From tracy.soforenko at gmail.com  Mon Feb  1 13:09:56 2016
From: tracy.soforenko at gmail.com (Tracy Soforenko)
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 2016 08:09:56 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 7 Calls this morning to Save our Literacy
	Assessment Bill (HB166)
Message-ID: <04e701d15cf1$d9433870$8bc9a950$@gmail.com>

Urgent Request to Virginia Federationists:
Our Literacy assessment Bill for the past 3 years (HB 166) goes before the
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary & Secondary Education on
Tuesday morning. We need you to invest 10 minutes this morning to call each
member of the sub-committee to tell anyone on their staff the following:
You support HB 166
Your Name and address

Background:
HB166 is being herd before The House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Elementary & Secondary Education this Tuesday.  The bill will help ensure
literacy for Virginia's blind an visually impaired K through 12 grade
students.  It will require students to be administered a short test to
determine whether Braille, Large Print or both is the appropriate reading
media.  The results will be used during the individual education plan (IEP)
process.

Mark has been meeting with these committee members to express the importance
of passing this legislation.

Please call or email each committee member today so they have this
information.

For too long, Virginia's blind and low vision students have received
insufficient instruction in reading and writing skills that has led to many
of them leaving school functionally illiterate, unable to find employment or
to go on to higher education.

The National Federation of the Blind of Virginia believes that a bill before
the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary & Secondary Education
this Tuesday, February 2, 2016, HB166, will improve the likelihood that
these students will receive the proper instruction and therefore, we
urgently ask you to call and/or email on Monday, February 1, 2016each of the
Delegates listed below and urge them to support HB166.
The Fiscal Impact Statement has determined that there is no cost to the
Commonwealth because funding was increased 10 fold for TVIs in 2013.
Virginia's blind and low vision students will be grateful for your efforts.

 

Delegate

Capitol Phone

Email

Landes, R. Steven

(804) 698-1025

DelSLandes at house.virginia.gov

Cox, M. Kirkland
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1066

DelKCox at house.virginia.gov

Massie, James P. (Jimmie), III
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1072

DelJMassie at house.virginia.gov

Greason, Thomas A. (Tag)
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1032

DelTGreason at house.virginia.gov

Knight, Barry D.
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1081

DelBKnight at house.virginia.gov

McQuinn, Delores L.
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1070

DelDMcQuinn at house.virginia.gov

Lindsey, Joseph C.
<http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?committee=H02>


(804) 698-1090

DelJLindsey at house.virginia.gov

Tracy Soforenko
First Vice President, NFB of Virginia
Tracy.soforenko at gmail.com
202 285-4595




From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Tue Feb  2 00:46:33 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:46:33 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] TRY BLIND HOCKEY with the Capitals!
Message-ID: <001101d15d53$2a441a30$7ecc4e90$@verizon.net>

USA HOCKEY AND THE Washington CAPITALS PRESENT

TRY BLIND HOCKEY: FREE SESSION

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016 <x-apple-data-detectors://2>  

KETTLER CAPITALS ICEPLEX 

627 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, SUITE 800 <x-apple-data-detectors://3> 

ARLINGTON, VA 22203 <x-apple-data-detectors://3> 

ARRIVE BY 11;30 AM

ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS WELCOME

INCLUDING PLAYERS WITH NO SKATING EXPERIENCE

WE WILL PROVIDE ALL EQUIPMENT, 

COACHING, LUCNH AND REFRESHMENTS

PLEASE BRING GLOVES, A BICYCLE HELMET IF YOU ARE 

A BEGINNING ICE SKATER, AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!

TO REGISTER, PLEASE RSVP ON FACEBOOK AT 

 <https://www.facebook.com/events/1638389589716937/>
https://www.facebook.com/events/1638389589716937/

OR EMAIL CRAIG FITZPATRICK  <mailto:fitzpatrickpers at gmail.com>
fitzpatrickpers at gmail.com

THE CAPITALS WILL BE ON THE ICE IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO US

AND THEY HAVE INVITED US TO ATTEND THEIR MORNING SKATE TO EXPERIENCE AN NHL
PRACTICE.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE

TO ATTEND THE CAPITALS MORNING SKATE PLEASE ARRIVE 

NO LATER THAN 10 AM <x-apple-data-detectors://6> .  IF YOU HAVE A SEEING EYE
DOG, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SOMEONE TO accompany YOU AND WATCH YOUR
DOG WHILE YOU ARE ON THE ICE. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SPORT OF BLIND HOCKEY VISIT

 

 <http://courageusa.org/> http://courageusa.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 live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 



From john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Wed Feb  3 14:31:08 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2016 09:31:08 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Need blind and low-vision supplies? Check out our
	Independence Market at the NFB
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS124BAB7A9F37C09943BA028FD00@phx.gbl>

Independence Market
Some of our new members and friends may not be aware of the National Federation of the Blind Independence Market. The Independence Market is the conduit through which the National Federation of the Blind distributes our empowering literature to our members, their families, and the general public. Our literature shows how blind people can live the lives we want by helping us to raise expectations of ourselves.

Our Kernel Book series continues to be a popular public education tool. The stories written by our members about their everyday experiences with blindness let others know that we share the same hopes and dreams as the rest of the broader population and that we have the capability to live fulfilled lives by working productively, raising families, and engaging in our communities. In addition to reading our Kernel Books online, print copies can be requested from the Independence Market free of charge to share with others. We also have a few titles still available in Braille. 

The Independence Market is also a source of low-tech blindness products that make everyday life easier and enhance the independence of the user. Products include Braille learning aids, Braille writing and labeling supplies, white canes for traveling independently, talking clocks and watches as well as Braille watches, clothing organizers and color detectors, kitchen and sewing aids, tactile and audio marking aids, board and card games, large-print recordkeeping and writing aids, magnifiers, medical devices, digital recorders, and much more.

You may learn more about what the Independence Market has to offer by visiting us online. There you can browse our e-commerce site and download our catalog. If you have questions, please contact the Independence Market either via email or by phone at (410) 659-9314, extension 2216. Our staff will gladly assist you Monday through Friday during regular business hours.


From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sat Feb  6 00:24:08 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2016 19:24:08 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Great Washington Seminar despite the 2016 Snow
Message-ID: <002b01d16074$b21af900$1650eb00$@verizon.net>

I write to recognize a few more Virginians that were on the hill during
Washington Seminar this year.  Deepa Goraya was with us and we decided she
may join the folks from California for their appointments.  John and Sandy
Halverson as well as Nancy Yeager were there for the entire time in our
Seminar room at the hotel  .   This is an effort that occurs every year to
manage appointment changes, communicating with all members of the NFB
visiting from across the country and  to organize feedback received from all
appointments.

We appreciate their efforts and all that participated this year.

 

Great job NFB of Virginia!

Michael

 

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 holleymanor at verizon.net  Sun Feb  7 19:44:17 2016
From: holleymanor at verizon.net (Rick Holley)
Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:44:17 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV At Large Chapter Meeting, February
Message-ID: <0873A9B6685A47C98820892BEB5EF1FC@LENOVO0A00C700>

Greetings,
It's that time again.

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 9
Time: 8 PM
Teleconf. No.: 877-394-5901
Passcode: 6149670
Speaker: Mark Roane
Subjects: NFBV finances, Richmond seminar recap and more

Join us for a great meeting.
Rick HolleyConf. No.: 877-394-5901\


From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sun Feb  7 23:51:48 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2016 18:51:48 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] New Officers for Peninsula Chapter
Message-ID: <000f01d16202$82cdff50$8869fdf0$@verizon.net>

Congratulations to the new leaders of the Peninsula Chapter.

  

A note from Tasha Hubbard:

good afternoon:

Our elections are complete; officers are as follows, uricka Harrison
president Belinda van vice president Mary fountain treasurer Donna branch
secretary.

Thank you for your attention.

Blessings,

Tasha Hubbard

 

 

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 john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Wed Feb 10 18:51:00 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:51:00 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Need money for school? Check out NFB scholarships
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS10741195FB8C6ECEA1A4B98FD70@phx.gbl>

National Federation of the Blind
2016 Scholarship Program



To recognize achievement by blind scholars, the National Federation of the Blind annually offers blind college students in the United States and Puerto Rico the opportunity to win one of thirty merit-based, national-level scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS



All applicants for these scholarships:

1.    must be legally blind (PDF document) in both eyes, and

2.    must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and

3.    must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, postsecondary course of study in a degree program at a United States institution in the 2016 scholastic year, except that one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time, and

4.    must participate in the entire NFB national convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities.

In addition to a scholarship, each winner will receive assistance to attend the 2016 National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention which takes place June 30 to July 5, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2016. See Scholarship FAQ for details.

Please Note: Some PDF files will not upload to the online Application form. If this occurs, please attach the PDF file to an email and send it to Scholarships at nfb.org.

TO APPLY FOR AN NFB SCHOLARSHIP:

?        Confirmation of Legal Blindness (PDF document). Are you eligible?

?        Submissions Checklist. This webpage lists the requirements for a complete application. Documents must be submitted online or postmarked by March 31, 2016. Complete applications tend to have an advantage in the competition.  The NFB Scholarship Committee takes no responsibility for notifying you if required information is missing from your application.

?        Frequently Asked Questions (Scholarships FAQ). Answers include useful advice for any applicant.

?        2016 Scholarship Application Form, online edition: available 11-1-2015 through 3-31-2016.

?        2016 Scholarship Application Form, print edition: available upon request 11-1-2015 through 3-31-2016.

?        "The Secret to Winning a National Federation of the Blind Scholarship" by Scholarship Chairperson Patti S. Gregory-Chang, Esq.

?        "Self-Advocacy in Higher Education" by Mark Riccobono

?        2016 NFB Scholarship Program flyer

What kind of student wins an NFB scholarship?  You may read about past NFB National Scholarship recipients in August-September "convention issues" of the Braille Monitor.

    Braille Monitor, August-September 2015
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2014
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2013
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2012
   Braille Monitor, August-September 2011

Please direct any additional questions to the chairperson.  Email is preferred.

Chairperson Patti Chang, Esq.
Email: scholarships at nfb.org
Office: (410) 659-9314, extension 2415

NFB Scholarship Program
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
   at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230


OTHER POSSIBLE RESOURCES:

1. ?College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities? guidebook <http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/affordable-colleges-for-students-with-disabilities/> will help students and their families better understand the vast number of financial aid options available to students with disabilities, including those who face cognitive, physical, or other types of disabilities while attending school. Key elements of the guide include:

?        A comprehensive review of scholarships, listed by disability

?        Amounts awarded and deadlines for each scholarship

?        Debt-forgiveness options for those who acquired a disability post-graduation

2. "Helping Students with Visual Impairments" guide:
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/helping-students-with-visual-impairments/

The guide was created in part by four experts in the field, who lent their experience and expertise to help provide students with visual impairments the tips and resources needed to succeed in school. Key features include:

?        Tips for choosing the right college

?        An in-depth look at the top assistive technology and tools being used 

?        Scholarships available for students with visual impairments



Page taken from: https://nfb.org/scholarships



From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Thu Feb 11 23:12:28 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:12:28 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] NFBV Board meeting combined with Leadership Seminar
 in Baltimore with President Riccobono
Message-ID: <000201d16521$ad80f190$0882d4b0$@verizon.net>

Members of the NFB of Virginia,

 

Our next NFBV Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday May 7.  I am pleased
to announce that our President Mark Riccobono has agreed to host us for the
meeting and a Leadership Seminar at our National Office in Baltimore!

This opportunity will begin on Thursday evening, May 5 with our Virginia
Fellows.  Our Chapter Leaders will join us Friday evening and we will hold
our Board meeting in the historic Jernigan Institute on Saturday.

Details will be develop in the coming weeks.

 

This is a great opportunity for Virginia and I hope you all can join us!

Thank you,

Michael

 

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  Fri Feb 12 23:16:24 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2016 18:16:24 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Learn about our McDonald Fellowship Award
Message-ID: <000101d165eb$65f48a60$31dd9f20$@verizon.net>

Greetings Federation Family

 

Has your attendance at the NFB National Convention ever crossed your mind?
Whether it is for the networking and fundraising opportunities your business
or chapter can gain or for the constant feeling of camaraderie that is
displayed year after year, the National Federation of the Blind's 2016
National Convention is guaranteed to be an event our community can benefit
from. Sometimes when looking at the financial demands that come with
attending this event, many people may get discouraged because it may prove
to be too steep, but there is definitely a way to alleviate that feeling.
Join the Virginia Association of Blind Students and NFBV Board at our
informational session to explain and encourage you all to apply for our
affiliate's McDonald Fellowship Award. The McDonald Fellowship award is a
grant that assists an individual in attending their first national
convention and also enrolls the winner in a mentoring session where they can
get assistance at the convention with attending all seminars and events that
will make sure that they get the most out of their first convention
experience. If anyone has ever attended the NFBV State Conventions in the
fall, they would know that conventions are an experience full of
opportunities to learn about an endless amount of interesting facts,
products, and services; and the national convention does not disappoint with
this opportunity. Some of the topics covered in our informational conference
call will include:

 

1.       The application process for the award.

2.       The existence of the Jernigan Award, a national scholarship
equivalent to the McDonald Fellowship in purpose.

3.       The mentoring aspect of the McDonald Fellowship winners.

4.       Testimonials from past winners of the award and what their
convention experience was like.

The conference call will begin promptly at 8pm and will be facilitated by
Student Division president Kimberly Valko, board member Robert Parsons, and
McDonald Fellowship chair Sandy Halverson. For more information on this call
and what the McDonald Fellowship has to offer, please call in to the
conference call on Wednesday at 641 715 3850. The pin number to get into the
call is 184 934. We hope that the prospect of attending National Convention
with us will entice you to join us and hopefully submit an application to
attend this irreplaceable experience.

 

Best Regards

 

Robert E. Parsons Jr.

Vice President, Richmond Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV)

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College '17

Alpha Delta Mu National Music and Social Work Fraternity

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society '15

www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org> 

Phone: 804 200 3275

"Persist Until Success Happens." -Thomas Baile

 

 

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  Thu Feb 18 13:36:48 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2016 08:36:48 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Rescheduled McDonald Fellowship Conference Call
Message-ID: <001d01d16a51$6afebe30$40fc3a90$@verizon.net>

Good morning Fellow Federationists

 

After speaking with a few members, I realized that there was a mistake made
in the previous email sent to you all about the McDonald Fellowship Award
conference call. Unfortunately, I did not realize I mixed up the numbers in
the last email, thus causing some confusion with the individuals trying to
call in. In spite of this, I am determined to get this information to you
all. So, Sandy Halverson and I have spoken and agreed to reschedule the
meeting for Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 8pm. The correct call-in number
is: 641 715 3580. The correct pin number is 184934. I hope this small
mistake did not dampen your enthusiasm to apply for a such a wonderful
opportunity. I look forward to hearing from all of you next week.

 

My Sincerest Apologies 

 

Robert E. Parsons Jr.

Vice President, Richmond Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Virginia (NFBV)

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College '17

Alpha Delta Mu National Music and Social Work Fraternity

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society '15

www.nfbv.org <http://www.nfbv.org> 

Phone: 804 200 3275

"Persist Until Success Happens." -Thomas Baile

 

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 john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Thu Feb 25 15:20:01 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2016 10:20:01 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Indoor rock climbing lessons in Alexandria
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS10F98105E8056DC8BA85F48FA60@phx.gbl>

Learn indoor rock climbing!
Looking for a challenge you can brag about?

The Fairfax Chapter is organizing an indoor rock climbing class for Saturday, March 12, 2016 to start at 1:30 pm at Sport Rock's Alexandria location. The address for Sport Rock is 5308 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304.

What is indoor rock climbing?
Well, it is exactly like outdoor climbing except:
* It is local
* Weather is always perfect.
* Lots of different climbing environments for every level of experience.
* and, instructors are standing right there to lend a hand or advice.

How much is it and what do you get?
The class includes two hours of personalized instruction on the use of harnesses and ropes. After the lesson, you can stay the entire day perfecting your skills. The cost of the lesson and after-class practice is $30 which includes everything you will need to have a great time with your friends.

Sound interesting and want to learn more? Contact John Bailey at john_bailey17 at hotmail.com for additional information or to lock-in your reservation. Space is limited and its first-come-first-serve when it comes to the remaining spots. Three spots left!


From michaelgkasey at verizon.net  Sat Feb 27 00:33:23 2016
From: michaelgkasey at verizon.net (Michael Kasey)
Date: Fri, 26 Feb 2016 19:33:23 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] 2016 NFBV Raffle
Message-ID: <000001d170f6$77c28ec0$6747ac40$@verizon.net>

Our Raffle tickets are ready for distribution!

 

Again this year, the prize is $2,500 cash

Tickets are $10 or $3 for 20

 

You may obtain the tickets from Leon Anderson

'Leon Anderson (leon9533 at gmail.com <mailto:leon9533 at gmail.com> )'

 

The drawing is at our 2016 NFBV Convention November 12, 2016 in Virginia
Beach

See you there!

 

 

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 john_bailey17 at hotmail.com  Sun Feb 28 23:20:10 2016
From: john_bailey17 at hotmail.com (John Bailey)
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2016 18:20:10 -0500
Subject: [Nfbv-announce] Starting a Guide Dog Division in Virginia
Message-ID: <BLU173-DS113EF09386E9AD2B0349498FB90@phx.gbl>

>From Michael Valentino 
Are you a fellow  guide dog user? Or, do you have questions about getting one and need answers? Then , Richmond Chapter member and NFBV Leadership Fellow Michael Valentino  invites you to join him in starting a new NFBV Guide Dog Division. It is open to anyone interested in anything to do with guide dogs.

To find out more , you can contact Michael at valentinoma19 at gmail.com


