From fschroeder at sks.com  Sun Nov  2 03:05:08 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2014 23:05:08 -0400
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFB of Virginia Board of Directors Meeting: Come
	One and All
Message-ID: <034301cff649$cff74cd0$6fe5e670$@sks.com>

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

 

Meeting of the Board of Directors

 

November 7, 2014

 

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

 

Ballroom A

Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina

700 Settlers Landing Road

Hampton, VA 23669

 

Agenda

 

I.                    Call to Order

Roll Call of Officers and Chapter Representatives

 

II.                  Secretary's Report

Approval of Minutes from August 2, 2014 Meeting of the NFBV Board of
Directors 

 

III.                Treasurer's Report

 

IV.                State Convention Overview

A.      Welcome by Natasha Hubbard, President, Peninsula Chapter, NFBV;

B.      Greetings from our National Representative, Gary Wunder, Editor, The
Braille Monitor; and President, National Federation of the Blind of
Missouri;

C.      Review of Convention Arrangements, Michael Kasey;

                                            i.      Registration

                                          ii.      Meal Functions

                                        iii.      Senior Luncheon, Nancy
Yeager

                                         iv.      Door Prizes

D.      Contact Table, Kierra Davis;

E.       Action Auction, Jacki Brown;

F.       Childcare; Natasha Hubbard

G.      Assistive Listening Devices, Valerie Luther and Maurice Peret;

H.      Scholarship Committee, Jennifer Kennedy;

                                            i.      Friday Seminars and
Special Events, Tracy Soforenko;

                                          ii.      Braille Carnival, Nancy
Yeager;

                                        iii.      Chapter Presidents and
Treasurers Seminar; and

                                         iv.      Resolutions Committee
Meeting, Jennifer Shields.

 

V.                  Chapter and Division Charters

 

VI.                Chapter Reports

 

A.      Blue Ridge Chapter, Woodrow Berry, President

B.      Chesapeake Bay Chapter, Mary Durbin, President

C.      Eastern Shore Chapter, Althea Pittman, President

D.      Fairfax Chapter, Wanda Taylor, President

E.       Fredericksburg Area Chapter, Michael Kasey, President

F.       Greater Williamsburg Chapter, Corlis Jones, President

G.      Peninsula Chapter, Natasha Hubbard, President

H.      Potomac Chapter, Tajuan Farmer, President

I.        Richmond Chapter, Jennifer Kennedy, President

J.        Tidewater Chapter, Stewart Prost, President

K.      Winchester Chapter, Shirley Guess, President

L.       At-Large Chapter, Rick Holley, Coordinator

 

VII.              Division Reports

A.   Diabetics Division, Patty Droppers, Acting President

B.   Virginia Association of Blind Students, Sarah Patnaude, President

C.   Virginia Association to Promote the Use of Braille, Nancy Yeager,
President

D.   Virginia Organization of Parents of Blind Children, Theresa Willis,
President

E.    Virginians with Dual Sensory Impairments, a Division of the National
Federation of the Blind of Virginia, Valerie Luther, President

 

VIII.            Other Business

Bid for Equality

 

IX.                Date and Location of Next Meeting

 

X.                   Adjourn



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sun Nov  2 23:20:22 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:20:22 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] ACTION AUCTION!!!
Message-ID: <001a01cff6f3$939c3ed0$bad4bc70$@net>

>From Jacki Brown

 

LIST AS OF NOVEMBER 2, 2014

 

 

FABULOUS NFBV ACTION AUCTION ITEMS TO BE SOLD AT OUR STATE CONVENTION IN
HAMPTON, NOV. 7-9. SEE YOU THERE!

 

   This year the items will be displayed on Friday and in our meeting room
on Saturday.  All items are entered in both portions of our Action Auction.
First, the SILENT Auction portion will occur all Friday from about 11-5.
This portion gives you the chance view most items and to sign up on bid
sheets for the items you want.  It sets the minimum bids as well as lets you
win the item if your bid is not beaten within a minute or so during the LIVE
Auction portion. The LIVE Auction will happen throughout the Convention
beginning on Saturday as directed by Fred Schroeder.

 

I guarantee it will be LIVELY and FAST.  The minimum prices will be set
Friday night and then its bid-bid- BID on Saturday.   Cash or checks will be
warmly welcomed.

 

  Following are a list of some items on sale this year:

 

1.  A Gift Certificate ( worth over $250.00) from the 

Where our 2015 Convention will be held: 2 weekend nights and breakfast for
two at the Westin Tyson's Corner Hotel.  It is good for our next convention
and/or before it occurs.  Solicited by Michael Kasey, NFB Fredericksburg
Chapter and Joe Hobson, NFB Potomac Chapter.  Donated by the Westin Tysons
Corner Hotel, VA.

 

2.         A Gorgeous Rust box-laced shawl.  ( 50" x 50") It is made of 85%
Alpaca and 15% Silk.  Knitted by Sandy Halverson of the NFB Potomac Chapter.


 

3.        A 5-Course Wine Dinner held at Fred and Cathy Schroeder's Home in
Vienna, VA, for 4 people.  Past meals have featured: steamed crab and shrimp
cocktail, warm spinach with chives, bacon and garlic crouton salad, hot
pumpkin soup, Steak Diane with vegetables, and a decadent dessert.  Each
course I accompanied with a wine chosen to compliment the food!  Donated by
Fred and Cathy Schroeder of Virginia - members of most NFB Chapters in
Virginia.

 

4.        A 10 x 8 Black COACH Clutch.  It is good for day or evening and is
new with its COACH tags still attached.  Donated by Michelle Ouellet of the
Fairfax Chapter.

                      

5.        One $50 Gift Certificate to the Bone Fish Grill, any location.
This certificate is also good at Outback and Carrabba's restaurants.
Solicited by Joe Hobson of the NFB Potomac Chapter.  Given by Pentagon Row's
Bone Fish Grill. 

 

6.        One $40 Gift Certificate for Champs American Bar & Grill in
Pentagon Row, VA or Columbia, MD. Solicited by Joe Hobson of the NFB Potomac
Chapter.  Given by Champs American Bar & Grill, Pentagon Row.

 

7.        Two $25 Gift Certificates for SINE Irish Pub, Pentagon Row or
Richmond, VA.  Solicited by Joe Hobson of the NFB Potomac Chapter.  Given by
SINE Irish Pub, Pentagon Row.

 

 

8.        Bone Fish Grill Appetizer Gift Certificates @ $ 10 each.
Solicited by Joe Hobson of the NFB Potomac Chapter.  Given by Pentagon Row's
Bond Fish Grill.

 

9.        Antique American Brilliant Period Deep Cut heavy crystal Bowl
decorated with Hob stars (feels like stars with circles around them) and
feather/saw tooth edge.  This is a stunning salad or fruit bowl and is a
unique centerpiece for your dining room table. (approx. 100 years old)
Donated by Charlie and Jacki Brown, NFB Potomac and Winchester Chapters.

 

10.               A Wicker Basket full of SPA Goodies including:  Lavender
bubble bath, bath salts, body lotion, body spray, exfoliation body scrub,
callous remover, foot cream, moisturizing spa socks, vanilla scented
flameless candle and two body sponges. Donated by Bev Coney, NFB Potomac and
Fairfax Chapters.

 

11.               A Trader Joe's Reusable Shopping Bag Full of Pumpkin
Flavored Products worth approx. $35 including: pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin
soup, pumpkin bread/muffin mix, pumpkin bar mix, pumpkin pancake/waffle mix,
pumpkin butter, can of organic pumpkin cereal bars, pumpkin toaster
pastries, and pumpkin spice peanut brittle.  Definitely a treat for those
pumpkin connoisseurs!  Solicited by Bev Coney, NFB Potomac and Fairfax
Chapter.  Donated by Trader Joe's in Falls Church, VA.

 

12.               Two Tickets to Attend a Wine Tasting Education Class on
Syrah Wine.  Taking Place on January 7, 2015, Wednesday, at 7:00 P.M. at Out
of Site Wines, Vienna, VA.  Solicited by Fred Schroeder, NFBV President.
Donated by Chris Battle of "Out of Site Wines".  

 

13.               One new Kuerig Coffeemaker. (Details to follow later)
Solicited by Zina Lewis, NFB Tidewater Chapter.  Donated by the Kuerig
Corporation.

 

 

NEW ADDITIONS AS OF November 2, 2014: 

 

14.               Several Knitted items from Jane Gustafson and her knitting
group.

 

15.               Five Gift Certificates to Noodles of $10 each at any
Noodles location.  Solicited by Joe Hobson of the NFB Potomac Chapter.
Donated by Noodles.

 

16.               A Gift Bag containing handmade chocolates from Mad About
chocolate.  Contents: 1 Mad About Chocolate triangle (a box of chocolate
containing ground mixed nuts), 1 mini cookies bag, 1-lb bag of dark
chocolate discs, and 1 curved bottle of black pearls (small dark chocolate
balls).  The owner of Mad About Chocolate was originally the owner of
Williamsburg's Trellis Restaurant and has written about chocolate desserts
including the famous Death by Chocolate.  Solicited by Steward and Deborah
Prost, NFB Tidewater Chapter.  Donated by Mad About Chocolate.  Value:
$35.PRICELESS TO A CHOCOLATE CONNOISSEUR!

 

17.               A $100 Gift Certificate from the Vineyard, McLean, VA.
Solicited by Fred Schroeder, NFBV President.  Donated by The Vineyard.

 

18.               A Case of Wine to be auctioned 3 bottles at a time donated
by Bovin Beverage. Details as to type of wine(s) to follow at convention.
Solicited by Fred Schroeder, NFBV President.  Donated by Bovin Beverage.

 

19.               A Certificate from Oakton Wine for an eight person private
wine tasting, Oakton, VA.  To be auctioned for 8 people with each knocking
others out as bids increase.  Solicited by Fred Schroeder, NFBV President.
Donated by Oakton Wine.

 

20.               A knit sweater size large by Cathy Schroeder.  Details as
to color, etc....come see it at our table!

 

 

ALL MONEY COLLECTED FROM THIS AUCTION GOES TO SUPPORT OUR ORGANIZATION.
COME LOOK THE ITEMS OVER AND HAVE A FUN TIME BIDDING.  REMEMBER CHRISTMAS IF
JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

 

                                               See you on Friday.

                                                         Jacki Brown,
Auctioneer

 


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From fschroeder at sks.com  Sun Nov  2 23:34:01 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2014 18:34:01 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Building an Advocacy Corps - Friday, November 7,
	3:45 PM to 4:45 PM
Message-ID: <009e01cff6f5$7c8cb3d0$75a61b70$@sks.com>

Stewart Prost wanted to let everyone know that the Building an Advocacy
Corps seminar will take place on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 3:45 PM-4:45
PM in Ballroom C at the Crowne Plaza.

The following announcement is from Stewart Prost, Vocational Rehabilitation
Advocate, NFB of Virginia:

 

Do you have an interest in helping others get the most out of Vocational
Rehabilitation Services(VR)? Did you have a either good or bad experience
with VR Services and wish to support and assist others in having a positive
experience with VR services?  

 

We at the NFBV are developing a group of members located throughout the
Commonwealth that can support other blind people in getting good results
from VR services.  We will talk about ways to get this Advocacy Corps off
the ground.  We will also hear from people from the following speakers, both
inside and outside the NFB:  

 

.         Gary Wunder, Editor of the Braille Monitor, President of the NFB
of Missouri, and our National Representative will talk about how to put an
Advocacy Corps together.  

.         Julie Triplet, Disability Rights Advocate and Shelesha Taylor,
Advocate/ Intake and Outreach Specialist from the disability Law Center will
talk about the Client Assistance Program (CAP).  

.         Susan Davis Payne, Director of Vocational Services, Department for
the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI)

 

By having Ms. Davis-Payne from DBVI and the representatives from the
disability Law Center present, we will explore ways in which we can combine
resources and work together so that blind people can get the most benefit
from VR services and join the ranks of the employed in the Commonwealth.  

 

This will be a fast moving hour.  Please come prepared to discuss and learn
how we can work together to support blind Virginians in getting the services
they deserve.  

 

 





From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Tue Nov  4 03:39:28 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2014 22:39:28 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Friday Seminar - Getting More Out of Your
	Smartphone Agenda
Message-ID: <000001cff7e0$f0752de0$d15f89a0$@gmail.com>


Getting More Out of Your Smart Phone


National Federation of the Blind of Virginia


 

November 7, 2014

Crown Plaza Hampton Marina, Hampton, VA

1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Ballroom C

Tracy Soforenko, Moderator

 

This seminar will discuss the latest in useful Apple Apps used for the blind
- ride Sharing, the KNFB Reader, public transit tools, and many more. 

 

Introduction
1:00 - 1:04

Tracy Soforenko, Second Vice President, NFB of Virginia

What's New for IOS 7 and 8
1:05 - 1:12

Paula  Derube, Assistive Technology Trainer

Try the KNFB Reader & beta NFB Apps
1:13- 1:23

Corbb O'Connor, Business Growth & Communications Consultant, 

O'Consulting Group

Master Calendar & Notes Apps
1:24-1:32

Mary Durban, President, Chesapeake Bay Chapter

Explore Accessible GPS and Other Orientation tools
1:33- 1:45

Andrea Bodnari - Assistive Technology Specialist, M.S O&M, TVI, LVR 

TSVI- Tech Solutions for Visual Independence

Get access to Public Transit  Schedule Info
1:46 - 1:52

Maurice Peret, Orientation and Mobility Instructor, 

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland

Use Pages, Apple's Full featured Word Processor
1:53- 2:00

Christopher O'Meally, Founder, Access Tech Media Inc

Take a Ride with Ride Sharing Services such as Uber
2:01 - 2:03

Tracy Soforenko

Explore Something Completely Different - Voice Stream and InstaPaper
2:04 - 2:10

Corbb O'Connor

Questions and Answers
2:11- 2:15

 

 



From fschroeder at sks.com  Tue Nov  4 11:22:10 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2014 06:22:10 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Female Roommate Needed
Message-ID: <032c01cff821$94683420$bd389c60$@sks.com>

Vee Gaspa is looking for a female roommate for the state convention this weekend. If you are interested, please contact Vee at the following phone number or email address:

 

434-989-1868

veegaspa at gmail.com

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Nov  5 02:41:16 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2014 21:41:16 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Sunday Box Lunches Available - RSVP by 11/5
Message-ID: <015301cff8a1$fa23d870$ee6b8950$@gmail.com>

 

Need a boxed lunch for your Sunday ride home after convention?

Please help a local vendor and support the peninsula Chapter of the NFB . A portion of each sale will be given to the chapter. 

 

Choppers  Caf? will sell box lunches on November 9, 2014. The box lunches will be as following: 

ham or turkey and cheese sub, fruit cup, cookie and bag of chips. 

The box lunch will be $10.00 and can sodas, bottle water will be $ 1.00 each. 

The boxes will be ready at 11:30 pm Sunday 11/09/2014. 

Please send e-mail to andre.tynes at aol.com or call 757-503-0366 by 11/5/2014 to make your request. 

 

Thank you for your support 

 

Andre Tynes.

 



From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Wed Nov  5 03:26:08 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2014 22:26:08 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Friday 11/7 2:30 PM Seminar on Social Media Agenda
Message-ID: <01b501cff8a8$3d8b0970$b8a11c50$@gmail.com>

>From Chris O'Meally

 

Social Media: Why you should be using it.

In this seminar, you will learn why social media is essential for today's
jobs, How to make it work for blind people, and how it can advance our
mission.

Ballroom C

Friday, November 7, 2014

2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

 

 

Social Media: A Brief Introduction

Chris O'Meally                                  2:30 PM - 2:40 PM

LinkedIn: Networking and Job Hunting in the 21st Century

Corbb O'Connor                               2:40 PM - 2:50 PM

Facebook and Twitter: Beyond Posting Photos and Reading Tweets

                Michael Villafane                            2:50 PM 3:00 PM

Ask the Experts

                Our Panelists                                     3:00

PM - 3:15 PM

Advancing Our Cause - Using Social Media to Increase Awareness and Promote
Community Involvement.

Ollie Cantos                                       3:15 PM - 3:25 PM

Next Steps: What Do You Want to See from Us?

                Chris O'Meally                                  3:25

PM - 3:30 PM

 

 



From holleymanor at verizon.net  Wed Nov  5 20:55:56 2014
From: holleymanor at verizon.net (Rick Holley)
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2014 12:55:56 -0800
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Nov. At Large chapter meeting
Message-ID: <BBD82D968EFE42D7B0A56381F0864450@LENOVO0A00C700>

Date: Nov. Nov. 11
Time: 8 PM
Subject: Convention recap and plans for Dec. meeting
Teleconf. No. 877-394-5901
Passcode: 614 96704

See u at the convention.
Rick

From fschroeder at sks.com  Thu Nov  6 13:01:40 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2014 08:01:40 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] A Chance to Win A New Pair of Shoes
In-Reply-To: <C40354D4-4E27-4413-8FF5-7BCFB5403359@cox.net>
References: <C40354D4-4E27-4413-8FF5-7BCFB5403359@cox.net>
Message-ID: <017101cff9c1$cf3253a0$6d96fae0$@sks.com>

The note below is from Stewart Prost, President of the Tidewater chapter.

Have you been thinking about getting some new shoes?  For a mere two dollars
per chance, you could be the winner of a gift card for a free pair of shoes
from the Walking Company.  This gift card entitles the winner to a his or
her choice of a free pair of shoes from the exclusive brands offered by the
Walking Company.  This prize is valued up to $150.  This is a fundraiser for
the Tidewater Chapter of the NFBV. Tickets will be available for purchase at
the convention this weekend.




From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Thu Nov  6 15:18:43 2014
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2014 10:18:43 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Building an Advocacy Corps-Agenda
In-Reply-To: <CAJcgccUGt_1sstBQNx4dw_z=XC4EpKCyskrAW+YNqs5y_frXYQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAJcgccUGt_1sstBQNx4dw_z=XC4EpKCyskrAW+YNqs5y_frXYQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <04fc01cff9d4$f3e52f20$dbaf8d60$@gmail.com>

From: Stewart Prost 
 

Building an Advocacy Corps

Friday, November 7, 2014-3:45-4:45 PM

Ballroom C-Crowne Plaza Hotel Marina

 

If you understand the vocational rehabilitation system, your fellow blind Virginians need your help. Together, we can help people understand the choices and process for obtaining the services they need to live full and productive lives.

 

 

 

?      3:45-3:50 PM- Introduction- Stewart Prost-NFBV Vocational Rehabilitation Advocate

 

?      3:50-4:05 PM -The Mechanics of Building an Advocacy Corps-Gary Wunder, Editor, Braille Monitor & NFB of Missouri President

 

?      4:05-4:15 PM-The Client Assistance Program-Julie Triplet, Disability Rights Advocate & Shelesha Taylor, Advocate & Intake/Outreach Specialist, disAbility Law Center of Virginia

 

?      4:15-4:25 PM-Working with the NFB Advocacy Corps-Susan Davis Payne, Director of Vocational Services, Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI)

 

?      4:25-4:45 PM-The Next Steps-Discussion between panel and participants-the development of a plan to build our advocacy corps.  

 

 

 

 

 

 



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Mon Nov 10 18:28:29 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:28:29 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFB of Virginia makes history
Message-ID: <004401cffd14$25e71c30$71b55490$@net>

Greetings Members and Friends of the National Federation of the Blind,

 

We are excited to report that our 56th Annual Convention in historic
Virginia was a success.  We were honored to have two past Virginia
Presidents, Alan Schlank and Charlie Brown with us to share memories.  Our
National Office was represented by Gary Wunder, President of the NFB Of
Missouri.  Gary delivered a inspiring banquet address and spent countless
hours with each of us.   Garrick Scott, president of the NFB of Georgia was
also with us encouraging students in our Youth Track.  We were sadden by our
President of the past 10 years, Fred Schroeder's announcement that he would
not run for President again.  Even though his travel schedule will prevent
his serving as President, he will remain active and available to the
leadership of Virginia.

 

The newly elected Officers are:

 

Michael kasey, President

Tracy Soforenko, 1st Vice President

Jennifer Kennedy, 2nd Vice President

Mark Roane, Treasurer

Jennifer Shields, Recording Secretary

Mary Durbin, Corresponding Secretary

 

Please offer your support to the new team as we move forward to grow our
Affiliate through recruitment, relationship building and seizing
opportunities.

 

Thank you,

Michael Kasey

President

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

 

 


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Nov 11 01:08:15 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 20:08:15 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV 2014 Convention Resolutions
Message-ID: <000001cffd4b$fbd24630$f376d290$@net>

>From Jennifer L. Shields, Recording Secretary, National Federation of the
Blind of Virginia 

 

Resolution 2014-01

Regarding Autonomous Vehicles

 

 

               WHEREAS, the Blind Driver ChallengeT of the National
Federation of the Blind is a collaborative, innovative research project of
the NFB Jernigan Institute and Virginia Tech College of Engineering to
create nonvisual interfaces that will allow a blind person to drive a car
safely and independently; and 

 

               WHEREAS, driving does not and will never define a blind
person's independence, but the ability to operate an automobile
independently and safely will provide a greater degree of independent
travel, affording us opportunities that do not currently exist; and 

 

               WHEREAS, mainstream automobile manufacturers are working to
develop driverless vehicles, and many of them have already integrated
autonomous components like automatic parallel parking and adaptive cruise
control; and 

 

               WHEREAS, all autonomous vehicles currently require human
operation, and regardless of the degree to which vehicles become automated,
some degree of human intervention will always be required; and 

 

               WHEREAS, the convergence of nonvisual interface technology
with autonomous vehicle technology promises to result in a vehicle that a
blind person can operate safely and independently; and 

 

               WHEREAS, in order for the development of autonomous vehicle
technology to progress, autonomous vehicle developers must be allowed to
test drive the vehicles legally in a variety of real-world driving
situations; and 

 

               WHEREAS, the states of Nevada and Florida have already
enacted legislation making it legal for driverless vehicles to operate on
their roads, and the National Federation of the Blind, during its 2012
convention in Orlando, commended those states that enacted these laws to
legalize the operation of autonomous vehicles on their roads; and

 

WHEREAS, after the NFB passed Resolution 2012-19, California, the District
of Columbia, and Michigan have passed similar legislation: Now, therefore,

 

                              BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of
the Blind of Virginia in Convention assembled this ninth day of November,
2014, in the city of Hampton, Virginia, that this organization call upon
members of Virginia's General Assembly to enact legislation that promotes
the development, testing, and legalization of autonomous vehicles in the
Commonwealth; and

 

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization recommend that
the General Assembly specifically permit the operation of these vehicles
with the use of nonvisual interfaces, which will allow a blind person to
operate the vehicle independently. 

 

 

RESOLUTION 2014-02

 

 

Regarding the Accessibility of Taxis and Transportation Network Companies

 

 

WHEREAS, taxicabs have long been a vital transportation option for blind
Virginians to commute to work and become active in their communities; and

 

WHEREAS, the growth of other transportation options has significantly
increased the affordability and availability of transportation options for
blind Virginians; and 

 

WHEREAS, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), also known as "ride
sharing" providers, are defined as organizations-whether corporations,
partnerships, sole proprietors, or other forms-that provide transportation
services for compensation using an online-enabled application or platform to
connect passengers with drivers who use their personal vehicles; and

 

WHEREAS, technology is changing the way that people request and pay for
transportation in taxicabs and with TNCs; and

 

WHEREAS, smartphone apps used by TNCs for ride requests, pick-up
information, and tracking should be accessible to all, including people who
are blind; and

 

WHEREAS, many of these smartphone apps do not work with existing
text-to-speech software that speaks contents of phone screens to the blind
and others with print disabilities, although standards for coding apps to
provide such access are readily available, in common use; and

 

WHEREAS, fewer taxicabs are allowing people to pay with cash, and many
electronic payment systems used by these taxicabs also lack non-visual
accessibility features; and

 

WHEREAS, notwithstanding claims by some TNCs that they are not
transportation providers, TNCs must be prohibited from discrimination
against blind Virginians, especially those who use guide dogs; and

 

WHEREAS, issues involving regulation of TNCs and taxicabs are currently
under consideration within the Commonwealth, and it is anticipated that such
issues will come before the Virginia General Assembly in 2015; Now
therefore:

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia in
Convention assembled this 9th day of November in the City of Hampton,
Virginia, that this organization urges the Delegates and Senators in the
General Assembly to require taxicabs and TNCs to provide equal, non-visual
access to the systems used to request, track, and pay for transportation;
and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization insist that the General
Assembly explicitly protect the rights of blind Virginians who use guide
dogs, by requiring all taxicabs and TNCs to be places of public
accommodation.

 

Resolution 2014-   03

Commending the Peninsula Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia, for a Job well Done. 

 

Whereas, our National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV) conventions
continue to grow and administration of the convention becomes more complex;
Whereas, in 2014, our Peninsula Chapter took on the opportunities and
challenges of hosting the 2014 (56th) state convention; and 

 

Whereas, our  2014 state affiliate convention operated efficiently and
smoothly. 

 

Therefore, be it resolved in convention assembled this 9th day of November,
2014, in the city of Hampton, Virginia, that we thank our Peninsula Chapter
for a job well done!  

 

Jennifer L. Shields

Junior, Christopher Newport University

English Major

Double Minor, Spanish and Psychology

Alpha Chi Collegiate Honor Society

Recording Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

Secretary, Virginia Association of Blind Students "For we walk by Faith, not
by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Nov 11 14:25:47 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:25:47 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Veterans Day
Message-ID: <003b01cffdbb$66218c20$3264a460$@net>

Fellow Members and Friends of the National Federation of the Blind of
Virginia 

 

Today we celebrate and remember all Veterans that have served America.  

Our Freedom is secure because of the Men and Women that have dedicated their
lives to defending us.  Among these brave soldiers are those of course in
our NFB families.  At our 56th annual convention this past weekend, we were
honored to have them serve yet again.  Four Blind Veterans participated with
the color guard during our opening ceremonies.  Each proudly accompanied a
flag representing the branch for which they served.

 

This participation is a first, yet we expect will continue at future
conventions in Virginia as it has at National Convention.

 

Please Join us in thanking them for there service.

 

Roy Murphy (Marine Corps)

Joe Hobson (Army)

Hunter Matthews (Air Force)

Scott Durbin(Navy)

 

Let's also take this opportunity to pray for those men and women and their
families that have given their lives for our country.

 

God Bless America!

 

Michael Kasey

President, NFBV

 


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Nov 11 20:34:15 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:34:15 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind Praises Social
 Security Class Action Settlement
Message-ID: <004401cffdee$dc7ac1b0$95704510$@net>

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 Praises
Social Security Class Action Settlement

 

Baltimore, Maryland (November 11, 2014): The National Federation of the
Blind <http://www.nfb.org/>  commented today on a settlement agreement
resolving a class action on behalf of employees of the Social Security
Administration (SSA) with targeted disabilities. Targeted disabilities
include blindness, deafness, partial or complete paralysis, and intellectual
disability, among others. The National Federation of the Blind provided
assistance to the class agents in this matter. 

 

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:
"The National Federation of the Blind is pleased that a settlement has been
reached that will provide meaningful opportunities for career advancement
within the Social Security Administration, one of the largest federal
employers of people with disabilities. This agreement will compensate
employees with disabilities who were denied positions for which they were
qualified and will put in place new reasonable accommodation, technology,
and training policies that will help workers with disabilities advance
within the SSA. We believe that this agreement rectifies serious inequities
and has the potential to make the Social Security Administration a model
employer of Americans with disabilities."

 

For more information about the settlement agreement, including who is
included in the class covered by the settlement and how eligible class
members can make a claim for monetary compensation, visit
www.ssadisabilityclassaction.com.

 

 

###

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Nov 11 20:51:49 2014
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:51:49 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] National Federation of the Blind GreenDrop program
Message-ID: <005401cffdf1$5091ecc0$f1b5c640$@net>

A message from Bernie Werwie, a member of the Fredericksburg Area chapter
NFBV

 

Below is the description of the GreenDrop program. The website where you can
go to schedule a pickup is www.nfbpickup.org. You can also call

1-888-610-4632 to talk to a GreenDrop employee about any specific questions
you may have. 

 

The National Federation of the Blind has teamed up with GreenDrop to collect
donations of clothing and household items. If you live in Connecticut, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of
Columbia, or Virginia, you can donate your unwanted items through drop-off
locations <https://www.gogreendrop.com/find-a-location/>  or call for a pick
up from your home or business. Your donation will help the blind live the
lives they want.

 

 

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind GreenDrop
program or to schedule a pickup of your unwanted items, visit
www.nfbpickup.org <http://www.nfbpickup.org/> , call 1-888-610-4NFB (4632),
or email GreenDrop at nfb.org. You can also contact us if you would like to
organize a household discards drive in your neighborhood, at your school or
where you work.  

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

Stephanie Witt

 

Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships

 

National Federation of the Blind

 

200 East Wells Street

 

Baltimore, MD 21230

 

Phone: 410-659-9314 x2423

 

Email: switt at nfb.org <mailto:switt at nfb.org>    

 

www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org/

 


The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Nov 16 17:34:34 2014
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:34:34 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] You are invited to the November NFBV Affilliate
	Communications Committee conference call this Tuesday at 8:00 PM
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS68CE6E663422E986951078F8A0@phx.gbl>

Hi All,
Outstanding convention. I have heard nothing but praise for it. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend because of a previous engagement. I won?t make that mistake again.


The purpose of the NFBV Affilliate Communications Committee is to promote our organization by publicizing our efforts and successes. We will leave no media untouched!

If you are interested in learning how to promote your chapter while also learning about the latest in social media, come join us for our conference call. All are welcome!

The info for the call is below. Hope to hear you there,
John Bailey

The NFBV Communications Committee meets the third Tuesday of every month. We start at 8:00 PM. Everyone is invited to join us on the call. Conference Dial-in Number: 7609841000 Participant Access Code: 607337# 


From fschroeder at sks.com  Wed Nov 19 00:27:42 2014
From: fschroeder at sks.com (Fredric Schroeder)
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:27:42 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2015 NFB Writing Contests for Youth & Adults
Message-ID: <010e01d0038f$a4e0d8b0$eea28a10$@sks.com>

2015 NFB WRITERS' DIVISION WRITING CONTEST

 
The annual youth and adult writing contests sponsored by the NFB Writers'
Division will open January 1st and close April 1st. 
 
NEW THIS YEAR: 2015, being the Federation's 75th birthday, the contest will
for the first time ever, have a required theme. All submissions will need to
somehow incorporate the theme of 75. It does not have to be necessarily
about the anniversary of NFB. It could just be the number 75, or perhaps the
diamond anniversary, or 75 steps to your destination, or even 75 balloons.
Thinking of past entries, 75 aliens would work. Seriously, let your
imagination take over. Write the piece you want, just remember to include
the theme of 75; this is inspired by the 75 years of the great work that has
been happening within, and because of the National Federation of the Blind. 
 
Adult contests, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and stories for youth are open
to all entrants eighteen and over. 
 
The youth writing contest, poetry and fiction, are to promote Braille
literacy and excellence in writing; youth must submit both a braille
hard-copy version along with an electronic doc or RTF file. The contest is
divided into three groups, determined by grade level - elementary, middle,
and high school.
 
Prizes for contest winners range up to $100 for adult categories, and up to
$30 for youth. 
 
All contest winners will be announced the first week in July, at the
Writers' Division business meeting during the NFB national convention, held
in Orlando, Florida. In addition, a list of winners will appear on our
website, http://writers.nfb.org 
 
All winners from both, the adult and youth contests will be considered for
publication in our Division's magazine, Slate & Style.
 
For additional contest details and submission guidelines, go to our website,
http://writers.nfb.org <http://writers.nfb.orgg> .  Notices about the adult
and youth contests are attached.
 
Respectfully yours,
Robert Leslie Newman
President, NFB Writers' Division
 
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future.
Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low
expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 



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From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Nov 30 19:50:59 2014
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 14:50:59 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] You are invited to the Fairfax NFBV Chapter party
	December 18!
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS109F77484EDF69B40AF97D8F7C0@phx.gbl>

You Are Invited!



Our primary goal this year is to grow the membership of the chapter. One great way of doing this is by throwing a party and inviting current members and prospective members to come join us in an evening of food, fun, and fellowship.



This year, (like previous years) our holiday party and gift exchange will be hosted by Cathy and Fred Schroeder at their home in Vienna on the evening of December 18 between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Their address is 9522 Lagersfield Circle, Vienna. 



Our holiday parties are also a potluck dinner that everyone enjoys. For those attending whose last name begins with ?"A thru M, they should bring appetizers.  People whose last names begin with N to Z should bring desserts.



So that there will be no duplication of foods (you can have too much of a good thing), please call Cathy Schroeder and let her know what you are bringing.  Cathy can be reached at:

Home: (703) 319-9226
Email: Cathy Schroeder<Cathy at sks.com>;

Cell: (703) 599-1960



Next,  each Chapter member is to bring a gift if they wish to participate in the gift exchange.  The cost of the gift is to be between $10 and $15.  It should be something that you would purchase for yourself or a good friend.  The gift can be for a male, female, or unisex or neutral.  This will be used in a game we play  to make giving gifts really exciting! 

Come one and come all.  This will be a GREAT time for all!  GREAT food!  GREAT gifts! And,  a lot of fun  .

Looking forward to seeing you!



Because of limited space, we encourage only current members and those interested in becoming members to attend. 



The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information about attending future meetings, call John Bailey at 703.994.2040 or he can be reached via email at john_bailey17 at hotmail.com




From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Nov 30 22:06:34 2014
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:06:34 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] The Fairfax Chapter of the NFBV announces its new
	officers
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS80CD6ABFD4434048C87AC8F7C0@phx.gbl>

The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia is 
pleased to announce its newly elected officers:
John Bailey, President;
Cathy Schroeder, Vice-president;
Beverly Coney, Treasurer;
And Carolena Garrison, Secretary.
We also elected the following board members Ashley Bramlett and Jessica 
Diaz.

John Bailey will represent us at our affiliate quarterly board meetings. 
Carolena Garrison was elected as the alternate board representative.


The Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind meets the third 
Thursday of each month. For more information about attending future 
meetings, call John Bailey at 703.994.2040 or he can be reached via email at 
john_bailey17 at hotmail.com



