From dandrews at visi.com Sun Jul 2 15:15:09 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sun, 02 Jul 2006 15:15:09 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Accident Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060702151106.035050e0@visi.com> Dear Idaho Folks: I am not to sure what to call people from Idaho, Idahoans, Idahoians, Idahoites ... or spudsters. Anyway, we had a mishap with the nfbnet.org server and some files were corrupted. Unfortunately, some of those files were the ones that defined nfb-idaho, one list out of almost 100, and it was yours. Sorry about that! I was able to re-establish the list and the archives, (old messages,) are not lost, but are still in tact. The original membership list, and intro information are out of date, I am sure, but all I have. Mrs. Walhof or somebody please contact me when you are home from convention so we can bring things up to date. Thanks and sorry again. David Andrews, List Owner From dandrews at visi.com Sun Jul 2 15:29:11 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sun, 02 Jul 2006 15:29:11 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Idaho List Bites the Dust Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060702152517.01015b80@visi.com> Hi everybody: Due to some unavoidable problems here, some files on the NFBNET.ORG server were corrupted. Only one of our many lists seems to have been hurt, it is the NFB of Idaho list. The archives, (old messages) are still in tact, and I was able to put in some old information and names from when it was started. However, if you have subscribed to the list your name is most likely gone, so you will need to resubscribe. To subscribe to nfb-idaho either go to: http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho or send e-mail to nfb-idaho-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe in the subject line. I am sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause anybody. Cordially, David Andrews, SysOp and List Owner From BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us Mon Jul 3 07:55:20 2006 From: BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us (Brett Winchester) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 06:55:20 -0600 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] 2009 Braille coin Message-ID: Bill what other media is available? Can I get electronic Braille? >>> billmorgan124 at cableone.net 7/1/2006 5:49:21 PM >>> What wonderful news, and that they all voted for this coin of Louis Braille makes it extra special. I was able to do what I could from my computer, and phone to help with this project. It feels good to know I was a tiny part of it coming to pass. The blind helping themselves and each other. I bought the newest book on Braille's life in four volumes in Braille and read it. Believe me, you will never know what a miracle, with outstanding determination Braille is. For your sakes, please read this book in one form or another to heighten your value of the reading system by raised dots we call Braille. The book is called, "A Touch of Genius." Bill Morgan From BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us Mon Jul 3 07:58:32 2006 From: BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us (Brett Winchester) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 06:58:32 -0600 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Accident Message-ID: Hi Dave, I am here in Boise and may be able to help. As for monikers skip the middle two and you got a good set going. My cell is 208.867.6165 if you want. >>> dandrews at visi.com 7/2/2006 2:15:09 PM >>> Dear Idaho Folks: I am not to sure what to call people from Idaho, Idahoans, Idahoians, Idahoites ... or spudsters. Anyway, we had a mishap with the nfbnet.org server and some files were corrupted. Unfortunately, some of those files were the ones that defined nfb-idaho, one list out of almost 100, and it was yours. Sorry about that! I was able to re-establish the list and the archives, (old messages,) are not lost, but are still in tact. The original membership list, and intro information are out of date, I am sure, but all I have. Mrs. Walhof or somebody please contact me when you are home from convention so we can bring things up to date. Thanks and sorry again. David Andrews, List Owner _______________________________________________ Nfb-idaho mailing list Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho From dandrews at visi.com Mon Jul 3 11:33:33 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:33:33 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Accident In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060703113300.02b54350@visi.com> Mainly I am missing e-mail addresses of people who belonged. I guess I could look in archives, and pull out addresses, but don't really have time. Dave At 07:58 AM 7/3/2006, you wrote: >Hi Dave, I am here in Boise and may be able to help. As for monikers >skip the middle two and you got a good set going. My cell is >208.867.6165 if you want. > > > >>> dandrews at visi.com 7/2/2006 2:15:09 PM >>> >Dear Idaho Folks: > >I am not to sure what to call people from Idaho, Idahoans, Idahoians, >Idahoites ... or spudsters. > >Anyway, we had a mishap with the nfbnet.org server and some files were >corrupted. Unfortunately, some of those files were the ones that >defined nfb-idaho, one list out of almost 100, and it was yours. Sorry >about that! > >I was able to re-establish the list and the archives, (old messages,) >are not lost, but are still in tact. The original membership list, and >intro information are out of date, I am sure, but all I have. Mrs. >Walhof or somebody please contact me when you are home from convention >so we can bring things up to date. > >Thanks and sorry again. > >David Andrews, List Owner > >_______________________________________________ >Nfb-idaho mailing list >Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho >_______________________________________________ >Nfb-idaho mailing list >Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho David Andrews and white cane Harry. From BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us Mon Jul 3 12:01:07 2006 From: BWinches at icbvi.state.id.us (Brett Winchester) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:01:07 -0600 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Accident Message-ID: this one had probably better wait til RW or others get back as I do not have know all the addresses. >>> dandrews at visi.com 7/3/2006 10:33 AM >>> Mainly I am missing e-mail addresses of people who belonged. I guess I could look in archives, and pull out addresses, but don't really have time. Dave At 07:58 AM 7/3/2006, you wrote: >Hi Dave, I am here in Boise and may be able to help. As for monikers >skip the middle two and you got a good set going. My cell is >208.867.6165 if you want. > > > >>> dandrews at visi.com 7/2/2006 2:15:09 PM >>> >Dear Idaho Folks: > >I am not to sure what to call people from Idaho, Idahoans, Idahoians, >Idahoites ... or spudsters. > >Anyway, we had a mishap with the nfbnet.org server and some files were >corrupted. Unfortunately, some of those files were the ones that >defined nfb-idaho, one list out of almost 100, and it was yours. Sorry >about that! > >I was able to re-establish the list and the archives, (old messages,) >are not lost, but are still in tact. The original membership list, and >intro information are out of date, I am sure, but all I have. Mrs. >Walhof or somebody please contact me when you are home from convention >so we can bring things up to date. > >Thanks and sorry again. > >David Andrews, List Owner > >_______________________________________________ >Nfb-idaho mailing list >Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho >_______________________________________________ >Nfb-idaho mailing list >Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org >http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho David Andrews and white cane Harry. _______________________________________________ Nfb-idaho mailing list Nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho From dandrews at visi.com Tue Jul 11 03:32:46 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 03:32:46 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Don't Miss NFB Rocket Mission 3 - Please Distribute Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060711032852.038ba518@visi.com> >From: "Riccobono, Mark" > >On July 19, 2006, under the direction of blind mentors and NASA engineers, twelve blind students will attempt to become the third NFB team to launch a sounding rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. This year's Rocket On! team will attempt to fly higher and more successfully than the previous two missions. NFB Rocket Mission 3, like the previous two, will change the lives of the participating students and demonstrate that the blind can compete in challenging science and engineering endeavors. > >Tune in to the live Web cast of the National Federation of the Blind Rocket Mission 3 at: >http://www.wff.nasa.gov/webcast/ >The first launch attempt will be July 19, 2006, with the countdown beginning at 5:00 a.m. EDT. If the team is not able to launch on that day, a second attempt will be made the following day with the countdown beginning at the same time. We encourage you to plug into the Web cast early as the NFB audience has generally overwhelmed the NASA servers. > >The Rocket On! Science Academy is part of the NFB Jernigan Institute's National Center for Blind Youth in Science initiative. Rocket On! is made possible through support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, Lockheed Martin Corporation Foundation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, M&T Bank, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and individual contributors to the National Federation of the Blind. > >Imagine a Future Full of Opportunities! > > >Mark A. Riccobono >Director of Education, Jernigan Institute >NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND >1800 Johnson Street >Baltimore, Maryland 21230 >Phone: (410) 659-9314 ext. 2368 >Fax: (410) 659-5129 >Email: mriccobono at nfb.org >Web: www.nfb.org > >"Our perspective is not just for one day. It stretches back over the decades to the time of our beginning, and it reaches forward to the moment of the fulfillment >of our dreams." -- Marc Maurer, NFB President >Learn about the NFB Jernigan Institute education Programs at: >http://www.nfb.org/nfbji/education.htm From dandrews at visi.com Wed Jul 19 20:25:22 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 20:25:22 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] FW: Sign up to be a Mentor at NFB-LINK Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060719202405.03818330@visi.com> >From Joanne Wilson: jwilson at nfb.org > > >Attention Federationists: > >The department of Affiliate Action needs your help! Our new online mentoring program, NFB-LINK is ready to accept mentors. Sign on to nfblink.org and click on the "become a mentor" link to join this exciting program. Once your application is complete, it will be saved and you will be notified via email when you have been paired with a mentee. > >We need your knowledge, skills and talents to make this program a success, please sign up today! > >With Kind Regards, >Joanne Wilson From dandrews at visi.com Thu Jul 20 10:50:44 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:50:44 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Jernigan Institute News, July 19, 2006 Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060720104759.03836b58@visi.com> July in Dallas, Texas, is usually hot, but in 2006 it was even hotter as the largest group of blind people assembled together this year attended the 66th annual National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The convention is held annually during the first week of July, and this year's opening ceremonies appropriately commenced on Independence Day, when NFB President Marc Maurer announced the theme of the convention, proclaiming, "The Revolution Is Here!" to over 2800 members and friends of the Federation. Revolutionizing independence was the release of the Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader. This portable, handheld reading machine brings a new independence to blind and low vision folks across the country and around the world. Combining a state-of-the-art digital camera with a powerful personal data assistant, the "camera that talks" puts the best available character recognition software together with text-to-speech conversion technology--all in a single, handheld device. Users hold the Reader over print--a restaurant menu, an airline ticket, a business card, a school assignment, an office memo--and in seconds they hear the contents of the printed document played back in clear synthetic speech. The Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader has the ability to dramatically enhance the lives of millions of people who have difficulty seeing or reading print by providing access like never before. To see the national media coverage the Reader generated visit the following links: http://video.ap.org/v/en-ap/v.htm?g=95c071d3-cf1a-4193-afdd-d5a7991eff61&f=youridhere&fg=copy http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/06-26-2006/0004386982&EDATE. Another exciting announcement was the NFB Youth Slam, which will be held July 30-August 4, 2007, at the Institute. Expected to be the largest gathering of blind youth ever, two hundred blind or low vision youth will participate in four days of activities that expose them to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in a way that powerfully demonstrates that these challenging careers are open to them. In conjunction with partners such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, and other institutions and corporations working in STEM, the Slam will create a greater understanding among parents, teachers, and the general public that blind people can learn and excel in these fields. The Slam will culminate with an inspiring rally at Baltimore's Inner Harbor and a celebration at the Institute. For more information about the 2007 NFB Youth Slam visit http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Youth_Slam.asp?SnID=1723555634. Following convention and back at home, our work continues as the third annual Jernigan Institute Science Academy gets underway. On July 14, 2006, Rocket On!, the first of two Science Academy sessions for school age youth, had its kick off. Twelve high school students have become the third NFB team to successfully launch a 101/2-foot sounding rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia. We expect this Rocket On! camp to be successful at fulfilling dreams while shattering the myth that challenging and technical sciences are dangerous for blind youth. To learn more about this program go to http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=20335. For more information about the NFB Science Academy visit http://nfb.org/nfbji/science_academy.htm. Every day as we enter into the work that we do at the Jernigan Institute, we are grateful for the strength of our movement, the support of our friends, and the inspiration, innovation, and influence that the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute represents. As you can see, the Jernigan Institute is not simply advocating for skills and resources, we are actively changing what it means to be blind! Make sure to frequently check out Voice of the Nation's Blind and the Braille Monitor for more information on this and other important topics. Betsy A. Zaborowski, Psy.D. Executive Director Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Stay tuned for periodic news from the Institute. These short updates are being distributed on NFB listservs and to others interested in what is going on at the Jernigan Institute. Help us spread the word about the Institute by sharing this and other information at chapter meetings and at other gatherings of the blind. Visit our Web site: http://www.nfb.org/ From mcfadden87 at cableone.net Wed Jul 19 17:22:44 2006 From: mcfadden87 at cableone.net (Colleen McFadden) Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:22:44 -0600 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Fw: [nfbwatlk] Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act (fwd) Message-ID: <00ab01c6ab81$db70ee20$f09e7418@user3590e99f03> From: Mike Freeman To: NFB of Washington Talk Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 4:04 PM Subject: [nfbwatlk] Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act (fwd) From: "Hartle, Jesse" To: undisclosed-recipients: ; Subject: Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act Fellow Federationists, Shortly after our National Convention the Senate passed S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act. This legislation authorizes funding for dissemination of newspapers or magazines in an electronic or audio based format. If this legislation is enacted, and suitable arrangements are made, it would then not be necessary to have an appropriations earmark approved each year to pay the telecommunication cost for NFB Newsline. S. 2918 has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration. We must contact our members of the House of Representatives and urge them to ask the Committee on House Administration to take prompt action to pass this legislation. I have included a list of the Committee on House Administration below. Republican Representatives should be urged to contact Chairman Vernon Ehlers of Michigan, while Democratic Representatives should contact Ranking Member Juanita Millender-McDonald of California. Currently, we are able to provide Newsline year-to-year through the earmark process. Some members are trying to cut back on unauthorized earmarks, which puts our Newsline program in danger of being cut. If we act now to ensure that S. 2918 is passed through the House before the end of the second session, we will have taken a large step in our effort to protect the Newsline system. If you need more information, I have listed my contact information below. A fact sheet is also enclosed. Thank you all in advance for your work on this matter. Committee on House Administration: Republican Members Congressman Ehlers, Chairman, Michigan Congressman Ney, Ohio Congressman Reynolds, New York Congressman Mica, Florida Congressman Doolittle, California Congresswoman Miller, Michigan Democratic Members Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, Ranking Member, California Congressman Brady, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Lofgren, California Jesse Hartle Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2233 Email: jhartle at nfb.org JH/wmb Enclosure TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY: REACHING THE BLIND IN THE INFORMATION AGE Purpose: To provide access to newspapers for blind or other persons with disabilities, by passage of the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act'. BACKGROUND: In 1931 Congress created a national "Books for the Blind" program within the Library of Congress. This special media library, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), continues to be the principal source of Braille and audio books and magazines for the blind. However, NLS did not supply newspapers until quite recently. Public libraries are a free source for books, magazines, and newspapers but have very little to offer a patron who is blind. However, rapid distribution of newspapers and magazines is now possible. For example, the National Federation of the Blind provides readers with content from 233 newspapers (including 4 in Spanish) and 4 magazines (including "AARP, the Magazine") through its NFB-Newsline? program. This program uses high-speed computers and telecommunications technology to distribute electronic content to eligible readers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Using current production methods, the publication by NLS of even a single daily newspaper for distribution in Braille or on audiocassette would require several weeks for preparation and delivery. In contrast, the electronic system of providing access to newspapers and magazines over the telephone is designed for rapid distribution of each paper on the system. Using this service, blind people can read their favorite newspapers at the same time that print copies are being delivered to homes, offices, and newsstands. This is a significant expansion in our nation's capacity to meet the specialized information needs of the blind. MAINTAINING DAILY SERVICE: Unlike books of lasting value, newspapers are time sensitive. Electronic distribution of current news content, updated daily, is essential, and should be supported as an extension of the existing National Library Services (NLS) authorization by Congress to serve blind and physically handicapped persons. Since most eligible readers do not have regular access to computers or the technology and skills to use them without sight, distribution of electronic news text by telephone must be a part of the program supported by the Library of Congress. With technology such as that used by NFB Newsline, the problem of timely delivery can be solved, but the continuing burden of paying the telecommunications costs must be addressed. As passed by the Senate, S. 2918 authorizes $750,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums for each fiscal year through 2011. This is considered to be adequate to support the program described above. The original funding to make distribution of electronic newspapers possible was provided in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2001. Funds have since been provided by earmarks in subsequent Legislative Branch Appropriations bills, in fiscal years 2003, 2005, and 2006. These appropriations have been used to pay telecommunications cost, but are not used to support ongoing operation or maintenance of the service. Also, news organizations have cooperated by contributing their content free. This arrangement keeps the Federal role to a minimum. If this bill is enacted, readers will be provided with approximately 27.8 million minutes of on-demand service during fiscal year 2007. Distribution of local dialing numbers to avoid recurring toll-free long distance telecommunication charges should be emphasized. Counting the increasing numbers of seniors with vision problems who learn about this electronic newspaper service, the potential for growth is estimated at about 20 percent per year, but because of the ongoing distribution of local access numbers, the cost of long distance calls will increase by less than 20 percent. Additionally, technology has been developed to enable readers to receive content on small computer devices (like PDAs) used for Braille or audio output. As the trend advances toward use of these devices, blind readers will become less dependent on listening to electronic content on the telephone, avoiding long distance charges altogether. Current STATUS: Chairman Trent Lott and Ranking Member Christopher Dodd of the Senate Rules Committee introduced S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, on May 19, 2006. This legislation was passed by the Senate on July 11, 2006, by unanimous consent, and has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration for consideration. ACTION REQUESTED: Please support the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, by urging the Committee on House Administration to approve and promptly report this bill to the House. Approval by the House will ensure that this legislation is passed before the second session is adjourned. If this bill is not passed, this program will not exist beyond fiscal year 2007. It relies on a small amount of Federal support to provide 38% of the total cost of the service. For further information contact: Jesse Hartle Government Programs Specialist National Federation of the Blind Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2233 Email: jhartle at nfb.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ nfbwatlk mailing list nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk -------------- next part -------------- ? From: mailto:k7uij at panix.com Mike Freeman To: mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org NFB of Washington Talk Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 4:04 PM Subject: [nfbwatlk] Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act (fwd) From: "Hartle, Jesse" < mailto:JHartle at NFB.ORG JHartle at NFB.ORG > To: undisclosed-recipients:? ; Subject: Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act Fellow Federationists, Shortly after our National Convention the Senate passed S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act. This legislation authorizes funding for dissemination of newspapers or magazines in an electronic or audio based format.? If this legislation is enacted, and suitable arrangements are made, it would then not be necessary to have an appropriations earmark approved each year to pay the telecommunication cost for NFB Newsline. S. 2918 has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration. We must contact our members of the House of Representatives and urge them to ask the Committee on House Administration to take prompt action to pass this legislation.? I have included a list of the Committee on House Administration below.? Republican Representatives should be urged to contact Chairman Vernon Ehlers of Michigan, while Democratic Representatives should contact Ranking Member Juanita Millender-McDonald of California. Currently, we are able to provide Newsline year-to-year through the earmark process.? Some members are trying to cut back on unauthorized earmarks, which puts our Newsline program in danger of being cut.? If we act now to ensure that S. 2918 is passed through the House before the end of the second session, we will have taken a large step in our effort to protect the Newsline system. If you need more information, I have listed my contact information below.? A fact sheet is also enclosed.? Thank you all in advance for your work on this matter. Committee on House Administration: Republican Members Congressman Ehlers, Chairman, Michigan Congressman Ney, Ohio Congressman Reynolds, New York Congressman Mica, Florida Congressman Doolittle, California Congresswoman Miller, Michigan Democratic Members Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, Ranking Member, California Congressman Brady, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Lofgren, California Jesse Hartle Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2233 Email:? < mailto:jhartle at nfb.org mailto:jhartle at nfb.org > mailto:jhartle at nfb.org jhartle at nfb.org JH/wmb Enclosure TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY: REACHING THE BLIND IN THE INFORMATION AGE Purpose:? To provide access to newspapers for blind or other persons with disabilities, by passage of the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act'. BACKGROUND:? In 1931 Congress created a national "Books for the Blind" program within the Library of Congress.? This special media library, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), continues to be the principal source of Braille and audio books and magazines for the blind.? However, NLS did not supply newspapers until quite recently. Public libraries are a free source for books, magazines, and newspapers but have very little to offer a patron who is blind.? However, rapid distribution of newspapers and magazines is now possible.? For example, the National Federation of the Blind provides readers with content from 233 newspapers (including 4 in Spanish) and 4 magazines (including "AARP, the Magazine") through its NFB-Newsline? program.? This program uses high-speed computers and telecommunications technology to distribute electronic content to eligible readers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Using current production methods, the publication by NLS of even a single daily newspaper for distribution in Braille or on audiocassette would require several weeks for preparation and delivery.? In contrast, the electronic system of providing access to newspapers and magazines over the telephone is designed for rapid distribution of each paper on the system.? Using this service, blind people can read their favorite newspapers at the same time that print copies are being delivered to homes, offices, and newsstands.? This is a significant expansion in our nation's capacity to meet the specialized information needs of the blind. MAINTAINING DAILY SERVICE:? Unlike books of lasting value, newspapers are time sensitive.? Electronic distribution of current news content, updated daily, is essential, and should be supported as an extension of the existing National Library Services (NLS) authorization by Congress to serve blind and physically handicapped persons.? Since most eligible readers do not have regular access to computers or the technology and skills to use them without sight, distribution of electronic news text by telephone must be a part of the program supported by the Library of Congress. With technology such as that used by NFB Newsline, the problem of timely delivery can be solved, but the continuing burden of paying the telecommunications costs must be addressed. As passed by the Senate, S. 2918 authorizes $750,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums for each fiscal year through 2011.? This is considered to be adequate to support the program described above. The original funding to make distribution of electronic newspapers possible was provided in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2001.? Funds have since been provided by earmarks in subsequent Legislative Branch Appropriations bills, in fiscal years 2003, 2005, and 2006.? These appropriations have been used to pay telecommunications cost, but are not used to support ongoing operation or maintenance of the service.? Also, news organizations have cooperated by contributing their content free.? This arrangement keeps the Federal role to a minimum.? If this bill is enacted, readers will be provided with approximately 27.8 million minutes of on-demand service during fiscal year 2007. Distribution of local dialing numbers to avoid recurring toll-free long distance telecommunication charges should be emphasized.? Counting the increasing numbers of seniors with vision problems who learn about this electronic newspaper service, the potential for growth is estimated at about 20 percent per year, but because of the ongoing distribution of local access numbers, the cost of long distance calls will increase by less than 20 percent.? Additionally, technology has been developed to enable readers to receive content on small computer devices (like PDAs) used for Braille or audio output.? As the trend advances toward use of these devices, blind readers will become less dependent on listening to electronic content on the telephone, avoiding long distance charges altogether. Current STATUS:? Chairman Trent Lott and Ranking Member Christopher Dodd of the Senate Rules Committee introduced S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, on May 19, 2006.? This legislation was passed by the Senate on July 11, 2006, by unanimous consent, and has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration for consideration. ACTION REQUESTED:? Please support the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, by urging the Committee on House Administration to approve and promptly report this bill to the House.? Approval by the House will ensure that this legislation is passed before the second session is adjourned.? If this bill is not passed, this program will not exist beyond fiscal year 2007.? It relies on a small amount of Federal support to provide 38% of the total cost of the service. For further information contact: Jesse Hartle Government Programs Specialist National Federation of the Blind Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2233 Email:? < mailto:jhartle at nfb.org mailto:jhartle at nfb.org > mailto:jhartle at nfb.org jhartle at nfb.org _______________________________________________ nfbwatlk mailing list mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Legislative Alert on S. 2918.doc Type: application/msword Size: 26624 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb-idaho/attachments/20060719/3aa112a3/LegislativeAlertonS.2918-0001.doc -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Fact Sheet on S. 2918-1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 31744 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb-idaho/attachments/20060719/3aa112a3/FactSheetonS.2918-1-0001.doc From pbachter at msn.com Wed Jul 19 17:41:09 2006 From: pbachter at msn.com (Paula Achter) Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 16:41:09 -0600 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Fw: Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act Message-ID: ----- Original Message ----- From: Hartle, Jesse To: undisclosed-recipients: Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 3:33 PM Subject: Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act Fellow Federationists, Shortly after our National Convention the Senate passed S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act. This legislation authorizes funding for dissemination of newspapers or magazines in an electronic or audio based format. If this legislation is enacted, and suitable arrangements are made, it would then not be necessary to have an appropriations earmark approved each year to pay the telecommunication cost for NFB Newsline. S. 2918 has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration. We must contact our members of the House of Representatives and urge them to ask the Committee on House Administration to take prompt action to pass this legislation. I have included a list of the Committee on House Administration below. Republican Representatives should be urged to contact Chairman Vernon Ehlers of Michigan, while Democratic Representatives should contact Ranking Member Juanita Millender-McDonald of California. Currently, we are able to provide Newsline year-to-year through the earmark process. Some members are trying to cut back on unauthorized earmarks, which puts our Newsline program in danger of being cut. If we act now to ensure that S. 2918 is passed through the House before the end of the second session, we will have taken a large step in our effort to protect the Newsline system. If you need more information, I have listed my contact information below. A fact sheet is also enclosed. Thank you all in advance for your work on this matter. Committee on House Administration: Republican Members Congressman Ehlers, Chairman, Michigan Congressman Ney, Ohio Congressman Reynolds, New York Congressman Mica, Florida Congressman Doolittle, California Congresswoman Miller, Michigan Democratic Members Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, Ranking Member, California Congressman Brady, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Lofgren, California Jesse Hartle Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2233 Email: jhartle at nfb.org JH/wmb Enclosure TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY: REACHING THE BLIND IN THE INFORMATION AGE Purpose: To provide access to newspapers for blind or other persons with disabilities, by passage of the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act'. BACKGROUND: In 1931 Congress created a national "Books for the Blind" program within the Library of Congress. This special media library, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), continues to be the principal source of Braille and audio books and magazines for the blind. However, NLS did not supply newspapers until quite recently. Public libraries are a free source for books, magazines, and newspapers but have very little to offer a patron who is blind. However, rapid distribution of newspapers and magazines is now possible. For example, the National Federation of the Blind provides readers with content from 233 newspapers (including 4 in Spanish) and 4 magazines (including "AARP, the Magazine") through its NFB-Newsline? program. This program uses high-speed computers and telecommunications technology to distribute electronic content to eligible readers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Using current production methods, the publication by NLS of even a single daily newspaper for distribution in Braille or on audiocassette would require several weeks for preparation and delivery. In contrast, the electronic system of providing access to newspapers and magazines over the telephone is designed for rapid distribution of each paper on the system. Using this service, blind people can read their favorite newspapers at the same time that print copies are being delivered to homes, offices, and newsstands. This is a significant expansion in our nation's capacity to meet the specialized information needs of the blind. MAINTAINING DAILY SERVICE: Unlike books of lasting value, newspapers are time sensitive. Electronic distribution of current news content, updated daily, is essential, and should be supported as an extension of the existing National Library Services (NLS) authorization by Congress to serve blind and physically handicapped persons. Since most eligible readers do not have regular access to computers or the technology and skills to use them without sight, distribution of electronic news text by telephone must be a part of the program supported by the Library of Congress. With technology such as that used by NFB Newsline, the problem of timely delivery can be solved, but the continuing burden of paying the telecommunications costs must be addressed. As passed by the Senate, S. 2918 authorizes $750,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums for each fiscal year through 2011. This is considered to be adequate to support the program described above. The original funding to make distribution of electronic newspapers possible was provided in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2001. Funds have since been provided by earmarks in subsequent Legislative Branch Appropriations bills, in fiscal years 2003, 2005, and 2006. These appropriations have been used to pay telecommunications cost, but are not used to support ongoing operation or maintenance of the service. Also, news organizations have cooperated by contributing their content free. This arrangement keeps the Federal role to a minimum. If this bill is enacted, readers will be provided with approximately 27.8 million minutes of on-demand service during fiscal year 2007. Distribution of local dialing numbers to avoid recurring toll-free long distance telecommunication charges should be emphasized. Counting the increasing numbers of seniors with vision problems who learn about this electronic newspaper service, the potential for growth is estimated at about 20 percent per year, but because of the ongoing distribution of local access numbers, the cost of long distance calls will increase by less than 20 percent. Additionally, technology has been developed to enable readers to receive content on small computer devices (like PDAs) used for Braille or audio output. As the trend advances toward use of these devices, blind readers will become less dependent on listening to electronic content on the telephone, avoiding long distance charges altogether. Current STATUS: Chairman Trent Lott and Ranking Member Christopher Dodd of the Senate Rules Committee introduced S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, on May 19, 2006. This legislation was passed by the Senate on July 11, 2006, by unanimous consent, and has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration for consideration. ACTION REQUESTED: Please support the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, by urging the Committee on House Administration to approve and promptly report this bill to the House. Approval by the House will ensure that this legislation is passed before the second session is adjourned. If this bill is not passed, this program will not exist beyond fiscal year 2007. It relies on a small amount of Federal support to provide 38% of the total cost of the service. For further information contact: Jesse Hartle Government Programs Specialist National Federation of the Blind Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2233 Email: jhartle at nfb.org -------------- next part -------------- ? ----- Original Message ----- From: mailto:JHartle at NFB.ORG Hartle, Jesse To: mailto:undisclosed-recipients: undisclosed-recipients: Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 3:33 PM Subject: Legislative Alert on Electronic Newspapers Act Fellow Federationists, ? Shortly after our National Convention the Senate passed S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act. ? This legislation authorizes funding for dissemination of newspapers or magazines in an electronic or audio based format. ? If this legislation is enacted, and suitable arrangements are made, it would then not be necessary to have an appropriations earmark approved each year to pay the telecommunication cost for NFB Newsline. ? S. 2918 has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration. ? We must contact our members of the House of Representatives and urge them to ask the Committee on House Administration to take prompt action to pass this legislation. ? I have included a list of the Committee on House Administration below. ? Republican Representatives should be urged to contact Chairman Vernon Ehlers of Michigan, while Democratic Representatives should contact Ranking Member Juanita Millender-McDonald of California. ? Currently, we are able to provide Newsline year-to-year through the earmark process. ? Some members are trying to cut back on unauthorized earmarks, which puts our Newsline program in danger of being cut. ? If we act now to ensure that S. 2918 is passed through the House before the end of the second session, we will have taken a large step in our effort to protect the Newsline system. ? ? If you need more information, I have listed my contact information below. ? A fact sheet is also enclosed. ? Thank you all in advance for your work on this matter. ? Committee on House Administration: Republican Members Congressman Ehlers, Chairman, Michigan Congressman Ney, Ohio Congressman Reynolds, New York Congressman Mica, Florida Congressman Doolittle, California Congresswoman Miller, Michigan ? Democratic Members Congresswoman Millender-McDonald, Ranking Member, California Congressman Brady, Pennsylvania Congresswoman Lofgren, California ? Jesse Hartle Phone: 410-659-9314, ext. 2233 Email: mailto:jhartle at nfb.org jhartle at nfb.org ? JH/wmb ? Enclosure ? ? ? ? ? TECHNOLOGY AND LITERACY: REACHING THE BLIND IN THE INFORMATION AGE ? ? Purpose: ? To provide access to newspapers for blind or other persons with disabilities, by passage of the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act'. ? BACKGROUND: ? In 1931 Congress created a national ?Books for the Blind? program within the Library of Congress. ? This special media library, administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), continues to be the principal source of Braille and audio books and magazines for the blind. ? However, NLS did not supply newspapers until quite recently. ? Public libraries are a free source for books, magazines, and newspapers but have very little to offer a patron who is blind. ? However, rapid distribution of newspapers and magazines is now possible. ? For example, the National Federation of the Blind provides readers with content from 233 newspapers (including 4 in Spanish) and 4 magazines (including ?AARP, the Magazine?) through its NFB-Newsline? program. ? This program uses high-speed computers and telecommunications technology to distribute electronic content to eligible readers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. ? Using current production methods, the publication by NLS of even a single daily newspaper for distribution in Braille or on audiocassette would require several weeks for preparation and delivery. ? In contrast, the electronic system of providing access to newspapers and magazines over the telephone is designed for rapid distribution of each paper on the system. ? Using this service, blind people can read their favorite newspapers at the same time that print copies are being delivered to homes, offices, and newsstands. ? This is a significant expansion in our nation?s capacity to meet the specialized information needs of the blind. ? MAINTAINING DAILY SERVICE: ? Unlike books of lasting value, newspapers are time sensitive. ? Electronic distribution of current news content, updated daily, is essential, and should be supported as an extension of the existing National Library Services (NLS) authorization by Congress to serve blind and physically handicapped persons. ? Since most eligible readers do not have regular access to computers or the technology and skills to use them without sight, distribution of electronic news text by telephone must be a part of the program supported by the Library of Congress. ? With technology such as that used by NFB Newsline, the problem of timely delivery can be solved, but the continuing burden of paying the telecommunications costs must be addressed. ? As passed by the Senate, S. 2918 authorizes $750,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums for each fiscal year through 2011. ? This is considered to be adequate to support the program described above. ? ? The original funding to make distribution of electronic newspapers possible was provided in the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2001. ? Funds have since been provided by earmarks in subsequent Legislative Branch Appropriations bills, in fiscal years 2003, 2005, and 2006. ? These appropriations have been used to pay telecommunications cost, but are not used to support ongoing operation or maintenance of the service. ? Also, news organizations have cooperated by contributing their content free. ? This arrangement keeps the Federal role to a minimum. ? If this bill is enacted, readers will be provided with approximately 27.8 million minutes of on-demand service during fiscal year 2007. ? ? Distribution of local dialing numbers to avoid recurring toll-free long distance telecommunication charges should be emphasized. ? Counting the increasing numbers of seniors with vision problems who learn about this electronic newspaper service, the potential for growth is estimated at about 20 percent per year, but because of the ongoing distribution of local access numbers, the cost of long distance calls will increase by less than 20 percent. ? Additionally, technology has been developed to enable readers to receive content on small computer devices (like PDAs) used for Braille or audio output. ? As the trend advances toward use of these devices, blind readers will become less dependent on listening to electronic content on the telephone, avoiding long distance charges altogether. ? ? C urrent STATUS: ? Chairman Trent Lott and Ranking Member Christopher Dodd of the Senate Rules Committee introduced S. 2918, the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, on May 19, 2006. ? This legislation was passed by the Senate on July 11, 2006, by unanimous consent, and has now been referred to the Committee on House Administration for consideration. ? ACTION REQUESTED: ? Please support the Free Newspaper Access for Blind and Other Persons with Disabilities Act, by urging the Committee on House Administration to approve and promptly report this bill to the House. ? Approval by the House will ensure that this legislation is passed before the second session is adjourned. ? If this bill is not passed, this program will not exist beyond fiscal year 2007. ? It relies on a small amount of Federal support to provide 38% of the total cost of the service. ? For further information contact: Jesse Hartle Government Programs Specialist National Federation of the Blind Phone: 410-659-9314, extension 2233 Email: mailto:jhartle at nfb.org jhartle at nfb.org ? ? -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Legislative Alert on S. 2918.doc Type: application/msword Size: 26624 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb-idaho/attachments/20060719/1a183cf8/LegislativeAlertonS.2918-0001.doc -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Fact Sheet on S. 2918-1.doc Type: application/msword Size: 31744 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb-idaho/attachments/20060719/1a183cf8/FactSheetonS.2918-1-0001.doc From dandrews at visi.com Sun Jul 30 22:43:02 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 22:43:02 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Lists Down Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060730224142.03779af8@visi.com> All NFBNET.ORG lists will be down for a brief period of time tonight as we upgrade the mailing list software called Mailman. Sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause you, and sorry for the short notice. David Andrews, List Owner From dandrews at visi.com Mon Jul 31 15:43:53 2006 From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:43:53 -0500 Subject: [Nfb-idaho] Jernigan Institute News, July 31, 2006 Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060731153925.03bfd330@visi.com> If you have trouble reading this email, please click here < http://secure.nfb.org/email/ji-template/ji-news_7_31_06.htm> . _____ National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute Logo< http://secure.nfb.org/email/ji-template/images/nfbji-logo.gif> JERNIGAN INSTITUTE NEWS July 31, 2006 July in Dallas, Texas, is usually hot, but in 2006 it was even hotter as the largest group of blind people assembled together this year attended the 66th annual National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The convention is held annually during the first week of July, and this year's opening ceremonies appropriately commenced on Independence Day, when NFB President Marc Maurer announced the theme of the convention, proclaiming, "The Revolution Is Here!" to over 2800 members and friends of the Federation. Revolutionizing independence was the release of the Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader. This portable, handheld reading machine brings a new independence to blind and low vision folks across the country and around the world. Combining a state-of-the-art digital camera with a powerful personal data assistant, the "camera that talks" puts the best available character recognition software together with text-to-speech conversion technology--all in a single, handheld device. Users hold the Reader over print--a restaurant menu, an airline ticket, a business card, a school assignment, an office memo--and in seconds they hear the contents of the printed document played back in clear synthetic speech. The Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader has the ability to dramatically enhance the lives of millions of people who have difficulty seeing or reading print by providing access like never before. To see the national media coverage the Reader generated visit the following links: http://video.ap.org/v/en-ap/v.htm?g=95c071d3-cf1a-4193-afdd-d5a7991eff61 &f=youridhere&fg=copy http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/0 6-26-2006/0004386982&EDATE < http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/ 06-26-2006/0004386982&EDATE > Another exciting announcement was the NFB Youth Slam, which will be held July 30-August 4, 2007, at the Institute. Expected to be the largest gathering of blind youth ever, two hundred blind or low vision youth will participate in four days of activities that expose them to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in a way that powerfully demonstrates that these challenging careers are open to them. In conjunction with partners such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, and other institutions and corporations working in STEM, the Slam will create a greater understanding among parents, teachers, and the general public that blind people can learn and excel in these fields. The Slam will culminate with an inspiring rally at Baltimore's Inner Harbor and a celebration at the Institute. For more information about the 2007 NFB Youth Slam visit http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Youth_Slam.asp?SnID=1723555634. Following convention and back at home, our work continued as the third annual Jernigan Institute Science Academy got underway. On July 14, 2006, Rocket On!, the first of two Science Academy sessions for school age youth, had its kick off. Twelve blind high school students became the third NFB team to successfully launch a 10?-foot sounding rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Virginia. This year's Rocket On! academy was as successful at fulfilling dreams as it was at shattering the myth that challenging and technical sciences are dangerous for blind youth. To learn more about this program go to http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=20335. Additionally, on July 29th, ten blind middle school students from across the U.S. arrived at the National Center for the Blind to participate in the Circle of Life session of the Science Academy. This second academy session focuses on natural sciences and includes the dissection of a dogfish shark. For more information, visit the NFB Science Academy Web site at http://nfb.org/nfbji/science_academy.htm < http://nfb.org/nfbji/science_academy.htm> . Every day as we enter into the work that we do at the Jernigan Institute, we are grateful for the strength of our movement, the support of our friends, and the inspiration, innovation, and influence that the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute represents. As you can see, the Jernigan Institute is not simply advocating for skills and resources, we are actively changing what it means to be blind! Make sure to frequently check out Voice of the Nation's Blind < http://www.voiceofthenationsblind.org/> and the Braille Monitor < http://www.nfb.org/bralmons.htm> for more information on this and other important topics. Betsy A. Zaborowski, Psy.D. Executive Director Jernigan Institute NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND Thanks for your interest in the Jernigan Institute. We'll be sending out these releases periodically to keep you informed about how we are creating a future full of opportunity for the blind. These short updates are being distributed on NFB listservs and to others interested in what is going on at the Jernigan Institute. Help us spread the word about the Institute by sharing this and other information at chapter meetings and at other gatherings of the blind. Visit our Web site: http://www.nfb.org/ Imagine A Future Full of Opportunity< http://secure.nfb.org/email/ji-template/images/Imagine_logo. gif > Donate Online < http://nfb.org/donate/dononline.php?fund=imagine> The Imagination Fund < http://www.nfb.org/nfbji/inaugural_fund.htm> helps support the NFB state affiliates and local chapters across the country and the initiatives of the Jernigan Institute < http://www.nfb.org/nfbji/enter.htm> . If you have questions about the Imagination Fund contact imagine at nfb.org. _____