41:58 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:41:58 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] PAID INTERNSHIPS and MENTORING for students with disabilities pursuing computing! Message-ID: PAID INTERNSHIPS and MENTORING for students with disabilities pursuing computing! The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) sponsor the AccessComputing Alliance for the purpose of increasing the participation of people with disabilities in computing careers. College students with disabilities who are pursuing Computer Science and other computing majors are encouraged to join the AccessComputing Team. Team members are eligible for help with PAID COMPUTING INTERNSHIPS and MENTORING. The application is at: http://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/team_app.html This project is funded by the National Science Foundation. For more information, or help with the application, students are encouraged to contact Julie Grant (jago at u.washington.edu). -- Julie Grant Counselor/Coordinator Intern DO-IT Box 354842 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195-4842 http://www.washington.edu/doit/ PHONE: 206.685.3648 (Voice/TTY) FAX: 206.221.4171 From dandrews at visi.com Thu Jan 22 02:03:32 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:03:32 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Blind Bargains.com Voting Has Started Message-ID: From John G. Par? Jr. Dear Colleagues: I am writing to you to ask your help in recognizing one of the most important inventors of our time. Blind Bargains.com is conducting the voting round for its second annual Access Technology Awards. Ray Kurzweil and the knfbReader Mobile have been nominated in three different categories. We, the blind users of access technology, have the opportunity to tell the world how much we appreciate and honor Ray Kurzweil and his inventions. Please support Ray Kurzweil by voting in favor of the nominations for his newest and most exciting product and for Ray Kurzweil himself. Here are the particulars: You can submit your vote by visiting http://www.blindbargains.com/awardvote08.php Only one vote in each category by each person is permitted. So, don't vote several times as your ballots will not be counted. Voting ends at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on January 25, 2009. The knfbReader Mobile is nominated in two categories: Category 1, Best New Product or Innovation, and Category 5, Best Software Product. Ray Kurzweil has been nominated in Category 11 for Person of the Year. There are many worthy nominations this year, but I think you will agree that the work of Ray Kurzweil has had a tremendous impact on the life of each and every blind person not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Working with the National Federation of the Blind, Ray Kurzweil created the first truly pocket-sized reading machine. Please join me in supporting this technology that was created and produced side by side with the organized blind. Please visit http://www.blindbargains.com/awardvote08.php and cast your votes before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time this Sunday. Thank you in advance for your help. John G. Par? Jr. Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND From JFreeh at nfb.org Wed Jan 28 18:53:38 2009 From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh, Jessica) Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:53:38 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act Introduced 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 U.S. Representatives Edolphus Towns and Cliff Stearns Introduce Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act National Federation of the Blind Applauds Measure to Protect Lives and Preserve Independence of Blind Americans Washington, DC (January 28, 2009): Representatives Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL) today introduced H.R. 734, a bill intended to protect the blind and other pedestrians from injury or death as a result of silent vehicle technology. The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on how to protect the blind and others from being injured or killed by vehicles using hybrid, electric, and other silent engine technologies. Thirty-two original co-sponsors have already signed on to the bill. Because blind pedestrians cannot locate and evaluate traffic using their vision, they must listen to traffic to discern its speed, direction, and other attributes in order to travel safely and independently. Other people, including pedestrians who are not blind, bicyclists, runners, and small children, also benefit from hearing the sound of vehicle engines. New vehicles that employ hybrid or electric engine technology can be silent, rendering them extremely dangerous in situations where vehicles and pedestrians come into proximity with each other. "The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the wise and decisive action taken today by Congressmen Towns and Stearns to preserve the right to safe and independent travel for the blind," said Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind. "The blind, like all pedestrians, must be able to travel to work, to school, to church, and to other places in our communities without being injured or killed. This bill will benefit all pedestrians for generations to come as new vehicle technologies become more prevalent. The blind of America will do everything in our power to ensure its swift passage." "The beneficial trend toward more environmentally friendly vehicles has had the unintended effect of placing the blind and other pedestrians in danger," said Representative Towns. "As someone who taught travel with a white cane to the blind for many years, I understand that the sound of traffic is critically important in order for them to travel safely and independently. This bill will prevent many injuries and fatalities while still allowing more clean vehicles on our nation's roads." "I understand the safety concerns of blind pedestrians with these quiet automobiles; I have heard the same concerns from senior citizens in my district, and I appreciate the threat to children, bicyclists, and runners," said Representative Stearns. "I deeply appreciate the support of all parties in supporting this important safety legislation." The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation, within ninety days of its enactment, to commence a two-year study to determine the best means to provide the blind and other pedestrians with information about the location, motion, speed, and direction of vehicles. Upon completion of the study, the Secretary will report the findings of the study to Congress and, within ninety days, establish a minimum vehicle safety standard for all new vehicles sold in the United States. Automobile manufacturers will have two years to comply with the vehicle safety standard. ### 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 dandrews at visi.com Wed Jan 28 19:39:21 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:39:21 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] 2009 Washington Seminar Materials Message-ID: Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans: Priorities for the 111th Congress, FIRST Session The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States. As the Voice of the Nation?s Blind, we present the collective views of blind people throughout society. All of our leaders and the vast majority of our members are blind, but anyone can participate in our movement. There are an estimated 1.3 million blind people in the United States, and every year approximately 75,000 Americans become blind. The social and economic consequences of blindness affect not only blind people, but also our families, our friends, and our coworkers. Three legislative initiatives demand the immediate attention of the 111th Congress in its first session: 1. We urge Congress to ensure the safety of blind and other pedestrians by passing the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. This legislation would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to: ? Begin a study within ninety days of its enactment to determine the most practical means of assuring that blind and other pedestrians receive essentially similar information to what they now receive from sound emitted by internal combustion engines; ? Determine the minimum amount of sound necessary to offer sufficient information for blind pedestrians to make safe travel judgments based on appropriate scientific research and consultation with blind Americans and other affected groups; ? Within two years of beginning the study, promulgate a motor vehicle safety standard to address the needs of blind and other pedestrians by requiring either a minimum level of sound or an equally effective means of providing the same information as is available from hearing internal combustion engines; and ? Apply the standard to all motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States beginning no later than two years after the date it is promulgated. 2. We urge Congress to work with blind Americans to create a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind that mandates consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment to provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual means. This legislation should: ? Mandate that all consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment be designed so that blind people can access the same functions as sighted people through nonvisual means and with substantially equivalent ease of use; ? Create a commission comprised of essential stakeholders to establish standards for nonvisual accessibility of electronic devices intended for use in the home or office; ? Endow the commission with enforcement powers or locate it within a government agency having such powers; and ? Authorize it to reexamine and rewrite standards to keep pace with the evolution of consumer electronic technology. 3. We urge Congress to promote and facilitate the transition by blind Americans from recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits to income-earning, taxpaying, productive members of the American workforce by enacting legislation to: ? Replace the monthly earnings penalty with a graduated 3-for-1 phase-out (i.e., a $1 reduction in benefits for each $3 earned above the limit); ? Replace the monthly earnings test with an annualized earnings test with an amount equal to twelve times. Substantial Gainful Activity amount; and ? Establish an impairment-related work expense deduction for blind Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries equal to the amount applicable for this deduction when determining an appropriate income subsidy under Medicare Part D or 16.3 percent of earnings, whichever is greater. For more information about these priorities, please see below or consult the attached fact sheets. Blind Americans need your help to achieve our goals of economic security, increased opportunity, and full integration into American society on a basis of equality. Enactment of these legislative proposals will represent important steps toward reaching these goals. We need the help and support of each member of Congress. Our success benefits not only us, but the whole of America as well. In this time of national economic insecurity, these measures will contribute to increasing the tax base and encouraging the purchase of consumer goods. ENHANCING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: ENSURING THE BLIND CAN CONTINUE TO TRAVEL SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY Purpose: To require hybrid, electric, and other vehicles to emit a minimum level of sound to alert blind and other pedestrians of their presence. Background: Until recently independent travel for the blind has been a relatively simple matter, once a blind person has been trained in travel techniques and has learned to use a white cane or travel with a guide dog. Blind people listen to the sounds of automobile engines to determine the direction, speed, and pattern of traffic. Sounds from traffic tell blind pedestrians how many vehicles are near them and how fast they are moving, whether the vehicles are accelerating or decelerating, and whether the vehicles are traveling toward, away from, or parallel to them. With all of this information, blind people can accurately determine when it is safe to advance into an intersection or across a driveway or parking lot. The information obtained from listening to traffic sounds allows blind people to travel with complete confidence and without assistance. Studies have shown that sighted pedestrians also use this information when traveling. Over the past few years, however, vehicles that are completely silent in certain modes of operation have come on the market, and many more silent vehicles are expected in the near future. These vehicles are designed to have many benefits, including improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, but they do not need to be silent in order to achieve these intended benefits. An unintended consequence of these vehicles as they are currently designed is that they will reduce the independence of blind Americans and endanger the lives, not only of blind people, but also of small children, seniors, cyclists, and runners. Currently the most popular of these vehicles is the gasoline-electric hybrid, which alternates between running on a gasoline engine and on battery power (although a few electric automobiles are already on America?s roads and new all-electric models are planned). The blind of America do not oppose the proliferation of vehicles intended to reduce damage to the environment, but for safety these vehicles must meet a minimum sound standard. On April 9, 2008, Congressmen Ed Towns and Cliff Stearns introduced H.R. 5734 (the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008). This legislation sought to solve the problem of silent cars by authorizing a two-year study to determine the best method for allowing blind individuals to recognize the presence of silent cars, and by requiring that, two years after the study was completed, all new vehicles sold in the United States must comply with the solution determined by the study. In the 110th Congress, eighty-eight members of the House cosponsored this legislation. Need for Congressional Action: For several years the National Federation of the Blind has been concerned about the proliferation of silent vehicles. Recently automobile manufacturers have acknowledged the problems posed to blind pedestrians by silent vehicle technology and have begun to work with the National Federation of the Blind to seek solutions. However, federal regulators have indicated that, in the absence of statistics on injuries or deaths caused by hybrid vehicles, nothing can be done. Congress must therefore direct the Department of Transportation to take action. It is crucial that this problem be addressed before the inevitable avalanche of tragedies involving blind people, small children, seniors, cyclists, runners, and newly blinded veterans shocks the nation. Proposed Legislation: Congressmen Towns and Stearns have reintroduced the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act to direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study and establish a motor vehicle safety standard that provides a means of alerting blind and other pedestrians of motor vehicle operation, based on appropriate scientific research and consultation with blind Americans and other affected groups. This national motor vehicle safety standard must have the following characteristics: * In all phases of operation (including times when the vehicle is at a full stop) vehicles shall be required to emit an omni-directional sound with similar spectral characteristics to those of a modern internal combustion engine. * The sound should vary in a way that is consistent with the sound of vehicles with combustion engines to indicate whether the vehicle is idling, maintaining a constant speed, accelerating, or decelerating. The standard need not prescribe the apparatus, technology, or method to be used by vehicle manufacturers to achieve the required minimum sound level. This approach will encourage manufacturers to use innovative and cost-effective techniques to achieve the minimum sound standard. The addition of components to emit a minimum sound discernible by blind and other pedestrians will not negatively affect environmental benefits of gasoline-electric hybrids and other automobiles running on alternate power sources, and the emitted sound need not be loud enough to contribute to noise pollution. Automobiles that operate in complete silence, however, endanger the safety of all of us; silent operation should be viewed as a design flaw comparable to the lack of seat belts or air bags. Requested Action: Please support blind Americans by cosponsoring the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act to authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish and promulgate regulations specifying a minimum sound standard for all new automobiles sold in the United States. In the House of Representatives, members can be added by contacting Emily Khoury in Congressman Towns?s office, or James Thomas in Congressman Stearns?s office. In the Senate members can support independence for blind Americans by sponsoring companion legislation. Contact Information: Jesse Hartle Government Programs Specialist NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2233 Email: jhartle at nfb.org A TECHNOLOGY BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE BLIND Purpose: To create a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind that mandates consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment to provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual means. Background: In recent years rapid advances in microchip and digital technology have led to increasingly complex user interfaces for everyday products like consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment. Many new devices in these categories require user interaction with visual displays, on-screen menus, touch screens, and other user interfaces that are inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision. No longer are settings on the television, home stereo system, or dishwasher controlled by knobs, switches, and buttons that can be readily identified and whose settings can be easily discerned, with or without the addition of tactile markings by the user. Moreover, the use of inaccessible interfaces on office equipment such as copiers and fax machines makes these devices unusable by the blind and therefore a potential threat to a blind person?s existing job or a barrier to obtaining new employment. This growing threat to the independence and productivity of blind people is unnecessary since digital devices can function without inaccessible interfaces. Today text-to-speech technology is inexpensive and more nearly ubiquitous than it has ever been; it is used in everything from automated telephone systems to the weather forecasting service broadcast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Indeed, a few manufacturers have incorporated this technology into their products to create talking menus or to articulate what is on the display; there is no reason why other manufacturers cannot do so as well. And text-to-speech technology is not the only mechanism by which consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment can be made accessible to blind people. Need for Legislation: Currently there are no enforceable mandates for manufacturers of consumer electronics, home appliances, or office equipment to make their devices accessible and no accessibility standards to provide guidance to manufacturers on how to avoid creating barriers to access by the blind. Congress should therefore enact a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind, which clearly establishes that manufacturers must create accessible user interfaces for their products, provide a means for enforcement, and establish standards that will provide meaningful benchmarks that manufacturers can use to make their products accessible. Congress need not mandate a single, one-size-fits-all solution for all consumer technology. Rather any such legislation should mandate regulations that set meaningful accessibility standards, while at the same time allowing manufacturers to select from a menu of potential solutions that, singly or in combination, will allow blind users to operate the technology easily and successfully. This will not only give manufacturers the freedom and flexibility they desire, but encourage innovations that make consumer technology more usable for everyone. Proposed Legislation: Congress should enact a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind that: * Mandates that all consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment be designed so that blind people are able to access the same functions as sighted people by nonvisual means and with substantially equivalent ease of use; and * Creates a commission to establish standards for nonvisual accessibility of electronic devices intended for use in the home or office. Such a commission should represent all stakeholders, including organizations of the blind; manufacturers of consumer electronics, home appliances, and office equipment or associations representing such manufacturers; and experts on universal design, electronic engineering, and related fields. This commission should have enforcement powers or be housed within a government agency having such powers (e.g., U.S. Department of Commerce), and should be authorized to reexamine and rewrite standards periodically, as consumer electronic technology continues to evolve. Requested Action: Please support blind Americans by introducing legislation to create a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind (or by cosponsoring once legislation has been introduced) so that blind people will be able to participate fully in all aspects of American society. Increased access leads to increased independence, increased employment, and increased tax revenue. Contact Information: James McCarthy Government Programs Specialist NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2240 Email: jmccarthy at nfb.org REMOVING THE EARNINGS PENALTY: A COMMON SENSE WORK INCENTIVE FOR BLIND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFICIARIES Purpose: To promote and facilitate the transition by blind Americans from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to income-earning, taxpaying, productive members of the American workforce. Background: The unemployment rate for working-age blind people is over 70 percent. Part of the reason for this disproportionately high statistic is the myths and misconceptions about the true capacities of blind people. These erroneous perceptions are manifested when employers refuse to hire the blind. In addition, governmental programs intended to help blind people meet their basic economic needs, especially the SSDI program, have had the unintended consequence of creating an incentive for blind people to remain unemployed or underemployed despite their desire to work. Low societal expectations result in low representation of the blind in the workforce. This low representation of the blind reinforces low societal expectations?it is a vicious circle that perpetuates systemic employment discrimination against the blind. Despite the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind, blindness still has profound social and economic consequences. Governmental programs should encourage blind people to reach their full employment potential; they should not encourage economic dependence. Existing Law: Title II of the Social Security Act provides that disability benefits paid to blind beneficiaries are eliminated if the beneficiary exceeds a monthly earnings limit. This earnings limit is in effect a penalty imposed on blind Americans when they work. This penalty imposed by the SSDI program means that, if a blind person earns just $1 over $1,640 (the monthly limit in 2009 following a Trial Work Period), all benefits are lost. Section 216(i)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act defines blindness as a disability based on objective measurement of acuity and visual field, as opposed to the subjective criterion of inability to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). For blind people, doing work valued at the SGA earnings limit terminates benefits but does not terminate disability. Only blind people not working or those with work earnings below an annually adjusted statutory earnings limit receive benefits. Need for Legislation: When a blind person enters the workforce, there is no guarantee that wages earned will replace SSDI benefits after taxes are paid and work expenses are deducted. For example, Jane worked as a customer service representative with an annual income of $35,000 until she became blind from diabetic retinopathy. Jane meets the criteria for SSDI benefits, which provide income of $1,060 a month (or $12,720 a year) tax-free while she is not working. Jane wants additional income to meet her financial needs. After an adjustment period and blindness skills training, she finds employment as a part-time representative making $10 an hour for 35 hours a week. Jane grosses $350 a week for an average of $1,517 a month. Using a conservative 25 percent withholding tax, Jane nets $1,137.50 from her work, combined with her $1,060 disability benefit, for a net total of $2,197.50 a month. If Jane should have the opportunity to work full time (40 hours), her weekly salary would go up to $400 a week for a monthly average of $1,733. This amount is over the 2009 earnings limit, so Jane loses all of her disability benefits. Using the same 25 percent tax level, Jane nets only $1,300 a month?working an extra five hours a week has cost Jane $897.50 net income (over $10,500 a year). This example illustrates the work disincentive contained in current law. A gradual reduction of $1 in benefits for every $3 earned over the earnings limit would remove the earnings penalty and provide a financial incentive to work. The benefit amount paid to an individual will gradually decrease, while the individual?s contribution to the Social Security trust fund increases over time. Under this approach, as Jane earns more, she pays more into the trust fund, and her dependence on benefits decreases. Monthly earnings evaluations are unnecessarily complicated for both the beneficiaries and the Social Security Administration. Since the medical prognosis for blind people rarely changes, and because blindness is objectively measurable, blind people should be subject to an annual earnings test with the limit equal to the twelve times applicable monthly SGA amount. Under current law blind workers frequently pay for items and services related to their disabilities that are necessary for them to work, and they are permitted to subtract these Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) from monthly earnings when determining monthly income. Properly crediting IRWE poses a serious challenge to the SSDI program and creates a lack of predictability for the blind person trying to determine whether benefits will be available. To address both issues, Congress should permit SSDI recipients to claim the same amount used when determining an income subsidy under the Medicare prescription drug program, currently 16.3 percent. Congress should enact legislation to: ? Provide that earnings of blind SSDI beneficiaries in excess of the annual earnings limit result in a gradual benefit reduction of $1 for each $3 earned over the limit; ? Establish an annual earnings test for blind SSDI beneficiaries; and ? Establish one standard IRWE deduction for blind SSDI beneficiaries equal to the amount presently applicable for this deduction when determining an appropriate income subsidy under the Medicare prescription drug program or 16.3 percent of earnings, whichever is greater. Requested Action: Please support blind Americans by cosponsoring legislation that provides a common sense work incentive for blind Social Security beneficiaries. Contact Information: James McCarthy Government Programs Specialist NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Phone: (410) 659-9314, extension 2240 Email: jmccarthy at nfb.org The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: 2009-Washington-Seminar-Legislative-Agenda-and-FactSheets.doc Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent sending or receiving certain types of file attachments. Check your e-mail security settings to determine how attachments are handled. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2009-Washington-Seminar-Legislative-Agenda-and-FactSheets1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 131072 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dandrews at visi.com Wed Jan 28 23:49:54 2009 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:49:54 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] New Lists on nfbnet.org Message-ID: I am pleased to be able to tell you about six new lists now hosted on nfbnet.org. They include: * NFB of Maryland list * North Dakota Talk * South Dakota Talk * Tidewater Virginia chapter list * Missouri Parents Network * youth-outreach Below is information on all the lists with instructions on how to subscribe to each. Dave nfbmd: NFBMD is the e-mail list of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. The purpose of this group is to provide information to anyone interested in events and issues effecting blind people in Maryland. This group will facilitate discussion on topics related to blindness, chapter and state activities, and state and local resources. There will also be occasional posts concerning issues of major importance to the blind as well as announcements concerning activities of the National Federation of the Blind on the national level. To subscribe either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmd_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to nfbmd-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line by itself. nd-talk: ND-Talk is the e-mail list of the National Federation of the Blind of North Dakota. The purpose of this group is to provide information to anyone interested in events and issues effecting blind people in North Dakota. This group will facilitate discussion on topics related to blindness. There will also be occasional posts concerning issues of major importance to the blind as well as announcements concerning activities of the National Federation of the Blind on the national, state, and local levels. To subscribe to this list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nd-talk_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to nd-talk-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line by itself. sd-talk: SD-Talk is the e-mail list of the National Federation of the Blind of South Dakota. The purpose of this group is to provide information to anyone interested in events and issues effecting blind people in South Dakota. This group will facilitate discussion on topics related to blindness. There will also be occasional posts concerning issues of major importance to the blind as well as announcements concerning activities of the National Federation of the Blind on the national, state, and local levels. To subscribe to this list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sd-talk_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to sd-talk-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject field by itself. Tidewater-chapter: We are the NFB of Virginia Tidewater Chapter and we are growing. Our President is Stewart Prost. We cover the Norfolk and Portsmouth areas as well as parts of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. We meet every 3rd Saturday at Orapax Greek Restaurant in the Ghent. To subscribe to this list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/tidewater-chapter_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to tidewater-chapter-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line by itself. missouri-parents-network: This list is for parents of blind and visually impaired children from Missouri and is designed to provide an opportunity for Missouri parents to network and share ideas with other parents as they seek to find solutions and resources. To subscribe to this list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/missouri-parents-network_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to missouri-parents-network-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject field by itself. youth-outreach: The purpose of the Youth-Outreach listserv is to facilitate discussions among NFB members interested in building youth outreach programs in their chapters and affiliates. The listserve will be used as a forum for sharing information, resources, and ideas. This listserv will help generate innovative approaches to inspiring and engaging blind youth and will build a community of those interested in improving opportunities for youth through the NFB. To subscribe to this list either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/youth-outreach_nfbnet.org or send e-mail to youth-outreach-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe on the subject line by itself. From elalonde at shaw.ca Fri Jan 30 03:48:53 2009 From: elalonde at shaw.ca (elizabeth lalonde) Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:48:53 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] CANADIAN FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CONVENTION Louis Braille Birthday Bash Message-ID: Louis Braille: From Literacy to Liberty 2009 CANADIAN FEDERATION OF THE BLIND CONVENTION Louis Braille Birthday Bash Join the party! Celebrate the 200th birthday of Louis Braille with us. The fourth annual Canadian Federation of the Blind convention will be held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at the Traveller's Inn, City Centre, 1961 Douglas Street (Corner of Douglas and Discovery Streets) starting Thursday evening, April 30, to Sunday morning, May 3, 2009. Everyone welcome. Please register by April 20. (Read below for details about hotel and registration information). CONVENTION ACTIVITIES: Thursday evening, April 30, 2009 - Casual dinner, followed by a recreational activity. Friday, May 1, 2009 -Hands-on Braille Workshop, 9 - 11:30 AM -White Cane Walk, 1 - 2 PM -Adaptive Technology Exhibit, 2 - 5 PM -Welcome Reception, 6:30 - 8 PM -CFB?s ?Rowdy and Raucous? Auction, 8 PM (Registration begins at 6 PM) Saturday, May 2, 2009 (Registration begins at 7:45 AM) - Full-day Conference, 9 AM ? 4:30 PM. Speakers at the conference will discuss topics such as Braille literacy, independence, rehabilitation, employment, expectations, empowerment, advocacy, the Federation and a positive perspective on blindness and the abilities of blind people, and other blindness issues. - Banquet with Keynote Address, 6:30 ? 9:30 PM. Sunday, May 3, 2009 - Canadian Federation of the Blind breakfast board meeting (AGM) 9 AM ? 11 AM CONVENTION REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Registration fee is $55 if you pre-register, or $60 at the door. (Note: the registration fee includes Friday evening's reception, and Saturday's lunch and banquet.) You can pre-register for the CFB convention by mailing your registration fee to the Canadian Federation of the Blind, with a note stating the contact information of each attendee. Alternatively, email contact information to info at cfb.ca and then over our website pay your fee via Paypal to registration at cfb.ca. HOTEL INFORMATION Traveller's Inn, City Centre 1961 Douglas Street (corner of Douglas and Discovery). Victoria, BC Phone: (250) 382-2111 or 1-888-877-9444 The following room rates are available to convention attendees if you reserve. The rooms are not pre-booked, so it is advisable to reserve early to assure space. Standard Single Rooms $64.95 Standard Double Rooms $74.95 (rates are non-commissionable and subject to 17.75% taxes and surcharges) Federation conventions are unlike typical conferences. They serve as a way for blind people from across distances to get together to learn from each other, to share ideas and to gain confidence and inspiration from being together. We look forward to seeing you at the convention! For more information about the convention or the CFB, please contact us. TO REACH US: Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) www.cfb.ca info at cfb.ca (250) 598-7154 1-800-619-8789 P.O. Box 8007 Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8W 3R7 Promoting the equality and empowerment of blind Canadians. From CDanielsen at nfb.org Fri Jan 30 03:58:11 2009 From: CDanielsen at nfb.org (Danielsen, Chris) Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:58:11 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] Follow NFB on Twitter Message-ID: Dear Fellow Federationists: I am writing with exciting news! You can now follow the latest news and information from the National Federation of the Blind, the Voice of the Nation?s Blind, on Twitter. To follow our Twitter updates, go to www.twitter.com/NFB_voice. You'll need to join Twitter if you don't have an account. Twitter is a social networking site that allows you to keep track of your friends, family, and interests online. In addition to signing up for Web updates for the National Federation of the Blind, you can also opt to receive our Twitter updates via text message on your mobile phone. And while you?re at it, follow the 2009 Braille Readers are Leaders campaign as well, by going to www.twitter.com/brailleliteracy We hope lots of you will follow our new Twitter feed?and don't hesitate to send us a direct message if you have questions or comments about what you read. Sincerely: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND From KBowman at nfb.org Fri Jan 30 04:26:22 2009 From: KBowman at nfb.org (Bowman, Kristi) Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:26:22 -0600 Subject: [Uabs] One Million for Literacy Message-ID: 2008-09 Imagination Fund Campaign One Million for Literacy This year's NFB Imagination Fund campaign will continue to build on our past success and will expand our effort to the largest campaign yet. During this campaign cycle our focus is on continuing to give our Imaginators a variety of tools to solicit contributions and promote the ongoing work of the Federation. Additionally, we want to leverage our Imagination Fund work as an opportunity to promote the NFB's leadership in Braille literacy. The NFB has launched the largest campaign for Braille literacy ever undertaken, and the NFB Imagination Fund is an important way for you to encourage friends, family, business associates, and members of the public to contribute to new opportunities by giving to the Imagination Fund. Some members have asked about the distinction between our work in the Imagination Fund and our work in 2009 around the Braille literacy campaign. Think of it in this way: - Imagination Fund: Widening our circle of support by encouraging those outside the Federation to support the important work we are doing by giving financial contributions. - Braille literacy campaign: Creating widespread public awareness about Braille, encouraging people to purchase the U.S. Louis Braille Commemorative Silver Dollar, and building awareness of the leadership of the Federation. In other words, in terms of fundraising we want NFB members to focus on securing support for the Imagination Fund. And, of course, the dollars contributed to the NFB Imagination Fund will support our Braille literacy effort by building: - the initiatives of the NFB Jernigan Institute, including innovative research, education, and technology development related to Braille literacy; - Braille outreach programs developed by NFB affiliates to address specific Braille literacy concerns in local communities; - leadership and support in local chapters to provide mentoring to newly blind individuals and families with blind children; and - previously unimagined programs to change what it means to be blind. Yes, you are right, the NFB does need to provide matching funds in order to secure funds generated from the sale of the Louis Braille coin. However, we are making specific outreach efforts to corporations, foundations, and other large donors to secure those funds. This is largely being managed by the national office and the Braille literacy team headed by Fred Schroeder. If you know of funding sources that you can secure to support the Braille literacy initiative, you should contact Dr. Schroeder so he can work with you to follow up. Otherwise, NFB members should focus their individual fundraising efforts on the Imagination Fund culminating in our Motor City March for Independence in Detroit. The pending release of the U.S. Louis Braille commemorative coin, and our public outreach around Braille literacy provides a perfect vehicle to talk to members of the public about Braille literacy and encourage them to support us. Thus, NFB members should continue to see the NFB Imagination Fund as our primary way to bring new dollars of support to our movement. This year we will raise one million dollars and at the same time we will forever change Braille literacy in this country.