From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Sun Dec  4 18:01:39 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2016 13:01:39 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Reminder for the Richmond Seminar,
 Board Meeting and Hotel Information
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TmOsf8QPgsQCuKc_d0OC+TbnZvhofuGSqp2AoGFuTAbYQ@mail.gmail.com>

A reminder to please join us for the Richmond Seminar on January 16 - 17,
2017 to ensure our voice is heard in the offices of the General Assembly.
Our board meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon, January 16th, which is
Martin Luther King Day. The Board Meeting will likely be held on the DBVI
campus on Azalea Avenue in Richmond but details will be worked out
shortly.  Our General Assembly visits will be Tuesday, January 17th.

Hotel rooms are available:

Crowne Plaza - Downtown Richmond
555 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219
January 16-17, 2017

The deadline to make reservations is January 4, 2017.  The affiliate will
reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.  Chapter presidents
should arrange cost effective transportation for their chapter members.
Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must obtain hotel
reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you need assistance
identifying a room share, please contact Deepa or Jeanette.

You may begin making reservations at any time. You may do so by calling
855-472-7802 and asking for the NFBV group block or by using the following
booking link to make reservations online:


* National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
<https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=6c&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=RICCS&checkInDate=16&checkInMonthYear=002017&checkOutDate=17&checkOutMonthYear=002017&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=FBV&viewfullsite=true>*

? Group rate is $99 plus state and local sales tax (currently at 13.3%).
? Guest will receive $10 off overnight parking.
? Check-In is at 3 PM and Check-Out is 12 PM.

Do not delay, book your room today.

Chapter presidents must provide the names of the individuals planning to
attend from their chapter to Deepa, Jeanette, and Tracy by Wednesday,
January 11, 2017 so we can establish teams in advance. If you have any
questions, please contact Tracy Soforenko at 202 285-4595 or
tracy.soforenko at gmail.com .



*Christopher Walker*
*National Federation of the Blind*
*Vice President, Winchester Chapter*
*Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia*

*www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org/>*
*chrisvinson1 at gmail.com* <chrisvinson1 at gmail.com>
*540.303.0080*

*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 chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Mon Dec  5 12:11:47 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2016 07:11:47 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV Senior Division Open for More Members & the
 Upcoming 12/28 Conference Call
Message-ID: <CAJnU-Tk5xpONmxWZ-por4MRqUuNJoUGot0-0FRZGR7gRmBgYcQ@mail.gmail.com>

As most of you know, the NFBV Senior Group is now the NFBV Senior
Division.  We received our Charter on November 13, at the NFBV convention.



Board members are:



President, Nancy Yeager;

Vice President: Corless Jones;

Secretary/Treasurer: Sandy Halverson;

Board Member 1:  Rick Holley;

Board Member 2:  Bobbie Cohen.



If you want to join the NFBV Senior Division and were unable to attend our
Seminar during convention, please contact Sandy Halverson,
Secretary/Treasurer, email: sandyh50 at verizon.net.



We plan to continue monthly conference calls where we will have
discussions, guest speakers and explore possible Division projects.
Conference calls will occur on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00
pm.  Please note:  this is a change from earlier calls which were held on
the third Wednesday of the month.



The date of the next call is December 28, at 7:00 pm.  Dial-in information
is:



Phone:  (712) 432-1500

Access code:  830676 followed by pound sign (to the right of the 0.)



We will elect a delegate and alternate delegate to the affiliate Board of
Directors.



December?s Discussion Topic is: Over Protective Families and Friends.  It
will be lead by Patty Droppers.



If you have discussion topic and/or Division project ideas, please send
them to: nfbvseniors at gmail.com.




Nancy Yeager

President, NFBV Senior Division

(703)283-2524 <(703)%20283-2524>

nfbvseniors at gmail.com


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Dec  7 00:07:01 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2016 19:07:01 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Student Division Conference Call Reminder
Message-ID: <CAJnU-Tmwtm3o6hS6q4+PSv=sS5=mGn_FoVrsW72ocrkocr1WKA@mail.gmail.com>

Greetings Students and Federation Family



I hope all is well. This is a friendly reminder to any and all students and
affiliate members that are interested in the students? efforts at the
Washington and Richmond seminars that there will be a conference call
tomorrow evening discussing different hot topics and responsibilities to
advocate to your elected officials. Please join the members of VABS in a
conference call that will outline the legislation that the Federation will
be focusing on when meeting with their representatives. We will have two
guest speakers, our national student liaison Luke Schwinck and former
affiliate President Michael Kasey, on hand to impress the importance of
advocacy and representation in the political sphere as both students and
constituents of an elected official. We look forward to hearing from
different members and veterans of either seminar on their experience and
hopefully get some words of advice for first time attendees.



The credentials for the Virginia Association of Blind Students Washington
seminar Conference Call is 641 715 3655 <(641)%20715-3655>. The access code
is 568305. If you have any trouble getting into the call, please contact me
at 804 200 3275 <(804)%20200-3275>.



Warm Wishes



Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

www.nfbv.org


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Dec  7 00:11:02 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2016 19:11:02 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV Legislative Committee Phone Campaign,
 December 13th
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TkSko4LV5KVTTS0Wv5ts9aLmhSMCoi5MATxD6J_d7+-kQ@mail.gmail.com>

Dear everyone,

As you saw from Parnell Diggs' email last week, we need to call our
national House representatives to ask them to cosponsor the TIME and
AIM HE Acts, as well as thank those representatives who have already
cosponsored the TIME Act. The names of the representatives who have
already cosponsored the TIME Act are at the bottom of Parnell's email.

We will be having this phone campaign on Tuesday, December 13,
beginning at 1 PM. Usually staffers for the representatives take calls
until 5 or 6 PM so the afternoon would be the best time to call. Your
Virginia legislative committee representative will be providing
chapters with the fact sheets for both Acts so that you can prepare
for your calls.

To connect to your House representative, call the Capitol Switchboard
at (202) 224-3121. From there, simply request to be connected with
your Congressman.

Please let your legislative committee representative, me or Jeannette
know if you have any questions.

Deepa and Jeannette
Co-Directors, NFBV Legislative Committee


From holleymanor at verizon.net  Thu Dec  8 19:51:13 2016
From: holleymanor at verizon.net (Rick Holley)
Date: Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:51:13 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Dec. At Large Chapter Meeting
Message-ID: <605ED4A4D4B943D8BDC7FED95C6C0D26@LENOVO0A00C700>

It's almost time to meet again.
Date: Dec. 13, 2016
Time: 8 PM
Subject: Newsline and Jody's New Business
Speakers: J. Halverson and Jody Silverburg
Conf. No.: 877-394-5901
Password: 6149670

Join us with your questions and thoughts

Rick Holley


From markwroane at gmail.com  Fri Dec  9 14:43:10 2016
From: markwroane at gmail.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2016 09:43:10 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] FW: Youth Adapted Sports Program at ODU
In-Reply-To: <C219E548573DFF40B20043BFA294760D8E20B3A7@COVMSGCES-MBX12>
References: <84E0C8E9DD04164D85CB1CD6951497501C185280@COVMSGCES-MBX13>
	<C219E548573DFF40B20043BFA294760D8E20B3A7@COVMSGCES-MBX12>
Message-ID: <002a01d2522a$903e6d00$b0bb4700$@gmail.com>

This information is being forwarded on behalf of the program provider.  If
you have any questions, please do not respond to this email, but, contact
the individual listed in the flyer.

 

 

From: Roane, Melody (DBVI) [mailto:Melody.Roane at dbvi.virginia.gov] 
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2016 7:41 AM
To: 'Mark W. Roane' <markwroane at gmail.com>
Subject: FW: Youth Adapted Sports Program at ODU

 

 

 

From: Taylor, Lorraine (DBVI) 
Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2016 9:32 PM
To: ~ All DBVI Staff (DBVI)
Subject: Youth Adapted Sports Program at ODU

 

Good evening,

 

A very exciting program will be starting in the Hampton Roads area called
Mighty Monarchs. This is going to be a youth adapted sport program for those
with visual impairments. The program will start in January and will be held
bi-weekly on Saturdays. They are actively looking for program participants.
If you know anyone who would be interested, please share the attached PDF.
Dates, time, cost, location and other information is contained in the PDF
and at the registration link. The registration link and contact information
are pasted below.

 

REGISTRATION: https://goo.gl/forms/dzjgo6cWEPsamWwC3

More Information Contact: 

Betsy Kennedy - e-mail: bkennedy at odu.edu <mailto:bkennedy at odu.edu>  phone:
(757)683-4703 

Justin Haegele - e-mail: jhaegele at odu.edu <mailto:jhaegele at odu.edu>  phone:
(757)683-4353

 

 

Best regards,

 

Lorraine Taylor

Wellness Instructor

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired

401 Azalea Avenue

Richmond, VA  23227

(804) 371-3696

Lorraine.taylor at dbvi.virginia.gov <mailto:Lorraine.taylor at dbvi.virginia.gov>


 

 

**CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE**

This message (including any attachments) contains information that may be
confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorized to
receive for the intended recipient), you may not read, print, retain, use,
copy, distribute, or disclose to anyone the message or any information
contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please
advise the sender by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original
message (including any attachments).

 

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From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Mon Dec 12 22:55:49 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2016 17:55:49 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Fact Sheets for Tuesday's Phone Blitz
In-Reply-To: <CAKs_uDQ_KCmxXFuniObyREKoCY9V=xkyCWxcQ4bVn+SwrwMziQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAHUJNMkBK5p8tvoFtwf__Tv8d=Z4WdPEBCj+xRp868auhba82Q@mail.gmail.com>
	<CAKs_uDQ_KCmxXFuniObyREKoCY9V=xkyCWxcQ4bVn+SwrwMziQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-Tkmim2_KBgtkfQmfL8c92hUHFdEHWQDBCmALedUqumwkw@mail.gmail.com>

A friendly reminder that our phone campaign to urge our members of
Congress to cosponsor the TIME and AIM HE Acts is tomorrow beginning
at noon. Please get in touch with your member of Congress through the
Capitol Switchboard referenced in Parnell's email. Attached are the
fact sheets for both bills and below are some talking points you can
use when speaking to the staffer.

Deepa and Jeannette

Talking Points

TIME Act:
Hello. My name is ___ and I am a member of the National Federation of
the Blind. I am calling to urge Representative ___ to cosponsor the
TIME Act, or Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment
Act, HR 188. This Act calls for the repeal of Section 14(c) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act, discontinues the issuence of new special
wage certificates,, and and phases out the use of the special wage
certificates over three years. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act, passed in 1938, allows the issuing of Special Wage
Certificates to entities, allowing them to pay workers with
disabilities subminimum wages.  Many of these entities are sheltered
workshops which hire blind individuals. They pay workers with
disabilities, including the blind, pennies per hour, forcing us to
remain inn poverty and rely on disability benefits. These workshops
are segregated environments and do not allow workers to compete in an
integrated environment with nondisabled peers. Over 80 other
disability organizations support the repeal of 14(c). Please urge
Congressman/woman ___ to cosponsor the TIME Act.

For those members who have already cosponsored the TIME Act, please
say the following:

Hello. My name is ___ and I am a member of the National Federation of
the Blind. I am calling to thank Congressman/woman ___ for
cosponsoring the TIME Act, or Transitioning to Integrated and
Meaningful Employment Act, HR 188. We really appreciate
Congressman/woman ___?s support.

AIM HE (pronounced AIM HI) Act:
Hello. My name is ___ and I am a member of the National Federation of
the Blind. I am calling to urge Congressman/woman ___ to cosponsor the
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education Act, or AIM HE
Act  (HR 6122). This Act concerns accessibility of instructional
materials in colleges and universities. Many colleges and universities
are not considering accessibility for blind students when using online
instructional material. The use of inaccessible technology is
prohibited under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Titles II
and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many schools have
faced legal action for adopting inaccessible technology. Equal access
requirements have no criteria for accessibility that schools can use
when selecting technology. Among other things, the AIM HE Act Develops
accessibility guidelines for instructional materials used in
post secondary education. It would establish a Commission tasked with
developing accessibility criteria for instructional materials and the
technology used to access those materials. The blind need equal access
to a quality education in order to gain meaningful employment and to
be productive citizens of society. Please urge Congressman/woman ___
to cosponsor the AIM HE Act.
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From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Tue Dec 13 11:33:29 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2016 06:33:29 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Reminder, at Large conference call this evening
Message-ID: <B514095D-DC21-4147-B0B3-62AFFE606361@gmail.com>

Hello all,
This is just a friendly reminder to join us this evening for the at Large conference call, Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 8 PM Eastern time. Rick Holly is our moderator.
The phone number is 877-394-5901 and the pass code is 614-9670 and press the pound key. The guest speakers will be John Halverson, newsline and Jody about her new business. Thank you.

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Tue Dec 13 15:59:46 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2016 10:59:46 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Additional resources for today's phone campaign
In-Reply-To: <04F2230E-41E9-491E-91C5-8EF71BEA0762@gmail.com>
References: <04F2230E-41E9-491E-91C5-8EF71BEA0762@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-T=ktjsHySDShCoAmwXp8fY5OnasjektjKZciOXiy=sCvg@mail.gmail.com>

Hello everyone,

The number to the Capitol Switchboard once again is 2022243121
<(202)%20224-3121>. If you do not know who your House representative is, go
to http://www.house.gov/representatives/fin
<http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/>d and enter in your zip code to
find them.

Deepa


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 14 12:45:04 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2016 07:45:04 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Meeting Details & Make Reservations for 2017
 Richmond Seminar
In-Reply-To: <048c01d255bc$b4d29d40$1e77d7c0$@gmail.com>
References: <048c01d255bc$b4d29d40$1e77d7c0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TkCBEGK0Ym318MJnkRZp2nZStk_QhzMOc4SHhCOf4jt8g@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Virginia Federationists,

We were hoping you were considering joining us for Richmond Seminar and the
NFB of Virginia Board of Directors meeting.

The Legislative Committee Is being proactive and asking chapters to define
who will be attending by December 23 so we are not scrambling to establish
teams.  We will not be turning people away but it will really help us to
know who is coming early instead of waiting until the last minute. We get
better results when we know constituents will be attending.  The hotel room
block is filling up and reservations are due by January 4, 2017.

We now have the details for the January 16 Board of Directors meeting and
Richmond Seminar Prep Session.

Date:   Monday, January 16, 2017. This is  Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
Time:   1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location:       DBVI Library and Resource center, Large Conference Room,
395 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA

Details on Richmond seminar are provided below.
====================================

Our General Assembly visits will be Tuesday, January 17th.

Hotel rooms are available:

Crowne Plaza - Downtown Richmond
555 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219 January 16-17, 2017

The deadline to make reservations is January 4, 2017.  The affiliate will
reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.  Chapter presidents
should arrange cost effective transportation for their chapter members.
Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must obtain hotel
reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you need assistance
identifying a room share, please contact Deepa or Jeanette.

You may begin making reservations at any time. You may do so by
calling 855-472-7802 and asking for the NFBV group block or by using the
following booking link to make reservations online:

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
<https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=6c&
localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=RICCS&checkInDate=
16&checkInMonthYear=002017&checkOutDate=17&checkOutMonthYear=002017&
rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=FBV&viewfullsite=true>

? Group rate is $99 plus state and local sales tax (currently at 13.3%).
? Guest will receive $10 off overnight parking.
? Check-In is at 3 PM and Check-Out is 12 PM.

Do not delay, book your room today.

Chapter presidents must provide the names of the individuals planning to
attend from their chapter to Deepa, Jeanette, and Tracy by Wednesday,
January 11, 2017 so we can establish teams in advance. If you have any
questions, please contact Tracy Soforenko at 202 285-4595 or
tracy.soforenko at gmail.com .


From Justin.A.Haegele at hotmail.com  Wed Dec 14 13:09:57 2016
From: Justin.A.Haegele at hotmail.com (Justin Haegele)
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:09:57 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Research Participant Recruitment: Online Survey
 (Gift Card Drawings)
In-Reply-To: <CY4PR12MB144762B251AC4977FF3C7579D6B40@CY4PR12MB1447.namprd12.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CY4PR12MB144762B251AC4977FF3C7579D6B40@CY4PR12MB1447.namprd12.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CY4PR12MB1526F827E834A17E0EF17C5CD69A0@CY4PR12MB1526.namprd12.prod.outlook.com>



Dear NFB Listserv Members:



We are conducting a study involving the motivation and self-efficacy of adults with visual impairments to engage in physical activity. To conduct this study we need the participation of adult aged-individuals with visual impairments. This study will ask participants to complete an online survey consisting of 41 questions which should take approximately 20 minutes. All responses will be anonymous and confidential.



All participants who complete the online survey will have the option to enter a drawing to win one $50.00 gift card or two $20.00 gift cards. If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in this study, please follow the link below:



http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3105425/Physical-Activity-Attribution-Survey



If you have any questions regarding this study, please contact me. My information is below. Thank you,



Justin A. Haegele,

PhD Assistant Professor

Old Dominion University

Jhaegele at odu.edu

(757) 683 5338










From markwroane at gmail.com  Wed Dec 14 20:52:07 2016
From: markwroane at gmail.com (Mark W. Roane)
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:52:07 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] FW: Save the date (GOALBALL)
In-Reply-To: <88582560D2219F4DBA9AB6319A183D7E1C8FC9A3@COVMSGCES-MBX14>
References: <88582560D2219F4DBA9AB6319A183D7E1C8FC9A3@COVMSGCES-MBX14>
Message-ID: <001f01d2564b$eefbc8e0$ccf35aa0$@gmail.com>

We are forwarding this message on behalf of the program coordinator.  If you
have any questions, please use the contact information given in the
announcement.

 

 

From: Chittum, Greg (DBVI) [mailto:Greg.Chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov] 
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 5:16 PM
To: 'markwroane at gmail.com' <markwroane at gmail.com>
Subject: Save the date (GOALBALL)

 

The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired and the
Richmond Regional Office of DBVI cordially invite you to come and play.

 

GOALBALL! (keep reading.)

 

When - January 21st, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Where - 401 Azalea Ave. Richmond, VA 23227 (that's our address at VRCBVI)

 

Why - Because you're awesome and goalball is fun!

 

How - Throw the ball, catch the ball.  It's that simple.

 

Bring your entire family!  

Siblings, grandparents, friends, parents:  come play too!  

No one too old or too young!  

Child care provided!

 

RSVP to Greg Chittum at greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov
<mailto:greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov> 

 

Happy holidays and see you in 2017!

(And watch for more exciting information about GOALBALL!)

 

 

Greg Chittum, Orientation and Mobility

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind & Vision Impaired

401 Azalea Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23227

Phone: 804-371-3323

Email: greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov
<mailto:greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov> 

Twitter: @VRCBVI_Strong <https://twitter.com/VRCBVI_Cares> 

Facebook: VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> 

Worldwide Web: www.vrcbvi.org <http://www.vrcbvi.org> 

 

 

 

Greg Chittum, Orientation and Mobility

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind & Vision Impaired

401 Azalea Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23227

Phone: 804-371-3323

Email: greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov
<mailto:greg.chittum at dbvi.virginia.gov> 

Twitter: @VRCBVI_Strong <https://twitter.com/VRCBVI_Cares> 

Facebook: VDBVI <https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI> 

Worldwide Web: www.vrcbvi.org <http://www.vrcbvi.org> 

 

 



From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Fri Dec 16 12:16:41 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2016 12:16:41 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Announcing Fairfax Chapter Delegate and Alternate
 for NFBV Board meetings
Message-ID: <DM3PR15MB1066C1D2EFAF18AF6BF4FC648F9C0@DM3PR15MB1066.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

Hello,
At the December 15, 2016 regular meeting of the Fairfax Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Virginia, we elected our chapter's delegate and alternate to represent us at our state board meetings.

Elected were Carolena Garrison as Alternate and John Bailey as Delegate.

Be seeing everyone at the 2017 Richmond Seminar January 16-17, 2017.
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From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Fri Dec 16 12:38:23 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2016 12:38:23 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Dec. 15 Fairfax Chapter Holiday Party was a great
 success
Message-ID: <DM3PR15MB1066392277ABCFD4069A20768F9C0@DM3PR15MB1066.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

Dear Members and Friends,
We had an awesome turnout for our December 15 Fairfax Chapter holiday party which was held at the home of Fred and Cathy Schroeder.

We had over 30 attendees, lots of food and drink, and lots of fun exchanging gifts. What makes our holiday parties so exciting is that we don't only bring gifts for everyone, if the gift is really popular, one participant can 'steal' it from another. This makes for lots of laughs and excitement.

The most popular stolen gifts were cash, chocolate truffles, a Bluetooth speaker, and scented candle with body soap. This is the chapter's biggest social event of the year and we really look forward to it.

Our next meeting (sorry, no gift exchange) will be held at the Fairfax Red Lobster on Fairfax Blvd. At our January 19 meeting, we will have a representative from ITG who will show us the latest in affordable Braille technology as well as print enlargement technology that also talks when you get tired of reading it yourself!

We gather at the Red Lobster at 6:30 to order dinner and the program starts at about 7:00 PM. We end our meetings at 8:30 PM.

All are invited and please invite your friends to come with you. Come for the biscuits and stay for the meeting.

Many tell us the Fairfax Chapter is like a family to them. If you are looking for a place where you can make and meet friends, come visit us at one of our gatherings. You are always welcome!
John Bailey
John_bailey17 at hotmail.com<mailto:John_bailey17 at hotmail.com>
703.994.2040


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From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Fri Dec 16 13:00:54 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2016 08:00:54 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Roommate share needed, richmond seminar, January 16,
 17th, 2017
Message-ID: <80B068CF-7373-49A9-99B2-CCAA7421C31D@gmail.com>

Hello,
Traci Jones from the Fredericksburg chapter is in need for a roommate for the richmond seminar, January 16, 17th, 2017. You can reach Traci at the below email. Thank you.
moonryn at gmail.com

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Sun Dec 18 22:36:21 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2016 17:36:21 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Washington Seminar Sneak peak at issues and
 Reservations
In-Reply-To: <002a01d25978$13c682d0$3b538870$@gmail.com>
References: <002a01d25978$13c682d0$3b538870$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-T=qvCH4c2rf+dPg0zSY3kVd2DmJ2oQoiNWbp8mo4xPRGA@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Virginia Federationists:



President Riccobono has provided the below note to share our issues for
Washington Seminar and encourage you to make your hotel reservations.



Next year is our Washington Seminar. We have been evaluating our priorities
and the new Congress, and charting our plans for the Washington Seminar.
During the meeting of the NFB Board of Directors earlier this month, we
reviewed the scope of the many legal, regulatory, and legislative efforts
we are undertaking. We also settled on some new initiatives for our 2017
Washington Seminar that I believe will make a difference to blind people.
Of course, the issues we have previously worked on will not be left behind,
but they will not be front and center in our Washington Seminar activities
in 2017. I wanted to give you a sneak peek at the 2017 NFB Washington
Seminar and give you another reminder to get your reservations in for rooms
at the Holiday Inn.



At the top of our priority list we will be asking Congress to support the
Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (AIM HE) Act, which
will establish a commission to formulate voluntary accessibility guidelines
for education technology on college and university campuses across the
nation.



A new item that we will pursue this year is seeking an amendment to the
Internal Revenue Code so as to create a refundable tax credit for blind
taxpayers who purchase access technology.



Our third seminar issue will be a request for an appropriation to the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) to
purchase refreshable Braille displays to be loaned to NLS patrons.



And finally, we will take up the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to
Published Works for People Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise
Print Disabled. There is a chance the Treaty will have been ratified by the
time we arrive in Washington. If so, we will celebrate when we come
together in the Capitol Ballroom at the Great Gathering-In at 5:00 p.m. on
January 30, 2017.



We are continuing to work on the TIME Act in discussions between our
advocacy team and members of Congressional staff. Our efforts around Space
Available have resulted in a compromise between the House and Senate,
whereby language was included in the National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA) directing the Department of Defense to contract with a federally
funded research and development center within ninety days to examine the
feasibility of extending Space Available participation to one hundred
percent service connected veterans. That report is due within 180 days.



Please remember the deadline for booking rooms at the Holiday Inn is
December 28, 2016. Reservations can be made at the Holiday Inn Capitol (550
C Street, SW Washington, DC 20024) for Washington Seminar for check-in
beginning Saturday, January 28, 2017, and check-out Friday, February 3,
2017. The rate is $188.00 per night. This rate does not include the tax,
which is currently 14.5 percent. You may begin booking reservations by
using the following link: Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol
<https://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/washington/wassm/hoteldetail?qAdlt=1&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.ul.vn.ki&qChld=0&qFRA=1&qGRM=0&qIta=99504425&qPSt=0&qRRSrt=rt&qRef=df&qRms=1&qRpn=1&qRpp=20&qSHp=1&qSmP=3&qSrt=sBR&qWch=0&srb_u=1&icdv=99504425&sicreative=151091618110&siclientid=9947&sitrackingid=697469823&dp=true&cm_mmc=OFMAM-AMER-EN-DES-C2C_SEM_HI_DC&glat=SEAR>,
or by calling (877) 572-6951, and referencing booking code F7B.



So, there you have it direct from President Riccobono. Consider this your
invitation to join us in Washington so our voice is heard on Capitol Hill.
If you are planning to attend Washington Seminar, please make certain that
your chapter?s member of the affiliate legislative committee knows and/or
tell our affiliate Legislative chairs:



Deepa Goraya, (909) 964-3699

deepa.goraya at gmail.com



Jeannette Gholson, (804) 543-0254

jigholson.din at gmail.com



We are really trying to understand who is planning on attending Washington
Seminar by Friday, December 23, so we can get cooking on scheduling
appointments in early January.



Tracy Soforenko

President, NFB of Virginia

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

202 285-4595 <(202)%20285-4595>


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Mon Dec 19 01:19:59 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2016 20:19:59 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Winchester chapter holiday party
Message-ID: <7117BECA-CDE5-447A-8346-DE8DA45EE3C8@gmail.com>

Dear Federation family,
The Winchester chapter, cordially invite you to our holiday party on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 1:30 PM to 3 PM. The holiday party will take place at Winchester medical building, main building. And the cafeteria, Courtyard Caf? conference room. All is welcome to join in on the festivities. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Happy holidays.

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Mon Dec 19 14:44:26 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 09:44:26 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: accessibility Challenges with Student Loan
 Notifications - We need to hear from you
In-Reply-To: <004401d259ad$ccea5810$66bf0830$@gmail.com>
References: <004401d259ad$ccea5810$66bf0830$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TnXLA2rXqxYhL3SDajWozSzLi_kacG_y40dqmiEmwgORg@mail.gmail.com>

Student Loan Notifications:
If you have experienced accessibility issues with student loan
communications, we need to hear from you.

In October 2014, we entered into an agreement with the US Department of
Education to make all federal student loan information accessible to blind
individuals. Under the agreement, the DOE and its loan servicers should now
offer: (1) accessible websites; (2) digital forms that can be filled out,
submitted, and saved on electronic devices; and (3) timely provision of
alternative formats for all documents, including notices, statements, and
publications.



If you have had difficulty receiving accessible federal student loan
information in the past year or otherwise believe that the DOE or one of
its loan servicers is not fulfilling its obligations under our agreement,
please contact Valerie Yingling at vyingling at nfb.org as soon as possible to
discuss.



Tracy Soforenko

President, NFB of Virginia

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

202 285-4595 <(202)%20285-4595>


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Mon Dec 19 14:45:15 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 09:45:15 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: 2017 Youth Slam - A Week Long STEM program in
 Maryland - Dates and Applications for Students & Adults now available
In-Reply-To: <007d01d259b2$1a902230$4fb06690$@gmail.com>
References: <007d01d259b2$1a902230$4fb06690$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-T=9dq+218q+FTixL3LbVsJE_TaVoSxEfwaMakK6wvaxtQ@mail.gmail.com>

Ready to Slam That!?:


The 2017 NFB Youth Slam, a weeklong program for blind students interested
in science, technology, engineering, and math, will be held July 23-29,
2017, at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. Applications for the
program are now available online for students
<https://nfb.org/youth-slam-student-application> and adult volunteers
<https://nfb.org/youth-slam-volunteer-application>. For more details, visit
http://blindscience.org/nfb-youth-slam.



Tracy Soforenko

President, NFB of Virginia

Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

202 285-4595 <(202)%20285-4595>


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Tue Dec 20 20:50:40 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 15:50:40 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: looking for anyone impacted by Barbri Bar
 Review's inaccessibility
In-Reply-To: <MWHPR01MB2815C4AFCA7968064489CC0FF0900@MWHPR01MB2815.prod.exchangelabs.com>
References: <MWHPR01MB2815C4AFCA7968064489CC0FF0900@MWHPR01MB2815.prod.exchangelabs.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-TmJMrD_mcs_wU36X_vFv8wWCk6+cH7_Avg7Aj-UCTtk0Q@mail.gmail.com>

Hello everyone,



The Washington Lawyers? Committee for Civil Rights where I work as a staff
attorney for the Disability Rights Project filed a class action lawsuit in
the Northern District of Texas against Barbri, Inc., the largest bar
preparation company in the country, on behalf of a putative class of blind
students. The lawsuit, Stanley, et al. v. Barbri, Inc., Civil Action No.
16-cv-01113-BK, concerns accessibility of the Barbri bar review website and
mobile application, which are not fully accessible to talking screen
readers, making it difficult to get access to all the study tools and
course materials. Additionally, the materials provided in alternate formats
are often not delivered on time and are not complete.



Briefing is complete on Barbri?s motion to dismiss, and we are entering the
discovery phase. Our motion for class certification will be due in
February. In advance of that motion, we would like to hear from anyone who
has been impacted by Barbri?s inaccessibility. This includes Virginians, as
this is a nationwide class action.



If anyone who is legally blind has either taken Barbri between April of
2014 and the present, wanted to take Barbri between April of 2014 and the
present but was deterred because you knew they were not accessible, or is
currently taking or planning to take Barbri, please get in touch with me.
You can email me at deepa_goraya at washlaw.org
<https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/3ocuqnqls04h/?&cs=wh&v=b&to=deepa_goraya at washlaw.org>
or call me at 202-319-1000 <(202)%20319-1000> and ask for Deepa Goraya.



Thank you.



Deepa



*Deepinder K. Goraya, ESQ.** | Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Project*

Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
<http://www.washlaw.org/>

11 Dupont Circle,NW, Suite 400 | Washington, DC  20036
202-319-1000 X132 <(202)%20319-1000> | Fax 202-319-1010 <(202)%20319-1010>



This email message is from an attorney and may contain information that is
confidential, privileged and/or attorney work product. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, please immediately advise the sender that
this message was inadvertently transmitted to you and delete this message,
along with any attachments. Please note that if you are an attorney who
received this email about a prospective client, you must maintain the
confidences of the prospective client. Thank you for your cooperation.


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 21 00:18:18 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 19:18:18 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Holiday season
Message-ID: <68C6E184-C652-48DE-9DF9-974299B158E1@gmail.com>

Dear Federation family,
The national Federation of the blind of Virginia would like to wish you, your family and friends a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to a great new year 2017!

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 21 21:52:43 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:52:43 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Winchester chapter delicate and alternate delegate
 for 2017 and 18
Message-ID: <FA5D4AC9-ED4C-4CEB-8EA6-18AEE51C9CF8@gmail.com>

Hello everyone,
During our holiday party and chapter meeting today, Wednesday, December 21, 2016. We are pleased to announce our chapter delicate and alternate delegate for the year 2017 to 2018.
Chapter Delegate, Jim Walker
Alternate delegate, David Bagget

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Thu Dec 22 01:02:48 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 20:02:48 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: Student Division Conference Call
In-Reply-To: <004e01d25b91$f4b14710$de13d530$@gmail.com>
References: <004e01d25b91$f4b14710$de13d530$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJnU-Tkww7UBHXBtaUaWHjchzJsFhwwD+q2b-UMouqctpo8S2Q@mail.gmail.com>

 Greetings Federation Family and Students



As holidays and the breaks associated with them approach, I am sure that
excitement is very high to enjoy a well-deserved release from the pressures
of high school, college, or training. I can honestly say that I feel the
same way, however, I do know how quickly after the New Year?s holiday that
school resumes and we as students are back to regularly scheduled
programming. For these reasons, the Virginia Association of Blind Students,
VABS, are keeping that notion at the forefront of our minds and have
planned a very important conference call for all students, federation
members that are thinking about college, and family members of college
students. Our January conference call will contain all necessitated
information that is included in business meetings like reports on the
treasury, event plans for the future, and upcoming fundraising; but it will
also have a very special segment on the NFB national college scholarship
that is awarded at our National Convention each year. These awards, ranging
from $3000 to $12000, are competitively attained by blind college students
all across the country that display equal parts merit, determination to
succeed, and practice of the NFB philosophy. To join us on this call with
deadline information and tips, we will have a national representative from
Utah, Mr. Everett Bacon, as well as an anecdote from this year?s Virginia
winner and our Secretary, Ms. Sharon Jose. Please feel free to call in if
you have any questions about how the process works or would like to
understand what it takes to be considered for one of these prestigious
awards.



The January 2017 conference call for the Virginia association of Blind
Students is on Thursday, January 5 at 7pm. The call in credentials is 641
715 3655 <(641)%20715-3655>. The access code is 568305. I look forward to
hearing you all on the call.



Warm Wishes



Robert E. Parsons Jr.

President, Virginia Association of Blind Students

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

804.200.3275

rob.parso3389 at gmail.com

www.nfbv.org


From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Dec 25 21:12:10 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2016 21:12:10 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Deadline for making Richmond Seminar hotel
 reservations is Jan. 4!
Message-ID: <DM3PR15MB106603F8A79B5BD27F1EE3438F970@DM3PR15MB1066.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

Make your reservations for the evening of January 16 for Richmond Seminar. To get the group rate, tell them you are with the 'NFBV'.





Hotel rooms are available:



Crowne Plaza - Downtown Richmond

555 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219 January 16-17, 2017



The deadline to make reservations is January 4, 2017.  The affiliate will reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.  Chapter presidents should arrange cost effective transportation for their chapter members.

Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must obtain hotel reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you need assistance identifying a room share, please contact Deepa or Jeanette.



You may begin making reservations at any time. You may do so by calling 855-472-7802 and asking for the NFBV group block or by using the following booking link to make reservations online:



National Federation of the Blind of Virginia <https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=6c&

localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=RICCS&checkInDate=

16&checkInMonthYear=002017&checkOutDate=17&checkOutMonthYear=002017&

rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=FBV&viewfullsite=true>



* Group rate is $99 plus state and local sales tax (currently at 13.3%).

* Guest will receive $10 off overnight parking.

* Check-In is at 3 PM and Check-Out is 12 PM.



Do not delay, book your room today.


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From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Mon Dec 26 02:17:34 2016
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2016 21:17:34 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Male seeking Roommate for Washington Seminar -
 nights of Jan 30 & 31
Message-ID: <008701d25f1e$38557d30$a9007790$@gmail.com>



One of our Virginia Leadership  Fellows, Michael Kitchens, is seeking a
roommate for Washington Seminar. Michael is checking in on Monday, January
30 and checking out on Wednesday, February 1. 

If you would like to room with Michael , please call or email him.

 

Michael D. Kitchens 

 (757) 391-2892 (home and fax)

(757) 615-9087 (cell)

 <mailto:kitchensii at verizon.net> kitchensii at verizon.net

 

The deadline for Washington Seminar hotel reservations is December 28 so
people need to act quickly.

 

Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

 <mailto:Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com> Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com

 

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From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Tue Dec 27 14:30:00 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2016 09:30:00 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV Senior Division Open for More Members & the
 Upcoming 12/28 Conference Call
Message-ID: <CAJnU-Tmdxr+sHrVOGjnqKYYFRq71twG-DZK6G+nr9X8aDxiikw@mail.gmail.com>

As most of you know, the NFBV Senior Group is now the NFBV Senior
Division.  We received our Charter on November 13, at the NFBV convention.

Board members are:

President, Nancy yeager;
Vice President: Corless Jones;
Secretary/Treasurer: Sandy Halverson;
Board Member 1:  Rick Holley;
Board Member 2:  Bobbie Cohen.

If you want to join the NFBV Senior Division and were unable to attend our
Seminar during convention, please contact Sandy Halverson,
Secretary/Treasurer, email: sandyh50 at verizon.net.

We plan to continue monthly conference calls where we will have
discussions, guest speakers and explore possible Division projects.
Conference calls will occur on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00
pm.  Please note:  this is a change from earlier calls which were held on
the third Wednesday of the month.

The date of the next call is December 28, at 7:00 pm.  Dial-in information
is:

Phone:  (712) 432-1500
Access code:  830676 followed by pound sign (to the right of the 0.)

We will elect a delegate and alternate delegate to the affiliate Board of
Directors.

December?s Discussion Topic is: Over Protective Families and Friends.  It
will be lead by Patty Droppers.

If you have discussion topic and/or Division project ideas, please send
them to: nfbvseniors at gmail.com.

Nancy Yeager
President, NFBV Senior Division
(703)283-2524
Email:  nfbvseniors at gmail.com


From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Thu Dec 29 14:50:58 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:50:58 +0000
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Now is the time to make appointments with your
 Virginia Delegates and Senators. Here is how.
Message-ID: <DM3PR15MB10667AE509BD6B9AC80D833C8F6B0@DM3PR15MB1066.namprd15.prod.outlook.com>

Attention Chapter Leaders,
Now is the time you should be making plans for attending Richmond Seminar (January 16-17, 2017) so that you can meet your representatives in the Virginia General Assembly.

Not sure who your Delegate or Senator are? Not sure how to contact them to make an appointment for the morning of the 17? This webpage will answer all those questions.

Go to http://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ and enter your address in the search field and hit enter. Scroll down the page past maps and graphics till you reach text that tells you everything you need to know to make Richmond Seminar a success.

Just dial the phone numbers provided and tell them you want to see them and that you are a constituent (you can vote for them) and they will be more than happy to talk to you and hear about the issues important to us.

Got more questions? One of our Richmond and Washington Seminar organizers would love to help. Email Deepa at deepa.goraya at gmail.com<mailto:deepa.goraya at gmail.com>.


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From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Thu Dec 29 16:51:34 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Chris Walker)
Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2016 11:51:34 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] Washington Seminar
 Reservation Deadline Extended to January 3
References: <auto-000073853506@mailfront1.g2host.com>
Message-ID: <9D37C3B9-A8CF-48A3-ACFD-63EFEEFBC041@gmail.com>

Hello Virginia Federation family,
See below information for extension for deadline for Washington seminar. Thank you.

Christopher Walker
National Federation of the Blind 
Vice-President, Winchester Chapter
Corresponding Secretary, NFB of Virginia
www.nfbv.org
chrisvinson1 at gmail.com
540.303.0080

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Diggs, Parnell via NFBNet-Members-List" <nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
> Date: December 29, 2016 at 9:52:15 AM EST
> To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] Washington Seminar Reservation Deadline Extended to January 3
> Reply-To: "Diggs, Parnell" <PDiggs at nfb.org>
> 
> Dear Federation Family,
>  
> The Holiday Inn Capitol has extended the deadline for Washington Seminar reservations through this Tuesday, January 3, 2017. To book a reservation, please dial (877) 572-6951 using booking code F7B, or by clicking here: https://nfb.org/ Washington-seminar. Rates for the 2017 Washington Seminar are $188 per night with an applicable tax of 14.5%. The Great Gathering-In is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on January 30, and we will be visiting the offices of House and Senate members on Tuesday, January 31; Wednesday, February 1; and Thursday, February 2. I hope this helps you if you have been considering joining us for all of the fun in Washington, DC. 
>  
> Happy Holidays, and I look forward to seeing you in 2017.
>  
> Parnell
>  
> Parnell Diggs, Esq.
> Director of Government Affairs
> 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
> (410) 659-9314, extension 2222 | pdiggs at nfb.org 
> Twitter:  @ParnellDiggs
>  
>   
>  
>                                        
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation?s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. 
>  
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFBNet-Members-List mailing list
> NFBNet-Members-List at nfbnet.org
> List archives:  <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnet-members-list_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe from NFBNet-Members-List:
> goto http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbnet-members-list_nfbnet.org/chrisvinson1%40gmail.com


From chrisvinson1 at gmail.com  Fri Dec 30 17:59:29 2016
From: chrisvinson1 at gmail.com (Christopher Vinson)
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:59:29 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2017 Richmond seminar - Issues,
 Reservations and Reimbursement
Message-ID: <CAJnU-T=dJDnVXnSo7d0T4nD5TK+V8h3X7R0XXD3patHy1ih6=g@mail.gmail.com>

Hi,



Richmond Seminar is fast approaching.  We need to know if you are coming.
This year, our legislative agenda will focus on 2 new topics:

A)     Blind Parents Rights - We have a bill in the House of Delegates to
ensure that blindness cannot be a factor in determining custody/adoption
for children.

B)       Autonomous Cars - As Virginia considers the use of autonomous
vehicles, we want to ensure that a driver's license is not a requirement to
use an autonomous vehicle.  We also want these vehicles to be accessible
for blind passengers.



Both of these topics are based on resolutions passed by our convention over
the past few years.



In addition, we have received a few questions on our process for
reimbursing hotel and transportation expenses for Richmond Seminar.



Hotel:

You or your roommate makes your own reservation at the hotel at the NFB of
Virginia rate using your credit card to guarantee the room.  Do not delay,
the NFB of Virginia rate is only available until January 4th.  We can help
people arrange for roommates but don?t wait until the last minute to tell
us.



?         If one person is staying in a room by themselves, the affiliate
will reimburse you for half the cost of a room.

?         If two people are sharing a room, one of the two can submit the
reimbursement request form for the two of you.



Since these are reimbursements, you are responsible for paying for your
hotel room at the hotel.  After Richmond Seminar, follow the instructions
on the reimbursement request form to get reimbursed by the Treasurer.  Our
Treasurer, Mark Roane, will provide the latest reimbursement form via email
in the next few weeks.



Transportation:

Chapter Presidents are responsible for arranging affordable transportation
for their chapters. The affiliate will reimburse for transportation costs.
If you have questions about arranging transportation, please reach out to
either Mark Roane or myself.



Meals:

Meals are on your own. There are very affordable restaurants near the
Crowne Plaza including the  Capitol Ale House with ? price Monday burger
night.



Details on making reservations, board meeting times and other details are
provided in the message below.



Don't  delay, plan to join us in Richmond.



Tracy Soforenko

President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

202 285-4595

tracy.soforenko at gmail.com



======================================================================



Hi Virginia Federationists,



We were hoping you were considering joining us for Richmond Seminar and the
NFB of Virginia Board of Directors meeting.



The Legislative Committee Is being proactive and asking chapters to define
who will be attending by January 11th so we are not scrambling to establish
teams.  We will not be turning people away but it will really help us to
know who is coming early instead of waiting until the last minute. We get
better results when we know constituents will be attending.  The hotel room
block is filling up and reservations are due by January 4, 2017.



We now have the details for the January 16 Board of Directors meeting and
Richmond Seminar Prep Session.



Date:   Monday, January 16, 2017. This is Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

Time:   1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:       DBVI Library and Resource center, Large Conference Room,

395 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA



Details on Richmond seminar are provided below.

====================================



Our General Assembly visits will be Tuesday, January 17th.



Hotel rooms are available:



Crowne Plaza - Downtown Richmond

555 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219 January 16-17, 2017



The deadline to make reservations is January 4, 2017.  The affiliate will
reimburse transportation expenses and hotel expenses.  Chapter presidents
should arrange cost effective transportation for their chapter members.

Individuals are expected to share hotel rooms and must obtain hotel
reservations themselves at the NFB of Virginia rate. If you need assistance
identifying a room share, please contact Deepa or Jeanette.



You may begin making reservations at any time. You may do so by calling
855-472-7802 and asking for the NFBV group block or by using the following
booking link to make reservations online:



National Federation of the Blind of Virginia
https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&brandCode=6c&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=RICCS&checkInDate=16&checkInMonthYear=002017&checkOutDate=17&checkOutMonthYear=002017&rateCode=6CBARC&_PMID=99801505&GPC=FBV&viewfullsite=true



? Group rate is $99 plus state and local sales tax (currently at 13.3%).

? Guest will receive $10 off overnight parking.

? Check-In is at 3 PM and Check-Out is 12 PM.



Do not delay, book your room today.



Chapter presidents must provide the names of the individuals planning to
attend from their chapter to Deepa Goraya deepa.goraya at gmail.com , Jeanette
Gholson jigholson.din at gmail.com ,

and Tracy Soforenko  *tracy.soforenko at gmail.com <tracy.soforenko at gmail.com>*
by Wednesday, January 11, 2017 so we can establish teams in advance.



If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Soforenko at 202 285-4595
or tracy.soforenko at gmail.com


