From fschroeder at sks.com  Sat Sep  3 02:38:07 2011
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:38:07 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] A Memorial for Eric Schwartz
Message-ID: <4e619333.6106440a.638f.ffff88db@mx.google.com>

>From Michael Fish:  This announcement was sent to the members of 
the Potomac Chapter, but I wanted all members of the affiliate to 
be aware of the passing of Eric Schwarz.


Dear Potomac Chapter Members,





After numerous calls to Eric Schwarz during the past few months 
with no response, we finally reached Eric's wife Sandy who told 
us of Eric's passing at the end of July.



She said that they had spent three difficult months at Duke 
University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina where   he was 
being treated for a terminal cancer condition.  We lost Eric on 
July 30th, 2011.



Eric joined the Potomac Chapter just a few years ago.  He had 
become an important contributor to many of our big and small 
functions, where his music added immensely to the enjoyment of 
all of us.  Earlier this year we learned that he was planning to 
participate in teaching in the BELL program.  He had hoped to 
work with the children and teach them to draw according to a 
method he had devised for himself.  He was excited about teaching 
them to build their own musical instruments.



We will miss Eric.   We will miss his music, his compassion and 
creativity.  And, we will miss his wonderful off-the -wall sense 
of humor.



His wife, Sandy, said that Eric did not want a funeral or 
memorial service, but she felt that he would appreciate a 
gathering of his friends to celebrate his life.  She will have 
The Eric Schwartz Farewell music Extravaganza on 17th September 
from 2 to 7 Saturday, at the American legion Post, 3445 N.  
Washington Blvd.  Anyone who is a musician can come and play.    
There will be people from many of the bands with whom Eric has 
played and other friends and family attending.



RSVP is not necessary.



Pot luck is invited.














For more information you may e-mail Sandy at 
commishsmith at verizon.net




From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Fri Sep  9 13:51:11 2011
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:51:11 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Documents Pertaining to Service Animals in Places
 of Public Accommodation
Message-ID: <002a01cc6ef7$8f7bbb50$ae7331f0$@net>

This is from the training session that NFB's guide dog association (NAGDU)
has provided on the new ADA rules for service animals.  Please distribute to
all our members as they may need the information.

Thank you,

Mel Padgett

Vice President

Fredericksburg Area Chapter NFBV

From: Marion Gwizdala [mailto:blind411 at verizon.net] 
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 10:38 AM
Subject: Documents Pertaining to Service Animals in Places of Public
Accommodation

 

Dear All,

    Thank you for participating in the recent teleseminar sponsored by the
National Association of Guide Dog Users entitled "Service Animals in Places
of Public Accommodation". There was a great deal of interest and
participation in the teleseminar, along with a few technological glitches.
Once the recording of the seminar is edited to clean up the technical
challenges we faced, it will be posted on the NAGDU website. 

    Attached to this message are some documents I encourage you to read and
retain in your files, especially if you are someone who may be in a position
to advocate for another. These documents offer objective information from
reliable sources concerning the legal and practical issues of individuals
accompanied by service animals. If you have any questions concerning this
information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

    I would like to remind you that the National Association of Guide Dog
Users is a membership organization and you are invited to become a member. I
would also like to offer you the opportunity to financially support the work
of the National Association of Guide Dog Users by making a tax-deductible
contribution to the organization. You can pay your membership dues of $5.00
or make your contribution on our website.

 

HTTP://WWW.NAGDU.ORG

 

    I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the NAGDU
Information & advocacy Hotline. This hotline provides valuable information
about the rights and responsibilities of service animal users and affords
the opportunity to speak with an advocate who is specially trained to
resolve service animal issues. The hotline is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week at 888-NAGDU411 (888-624-3841). 

    I have received several suggestions for future seminars and you will be
one of the first to learn of these activities. I look forward to your
continued involvement in the work of the National Association of Guide Dog
Users and to hearing from you in the future.  

 

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala, President National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
813-626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
HTTP://WWW.NAGDU.ORG

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From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sat Sep 10 21:35:40 2011
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:35:40 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 10th Anniversary celebration!!!
In-Reply-To: <004a01cc5948$b4caf8e0$1e60eaa0$@net>
References: <004a01cc5948$b4caf8e0$1e60eaa0$@net>
Message-ID: <003a01cc7001$9999e660$cccdb320$@net>

YOU are invited to join us:

Fredericksburg Area Chapter NFBV 10th Anniversary celebration!

When:  Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 11:30-2:00

Where:  Carlos O'Kelly's

at 2306 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA

Directions:  Exit 130 towards Fredericksburg Route 3 East 

Order from menu, separate checks.  Dessert provided!!

RSVP to Chapter Secretary, Laurie Wages at: Lburns24 at yahoo.com

Take advantage of historic Fredericksburg tours just 5 minutes away.  Ask
for details.

Michael Kasey

Chapter President



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sat Sep 10 22:42:45 2011
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:42:45 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Will you be there?
Message-ID: <001401cc700a$f58aa5f0$e09ff1d0$@net>

Make your reservations TODAY for our convention in Virginia Beach!!!

 

Wyndham  Virginia Beach Ocean Front

5700 Atlantic Avenue 
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 
Reservations 757-428-7025 or (800)365-3032

November 4  (Friday) - November 6 (Sunday)

"NFBV" Sleeping room rates per night plus tax:

$59 for Non-oceanfront

$75 for Oceanfront

$85 for Executive level

$109 for One Bedroom Suite

$146 for Two Bedroom Suite

 

 

Any questions, contact michaelgkasey at verizon.net

 

 



From mwroane at mindspring.com  Wed Sep 14 16:27:24 2011
From: mwroane at mindspring.com (Mark Roane)
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:27:24 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2011 NFBV Convention
Message-ID: <11C77F22F50D4E1B91B055330A6B1E9E@Exanimus>

The 2011 Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia will be held November 4 through 6, 2011 at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel, located at 5700 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.  To make hotel reservations, call the hotel directly at (757) 428-7025 or (800) 365-3032.  Special room rates have been negotiated for convention attendee's.  When you call the hotel, make sure to tell them that you are attending the NFBV convention so that you will receive the special convention rate.  The deadline to make hotel reservations is October 14, 2011.  After the deadline, there is no guarantee that you will get a room at the convention hotel.

 

Child care is available to the children of convention attendee's (ages infant through 5th grade) during 4 sessions of convention.  These sessions are:

Session 1  Friday evening 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Session 2  Saturday morning 8:45 am to 12:15 pm

Session 3  Saturday afternoon 12:15 pm to 5:15 pm

Session 4  Saturday evening 6:45 pm to ? hour after banquet adjournment

Snacks will be provided during Session 2 and Session 3.  Even though child care will be open and fully staffed during lunch on Saturday, lunch will not be provided.  Parents should either pick their child up for lunch at the end of Session 2 or provide a lunch for their child to eat in the child care room.  Also, dinner will not be provided on Saturday evening.  Parents should feed their child dinner prior to bringing them to Session 4.  The cost of child care is $5 per family per session.  If you need more information, please contact Child Care coordinator Mary Durbin at (757) 431-1205 or mrdurbin at cox.net.  Please indicate the number of children per session on the convention pre registration form.

 

On Friday afternoon, a Seminar will be held from 1:30 to 4:30.  Details of the Seminar are still being developed and will be announced soon.  If you need more information, please contact Seminar coordinator Mary Durbin at (757) 431-1205 or mrdurbin at cox.net.  Please indicate on the convention pre registration form if you plan to attend the seminar.

 

Running parallel to the convention will be the 2011 Youth Track, presented by the NFB of Virginia Students Division. The leaders will provide blind middle and high school youth with the opportunity to explore a variety of assistive technologies that can help them have equal access to classroom assignments and social networking. Participants will talk with fellow students as well as college mentors about accessibility problems that they have in school and life as well as how to address them.  In addition, students will be given the chance to have a unique travel experience outside the hotel.  Complete and return the attached Youth Track Registration Form if you plan to participate in the Youth track.  If you need more information, please contact Youth Track coordinator Tracy Soforenko at (703) 635-2085 or PotomacNFB at verizon.net.  Please indicate on the convention pre registration form if you plan to participate in the Youth track.

 

On Saturday, there will be luncheons for the Students Division, the Parents Division and the Merchants Division.  Please indicate on the convention pre registration form if you plan to attend one of these luncheons.  Box lunches should be purchased if you plan to attend one of these luncheons.

 

On Saturday, box lunches will be available for a cost of $13 if purchased in advance on the convention pre registration form.  Otherwise, the cost will be $15 if purchased at the convention.  Box lunches can only be guaranteed for those purchased on the convention pre registration form.  A limited number may be available for purchase at the convention.

 

Complete the attached Convention Pre Registration Form and mail it with payment included to:

NFB of Virginia

3230 Grove Avenue

Richmond, VA  23221
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From fschroeder at sks.com  Fri Sep 23 16:47:20 2011
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:47:20 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Please consider providing input and participating
	in the dialogue on improving the accessibility and usability
	of federal websites.
Message-ID: <002e01cc7a10$767cfd70$6376f850$@com>

Please consider providing input and participating in the dialogue 
on improving the accessibility and usability of federal websites.  
The message below came from Kareem Dale; feel free to pass it 
along to others that may be interested in joining the 
conversation.


Subject: Disability Accessibility Included in National Dialogue 
for Improving Federal Websites

We encourage you to spread the word about this great opportunity 
to join the conversation about federal websites.


Please see below for all the details.


The federal government wants to re-invent how it delivers 
information and services online, and we need your help.  We want 
to bring the best of the web to the .gov domain.  So share your 
ideas to help us answer: What practices, policies, and principles 
should guide federal websites.  You can submit ideas on any of 
the campaigns from Sept 19 - Sept 30 
<http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/> , but we will also be 
hosting one hour dialogue-a-thons with our discussion catalysts 
on each campaign.  You can also follow comments about the 
dialogue on Twitter under the hashtag #dotgov.



Accessibility Dialogue-A-Thon

Monday September 26, 3:00 PM ET.

We invite you to participate in the one-hour long, live 
"dialog-a-thon" on Universal Access 
<http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/a/pages/dialogue-a-thon
>  to have a targeted, real-time conversation with a critical 
mass of participants.  Sharron Rush will be hosting the 
accessibility dialog-a-thon on Monday, September 26, from 3-4 pm 
ET.  If you are unable to join, you can still participate in the 
National Dialog for the full 2 weeks.  The dialogue-a-thon is a 
time we've devoted to specifically addressing ideas for improving 
accessibility of federal websites.



More information:

Two -Week National Dialogue on Improving Federal Websites

The National Dialogue for Improving Federal Websites is sponsored 
by the White House and the U.S.  General Services Administration.  
The dialogue is a critical part of the .gov Reform Initiative 
launched in June 2011, to streamline how we manage federal 
websites and provide a better customer experience when people 
access government information and services online.  The online 
conversation lasts from September 19 through September 30, 2011.



The online conversation features eight different discussion areas 
open for two weeks, including one on accessibility.  You will 
have the opportunity to submit and vote on ideas 
<http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/>  for improving how 
people access government information and services online, with 
different devices and assistive technology.  We hope this 
conversation will complement the ongoing work of our group and 
other public discussions that have happened recently around 
accessibility.





Please spread the word about the National Dialogue to your 
networks, friends, and colleagues.  We're looking for a very 
broad and diverse set of ideas.





The 508 compliant IdeaScale platform is being used to host the 
Dialogue.  Our 508 specialist has rigorously tested the platform; 
however, if you find things that aren't accessible, please let us 
know and we'll work to address them.





 The purpose is to allow people to submit and vote on ideas for 
improving various aspects of improving federal websites, such as: 
content, search, usability, accessibility, social media, 
multilingual content, and online services.   The .gov Task Force 
will review the ideas and consider them as they develop a 
National Web Strategy and make recommendations for streamlining 
federal websites, strengthening federal web policy, and improving 
citizens' experience with federal websites.





 We know there is a goldmine of good ideas from the community, so 
we hope--and expect-- that you'll actively participate in the 
discussion and share your expertise and knowledge.  We want to 
hear what's working well, what can be improved, innovative ways 
to rethink the federal web, and specific examples you have from 
your industry or organization.





 You can also follow comments about the dialogue on Twitter under 
the hashtag #dotgov.

Many thanks for helping promote this.  We hope you can chime in 
to submit, vote, and comment on ideas: 
http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/ 
<http://web-reform-dialogue.ideascale.com/







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The White House ?? 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW ?? Washington DC 
20500 ?? 202-456-1111





From fschroeder at sks.com  Sat Sep 24 14:14:16 2011
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:14:16 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] DBVI 	ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Message-ID: <006101cc7ac4$3ed97880$bc8c6980$@com>

Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
	Richmond, Virginia
	ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

During fall 2011, the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
will conduct a minimum of four public meetings providing stakeholders an
opportunity to make comments regarding DBVI services.  DBVI seeks input from
agency stakeholders to develop the State Plan required by the Rehabilitation
Services Administration and to assist with developing vocational
rehabilitation (VR) policy and procedure. Specific types of comments address
State Plan requirements including:
.	Transition services for students with visual disabilities to help
facilitate transition from high school to post-secondary training programs
and/or work;
.	Skills DBVI VR staff should possess to provide quality VR services
to consumers;
.	New initiatives that might improve vocational training or employment
opportunities for blind consumers;
.	Recommendations for improvements to supported employment services;
.	Order of Selection when sufficient funds are not available to serve
all eligible consumers of VR services;
.	Defining "persons with the most significant disabilities" when Order
of Selection is implemented; and
.	Improving and/or expanding services specifically to minorities and
underserved or unserved populations of consumers?

Individuals requiring interpreters, assistive listening devices or other
special accommodations should contact Marcus Byrd at 1-800-622-2155
(Voice/TTY) at least two weeks prior to the meeting to request the preferred
accommodation.  

Roanoke Public Meeting
Lions Club
501 Elm Avenue, SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24017-3916
October 19, 2011
(540) 345-8823 
(540) 345-9760 
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Virginia Beach Public Meeting
Wyndham Virginia Beach Ocean Front
5700 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia  23451
November 4, 2011
(757) 428-7025 
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Northern Virginia Public Meeting
Inova Fairfax Hospital
Physician's Conference Center
Conference Rooms D-F
3300 Gallows Road
Annandale, Virginia  22042
November 19, 2011
(703) 776-4001
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.



Richmond Public Meeting
Virginia Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired
VRCBVI Dorm Lounge
401 Azalea Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23227
November 22, 2011
(804) 371-3151
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Bristol Public Meeting
DBVI Bristol Regional Office
111 Commonwealth Avenue
Bristol Virginia 24201
November 22, 2011
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(276) 642-7300 
Code: 6051652703



Written and e-mail comments may be submitted prior to December 30, 2011 to:
Susan Davis Payne, VR Director, DBVI, 397 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA,
23227, Susan.Payne at dbvi.virginia.gov  804-371-3140/1-800-622-2155
(Voice/TTY)




From fschroeder at sks.com  Thu Sep 29 06:06:21 2011
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:06:21 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Justice Department Signs Agreement with Warrenton,
	Virginia, to Ensure Civic Access for People with Disabilities
Message-ID: <001101cc7e6d$ea518d90$bef4a8b0$@com>

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the town of Warrenton, Va., to improve access to all aspects of civic life for individuals with disabilities. The agreement was reached under Project Civic Access (PCA), the department?s wide-ranging initiative to ensure that cities, towns and counties throughout the country comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The department has now reached 195 agreements under the PCA initiative, improving access to civic life for more than four million individuals with disabilities nationwide.

 

?Individuals with disabilities must have the opportunity to participate in local government programs, services and activities on an equal basis with their neighbors,? said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.  ?I commend Warrenton officials for their commitment to improving access for all residents and visitors with disabilities to the town?s full range of programs and facilities.  This agreement represents another important step towards nationwide compliance with the ADA.? 

 

?After a comprehensive review, we are pleased that the town of Warrenton has agreed to take steps to ensure that all of its residents and visitors, including those with a disability, can take full advantage of the town?s facilities and programs,? said Neil H. MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

 

PCA was initiated to ensure that persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life, a fundamental part of American society.  As part of the PCA initiative, Justice Department investigators, attorneys and architects survey state and local government facilities, services and programs in communities across the country to identify the modifications needed for compliance with ADA requirements. The agreements are tailored to address the steps each community must take to improve access.

 

Under the agreement announced today, Warrenton officials will take several important steps to improve access for individuals with disabilities, such as:

 

 

*	Making physical modifications to its facilities so that parking, routes into the buildings, entrances, service areas and counters, restrooms, public telephones and drinking fountains are accessible to persons with disabilities. 

*	Surveying other facilities and programs and making modifications wherever necessary to achieve full compliance with ADA requirements. 

*	Implementing a comprehensive plan to improve the accessibility of the town?s sidewalks, transportation stops and pedestrian crossings by installing accessible curb ramps throughout the town. 

*	Ensuring that buildings and outdoor facilities that will be built or altered by or on behalf of the town comply with the ADA?s architectural requirements.

*	Posting, publishing and distributing a notice to inform members of the public of the provisions of Title II of the ADA and their applicability to the town?s programs, services and activities.

*	Ensuring that the official website and other Web-based services are accessible to people with disabilities.

*	Developing a method for providing information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the town?s accessible services, activities and programs.

*	Installing signs at any inaccessible entrance to a facility that would direct individuals with disabilities to an accessible entrance or to information about accessing programs and services at other accessible facilities. 

 

Today?s agreement was reached under Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by state and local governments.  The department will actively monitor compliance with today?s agreement, which will remain in effect for a period of three years or until the department has confirmed that all required actions have been completed, whichever is later.  

 

People interested in finding out more about the ADA, today?s agreement, the PCA initiative, or the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State and Local Governments can access the ADA website at  <http://www.ada.gov/> www.ada.gov or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

 

The agreement with the town of Warrenton is available at www.ada.gov/warrenton_pca/warrenton_sa.htm.

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