From suncat0 at gmail.com  Sun Nov  3 01:32:24 2013
From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag)
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 2013 21:32:24 -0400
Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fw: [nfbmi-talk] Position Papers
Message-ID: <0CD496A5E0B447BF8DBBA672522614EA@Reputercat0>


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Eagle" <markaeagle at yahoo.com>
To: "NFB Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2013 20:39
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Position Papers


Dear Federationist,

The three position papers that the NFB of Michigan have been working on for 
months are now available on our website at 
http://www.nfbmi.org/positionpapers.html

Thanks,

NFB of Michigan
Web Team
_______________________________________________
nfbmi-talk mailing list
nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
nfbmi-talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/suncat0%40gmail.com 




From suncat0 at gmail.com  Thu Nov  7 22:47:47 2013
From: suncat0 at gmail.com (Joe Sontag)
Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2013 17:47:47 -0500
Subject: [Vendorsmi] [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight
	StandingCommittee Meeting
References: <22A1D9E63CBC4B9F93DE61F97A274EF1@Reputercat0>
	<C38FAA0DC41A4D468D65D11B4FC7B149@YOUR7C60552B9E>
Message-ID: <D813E6B5E0ED4EFA855FBE316AED41F0@Reputercat0>

The Elected Operators' Committee should be demanding this information, but 
the same game is being played with them, at least as individuals.  One 
member tried to get copies of documentation supporting the Bureau's Summer 
operationat the Capitol, only to be priced out of the market and harshly 
criticised by Lord Essenberger.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "joe harcz Comcast" <joeharcz at comcast.net>
To: "Joe Sontag" <suncat0 at gmail.com>; "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing 
List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 17:32
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight 
StandingCommittee Meeting


> Darn I have another appointment on the same issue.
>
> Carry on Joe S and all.
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Joe Sontag" <suncat0 at gmail.com>
> To: "NFBMI List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 5:31 PM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight 
> StandingCommittee Meeting
>
>
>> We need to be there with bells on. I've been waiting for this 
>> announcement for months!
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Oversight" <hrep-over at listserver.legislature.mi.gov>
>> To: <HREP-OVER at listserver.legislature.mi.gov>
>> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 14:06
>> Subject: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight Standing Committee Meeting
>>
>>
>>> House Standing Committee Meeting
>>>
>>> Oversight, Rep. Tom McMillin, Chair
>>>
>>> DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
>>>
>>> TIME: 2:30 PM or after committees are given leave by the House to meet, 
>>> whichever time is later.
>>>
>>> PLACE: Room 326, House Office Building, Lansing, MI
>>>
>>> AGENDA:
>>> HB 4001 (Rep. Shirkey) Civil rights; public records; statewide standards 
>>> for freedom of information act costs; modify.
>>>
>>> SB 94 (Sen. Jones) Military affairs; other; restriction of activities by 
>>> Michigan national guard and state and local employees; provide for under 
>>> certain circumstances.
>>>
>>> To view text of legislation go to:
>>> http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=CommitteeBillRecord
>>>
>>> Committee Clerk: Doug Simon
>>> Phone: 517-373-8099
>>> e-Mail: dsimon at house.mi.gov
>>>
>>> Individuals who wish to bring written testimony need to supply a minimum 
>>> of thirty copies for distribution.
>>>
>>> Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting 
>>> may contact the Chair's office.
>>>
>>> Schedule changes or cancellations available at www.legislature.mi.gov or 
>>> 24 hours at (517) 373-8140.
>>>
>>> Notice posted: 11/7/2013
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> To manage your membership please visit 
>>> http://legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=listserversignup
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbmi-talk mailing list
>> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> nfbmi-talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/joeharcz%40comcast.net
> 




From f.wurtzel at att.net  Fri Nov  8 00:21:37 2013
From: f.wurtzel at att.net (Fred Wurtzel)
Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2013 19:21:37 -0500
Subject: [Vendorsmi] [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House
	Oversight	StandingCommittee Meeting
In-Reply-To: <D813E6B5E0ED4EFA855FBE316AED41F0@Reputercat0>
References: <22A1D9E63CBC4B9F93DE61F97A274EF1@Reputercat0>	<C38FAA0DC41A4D468D65D11B4FC7B149@YOUR7C60552B9E>
	<D813E6B5E0ED4EFA855FBE316AED41F0@Reputercat0>
Message-ID: <00ec01cedc18$7dcaeda0$7960c8e0$@att.net>

Hello,

This is awesome.  It will be great to tell our story.  I hope everyone who
cares can make this a priority.

Warmest Regards,

Fred

-----Original Message-----
From: Vendorsmi [mailto:vendorsmi-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joe
Sontag
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 5:48 PM
To: joe harcz Comcast; NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Cc: VENDORSMI List
Subject: Re: [Vendorsmi] [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight
StandingCommittee Meeting

The Elected Operators' Committee should be demanding this information, but
the same game is being played with them, at least as individuals.  One
member tried to get copies of documentation supporting the Bureau's Summer
operationat the Capitol, only to be priced out of the market and harshly
criticised by Lord Essenberger.

----- Original Message -----
From: "joe harcz Comcast" <joeharcz at comcast.net>
To: "Joe Sontag" <suncat0 at gmail.com>; "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing
List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 17:32
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight
StandingCommittee Meeting


> Darn I have another appointment on the same issue.
>
> Carry on Joe S and all.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joe Sontag" <suncat0 at gmail.com>
> To: "NFBMI List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 5:31 PM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight 
> StandingCommittee Meeting
>
>
>> We need to be there with bells on. I've been waiting for this 
>> announcement for months!
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Oversight" <hrep-over at listserver.legislature.mi.gov>
>> To: <HREP-OVER at listserver.legislature.mi.gov>
>> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 14:06
>> Subject: [OVER] STANDARD: House Oversight Standing Committee Meeting
>>
>>
>>> House Standing Committee Meeting
>>>
>>> Oversight, Rep. Tom McMillin, Chair
>>>
>>> DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
>>>
>>> TIME: 2:30 PM or after committees are given leave by the House to 
>>> meet, whichever time is later.
>>>
>>> PLACE: Room 326, House Office Building, Lansing, MI
>>>
>>> AGENDA:
>>> HB 4001 (Rep. Shirkey) Civil rights; public records; statewide 
>>> standards for freedom of information act costs; modify.
>>>
>>> SB 94 (Sen. Jones) Military affairs; other; restriction of 
>>> activities by Michigan national guard and state and local employees; 
>>> provide for under certain circumstances.
>>>
>>> To view text of legislation go to:
>>> http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=CommitteeBillRecord
>>>
>>> Committee Clerk: Doug Simon
>>> Phone: 517-373-8099
>>> e-Mail: dsimon at house.mi.gov
>>>
>>> Individuals who wish to bring written testimony need to supply a 
>>> minimum of thirty copies for distribution.
>>>
>>> Individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the 
>>> meeting may contact the Chair's office.
>>>
>>> Schedule changes or cancellations available at 
>>> www.legislature.mi.gov or
>>> 24 hours at (517) 373-8140.
>>>
>>> Notice posted: 11/7/2013
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> To manage your membership please visit 
>>> http://legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=listserversignup
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfbmi-talk mailing list
>> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nfbmi-talk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/joeharcz%40co
>> mcast.net
> 


_______________________________________________
Vendorsmi mailing list
Vendorsmi at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/vendorsmi_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Vendorsmi:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/vendorsmi_nfbnet.org/f.wurtzel%40att.net




From dandrews at visi.com  Thu Nov 28 01:58:19 2013
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 19:58:19 -0600
Subject: [Vendorsmi] Fwd: ADV: The Clear View News, November 2013
Message-ID: <auto-000133915647@mailfront3.g2host.com>


>
>Having trouble viewing this email? 
><http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=aa05131e-1f00-47a1-a658-7c6b8b91f787&c=a72836f0-40ac-11e3-b7c3-d4ae5292c36f&ch=a72bb960-40ac-11e3-b7c3-d4ae5292c36f>Click 
>here
><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-m49NGB7jorgfYYZ5QF6gJGIL7NqDKhegnO7icAdxhhLXEm8VURCibzPzhzSrT01UUYqeOSLciq-BXiM6SUAahRsmVfmGPLKF3hUvNMtjdz8Yjkx8qU3hWQ=&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==>
>My Blind Spot, the clear view to diversity
>
>In This Issue
>JUST HOW WE SEE IT
>We Did It!
>A Letter From John Martyn
>VIEWS GONE WILD
>FOCUSED VIEWS
>Quest for QuickBooks
>SUPPORT OUR VIEW
>Thank You!
>LAST BUT NOT LEAST
>Quick Survey
>About Us
>My Blind Spot is an organization dedicated to 
>helping visually impaired individuals.
>PLEASE SHARE!
>
>Please feel free to share this newsletter with 
>your friends and colleagues. We would also 
>appreciate your taking time to 
><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-m49NGB7jorg8CLKxtn0JFwE2p3R6iYrDxReS8wa7BKoMzQmsATFYPOUbe5PD-LKNdUS-iX4Bl7gB2det-wkSgu8r8TVwpNFJy4Hbm73zT_PFfZ9XGzD6lcoha3D8NzimGrRQ1Yk6zzG1sBjiFxeE3_aufwfo04FVSoK0GrSoMk-&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==>like 
>us on Facebook by clicking here.
>
><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-m49NGB7jorg8CLKxtn0JFwE2p3R6iYrDxReS8wa7BKoMzQmsATFYPOUbe5PD-LKNdUS-iX4Bl7gB2det-wkSgu8r8TVwpNFJy4Hbm73zT_PFfZ9XGzD6lcoha3D8NzimGrRQ1Yk6zzG1sBjiFxeE3_aufwfo04FVSoK0GrSoMk-&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==>
>Like us on Facebook
>
><http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1115240793895>
>Join our mailing list!
>
>
>? My Blind Spot, Inc.
>Drop Shadow Accent Image
>
>The Clear View News
>November 2013 Volume 1 Issue 1
>Dear David,
>
>  JUST HOW WE SEE IT
>Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image
>
>We Did It!
>
>I don't even know where to begin. For starters, 
>this is the first release of our quarterly newsletter, The Clear View News.
>
>We have come a long way since seeing the launch 
>of My Blind Spot. We have secured meaningful 
>funding to deliver on our mission and vision for 
>the community. We have addressed specific 
>accessibility issues plaguing the blind and 
>print disabled communities in the area of 
>financial management. We have grown from what 
>was an organization handled by a single set of 
>hands, to a group with many hands and many 
>shoulders making light work for all we need to do.
>
>This is only the beginning, and I continue to 
>invite you, our supporters, to help guide us in 
>the direction of addressing the next big thing 
>for the community. We have a significant success 
>under our belts with the completion of our 
>QuickBooks project, with sights set on training, 
>outreach and educating people of all abilities 
>about our mantra, "Access to the right tools 
>creates ability and restores infinite possibilities."
>
>Much thanks and gratitude to Jim and Ted, Tom, 
>Brian, Dianna and Bob, Jim, Cathy, Kathleen, 
>Lori, John, Steve, Dixie, Daniel, Ted, Cheryl, 
>Sujasree, Denise, Jon, David, Lisa, and, last but not least, Mom and Dad.
>
>"The only thing worse than being blind is having 
>sight, but no vision." Helen Keller
>
>Appreciatively, Albert J. Rizzi, CEO and Founder
>
>
>A Letter From John Martyn
>
>Hi all,
>
>My name is John Martyn and I have been dreaming 
>about QuickBooks accessibility for more than 2 
>years. It started off with something I thought 
>would grab Intuit's interest: scripts I had 
>written for QuickBooks 13. I presented the 
>scripts for what I called "QuickBooks Blind" to 
>Lori Samuels, Accessibility Program Manager at 
>Intuit, when I first met her at the CSUN conference in early 2012.
>
>Just a few months earlier, Lori had been 
>speaking with Albert Rizzi of My Blind Spot 
>about making an accessible and usable version of 
>QuickBooks. Thanks to Lori, Albert and I were 
>introduced, and the three of us started 
>brainstorming about actually making a usable and 
>accessible version of QuickBooks.
>
>As I worked on the scripts, writing and 
>rewriting code, it became apparent that we 
>needed to attack this from a different angle if 
>we were going to be successful. After 
>investigating potential partners and speaking 
>with experts in the field, of whom some stayed 
>and some did not, My Blind Spot decided that in 
>order to get the ball rolling on the development 
>of a usable version of QB, we needed to expand 
>the team. Lori set out to secure support from 
>the engineering team at Intuit while Albert set 
>his sights on reaching out to the best in the 
>field when it came to programming and accessibility.
>
>Soon we were all working with Steve Clark of 
>Adaptive Technology Services, and the real fun began.
>
>Steve set his sights on auditing and assessing 
>the platform of QuickBooks, and Lori expanded 
>the team internally at Intuit to include Cheryl Aranha and Ted Drake.
>
>For many years the blind and print disabled 
>community had searched for an accessible version 
>of QuickBooks, and it had been said time and 
>again that someone was doing QuickBooks 
>accessibility, but people kept waiting and hoping. Until now.
>
>The momentum we generated led to executive 
>support from Intuit, which was that shot in the 
>arm we needed to proceed. With buy-in from the 
>executive level and the engineering level, we 
>were able to transform an accounting program 
>only marginally usable to the blind into a 
>program usable and accessible to all.
>
>A short while ago, my dream to make it possible 
>for blind business owners, accountants, and 
>bookkeepers to manage their own finances became 
>a reality. We have been beta testing everything 
>the team has done to get QuickBooks working for the community.
>
>I am happy to be working with the team that My 
>Blind Spot pulled together on what is to become, 
>in my opinion, the largest accessibility project 
>for the blind, opening doors of employment and 
>creating opportunities for blind small business 
>owners to independently manage their own businesses.
>
>This is why this project is so important to me 
>personally and professionally. A lot was 
>sacrificed to make my dream a reality. I thank 
>all who that have been involved in the Quest for 
>QuickBooks, for their hard work and their 
>dedication to making QuickBooks accessible to people of all abilities.
>
>Thanks to all who volunteered to beta test. We 
>are working hard to get it all pieced together, 
>andwith your help, we can make it even better.
>
>John Martyn
>
>
>  VIEWS GONE WILD
>Contributed by Albert J. Rizzi
>
>Do you know Donna Triply? Have you ever gotten an email from Donna?
>
>This week a funny thing happened. I had been 
>sending out updates and announcements through My 
>Blind Spot to keep our followers and supporters 
>advised of the latest and greatest accomplishments and strides made at MBS.
>
>A colleague and new friend, Ann, forwarded me an 
>email that was sent to her by Donna. She asked 
>why Donna had forwarded the email to her and why 
>I had not sent it to her directly.
>
>Admittedly, I was confused. I did not send an 
>email to Donna nor did I ask her to forward 
>anything to anyone on my behalf. Who was Donna, 
>and why was she forwarding our press release 
>about our project to make QuickBooks accessible 
>and usable to the blind and the print disabled?
>
>Putting on my best Sherlock Holmes outfit, I 
>took to investigating the matter. Turned out, 
>after a little sleuthing, that I did know Donna, 
>or at least who sent the email that seemed to 
>come from Donna Triply. It was our webmaster, David Annett.
>
>When David set up our announce list to keep 
>people informed on current events, he 
>established a one-way list that does not allow 
>people to reply to us. The "from" address field reads as follows:
>
><mailto:donotreply at myblindspot.org>donotreply at myblindspot.org
>
>Now, for those of you who do not use a screen 
>reader or adaptive tools that the blind and the 
>print disabled use to translate text into audio 
>output, I suspect that you are scratching your 
>heads. But when that address is translated into 
>audio output for screen reader users, what it 
>sounds like is Donna Triply. I just about fell 
>off my chair laughing once I figured out what was wrong.
>
>I immediately wrote to my friend, Ann, and told 
>her what I had deduced. She suggested that to 
>avoid that problem, I needed to use caps at the 
>start of each new word-for example, 
><mailto:donotreply at myblindspot.org>DoNotReply at MyBlindSpot.org. 
>Then, what you all see as non-screen-reader 
>users will exactly match what we hear as blind 
>and print disabled users of adaptive technologies.
>
>If we all make that simple adjustment or ask our 
>webmasters to address this consideration, no one 
>will ever wonder who Donna Triply is and why she is writing to us.
>
>
>
>
>  FOCUSED VIEWS
>Newsletter - Dance Drop Shadow Image
>
>
>The Quest for QuickBooks
>
>
>
>There's an old saying when it comes to knowing 
>what will happen in the end: "It's not over till the fat lady sings."
>
>
>
>For more than twenty years, the blind and 
>visually impaired have been waiting for that 
>climactic aria in the opera that might be titled 
>"The Quest for QuickBooks;" that is, for an 
>ADA-compliant, usable QuickBooks that will give 
>them access to the preeminent accounting software on par with sighted users.
>
>
>
>Some in the audience had no choice but to give up on their quest.
>
>
>
>"I've only attempted to access QuickBooks a 
>dozen or so times, as there's really nothing I 
>can do with it and it gets me more frustrated 
>every time I make an attempt. I really need 
>access to QuickBooks to enhance my day to day 
>guiding of the company, as finances and accurate 
>bookkeeping are the foundation to any successful 
>business," said John Wellslager.
>
>
>
>In spite of the myriad challenges posed over the 
>years, others, out of necessity, and with varied 
>degrees of success, struggled to use the 
>available accounting programs by using any 
>number of props and accessories to bridge issues 
>that remain present even today.  In the world of 
>financial software, this is nothing new. 
>Consider the experience of Richard Kelly:
>
>
>
>"I've been legally blind most of my life. In 
>1988 I began using computers, then screen 
>readers in 1990, and by 1992, my being able to 
>use a screen or a monitor ended.  As my usable 
>vision was failing, I knew I had to find an 
>accessible accounting computer program if I had 
>any hopes of maintaining my financial 
>independence. Over the years I've heard, and 
>continue to hear, you cannot use QuickBooks with 
>a screen reader. It's not accessible. 
>Nonetheless, I found it usable until the 2013 
>release, which I found to be neither accessible 
>nor usable. In my opinion, it had become utterly worthless."
>
>
>
>Sadly, there are always false finales. When we 
>do find a program that works, with no tweaking 
>or scripting solution required to bridge the 
>digital divide, we hold our breath and pray that 
>it stays usable and accessible as new releases 
>and upgrades are made to the core product. All 
>too often, however, what starts out well 
>screeches to an abrupt halt when a program is 
>rendered inaccessible due to an operating system 
>update. Even worse is when the core product is 
>rendered useless with an update by an engineer 
>or web designer with little understanding of accessibility issues.
>
>
>
>For example, Julie Warrington had deep concerns 
>when she first learned about the initiative to 
>make an accessible and usable version of QuickBooks.
>
>
>
>"The QB software is a major part of my 
>employment, and I am very concerned that if they 
>break the accessibility work-arounds I have developed, I will be out of a job."
>
>
>
>As a result, many of us have contacted software 
>companies over the years to encourage them to 
>design accessibility into, or return lost 
>accessibility to, their product.  Occasionally, 
>we receive an empathetic response but more often 
>it is a dismissive comment. Joleen Ferguson got 
>the runaround from various customer service reps 
>who offered little or no appreciation for accessibility.
>
>
>
>"I don't have the confidence to believe that 
>things will not quickly become outdated again 
>with next year's product update, but I strongly 
>agree that we need choices.  My choice is to 
>support the company that supports me and my needs."
>
>
>
>Yes, there is something operatic about 
>this-mistaken identities, misdirected magic, 
>broken hearts. Until recently, blind users had 
>the satisfaction of keeping track of their 
>finances with an earlier scripted version of 
>Quicken only to lose accessibility when a new 
>and improved version of the accounting program came out.
>
>
>
>The accessibility opera plays on. Off stage, the 
>critics scoff. With years of soaring promises 
>followed by dashed hopes, the community has 
>grown justifiably skeptical as to whether or not 
>the Diva will ever take center stage and belt out that high note.
>
>
>
>Yet, for those who are desperate for access to 
>QuickBooks, there is reason to remain hopeful. 
>My Blind Spot, a nonprofit organization founded 
>by Albert J. Rizzi, is championing accessibility 
>for the blind and visually impaired by 
>collaborating with Intuit, Inc. to make their 
>preeminent small business financial software 
>truly accessible, usable, and ADA compliant. My 
>Blind Spot has successfully reached out to 
>Intuit, at many levels, in order to convey to 
>them the urgency of improving accessibility to their financial products.
>
>
>
>Kim Thurman is one of those hopeful individuals 
>placing her trust in My Blind Spot and Intuit to 
>bring an accessible option for financial management to the community.
>
>
>
>"I am very intrigued with your efforts to 
>finally make QuickBooks accessible with screen 
>readers.  I have attempted to use the software 
>several times over the years to no avail."
>
>
>
>Perhaps the most compelling story is the one 
>highlighted in a video produced by My Blind Spot 
>and posted on YouTube. Dixie Sanderson and her 
>circumstances are representative of the truths 
>the blind community has lived with, and continue 
>to live with, for far too long.
>
>
>
><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-k_jcjhrgSwXau8R43bjwdUcv3381lr9kUwajh6lbV-oV5cRNfJOzf5HBZdIWfXiSPbtJv0rJDOYigELA42tJJBwK26lKPAxKMYwCXkVp-FWZLcxi4TLHcTKnWYNkk_gHelFxICM7npJEyyyoIzZQuk=&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZklXouXyORk
>
>
>
>Through the combined efforts of the engineering 
>teams at My Blind Spot and Intuit, the 
>20-year-long, seemingly Wagnerian quest for 
>accessible QuickBooks appears to be coming to an 
>end. If you listen carefully, you might hear the 
>conductor tuning up the orchestra from the pit 
>in preparation for the final act. The soprano, 
>waiting in the wings, is practicing her new lyrics.
>
>
>
>For Dixie, the song used to be, "I had to 
>dissolve my business and turn to disability 
>income." It has been replaced with, "My 
>contractors say that when I can use QuickBooks, 
>I will be their bookkeeper once again."
>
>
>
>To that end, and opening to a wide audience and 
>rave reviews, My Blind Spot, in concert with 
>Intuit, will be raising the curtain on a usable 
>and accessible version of QuickBooks for Windows 
>appearing live on a desktop near you.
>
>
>
>The community is approaching a crescendo, sung 
>loud and strong, promising hope and opportunity for people of all abilities.
>
>
>
>Finally!
>
>
>SUPPORT OUR VIEW
>
>Thanks to all who contributed to our recent 
>fundraiser held in conjunction with Macy's 
>Annual Shop for a Cause Event. We are constantly 
>looking for additional support and resources to 
>continue our work for people of all abilities. 
>We are open to suggestions of ways we can secure 
>the precious resources needed to do what we do best-opening doors for others.
>
>
>
>In the coming months, we plan to launch a 
>fundraising effort through an online platform. Stay tuned!
>
>
>
>Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
>
>access equals ability, infinite possibilities
>
>
>
>LAST BUT NOT LEAST
>
>Take our super-quick survey!
>
>
>
>Our web professionals have put together an 
>Accessibility Awareness Survey consisting of 6 
>true or false questions on Survey Monkey. The 
>survey is for developers and novices alike. 
>Please take a moment to fill it out. You can find it at:
>
>
>
> 
><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QtPnOptN7-z2alzW8m3v1jeafoAipiO81DaNkX8zaqbPE_FFC2VQ-m49NGB7jorgsOEVwLh_3PUZqgL8POWT8RRBa4J-j_2AOTgmjV0HLwemuKFMgDv3Vvo_SXYnBmaeRT3Dk14UMZlT7iq6kgrsJaLhK7WDuIRe3REj9hGrVVrCYt6Hs_AjklVAL5Hm1H8h&c=yWi52Cv6eZ5roUut4Jd41xVFQKtgYk9XGKUWC21Xh9bitskTDspGnA==&ch=xZCWCSM5yRYU97V_jGYkozKUZxJ3IcZxsgWWybYx1XiXdMLS6pTo3A==>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RZGZ2J8 
>
>
>
>
>We will share the results as soon as we have 
>more than 100 participants. Please share the 
>link with all the developers you know!
>
>
><http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=hzbqyuoab&m=1115240793895&ea=dandrews%40visi.com&a=1115685681879>Forward 
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>  <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=TEM_News_255>
>[]
>
>This email was sent to dandrews at visi.com by 
><mailto:webmaster at myblindspot.org>webmaster at myblindspot.org |
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