From NShaheen at nfb.org  Tue Nov  3 03:09:42 2009
From: NShaheen at nfb.org (Shaheen, Natalie)
Date: Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:09:42 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Braille Readers Are Leaders, it's not too late
Message-ID: <auto-000125877861@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Dear Federationists:
Are you still interested in the Braille Readers 
Are Leaders contest?  It?s not too late; 
registration is still open!  Sign up today and start reading!

Important Dates:

?     Reading Period: November 1, 2009-January 4, 2010

?     All contest entries must be submitted before January 22, 2010

If you have any questions please feel free to 
contact me (410-659-9314, extension 2293, or at 
<mailto:Nshaheen at nfb.org>Nshaheen at nfb.org)
Warmest Regards,
Natalie Shaheen


Natalie L. Shaheen, MEd
Education Program Specialist
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 E. Wells Street
at Jernigan Place.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 659-9314 x2293
Email: <mailto:nshaheen at nfb.org>nshaheen at nfb.org
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Visit: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org



From JFreeh at nfb.org  Wed Nov  4 02:34:07 2009
From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh,
	Jessica)
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:34:07 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFB President Marc Maurer to Receive Award from
 University of Notre Dame
Message-ID: <auto-000124846981@mailfront1.g2host.com>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



NFB President Marc Maurer to Receive Award
from University of Notre Dame



Award Honors Maurer's Outstanding Contributions in Public Service



Notre Dame, Indiana (November 2, 2009): The National Federation of 
the Blind (NFB), the largest organization of blind people in the 
United States, today announced that its president, Dr. Marc Maurer, 
will be presented the Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, C.S.C., Award from the 
University of Notre Dame Alumni Association in a ceremony on November 
5.  Maurer, a 1974 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, will 
be honored for outstanding contributions in the field of public service.

Maurer earned his law degree from Indiana University in 1977 and 
began focusing on representing blind individuals in the courts.  A 
member of the Bar in Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Maryland, and the Bar of 
the Supreme Court, Maurer is one of the most experienced lawyers in 
the field of civil rights and discrimination against the blind.

Maurer has been president of the National Federation of the Blind 
since 1986.  In that capacity, he has joined President George W. Bush 
in the Oval Office in 2001 to celebrate the organization's Everest 
Expedition, and was present for Bush's signing into law the Help 
America Vote Act of 2002.  He has promoted new technology for the 
blind, including the knfbReader Mobile, a revolutionary cell phone 
application that scans and reads aloud most printed material, and the 
prototype vehicle for the Blind Driver Challenge.  He has overseen 
the visionary expansion of the NFB Jernigan Institute, the first 
training and research institute for the blind, led by the blind.  He 
has also previously served as president of the North 
America/Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, 
said: "I am honored to receive this award from my alma mater.  As 
president of the largest organization of blind people in the United 
States, I have been fortunate to play a role in many exciting and 
life-changing developments for blind people in America.  While we 
have made much progress, there is still more to be done.  Only 10 
percent of blind children are learning Braille in this country, and 
this directly contributes to a 70 percent unemployment rate among 
blind people in the United States.  I humbly accept this award on 
behalf of blind Americans and pledge to work harder than ever to 
ensure that the blind are not left behind in today's society."



"In his role as president of the National Federation of the Blind, 
Marc Maurer continually demonstrates unwavering determination in his 
effort to better the lives of the world's blind through innovative 
technologies and services that support their independence," said 
Charles F. Lennon Jr., executive director of the Notre Dame Alumni 
Association and associate vice president for University 
Relations.  "The Notre Dame Alumni Association is pleased to honor 
Marc for his personal character and outstanding contributions in 
public service.  He is a living example of the integrity and 
generosity of spirit that Notre Dame instills in its graduates.  His 
leadership of the NFB has made the University proud."



For more information about the National Federation of the Blind, 
please visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.



###



From JFreeh at nfb.org  Wed Nov  4 02:49:52 2009
From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh,
	Jessica)
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:49:52 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BAR EXAMINERS (NCBE)
 DISCRIMINATES AGAINST BLIND AND LOW VISION LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES
Message-ID: <auto-000124848387@mailfront1.g2host.com>


NEWS 
RELEASE 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2009





CONTACTS:

Chris Danielsen, Director of Public Relations, NFB, (410) 659-9314, ext. 2330

Scott Labarre, Labarre Law Offices, P.C., (303) 504-5979

Daniel Goldstein, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, (410) 962-1030

Larry Paradis, Disability Rights Advocates, (510) 665-8644





NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BAR EXAMINERS (NCBE) DISCRIMINATES AGAINST 
BLIND AND LOW VISION LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES



OAKLAND, Calif. - A suit filed today in Federal court alleges that 
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) discriminates against 
blind and low vision law school graduates. The suit charges that the 
NCBE is violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act 
(ADA) and California's civil rights law by denying accommodations on 
the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) and the Multistate Professional 
Responsibility Exam (MPRE) to a law school graduate who is blind.



The Plaintiff is represented with the support of the National 
Federation of the Blind ("NFB") by Labarre Law Offices, P.C., in 
Denver, CO, and by Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, in Baltimore, MD. 
The Plaintiff is further represented by Disability Rights Advocates 
(DRA), a non-profit law center that specializes in civil rights cases 
on behalf of persons with disabilities, based in Berkeley, CA.



The NCBE provides standardized examinations for the testing of 
applicants for admission to the practice of law. Two of the tests it 
controls, the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) and the Multistate 
Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) are required for 
admission to the bar by most states. The California Bar examination 
has two sections; a California section and the MBE. Although both 
parts of the exam are administered by the California State Bar, the 
NCBE controls the type of accommodations each state can offer test 
takers with disabilities for the MBE portion of the bar exam.



Even though the California State Bar is a named Defendant in the 
suit, they have offered to provide the Plaintiff with all the 
accommodations she requested for the California section of the bar 
examination. However, the NCBE refuses to allow the California Bar 
Examiners to give the Plaintiff certain of the accommodations that 
she needs on the MBE portion of the bar exam. The California State 
Bar is fulfilling its legal obligation and is only named in the 
complaint as an indispensable party. Plaintiff hopes that the lawsuit 
will convince the NCBE to follow the California State Bar's example 
and provide the requested accommodations on the MBE portion of the bar exam.



The NCBE has also denied Plaintiff the accommodations at issue on the 
MPRE exam.  This is a separate exam that bar applicants need to pass 
to be admitted to practice.  The ACT is also named in the complaint 
since it administers the MPRE examination for NCBE and is thus also 
an indispensable party.



The Plaintiff Stephanie Enyart is a law school graduate who is 
legally blind and requires accommodations to take the MBE and MPRE. 
She has requested to take the exams on a laptop computer equipped 
with screen reading (JAWS) and screen magnification (ZoomText) 
software. Ms. Enyart has relied on this combination of assistive 
technology as an accommodation on her exams throughout law school and 
in her current legal work.



The NCBE has refused to allow Ms. Enyart these reasonable 
accommodations for the MBE and MPRE on several occasions during the 
past years. In recent discussions with Plaintiff's counsel, the NCBE 
has indicated that it will continue to deny Ms. Enyart her requested 
accommodations.  Instead, the NCBE has offered alternative 
accommodations that are not suited to Ms. Enyart's disability and are 
not effective. The NCBE's denials of accommodations are preventing 
Ms. Enyart from obtaining admission to the bar, impeding her career.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind 
(NFB), supporting the lawsuit, said "Too often law students who are 
blind or have low vision have to prolong their prospects for 
licensing while they fight to get the same accommodations they've had 
throughout their educational history. Those that opt to settle for 
inadequate accommodations usually struggle to pass or sometimes do 
not pass at all. Those who control admission to the practice of law 
must obey the law."



Janice Ta, President of the National Association of Law Students with 
Disabilities (NALSWD), which expressed support for the lawsuit, said 
"The legal profession must recognize and be prepared for the spectrum 
of conditions and disabilities that law students have. Testing 
entities need to be open to a wide range of accommodations. But we 
find that time and again they don't seem to understand their 
obligation for providing individualized accommodations and adaptive 
technologies that reflect the way real law students with disabilities 
get tested, study, and make their way around the world."







###


From JFreeh at nfb.org  Wed Nov  4 03:09:20 2009
From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh,
	Jessica)
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:09:20 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind Announces 2010
 Scholarship Program
Message-ID: <auto-000126059822@mailfront2.g2host.com>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org


National Federation of the Blind Announces 2010 Scholarship Program




Thirty Scholarships Available to College and Postgraduate Students



Baltimore, Maryland (November 3, 2009):  The National Federation of 
the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the 
United States, announced today that applications are now being 
accepted for the 2010 National Federation of the Blind Scholarship 
Program.  Thirty scholarships totaling $100,000 will be awarded to 
blind students from the United States and Puerto Rico.  The 
scholarships are available to blind students who will be enrolled in 
college or a graduate program beginning in the fall of 2010, 
including incoming freshmen.  Scholarships range in value from $3,000 
to $12,000.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, 
said: "The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program is 
the Federation's way of recognizing outstanding academic achievement 
by blind students and spreading our positive philosophy of blindness 
to these students and to the general public.  Because of the 
collective efforts of blind Americans, blind people today are 
achieving greater academic success and entering fields of study once 
thought closed to the blind, and celebrating their achievements is 
always a highlight of our national convention.  I join the 
Scholarship Committee in inviting every eligible blind student to 
submit an application, and I look forward to meeting the dynamic 
individuals that will make up the 2010 National Federation of the 
Blind scholarship class."



Information on the NFB scholarship program is posted online at 
<http://www.nfb.org/scholarships>www.nfb.org/scholarships.  The 
deadline for applications is March 31, 2010.

Questions may be directed to the NFB Scholarship Committee Chairman, 
Mr. Anil Lewis, by e-mail at 
<mailto:Scholarships at nfb.org>Scholarships at nfb.org, or by phone at 
(410) 659 -9314, extension 2415.



From blind411 at verizon.net  Wed Nov  4 03:22:35 2009
From: blind411 at verizon.net (Marion Gwizdala)
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:22:35 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care
	Facilities
Message-ID: <auto-000124850682@mailfront1.g2host.com>

National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind

October 27, 2009

Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care Facilities

             What are your rights as a guide dog user when visiting 
family or friends in the hospital? As a patient, do you have the 
right to have your dog in the room with you? Are there places or 
conditions in which you can be restricted from being accompanied by 
your guide dog? Can your doctor deny you the right to have your guide 
dog with you in an examination room? Can an ambulance refuse to 
transport your guide dog with you? These questions and many more will 
be answered in an upcoming  special teleseminar.
             The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), a 
strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, 
will host "Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care Facilities" on 
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. eastern  standard Time (7:00 
pm Central; 6:00 pm Mountain; and 5:00 pm Pacific). This teleseminar 
is absolutely free; however reservations are required. Participation 
is limited and is on a first come first served basis.
             In order to reserve your space in this teleseminar, 
please send your name, city & state, and your email address by 
Friday, November 20, 2009 to
<mailto:President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG>President at NFB-NAGDU.ORG
An email confirmation with the call-in number and access codes will 
be sent to you. Those without email access or who would like more 
information may call 813-626-2789.
             The information provided during this teleseminar is 
intended as informal guidance only and should not be construed as 
legal advice. The National Association of Guide Dog Users, the 
National Federation of the Blind, or any of its affiliates, 
divisions, or chapters will not be responsible for any telephone 
charges or fees that may be incurred as the result of participation 
in this seminar. For more information about the National Association 
of Guide Dog Users, the National Federation of the Blind, or to 
locate a Chapter in your area, you may visit the following websites:

National Association of Guide Dog Users
HTTP://NFB-NAGDU.ORG

National Federation of the Blind
<http://nfb.org/>HTTP://NFB.ORG

The National Federation of the Blind is changing what it means to be blind!
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From ds94124 at aol.com  Thu Nov  5 11:05:52 2009
From: ds94124 at aol.com (Darian Smith)
Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:05:52 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] National Community Service List???
Message-ID: <auto-000125086937@mailfront1.g2host.com>


Hello all,
  A quick bit about myself; my name is Darian 
Smith, I am a recent AmeriCorps Graduate via the 
National Civilian community corps.  I attended 
national convention in Detroit this year where I 
spoke about my experiences as a blind person in the program.

  Why I?m writing: Upon speaking to some 
individuals who shared my passion about community 
service, I discovered some interest in a 
list-serve that would allow   for other 
Federationists to share their passion for 
community service and ideas   for strengthening 
their divisions and chapters.   If there is 
enough interest, maybe a formation of a national 
community service group that would evolve into a 
national community service division could eventually take place.
   If anybody is interested in the list-serve, 
please contact me off-list at 
<mailto:dsmithnfb at gmail.com>dsmithnfb at gmail.com. 
Please note that the more interest in this list 
serve, the more likely this list serve will be created.
    I look forward to hearing from all of you and 
eventually hearing lots of great discussion and 
wonderful ideas should this all leave the ground.
   Thank you,
   Darian Smith
National Federation of the Blind, California ?San Francisco Chapter member
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From JChwalow at nfb.org  Thu Nov  5 18:31:29 2009
From: JChwalow at nfb.org (Chwalow,
	Judith)
Date: Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:31:29 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Research in the Rockies: Research Summit on Braille
 Reading and Writing
Message-ID: <auto-000125167431@mailfront1.g2host.com>


The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan 
Institute, with the National Center for Severe 
and Sensory Disabilities and the 
Bresnahan-Halstead Center on Disabilities, is 
cosponsoring the Research in the Rockies: 
Research Summit on Braille Reading and Writing. 
We hope to advance the state of research in the 
area of Braille in the USA. We encourage you to 
submit an abstract to this conference and request 
that you diffuse it to all colleagues who might 
have an interest in this field. Research-related 
abstracts will be accepted from all members of 
the Braille community and will be reviewed by a 
multidisciplinary panel including academics, 
practitioners, and parents.  For more 
information, please visit the NFB Web site or 
call Dr. Judith Chwalow, Director of Research, at 
the Jernigan Institute at (410) 659-9314, extension 2404.




Research in the Rockies: Research Summit on Braille Reading and Writing


June 10-12, 2010, Denver, Colorado at the Denver Marriott City Center


Call for Papers




Sponsored by

National Center for Severe and Sensory Disabilities (NCSSD)
Bresnahan-Halstead Center on Disabilities
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute


Purpose:

The purpose of this conference is to explore 
current and emerging research from a wide range 
of disciplines that pertains to Braille reading and writing.


Call-for-Papers Submission Guidelines:

?         Submit 250-word abstract online at: 
<http://www.unco.edu/ncssd>www.unco.edu/ncssd

?         Submission deadline is January 4, 2010 
(Louis Braille?s 201st birthday!)

?         ***Anything submitted after midnight on 
January 4, 2010 will not be accepted***

?         Presentation formats:

a.       Research paper presentation (20 minutes)

b.       Panel (minimum 60 minutes)

c.       Poster (posters will be presented in roundtable sessions)

?         If you have problems with the online 
submission form, please contact: <mailto:ncssd at unco.edu>ncssd at unco.edu

?         Please note that any handout material 
must be made available in Braille, large print, 
and electronic formats. Provide explanations for all PowerPoint presentations.


Proposals Invited from:

Cognitive scientists, linguists, educators, 
rehabilitation specialists, neurologists, 
sociologists and experimental psychologists, 
researchers in haptic and tactile perception, 
demographers, occupational therapists, and others


A. Judith Chwalow, DrPH

Director of Research, Jernigan Institute

National Federation of the Blind

200 East Wells Street

Jernigan Place

Baltimore, MD 21230



410 659 9314 x 2404

FAX: 410 659 5129

jchwalow at NFB.org



From jfayre at gmail.com  Fri Nov  6 10:54:34 2009
From: jfayre at gmail.com (Jason Fayre)
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:54:34 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] streaming for NFB of Colorado convention
Message-ID: <auto-000126439629@mailfront2.g2host.com>

The NFB of Colorado is once again streaming our 2009 state convention.
  Convention starts on Friday, November 6 at 10AM mountain time.  We
will adjourn at 12PM on Sunday.  The stream will be broadcasting all
the general sessions, plus the banquet.  We will also be broadcasting
the technology seminar and the employment seminar on Friday afternoon.
  Links to the streams can be found at the NFB of Colorado website:
http://www.nfbco.org

We will not be using Skype this year.  However, you can interact with
us on twitter by following nfbco.  You can also send e-mail to
nfbco09 at cocenter.org.




From mhartle at nfb.org  Fri Nov  6 11:01:26 2009
From: mhartle at nfb.org (Hartle,
	Mary Jo)
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01:26 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] [State_youth_coordinators] FW: 2010 NFB Junior
	Science Academy
Message-ID: <auto-000126440223@mailfront2.g2host.com>



Gear Up for Greatness!
National Federation of the Blind
2010 Junior Science Academy
Baltimore, Maryland, at the NFB Jernigan Institute

A STEM Program for Blind Children
Ages 8-12

In 2008, the National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS), a 
program of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, 
offered its first Science Academy program for elementary 
students.  Once again, we are making this program possible for 
children in grades three through six. The NCBYS developed its Junior 
Science Academy (JSA) in 2004 in order to spark and enhance blind 
students' interest in scientific study, an academic area that many 
falsely believe is too difficult for the blind.  This year, with 
hands-on experiences, tactile materials, and innovative nonvisual 
teaching methods, the JSA will open its doors again to young 
explorers with two sessions of the program.  Applicants can apply for 
one of the following dates:

Session 1: July 28-August 1, 2010
Session 2: August 4-August 8, 2010

The Junior Science Academy is a four-day session that will expose 
blind children to the excitement of science in real-life 
applications.  The students will learn about how much fun science can 
be through hands-on instruction, field trips, and interactive 
activities. Attending parents will participate in a corresponding 
seminar with workshops designed to focus on meeting the needs of 
their blind children.

Program Costs
There is a $150.00 registration fee for accepted pairs of students 
and parents/chaperones.  All other expenses, including travel, room, 
board, and program materials will be covered by the NFB Jernigan 
Institute for all participants, including accepted mentors.  .

Mentors Needed
We are also looking for mentors to work in one or both sessions of 
the program.  mentors help facilitate student activities while 
parents are engaged in parent programming.  Mentors can apply online 
at the site below.  Please visit this page to learn more about this 
opportunity and to apply to be a mentor this summer.
How to Apply
Whether you are an interested family, or someone who is interested in 
serving as a mentor, please visit 
<http://www.blindscience.org>www.blindscience.org to learn more about 
this exciting event, or to apply.  You may also contact the NFB 
Jernigan Institute at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2407.

Come join us!

Sincerely,
Mary Jo T. Hartle



Mary Jo Thorpe-Hartle, MEd, NOMC

Director of Education
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410)659-9314 ext. 2407
Email: <mailto:MHARTLE at nfb.org>MHARTLE at nfb.org
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org   or 
<http://www.blindscience.org>www.blindscience.org



From lpovinelli at aol.com  Sun Nov  8 04:17:37 2009
From: lpovinelli at aol.com (lpovinelli)
Date: Sat,  7 Nov 2009 23:17:37 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2009 NFB of Virginia Convention Action Auction List
Message-ID: <5fff677e.553f.45ab.9f1e.f5a6d89d6a56@aol.com>

  
 
 AUCTION, 2009
ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED
 
1.    The Williamsburg Hospitality House is providing a Certificate for a two-night stay to be used until December of 2010.
2.    Two Tickets for Colonial Williamsburg to be redeemed before December 2010.  Once redeemed, photo identification passes are issued which can be used for one Year from date of redemption.  YES...that is for ONE WHOLE YEAR!
3.    Meditation Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing: a Zen Garden, Large Mug with hearts, red scented peppermint Candle in a frosted glass jar, silk sham, tea cozy, flowered writing journal, white tea and thyme soap flower petals and a stuffed animal cow.
4.    Winter Celebration Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing: a family cocoa set including light green enamel pot, towel, cocoa and 4 mugs, brown (fake) fur hat, pair of multi-colored gloves and aqua-colored mittens, a ?Christmas Moose? wrap and one dozen gorgeous
hand crafted Xmas cards.
5. A Pink and Pretty Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing:                           
one pink quilted pocketbook-type purse, two pink silk flowered scarves, a designer pink flowered striped wool pillow case cover, one straw hat with turquoise scroll work and turquoise scarf, and two Mary Kay skin products in a turquoise basket.
6.    Fudge from the Historic Fredericksburg Fudge Factory.  Flavors to be
Announced.  Donated by Mark Roane.
7.    A Large Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) from the Blue Ridge Chapter
8.    An Automatic Coffee Maker from the Blue Ridge Chapter.
9.    Two $20.00 Gift Certificates to the ?SINE Irish Pub? usable either at Pentagon Row in Arlington or The Bottom in Richmond.
10. Five One-LB Bags of Starbucks Coffees.  Various flavors to be picked
     up right before convention by Joe Hobson.
 
11. Family Breakfast Basket from the Virginia Parents of Blind Children. 
      Contents will be described at Convention.
12. Family fun Night Basket from the Virginia Parents of Blind Children.
  13. A hand knit felted bag with handles and 6 buttons for decoration:
       100% wool, measures 10 inches by 9 inches, dark and light grey in
        color. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
14. A hand knit baby afghan or Lap robe: measures 33 inches by 36
      inches, is white with a lace pattern, made with synthetic yarn, and
      is machine washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting
      group.
    15. A variegated baby blanket: primarily yellow with touches of teal 
         and pink, measuring 40 inches by 40 inches, hand knit, synthetic
         yarn, and is machine washable with a Lace pattern. This matches
        #16 sweater and bonnet. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
         Knitting group.
      16. A Baby sweater and matching bonnet: hand knit, pastel shades of
    yellow, pink, blue and lavender in variegated synthetic yarn; 
    machine washable, has a Lace yoke with raglan sleeves. This
    matches #15 baby blanket. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
    Knitting Group.
    17. A toddler?s cardigan sweater: made of green and blue variegated
          yarn with green heart-shaped buttons, with hat and socks to
          match.  All items have fun fur trim and are hand washable.
          Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     18. A small knitted triangle-shaped grey scarf made of mohair and
          Ribbon: hand washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
          Knitting Group.
     19. A Beret/Tam in a cream color with a tan design: 100%
          wool/mohair, hand washable, and hand knit. Donated by Jane
          Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     20. A hand knit seaman?s scarf made of blue alpaca wool: 60 inches
          long and 8 inches wide, hand wash, Suitable for men or women. 
          Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
      21. A hand crocheted Granny Afghan measuring 36 inches by 48
           Inches: brightly colored squares [primary colors] edged with a
           white border, machine washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and
           her Knitting Group.
     22. A hand knit red afghan in openwork pattern, approximately 52
          inches by 64 inches: made of synthetic yarn, machine washable
          but dry flat. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group. 
     23. A large grey triangular shawl made of mohair and ribbon
          [nylon/polyester]: washable by hand, and lay flat to dry. Donated
          by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     24. A ladies hand knit blue cardigan?original design: medium size 
          with pockets, collar and lapels; antique metal buttons from
          Germany, part wool and synthetic yarn, hand washable and dry
          flat. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
  25. The Marriott Fair View Park in Falls Church, VA (where we hope to
        have our 2010 Convention) is providing a Certificate for a two-
        night stay with breakfast for two each morning. Details at
        Convention.
        
 
PLUS MORE COMING
 
REMEMBER?THE WAY IT WORKS?On Friday, November 13, items will be brought to the Exhibit Room for Display between 10-5, Empire foyer of our hotel-2nd Floor.  There you will have time to see what is for sale and ask about the items.  If you are interested, you may make a silent Auction Bid on any item at that time.   There will be a Bidding Sheet for each item.  Starting Saturday Morning and throughout the convention, these same items will become part of the Action Auction.  The final ?Silent? Bid will become the starting Auction Bid.   If no one else bids when it is placed into the live auction- then you win the prize...if someone raises the bid then you will have to keep bidding.
 
If you are not there when the item you placed a silent bid on comes up for live auction?You take your chances that someone will bid over you and while you were sleeping?they stole that dream item away?
 
Please join in the fun.   Please bid A LOT.   BID LOT OF TIMES?ON A LOT OF ITEMS?WITH A LOT OF MONEY.
 
Note:  Since many will be arriving on Friday ? not all items will ?show-up? to be seen.  They will be on display during the Convention but, of course, will be disappearing fast as we sell them.   So be alert?or you?ll miss your chance.
 
 
  


From lpovinelli at aol.com  Sun Nov  8 22:27:07 2009
From: lpovinelli at aol.com (lpovinelli)
Date: Sun,  8 Nov 2009 17:27:07 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Action Auction items for 2009 NFB of Virginia
	Convention
Message-ID: <9b517816.313b.4c31.acc8.4d4e9d85c36e@aol.com>

 From: Jacki Brown 
 
 AUCTION, 2009
ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED
 
1.    The Williamsburg Hospitality House is providing a Certificate for a two-night stay to be used until December of 2010.
2.    Two Tickets for Colonial Williamsburg to be redeemed before December 2010.  Once redeemed, photo identification passes are issued which can be used for one Year from date of redemption.  YES...that is for ONE WHOLE YEAR!
3.    Meditation Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing: a Zen Garden, Large Mug with hearts, red scented peppermint Candle in a frosted glass jar, silk sham, tea cozy, flowered writing journal, white tea and thyme soap flower petals and a stuffed animal cow.
4.    Winter Celebration Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing: a family cocoa set including light green enamel pot, towel, cocoa and 4 mugs, brown (fake) fur hat, pair of multi-colored gloves and aqua-colored mittens, a ?Christmas Moose? wrap and one dozen gorgeous
hand crafted Xmas cards.
5. A Pink and Pretty Basket from the Potomac Chapter.  Containing:                           
one pink quilted pocketbook-type purse, two pink silk flowered scarves, a designer pink flowered striped wool pillow case cover, one straw hat with turquoise scroll work and turquoise scarf, and two Mary Kay skin products in a turquoise basket.
6.    Fudge from the Historic Fredericksburg Fudge Factory.  Flavors to be
Announced.  Donated by Mark Roane.
7.    A Large Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) from the Blue Ridge Chapter
8.    An Automatic Coffee Maker from the Blue Ridge Chapter.
9.    Two $20.00 Gift Certificates to the ?SINE Irish Pub? usable either at Pentagon Row in Arlington or The Bottom in Richmond.
10. Five One-LB Bags of Starbucks Coffees.  Various flavors to be picked
     up right before convention by Joe Hobson.
 
11. Family Breakfast Basket from the Virginia Parents of Blind Children. 
      Contents will be described at Convention.
12. Family fun Night Basket from the Virginia Parents of Blind Children.
  13. A hand knit felted bag with handles and 6 buttons for decoration:
       100% wool, measures 10 inches by 9 inches, dark and light grey in
        color. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
14. A hand knit baby afghan or Lap robe: measures 33 inches by 36
      inches, is white with a lace pattern, made with synthetic yarn, and
      is machine washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting
      group.
    15. A variegated baby blanket: primarily yellow with touches of teal 
         and pink, measuring 40 inches by 40 inches, hand knit, synthetic
         yarn, and is machine washable with a Lace pattern. This matches
        #16 sweater and bonnet. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
         Knitting group.
      16. A Baby sweater and matching bonnet: hand knit, pastel shades of
    yellow, pink, blue and lavender in variegated synthetic yarn; 
    machine washable, has a Lace yoke with raglan sleeves. This
    matches #15 baby blanket. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
    Knitting Group.
    17. A toddler?s cardigan sweater: made of green and blue variegated
          yarn with green heart-shaped buttons, with hat and socks to
          match.  All items have fun fur trim and are hand washable.
          Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     18. A small knitted triangle-shaped grey scarf made of mohair and
          Ribbon: hand washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her
          Knitting Group.
     19. A Beret/Tam in a cream color with a tan design: 100%
          wool/mohair, hand washable, and hand knit. Donated by Jane
          Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     20. A hand knit seaman?s scarf made of blue alpaca wool: 60 inches
          long and 8 inches wide, hand wash, Suitable for men or women. 
          Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
      21. A hand crocheted Granny Afghan measuring 36 inches by 48
           Inches: brightly colored squares [primary colors] edged with a
           white border, machine washable. Donated by Jane Gustafson and
           her Knitting Group.
     22. A hand knit red afghan in openwork pattern, approximately 52
          inches by 64 inches: made of synthetic yarn, machine washable
          but dry flat. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group. 
     23. A large grey triangular shawl made of mohair and ribbon
          [nylon/polyester]: washable by hand, and lay flat to dry. Donated
          by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
     24. A ladies hand knit blue cardigan?original design: medium size 
          with pockets, collar and lapels; antique metal buttons from
          Germany, part wool and synthetic yarn, hand washable and dry
          flat. Donated by Jane Gustafson and her Knitting Group.
  25. The Marriott Fair View Park in Falls Church, VA (where we hope to
        have our 2010 Convention) is providing a Certificate for a two-
        night stay with breakfast for two each morning. Details at
        Convention.
        
 
PLUS MORE COMING
 
REMEMBER?THE WAY IT WORKS?On Friday, November 13, items will be brought to the Exhibit Room for Display between 10-5, Empire foyer of our hotel-2nd Floor.  There you will have time to see what is for sale and ask about the items.  If you are interested, you may make a silent Auction Bid on any item at that time.   There will be a Bidding Sheet for each item.  Starting Saturday Morning and throughout the convention, these same items will become part of the Action Auction.  The final ?Silent? Bid will become the starting Auction Bid.   If no one else bids when it is placed into the live auction- then you win the prize...if someone raises the bid then you will have to keep bidding.
 
If you are not there when the item you placed a silent bid on comes up for live auction?You take your chances that someone will bid over you and while you were sleeping?they stole that dream item away?
 
Please join in the fun.   Please bid A LOT.   BID LOT OF TIMES?ON A LOT OF ITEMS?WITH A LOT OF MONEY.
 
Note:  Since many will be arriving on Friday ? not all items will ?show-up? to be seen.  They will be on display during the Convention but, of course, will be disappearing fast as we sell them.   So be alert?or you?ll miss your chance.
 
 
  


From lpovinelli at aol.com  Mon Nov  9 21:31:28 2009
From: lpovinelli at aol.com (lpovinelli)
Date: Mon,  9 Nov 2009 16:31:28 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Additional items for the Action Auction
Message-ID: <d3b7086d.6a53.41e3.bc55.ec2fa893930c@aol.com>

From: Jacki Brown  
 
AUCTION, 2009
 
ATTENTION-ATTENTION-ATTENTION
NEW  ITEMS ADDED
 
26. Basket Full of Godiva Chocolate.  Donated by Stuart and Debbie Prost.
 
27. A K-NFB Reader. Donated by Corbb O?Connor.  Read your Menu ? letter-whatever.  The K-NFB Reader does it!
 


From melissa at riccobono.us  Thu Nov 12 04:34:26 2009
From: melissa at riccobono.us (Melissa Ann Riccobono)
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:34:26 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFB of Maryland Streaming Convention This Weekend
Message-ID: <auto-000126184532@mailfront1.g2host.com>


I am pleased to announce that the National Federation of the Blind of 
Maryland will be streaming our convention this weekend.  We are 
unsure if our board meeting at 4 PM Eastern time will be streamed on 
Friday, but we intend to stream our general sessions on Saturday from 
9-12 and again from 2-5.  We also intend to stream our banquet from 
7-11.  Sunday we hope to stream our general session from 9-12.  It is 
our sincere hope that this will go well,.  Unfortunately, the hotel 
only has a wireless connection available, so we may run into 
difficulties because of this.  This is a test project, so please bear with us!
                 To tune in, please visit 
<http://www.nfbmd.org>http://www.nfbmd.org
                 Happy listening!
Melissa Riccobono



From qmsingleton at comcast.net  Mon Nov 16 22:19:32 2009
From: qmsingleton at comcast.net (Quintina M. Singleton)
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:19:32 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Braille Readers are Leaders  with Joe Ruffalo
Message-ID: <auto-000126900892@mailfront1.g2host.com>



Please tune in to the next Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo internet 
radio program scheduled for this coming Wednesday November 18 at 
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = 
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />8:00 PM EST.  The 
evening will be dedicated to the Braille Readers are Leaders contest. 
Jernigan Institute Education Programs Specialist, Natalee Shaheen 
will discuss how you can become a participant in this exciting 
competition on either a K-12 or adult level.  Mr. Ruffalo will also 
be speaking with grammar school student Kendra, who is a vetran in 
the contest, as well as her proud mother.   If you would like to 
listen to the program via telephone, please call 1-605-475-6333, access code:

833520.

To access the show online visit www.thruoureyes.org/jaws.html

The call in number for anyone

interested in asking a question is 1-888-572-0141.




From JFreeh at nfb.org  Mon Nov 16 22:36:34 2009
From: JFreeh at nfb.org (Freeh,
	Jessica)
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:36:34 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind Partners with
 Santa to Promote Braille Literacy
Message-ID: <auto-000127783020@mailfront2.g2host.com>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org



National Federation of the Blind
Partners with Santa to Promote Braille Literacy



Baltimore, Maryland (November 16, 2009):  Once 
again, Santa has enlisted the help of the elves 
at the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 
Jernigan Institute to get Braille letters out to 
hundreds of blind boys and girls this Christmas season.



Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind, said: ?Santa approached 
the National Federation of the Blind a couple of 
years ago and asked us to be his helpers.  I?m 
quite fond of the fellow and was delighted that 
we could assist him in his work.  Braille 
literacy is the key to success and opportunity 
for the blind, but unfortunately too few blind 
children are learning it today.  This program 
will not only be jolly good fun but will also 
serve an important educational purpose, as blind 
children will be able to practice reading Braille 
as they enjoy their letter from Saint Nicholas.?



Between November 16 and December 20, parents can 
go online at www.nfb.org and fill out a Santa 
Braille Letter request form.  The form can also 
be printed and faxed to (410) 
659-6893.  Beginning December 1, the Braille 
letters from Santa will start going out to boys 
and girls around the country.  The Braille letter 
will also be accompanied by a print copy (for mom 
and dad to read), and parents can choose the 
contracted or uncontracted form of Braille for 
the letter.  Requests for letters must include 
the writer?s name, the child?s name, birthday, 
gender, mailing address, and a telephone number 
or e-mail address in case Santa?s helpers at the 
National Federation of the Blind have questions.



The Braille letters from Santa program is part of 
the National Federation of the Blind?s national 
Braille literacy campaign, the largest ever 
undertaken in United States history.  Congress 
authorized the minting in 2009 of 400,000 Louis 
Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollars to mark the 
two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis 
Braille (1809?1852) and to support the efforts of 
the National Federation of the Blind to promote 
literacy among blind Americans.  This unique and 
beautiful commemorative coin is the first U.S. 
currency to feature tactile, readable Braille.



A portion of the proceeds from sales of the 2009 
Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar  will be 
used to support the NFB?s ?Braille Readers are 
Leaders? campaign, a national initiative created 
to double the number of blind children learning 
Braille by 2015, improve certification standards 
for teachers of Braille, and conduct innovative 
programs to support Braille literacy.



The deadline for letter requests is December 20, 
to ensure that a return letter in Braille is 
received before Christmas.  For more information 
about this and other programs of the National 
Federation of the Blind, please visit our Web 
site at <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.  Those 
interested in ordering a 2009 Louis Braille 
Bicentennial Silver Dollar or the new Braille 
Education Set, which features the coin in a 
collectible folder designed to highlight the life 
and legacy of Louis Braille, should visit 
<http://www.braille.org./>www.braille.org or 
<http://www.usmint.gov/>www.usmint.gov or call 
1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  The Louis Braille 
Bicentennial Silver Dollar and the Braille 
Education Set will only be available until December 11, 2009.





###



About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National 
Federation of the Blind is the largest and most 
influential membership organization of blind 
people in the United States.  The NFB improves 
blind people?s lives through advocacy, education, 
research, technology, and programs encouraging 
independence and self-confidence.  It is the 
leading force in the blindness field today and 
the voice of the nation's blind.  In January 2004 
the NFB opened the National Federation of the 
Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and 
training center in the United States for the 
blind led by the blind.  Please visit our Web 
site: <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.



From dandrews at visi.com  Mon Nov 16 23:07:06 2009
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:07:06 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Special Christmas Offers from GW Micro Can Get you
 A Louis Braille Commemorative Coin
Message-ID: <auto-000127786228@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Special Christmas Offers from GW Micro
From:	jeremy at gwmicro.com	
To:	gw-info at gwmicro.com 	
		
		

Get free Visa gift cards and/or a Louis Braille Commemorative Coin 
with the purchase of select GW Micro products

View Christmas in a New Light with GW Micro Specials
Brighten your life this Christmas with the latest technology from GW 
Micro.  If you or a loved one has difficulty seeing, it may be time 
for a SenseView portable CCTV.  Are you no longer able to read the 
labels on your gifts?  It_s no longer a problem with the SenseView, 
SenseView Duo, or SenseView Light.  When you purchase any of these 
items, receive a free $75 Visa gift card!





- SenseView _ Small, light, provides the highest magnification in its class.
- SenseView Duo _ The first portable CCTV to provide both close-up 
and distance viewing!
- SenseView Light _ The only portable CCTV to use OLED technology for 
the brightest, clearest, sharpest image available.

Can you no longer see the computer screen?  Receive the gift of 
vision this year by getting Window-Eyes, the most stable screen 
reader on the market.  Purchase a new copy of Window-Eyes, and 
receive a $75 gift card plus get the very special Louis Braille 
Commemorative Coin.  These rare coins are only being minted this year 
in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis 
Braille.  There are only a limited number of these coins being 
produced.  This is a rare opportunity to own one of these special coins.




Have you run out of upgrades on your software maintenance agreement 
(SMA)?  Purchase an SMA today for yourself or as a gift, and receive 
the Louis Braille Commemorative Coin.  The coin was designed to be 
representative of the life and legacy of Louis Braille, and promotes 
Braille literacy. The obverse of the coin bears his portrait and the 
inscriptions _Louis Braille_, _Liberty_, _In God We Trust_, the dual 
date _1809&#8243; and _2009&#8243; and mint mark _P_ to represent 
mintage at the Philadelphia Mint.  Become a part of history by 
getting this coin free by purchasing a Window-Eyes SMA.







Get your hands on the best-in-class Braille notetakers from GW Micro 
this holiday season!  Purchase a Braille Sense Plus or Braille Sense 
Plus QWERTY, and receive a $100 Visa gift card as well as the Louis 
Braille Commemorative Coin.  Enjoy browsing the Internet wirelessly 
with built-in Wi-Fi when sitting around the Christmas tree this 
December.  Use your Braille Sense Plus as a wireless Braille display 
via the built-in Bluetooth when using Window-Eyes.  Enjoy the season 
by showing your sighted family how the LCD display can display the 
text that is on your Braille display when you purchase the Braille 
keyboard version.  Or, use your Braille Sense Plus QWERTY with 
Bluetooth headphones and listen to your favorite holiday tunes 
without dealing with messy wires.

If you want to receive a product with a free Braille Commemorative 
Coin, you must act fast!  These quantities are limited, and the coins 
will no longer be produced after December 11, 2009.  We will continue 
to provide the gift cards up until the last day, but once the coins 
are gone, they are gone for good.  Coins will be sent out on a 
first-come, first-served basis.  So, act now, and place your order 
today by calling GW Micro at (260) 489-3671.

This offer is good in the U.S. only, and starts Monday, November 16 
and expires on January 29, 2010.  To receive your free Visa gift card 
and/or Louis Braille Commemorative coin, you must register your 
product with GW Micro, and provide proof of purchase.  Visa gift 
cards and Braille Commemorative coins may take several weeks for 
delivery.  For questions or more information, please contact GW Micro 
at sales at gwmicro.com.




From nabs.president at gmail.com  Thu Nov 19 02:24:27 2009
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Arielle Silverman)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:24:27 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Pennies for Pages
Message-ID: <auto-000128141383@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Greetings to all members and friends of NABS,



I am writing to announce and solicit assistance for an exciting new
fundraising effort we are currently undertaking. The fundraiser is Pennies
for Pages, and is being run in conjunction with the NFB's Braille Readers
are Leaders program. We believe that this fundraiser has a lot of potential.
However, in order to realize this potential, we need help from all of you!



The idea is this. Students, or anybody else who is interested in helping to
raise money for Braille literacy and our national student division, can sign
up to participate in the Braille Readers are Leaders program and then
solicit donations from friends, family, or anybody really, for Braille pages
read throughout the duration of the contest. Of course, donations of fixed
sums are also gratefully accepted.



If you are already participating in the Braille Readers are Leaders contest,
you can simply find people to sponsor you for each page you read. If you are
not yet signed up for the contest, no worries! The reading contest runs
through January 4th, and registration can be submitted up until that point.
It is by no means too late to get started! As an added incentive, NABS will
be offering a $50 Amazon.com gift card to the participant who raises the
most money.



Donated funds can be accepted in cash or as checks made out to the National
Association of Blind Students and can be given to our Treasurer, Nijat
Worley, either in person at Washington Seminar or sent via postal mail.



If you wish to participate or have any questions at all about the plan,
please contact me (Sean Whalen) at either 608-332-4147 or
smwhalenpsp at gmail.com. I will be compiling the list of participants and
would be happy to answer any questions which anybody might have.



Half of any money we raise through this effort will go to the NFB to support
Braille literacy programs and the other half will go to NABS.



We all look forward to working together to raise money for and promote
Braille literacy!



Sincerely,



Sean Whalen






-- 
Arielle Silverman
President, National Association of Blind Students
Phone:  602-502-2255
Email:
nabs.president at gmail.com
Website:
www.nabslink.org




From fschroeder at sks.com  Thu Nov 19 03:24:25 2009
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:24:25 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] A Message From Joanne Wilson
Message-ID: <4b04ba6b.1408c00a.3471.04d7@mx.google.com>

>From Joanne Wilson:

  Dear Colleagues,
  I have been working with Elnura Emilkanova from the country of 
Kyrgyzstan who will be moving to Northern Virginia to begin 
classes at George Mason University to become certified to teach 
blind students.  She is being sponsored by the U.S.  State 
Department IREX Program.
  Elnura has been a volunteer teacher of blind children for 
several years.  She is sighted.  She works long hours in a bank, 
then in the evenings heads to the school for the blind to teach 
Braille and more.  What she wants is to get the best education 
here in America learning the most progressive techniques for 
teaching blind people and will take those skills back to her 
country, Kyrgyzstan.
  During her stay here while attending George Mason University, 
she is going to need a place to live that is within commuting 
distance to the university.  Elnura would like to find a blind 
woman to share a home with, or, a family with a blind child that 
she could rent a room from.  She will need a place to live by the 
middle of December.
  Living with a blind person will only enhance her education and 
will broaden the understanding of how blind people live their 
everyday lives.
  If anyone has a room, or an apartment that you would like to 
share with Elnura, please contact her at or on her cell phone at 
912-996-2606.
  I would be glad to serve as a reference for Elnura.  I can be 
contacted at the NFB Headquarters in Baltimore at 410-659-9314 
extension 2335, or by e-mail at .
  Thanks,
Joanne Wilson
Executive Director of Affiliate Action
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
410-659-9314 extension 2335
jwilson at nfb.org






P.S.  Have you invested in Braille literacy? Go to 
www.braille.org and buy a Louis Braille Commemorative coin today!




From BCordell at nfb.org  Thu Nov 19 22:55:08 2009
From: BCordell at nfb.org (Cordell,
	Becca)
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:08 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Research in the Rockies: Research Summit on Braille
 Reading and Writing
Message-ID: <auto-000128289488@mailfront2.g2host.com>

Research in the Rockies: Research Summit on Braille Reading and Writing
June 10-12, 2010
Denver, Colorado at the Denver Marriott City Center

The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is 
cosponsoring, with the National Center for Severe and Sensory 
Disabilities and the Bresnahan-Halstead Center on Disabilities, a 
conference on Research in Braille. We hope to advance the state of 
research in the area of Braille in the USA. We encourage you to 
submit an abstract to this conference and request that you diffuse it 
to all colleagues who might have an interest in this field.  Research 
related abstracts will be accepted from all members of the Braille 
community and will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel including 
academics, practitioners, and parents.

Call for Papers

Sponsored by
National Center for Severe and Sensory Disabilities (NCSSD)
Bresnahan-Halstead Center on Disabilities
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute

Purpose:
The purpose of this conference is to explore current and emerging 
research from a wide range of disciplines that pertains to Braille 
reading and writing.

Call for Papers Submission Guidelines:
* Submit 250-word abstract online at: www.unco.edu/ncssd
* Submission deadline is January 4, 2010 (Louis Braille's 201st birthday!)
* Anything submitted after midnight on January 4, 2010 will not be accepted
* Presentation formats:
	a. Research paper presentation (20 minutes)
	b. Panel (minimum 60 minutes)
	c. Poster (posters will be presented in roundtable sessions)
* If you have problems with the online submission form, please 
contact: ncssd at unco.edu

Please note that any handout material must be made available in 
Braille, large print, and electronic formats. Provide explanations 
for all Power Point presentations.

Proposals invited from:
Cognitive scientists, linguists, educators, rehabilitation 
specialists, neurologists, sociologists and experimental 
psychologists, researchers in haptic and tactile perception, 
demographers, occupational therapists, and others




From RCarranza at nfb.org  Thu Nov 19 22:55:22 2009
From: RCarranza at nfb.org (Carranza,
	Rosy)
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:22 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Announcing www.TeachBlindStudents.org!
Message-ID: <auto-000128289538@mailfront2.g2host.com>

The National Federation of the Blind has launched a nationwide teacher
recruitment campaign to help attract energetic and passionate
individuals into the field of blindness education, and we need your
help!  As a part of this effort, we developed
www.TeachBlindStudents.org, a new online resource to help promote the
rewarding career of teaching blind students. The site features a wealth
of information for perspective teachers, a program for current blindness
education professionals, and an opportunity to join our teacher
recruitment efforts!

Currently, we are looking for individuals to make presentations to high
school and college students in their local communities. This teacher
recruitment project is great for current students, parents of blind
children, local chapters, state affiliates, and for others interested in
the education of blind students. To learn more about the Teacher
Recruitment Network, or to get involved, visit
www.TeachBlindStudents.org. There is a link from our home page that will
take you to an area where you can sign up to help. If you have any
questions about this program, contact Rosy Carranza at (410) 659-9314,
ext. 2283, or email her at rcarranza at nfb.org. Together, we really can
make a difference in the education of blind students!




From mhartle at nfb.org  Sun Nov 22 00:53:17 2009
From: mhartle at nfb.org (Hartle,
	Mary Jo)
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:53:17 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2010 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington
 Program for Students
Message-ID: <auto-000128518755@mailfront2.g2host.com>


The National Federation of the Blind Announces
The 2010 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program
Engaging the Voice of America's Blind Youth

For Youth Grades 6-9 or Ages 12-16
April 16-20, 2010
Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD

This four-day experience will provide blind and low vision students 
with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our 
country's government, its history, and its culture while staying at 
the national headquarters for the National Federation of the Blind in 
Baltimore, MD. In addition to learning about grassroots legislation 
efforts, how resolutions are passed, and how various blindness 
legislation is brought about, participants will learn more about 
advocacy work for blind individuals and available resources for blind 
students and adults.

Highlights of the Program include:

* Visits to historical sites in Washington, D.C.
* Meetings with, and presentations from, influential government leaders
* Presentations by influential leaders from the largest blindness 
advocacy group in the country
* Tours of the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters
* A visit to the International Braille and Technology Center, the 
largest lab of accessible technology for the blind

Program Details:
* Cost: There will be a $250 fee for accepted students.  All other 
expenses including transportation, room, and board will be provided
* All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, 
teacher, or blind/low vision mentor from their home state
* No more than twenty-five participants from across the country will 
be accepted
* Applications are due by February 1, 2010, to be considered

To learn more about this exciting new program, or to apply online, 
please visit <http://www.nfb.org/LAWProgram>www.nfb.org/LAWProgram or 
contact Mary Jo T. Hartle, director of education at (410) 659-9314, 
ext. 2407,  or by e-mail at <mailto:mhartle at nfb.org>mhartle at nfb.org.

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Mary Jo T. Hartle



Mary Jo Thorpe-Hartle, MEd, NOMC

Director of Education
Jernigan Institute
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410)659-9314 ext. 2407
Email: <mailto:mhartle at nfb.org>mhartle at nfb.org
Fax: (410) 659-5129
Visit <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org



From dandrews at visi.com  Mon Nov 23 03:47:28 2009
From: dandrews at visi.com (David Andrews)
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:47:28 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] New Lists on NFBNet.org
Message-ID: <auto-000128591432@mailfront2.g2host.com>

I am pleased to announce several new lists here on the nfbnet.org 
server.  They include:

albinism-talk at nfbnet.org,
blind-international-students at nfbnet.org,
CapChapOhio at nfbnet.org,
flagdu at nfbnet.org,
idparents at nfbnet.org,
nmabs at nfbnet.org,
nfbk at nfbnet.org,
nfbk-lexington at nfbnet.org,


Please read on to find out more about each new list, as well as how 
to subscribe to each of them.

David Andrews, List Owner

albinism talk

Albinism-talk is the listserv of the National Federation of the Blind 
relating to albinism.  The purpose of this list is to present and 
discuss issues concerning
albinism.  This list is designed to promote discussion among albinos 
about problems and issues that we face.  It will also share 
information with people who have an interest in the topic of 
albinism.  There will also be occasional posts concerning issues of 
major importance to the blind as well as announcements
concerning activities of the National Federation of the Blind.

To subscribe either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/albinism-talk_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to albinism-talk-request at nfbnet.org and put the word 
subscribe in the subject line of the message.

blind-international-students

The purpose of the Blind International Students mailing list is to 
unite international students and  provide them with a common platform 
through NFB to voice their opinions, to share their knowledge and 
information with one another, meet new people and make friends.

To subscribe to the list either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-international-students_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to blind-international-students-request at nfbnet.org and 
put the word subscribe in the subject line.

Capital Chapter Ohio

The purpose of this list is to discuss issues of interest to the blind of
the Columbus Ohio area. This includes the promotion  and growth of the
chapter.

To subscribe to the list either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/capchapohio_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to capchapohio-request at nfbnet.org and put the word 
subscribe in the subject line of the message.

Florida Association of Guide Dog Users

The purpose of the Florida Association of Guide Dog Users-FLAGDU 
list, is to provide a forum for discussion and information to guide 
dog users and other interested persons.  This list will feature 
announcements and activities of the Florida Association of Guide Dog 
Users.  Topics related specifically to this division will include 
business, fundraising projects, advocacy issues, and planning for our 
annual meeting which takes place during the Florida affiliate&#8217;s 
State convention. General topics will include information for those 
interested in learning about obtaining and working with a guide dog, 
guide dog schools, training, care  and retirement of a dog, and 
access and legislative issues pertaining to guide dog use.

We welcome questions and lively discussion, but showing respect for 
each member on the list is imperative.  Keep messages on topic, and 
make sure that they are intended for the benefit of everyone.  There 
will occasionally be posts concerning issues of major importance to 
blind people, as well as announcements concerning activities of the 
National Association of Guide Dog Users, and the National Federation 
of the Blind.


To subscribe to the list either go to:

http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/flagdu_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to flagdu-request at nfbnet.org and put the word 
subscribe, by itself, in the subject line of a message.

Idaho Parents of Blind Children

This is a place where parents of blind and visually impaired children 
and youth in Idaho can share experiences.     Events may be 
announced; advice can be sought;
accomplishments should be shared!  As there are developments in the
education of blind children, we will try to pass them along.

To subscribe to the list you can either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/idparents_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to idparents-request at nfbnet.org and put the word 
subscribe in the subject line of a message.

New Mexico Association of Blind Students

This list is for the discussion of anything student-related in New 
Mexico.  Announcements related to NMABS will also be posted here.

To subscribe to the list either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nmabs_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to nmabs-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe 
in the subject line of a message by itself.

nfb of Kentucky

The purpose of the list is
to provide a resource for sharing information relating to the NFB, 
NFBK and NFBK chapters and divisions.

To subscribe to the list either go to:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbk_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to nfbk-request at nfbnet.org and put the word subscribe 
in the subject line of a message.

nfbk of lexington

The purpose of the nfbk-lexington list is for members of the 
Lexington chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky 
to communicate about chapter business and other important 
issues.  Anyone, who is blind, knows someone who is blind, or loosing 
site, in other words, everyone is welcome to join and take part.

To subscribe to the list either go to:

http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbk-lexington_nfbnet.org

or send e-mail to nfbk-lexington-request at nfbnet.org and put the word 
subscribe in the subject line of a message by itself.

Dave




From qmsingleton at comcast.net  Sun Nov 29 18:46:20 2009
From: qmsingleton at comcast.net (Quintina M. Singleton)
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:46:20 -0600
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Dr. Maurer on Thruoureyes
Message-ID: <auto-000128795150@mailfront1.g2host.com>


Please tune into a

very special addition of the Thruoureyes with Joe Ruffalo internet 
radio program

scheduled for Wednesday December 2

  at

8:00 PM EST.

The evening's guest will be National Federation of the Blind's 
president, Dr. Marc

Maurer.

  To listen to the program via telephone, please call

  1-605-475-6333, access code:

833520.

To access the show online visit www.thruoureyes.org/jaws.html

The call in number for anyone

interested in asking a question is 1-888-572-0141.

The theme for this program is Ask the President.

We encourage as many listeners to call in to Ask Dr. Maurer whatever 
question he

or she finds to be of importance.




