[Youth-outreach] FW: Newsletter

Thu Jun 4 17:55:59 UTC 2009

Hi all, 
Putting together a newsletter is yet another way that you can get youth
involved. Most of the people mentioned in the newsletter below,
including the editor are high school or college students in Georgia.
Great job GABS! Enjoy! 

Treva 
 -----Original Message-----
From: Isaiah Wilcox [mailto:iwilcox2011 at gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 12:31 PM
To: Garrick Scott
Subject: Fwd: Newsletter

<http://mail.google.com/mail/?view=att&th=1218882726c6fe65&attid=0.1&dis
p=attd&realattid=file0&zw>  

CONNECTING THE DOTZ

"EVERYDAY PEOPLE LIVING LIFE EVERYDAY"

ISSUE NO. 1 (01 June 2009) 

ON BLAST

(Blind Leaders Advocating for the Students of Tomorrow) 

     A mark in history was made at the Days Inn Downtown Atlanta on
April 11th, as the Georgia Association of Blind Students held the first
annual student convention for the state of Georgia. The Georgia
Association of Blind Students, also known as GABS, is Georgia's division
of the National Association of Blind Students. This organization is the
student division of the National Federation of the Blind; which is
composed of students at both the secondary and post-secondary level.
This group of students also includes non-traditional students of all
ages. The purpose of the division is to promote self-advocacy,
independence, self-motivation, and a wide variety of other useful
tactics. The overall goal of the Georgia Association of Blind Students
is to serve as a voice for blind individuals and produce well-rounded
individuals who are educated in both the classroom and the blind
community.     

Not only did the Georgia Association of Blind Students make their mark
in history by hosting the first student convention in Georgia, but we
also had one of the largest amount of members attend the event. Over
forty individuals registered for the convention on April 11th; traveling
from all regions in the state. There were many presenters who spoke with
us and provided valuable information. Among these were, Paul
Raymond-Director of Blind Services, Terri Rupp-President of the National
Association of Blind Students, Kathy Segers-Programs Director for the
state of Georgia, Stella Cone-Regional Director of Library Services,
Sally Atwell-"Benefits Navigator", Linda Pouge-"Advocacy History and
You", Vencer Cotton-Transitioning, and Michael Smith-Self-Defense
Techniques. 

********* 

BRIDGING THE GAP

This article is known as Bridging the Gap. Its sole purpose is to
highlight individuals who have served the NFBGA a number of years. We
will focus on individuals who have been diligent, hardworking and
dedicated to the Georgia Affiliate. This month the spotlight falls on
Robert Smith. 

     Robert joined the organization in 1990. Since that time he has
become one of the true leaders of the Blind Movement in Georgia. He is
an Atlanta native. He first learned of the NFB while working for Sears.
One of his duties was to encourage his co-workers to donate funds to
United Way in order to financially assist organizations such as the NFB.

Robert was later diagnosed with glaucoma and was invited to attend a NFB
national convention. He soon realized that this was the organization for
him. He has spent the last few years as a massage therapist. He has
civic involvements. He is chairman of the Elderly Disabled Access
Advisory Committee (EDAC). This group deals with issues surrounding
transportation and the Americans With Disabilities Act.  He also serves
on the Fulton County Disability Affairs Commission. 

Robert currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the NFB of Georgia.
He is a mentor in the GEMS program. When asked what is your fondest
memory of the program he replied, "when I attended my first national
convention and met so many people in so many different professions it
came to me that this is an organization that will never limit you. You
can become whatever you desire."

********* 

BLIND VISION

(ARTICLE TAKEN FROM KNFB READER WEBSITE) 

     The Mobile Reader Product Line from knfbReading Technologies, Inc.,
is a major advancement in portability and functionality of print access
for the blind, the vision impaired and those with reading difficulties. 

The knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile software packages run on a
multifunction cell phone that allow the user to read mail, receipts,
handouts and many other documents wherever the user happens to be. This
is a truly pocket-sized solution to reading on the go. The knfbReader
Mobile software has a feature set designed for blind or low vision
users. The kReader Mobile is designed for people who have difficulty
reading due to learning or language problems. 

knfb Reading Technologies is a Joint Venture between Kurzweil
Technologies and the National Federation of the Blind. 

The National Federation of the Blind has launched a new special low
interest loan program that will apply to the knfbReader! Visit their
website at: http://knfbreader.michaelhingson.com/  

********* 

THE GIGGLE BOX 

A vampire bat came flapping in from the night covered in fresh blood and
parked himself on the roof of the cave to get some sleep. 
Pretty soon all the other bats smelled the blood and began hassling him
about where he got it. 
He told them to go away and let him get some sleep but they persisted
until finally he gave in. 
"OK, follow me" he said and flew out of the cave with hundreds of bats
behind him. 
Down through the valley they went, across a river and into a forest full
of trees. 
Finally he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around
him. 
"Now, do you see that tree over there?" he asked. 
"Yes, Yes, and Yes!" the bats all screamed in frenzy. 
"Good" said the bat, "Because I sure as heck didn't!"

********* 

NFB NEWSLINE

(ARTICLE TAKEN FROM NFB NEWSLINE WEBSITE) 

     Would you like a newspaper with your morning cup of coffee?
NFB-NEWSLINE(r) added its 250th newspaper in 2007 AND it's still
growing. Four Spanish-language newspapers are now available to all
subscribers.  The service handles thousands of phone calls each day for
individuals across the country that now access daily newspapers and
magazines as never before. The toll-free centralized call-in center
provides service on demand to any subscriber. This also enables those
who cannot read conventional print to have access to all content offered
on NFB-NEWSLINE(r) when traveling throughout the United States
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Every day, a subscriber can choose that day's, the previous days, or the
previous Sunday's issue of any newspaper in the service. On
NFB-NEWSLINE(r), the user can easily choose which newspaper, section,
and article to read using a standard touch-tone telephone. The menu
provided allows the user to change the speed and voice settings, spell
out words, or search for a particular word or subject.

NFB-NEWSLINE(r) now offers more choices than ever, including special
local channels to distribute announcements of specific interest to the
blind. For more information visit:
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Newspapers_by_Phone.asp 

********* 

WORD PLAY 

Chastise: (verb) to punish severely; to judge harshly

Amy chastised John for his insensitive remark. 

Dogged: (adjective) stubbornly persevering; tenacious

The student's dogged attitude and unwillingness to give up greatly
contributed to her academic success. 

Lugubrious: (adjective) mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an
exaggerated or ludicrous degree

The actor's lugubrious monologue reflected feelings of sadness and pain.

********* 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

June 28 GABS Teleconference 7:30 p.m.

July 3-8 National Convention (Detroit, Michigan)

July 6th Motor City March for Independence 

July 26 GABS Teleconference 7:30 p.m.

July 26-August 1st Youth Slam

August 14-16 You Improving You, Southeastern Regional seminar (Macon,
Georgia)

********* 

BRAIN BASHER 

Are you up for the challenge? Test your skills. Can your brain bash
these problems, or will these problems bash your brain? 

PUZZLE 1

Many years ago, a cruise liner sank in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The survivors luckily landed on a remote desert island. There was enough
food for the 220 people to last three weeks. Six days later a rescue
ship appeared, unluckily this ship also sank, leaving an additional 55
people stranded on the island to now share the original rationed food.
The food obviously had to be re-rationed, but everyone was now on
one-half of the original ration, so how many days in total would the
food last for, from the day of the original sinking? 

ANSWER 1

30 days: originally there was enough food for 220 people for 21 days,
which totals 4620 rations. After 6 days 1320 rations were eaten.
Therefore there were now 3300 rations for 275 people, which would last
for another 24 days at one-half ration per person. Which is 30 days in
total from the original sinking. 

PUZZLE 2

Geoff and I were playing on the roundabout at the local park. It was
very large and we stood on opposite sides and we spun the roundabout
anti-clockwise. I threw a ball to Geoff. Did the ball go to Geoff, or
did it go to the right of him or the left of him? 

ANSWER 2

Since the roundabout moved while the ball was travelling to Geoff, the
ball went to the right of him (i.e. his left).

********* 

Two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to Go Into Space Today 

National Federation of the Blind Launches Program 
to Sell 50,000 Coins before the Shuttle Returns to the KENNEDY SPACE
CENTER (May 11, 2009): When the space shuttle Atlantis takes off today,
it will carry two Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars.  This
unique coin commemorates the birth of the inventor of the reading and
writing code for the blind and is the first United States coin to
contain tactile, readable Braille.  At the same time, the National
Federation of the Blind will launch a program to sell 50,000 of these
limited edition coins to raise funds to advance Braille literacy in the
United States before the shuttle returns to earth in eleven days. 
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind,
said: "This is an exciting moment because the general public has the
chance to buy a piece of history; a coin that not only represents
knowledge and empowerment for blind people but that also will visit the
Hubbell Space Telescope.  Just as the Hubbell telescope has advanced our
knowledge of the universe, purchasing the Louis Braille Bicentennial
Silver Dollar will advance the cause of equality for the blind." 
Mark Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the
Blind Jernigan Institute, said: "Blind children in America are facing a
crisis; only 10 percent of them are learning Braille, leaving 90 percent
illiterate.  It is imperative that the general public act swiftly to
reverse illiteracy among blind children.  That is why we are asking
everyone to purchase a Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar before
Atlantis returns to earth." 
To purchase the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, please visit
<http://www.usmint.gov/ <http://www.usmint.gov/> >www.usmint.gov
<http://www.usmint.gov/>  or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  The proof
silver dollar is $41.95 and the uncirculated silver dollar is $33.95.
For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the
Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org
<http://www.braille.org/> 

********* 

RUTH WITH THE TRUTH 

Hey. My name is Ruth. I have been raising children since the beginning
of time.  I have known about things that you all may have never dreamed
of. So, if you have any questions please send them to me. I will give
you the some of my sage advice based on my years of experience. In other
words I will do my best to help you. But remember I can only give advice
or get you to look at the situation from another perspective. You have
to make the final decisions for yourself. Nonetheless,

Still come to "Ruth with the Truth". Please send your questions and
concerns to ruthwiththetruth at gmail.com
<mailto:ruthwiththetruth at gmail.com> . Your submissions will be kept
anonymous.   

Dear Ruth,

I have spent the majority of my life concentrating on my academics.  I
recently met someone whom I find attractive.   I don't think I am all
that good looking.  This is because some of the other students tease me
about my acne.  How do I approach her? 

Signed

Dateless in Barnesville  

Dear Dateless, 

Congratulations for being focused on your studies. You did not mention
your age so I am going to assume that you are a high school student.
High school can be a difficult time in a young man's life for various
reasons. May I suggest that you have a talk with your parents and set up
an appointment with a dermatologist to find out how to treat your acne?
As you work on solving your skin issue your self-confidence will

Improve and you will find it easier to approach any young lady.

Good luck. 

RWTT 

Dear Ruth, 

I am 15 years old and my parents have separated. I live with my mom.  We
live in an area that is rough and there are people selling drugs.  

I do not feel safe coming home alone sometimes.  I want to live with my
dad. How do I tell my mom that I want to move without hurting her
feelings? 

Signed

Torn and Confused  

Dear Torn and Confused, 

I am not sure what your relationship is with your mother. You should sit
down with both parents and express your fears and apprehensions. The
three of you can come up with a solution that works for everyone
involved. 

R W T T  

 Dear Ruth, 

I am currently in middle school living at home with my mom and my
brother and sister.  Times are hard for the family, but we seem to make
it. My cousin who lives up the street is selling drugs. He says he will
pay me to be a watch out. I know drugs are bad but we could use the
money.  Please tell me it would be all right to do it just one time. 

Uncertain in Sparta  

Dear uncertain, 

You are not confused. You are not uncertain. You know to participate in
such a scheme is not right and has great consequences. If you were
caught and sent away from your mother and sister and brother times would
truly be hard. Have faith that things will get better and do not resort
to crime as a way out. 

R W T T

********* 

GABS GOSSIP 

Connecting the Dotz reports that the Georgia Association of Blind
Students is currently building a website.  This website will be the
information center for all of the students who are a part of GABS, NABS,
and any others who would like to visit the site.  The site is called
"Connecting the Dotz;" however, the domain has not been established at
this time.  The website will host a multiple resource center for student
success.  Please stay tuned for more information and the actual launch
of the website.   
********* 

DT ENTERTAINMENT 

Are you looking for musical entertainment that will get the party
started? Then DT Entertainment is the DJ company that will satisfy your
entertainment needs. We provide fun and enjoyment for all
occasions-weddings, parties, and a host of other events. We entertain
the crowd with a wide variety of musical genres; from rap and hip-hop to
country and gospel, we have it all just waiting to get the party
started. If you want your party to be the most talked about event of the
year, then contact Derrick Tuff and Timothy Collins at 404-354-2250.

********* 

FOR SALE 

     The Georgia Association of Blind Students is in the process of
selling T-shirts. These T-shirts are very fashionable and comfortable.
The shirts are royal blue. In the top center of the shirt is the
metallic NFB whoseit logo. Beneath the NFB whoseit logo is the Georgia
affiliate motto for the year, "Everyday People Living Life Everyday".
The T-shirts are available in sizes ranging from small to 3X. Small-XL
shirts are $12, and 2X and 3X shirts are and additional $3. If you are
interested in purchasing a shirt, contact Lakeisha Holmes, GABS
secretary. 

  ********* 

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 

Dear Connecting the Dotz Readers: 

The Connecting the Dotz news team would like to thank you for taking the
time out to read our division's newsletter. If you have enjoyed reading
the newsletter, tell a friend. If you did not find the newsletter
helpful in anyway, or if you were left unsatisfied, please tell us. If
you have any suggestions and/or submissions feel free to email the CTD
news team at ctd.team09 at gmail.com <mailto:ctd.team09 at gmail.com> . Stay
tuned for next quarter's newsletter scheduled for release September 1st.
Thanks again for your support. 

Signed,

CTD News Team

Isaiah Wilcox
President of the Georgia Association of Blind Students
Phone: 404-291-7791
E-mail: iwilcox2011 at gmail.com