From cane.travel at gmail.com  Wed Dec  4 05:16:30 2019
From: cane.travel at gmail.com (Denise Mackenstadt)
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2019 21:16:30 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Meeting
Message-ID: <F6D81848-325D-47A5-BFB4-38C3DB06F067@gmail.com>

The next meeting of the National Federation of the Blind Clallam County Chapter will be this upcoming Saturday, December 7.  We will meet at the Big Elk Restaurant at 1:00.  Most members come at 12:30 so they can join for lunch.  We will be discussing the State Convention held in November.  We look forward to seeing you there.


From mjc59 at comcast.net  Wed Dec  4 23:49:00 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2019 15:49:00 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Recent victories and ending subminimum wage
Message-ID: <E0327D25-089D-4E99-A3E4-19A31AE574D9@comcast.net>

?
?Recently the cities of Denver and Chicago have adopted laws which will end subminimum wage in those cities. Curtis Chong is featured in the Denver story. Progress continues!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/denver.cbslocal.com/2019/11/28/denver-minimum-wage/amp/

Here is the link to the Chicago ordinance:

https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/press-releases-and-statements/subminimum-wage-phaseout/

Sent from Marci's iPhone

From mjc59 at comcast.net  Thu Dec  5 16:30:34 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2019 08:30:34 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] 2020 Washington Seminar delegate application -  3
In-Reply-To: <6BECBF53-741A-4D7D-AC55-DDC6D713CFDB@comcast.net>
References: <6BECBF53-741A-4D7D-AC55-DDC6D713CFDB@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <414B7AE9-4088-4F7E-8DAC-3EA82476B0CF@comcast.net>

The deadline is tomorrow to apply for financial assistance for 2020 NFB Washington Seminar. If you have questions about the form or the Seminar contact me.

Marci
206-604-5507
mjc59 at comcast.net

Sent from Marci's iPhone

> On Nov 23, 2019, at 8:44 PM, Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?Hello,
> 
> Would you like to attend the 2020 NFB Washington Seminar? If so, we have an application form for you to complete. Anyone requesting financial assistance from a chapter and/or the state affiliate must complete the form. If you are attending Washington Seminar but are not seeking financial assistance we ask that you complete it. We want all attendees to know what is expected and to have a great experience.
> 
> The dates for the event are February 10-13, 2020 with February 9 as a travel day. We invite everyone who is interested to apply. Washington Seminar is a great experience! There are plenty of veteran attendees to help first-timers learn the ropes. 
> 
> Completed forms must be returned via email to presidentnfbw at gmail.com by December 6, 2019. Call me with any questions at 206-604-5507.
> 
> Marci Carpenter, President
> NFB of Washington
> 
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> 
> 
> Sent from Marci's iPhone_______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/mjc59%40comcast.net

From michaeldforzano at gmail.com  Sat Dec  7 01:44:24 2019
From: michaeldforzano at gmail.com (Michael Forzano)
Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2019 17:44:24 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Greater Seattle Chapter Holiday Party,
 December 7 from 1:00-4:00pm at Buckley's Queen Anne
In-Reply-To: <AC885860-F954-4A88-B1D4-7818E2A7E0A7@gmail.com>
References: <AC885860-F954-4A88-B1D4-7818E2A7E0A7@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <7DF7DBA9-8397-4EF2-A818-248F246FD324@gmail.com>

Just a reminder that the Seattle Chapter holiday party is tomorrow! Details are below. Hope to see you there! 


> 
> Join the  Greater Seattle Chapter for our annual holiday party on Saturday, December 7 from 1:00-4:00PM at Buckley's Queen Anne! All are invited. Everyone orders and pays for their own food from the regular menu, and we have our own space with plenty of room to mingle. There will be an optional gift exchange, if you'd like to participate please bring a gift valued at around $15. We will also have a 50-50 drawing.
> 
> 
> 
> Several buses including the 1, 2, 8, 13, and D line stop a few blocks from the restaurant.
> 
> 
> 
> Buckley's menu: https://www.buckleyspubs.com/menus/
> 
> Address: 232 1st Ave W, Seattle (southeast corner of 1st Ave W and Thomas St.)
> 
> 
> 
> Hope to see everyone there!
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Mike Forzano, Greater Seattle Chapter President


From humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com  Sun Dec  8 01:25:18 2019
From: humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com (Humberto Avila)
Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2019 01:25:18 +0000
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living
Message-ID: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>

Hello, All:

I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.

I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if possible.  Here?s my situation:

Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the people I would be working with ETC.

But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part? all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I would love asking my questions:


  1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
  2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to a new place and living independently?
  3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new environment in your living arrangement?
  4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to deal with there?
  5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?

Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from you very soon. ?

Best Wishes,

Humberto

[JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>

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From cane.travel at gmail.com  Mon Dec  9 16:28:29 2019
From: cane.travel at gmail.com (Denise Mackenstadt)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 08:28:29 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Announcement
Message-ID: <6305A767-4A62-4A1C-A260-E8ECF539F736@gmail.com>

I regret to have to let you know that Bill Burnside?s caregiver, Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.  Heart always attended our chapter meetings.  He was an important part of our group. 


From tishgifts at gmail.com  Mon Dec  9 17:02:31 2019
From: tishgifts at gmail.com (Kris)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 09:02:31 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Announcement
In-Reply-To: <6305A767-4A62-4A1C-A260-E8ECF539F736@gmail.com>
References: <6305A767-4A62-4A1C-A260-E8ECF539F736@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <43C93D37-E7D3-492A-9931-B05D5B649662@gmail.com>

Deepest condolences to family and friends.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 9, 2019, at 8:29 AM, Denise Mackenstadt via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?I regret to have to let you know that Bill Burnside?s caregiver, Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.  Heart always attended our chapter meetings.  He was an important part of our group. 
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/tishgifts%40gmail.com



From b.butterfly at comcast.net  Mon Dec  9 17:17:35 2019
From: b.butterfly at comcast.net (Becky Frankeberger)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 09:17:35 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <02e601d5aeb4$8db73c80$a925b580$@comcast.net>

Me, I would call a real estate agent and talk with her/him about your many needs, i.e., bus line, grocery store bank close by, safe area, close to work and so forth. You will have to compromise on some of the things you need and or want in your apartment. Oh don't forget price range.
I will bet DSB will help with orienting you to your area. They will also help with equipment you may need. The bus company will also have training on which busses you will need to take you places, say for groceries. Some bus companies will take the bus right up to the door of the store, and pick you up there as well.  Anyway, busss companies hire people to orient us blind and other disabilities to their service.
Also, don't limit yourself to a studio apartment. You do have equipment and people who want to come and visit you. In Takoma about two years ago we saw a two bedroom for like nine hundred dollars a month, but it was off an alley. I don't care about looking at an alley, as long as the garbage didn't stink when I sat out on my deck, grin. Now, we never looked at the apartment, but we heard the bus went right by a half block away, smile. 

   Becky 

   

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk
Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2019 5:25 PM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org; 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Humberto Avila <humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com>
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living

Hello, All:

I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.

I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if possible.  Here?s my situation:

Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the people I would be working with ETC.

But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part? all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I would love asking my questions:


  1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
  2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to a new place and living independently?
  3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new environment in your living arrangement?
  4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to deal with there?
  5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?

Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from you very soon. ?

Best Wishes,

Humberto

[JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>





From mjc59 at comcast.net  Mon Dec  9 17:27:58 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 09:27:58 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Announcement
In-Reply-To: <43C93D37-E7D3-492A-9931-B05D5B649662@gmail.com>
References: <43C93D37-E7D3-492A-9931-B05D5B649662@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <536A2FDD-81FE-4FA9-B27B-68FADDFB9991@comcast.net>

My condolences to Bill, his family, and our Clallam County chapter.

Marci

Sent from Marci's iPhone

> On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:22 AM, Kris via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?Deepest condolences to family and friends.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 9, 2019, at 8:29 AM, Denise Mackenstadt via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> ?I regret to have to let you know that Bill Burnside?s caregiver, Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning.  Heart always attended our chapter meetings.  He was an important part of our group. 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NFBWATlk mailing list
>> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/tishgifts%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/mjc59%40comcast.net




From mjc59 at comcast.net  Mon Dec  9 17:38:54 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 09:38:54 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
Message-ID: <8A2F3208-BDF6-4D8C-B9EF-C7F37BE5F957@comcast.net>

?Hi Humberto,

Congratulations on getting the job! I am so happy for you and I?m eager to hear about all of your new adventures.

I have CCed Sushil Oswal on this email. Sushil is a blind professor at the University of Washington Tacoma campus And is a member of NFB. He has lived in Tacoma For many years. I think he can be very helpful to you in many ways.

Best of luck and let?s definitely stay in touch,

Marci

Sent from Marci's iPhone

> On Dec 9, 2019, at 9:20 AM, Becky Frankeberger via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> ?Me, I would call a real estate agent and talk with her/him about your many needs, i.e., bus line, grocery store bank close by, safe area, close to work and so forth. You will have to compromise on some of the things you need and or want in your apartment. Oh don't forget price range.
> I will bet DSB will help with orienting you to your area. They will also help with equipment you may need. The bus company will also have training on which busses you will need to take you places, say for groceries. Some bus companies will take the bus right up to the door of the store, and pick you up there as well.  Anyway, busss companies hire people to orient us blind and other disabilities to their service.
> Also, don't limit yourself to a studio apartment. You do have equipment and people who want to come and visit you. In Takoma about two years ago we saw a two bedroom for like nine hundred dollars a month, but it was off an alley. I don't care about looking at an alley, as long as the garbage didn't stink when I sat out on my deck, grin. Now, we never looked at the apartment, but we heard the bus went right by a half block away, smile. 
> 
>  Becky 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk
> Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2019 5:25 PM
> To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org; 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Humberto Avila <humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com>
> Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living
> 
> Hello, All:
> 
> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.
> 
> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if possible.  Here?s my situation:
> 
> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the people I would be working with ETC.
> 
> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resour




From merribeth.manning at gmail.com  Mon Dec  9 19:30:38 2019
From: merribeth.manning at gmail.com (Merribeth Greenberg)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 11:30:38 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Humberto,
Congrats on the new job; how exciting.
The ladies have given some good advice and ideas.
I just wanted to comment on the idea of the studio.
I had one a while back; in a senior living place in Pocatello Idaho.
They can be nice, but you have to be creative with storage. Everything is
out in the open. The unit I had, had a sliding divider wall. But, I don't
know that you would find them in most places. If you wanted to divide off
your sleeping area from your entertaining area, you might have to
purchase a free standing divider. If you do decide to divide the space it
does feel smaller.
>From living here, I learned I don't like living alone. I rather have a
roommate (a human one).
Good luck on your new adventures; and Happy Holidays.
Beth Greenberg


On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 5:27 PM Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk <
nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello, All:
>
> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.
>
> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if
> possible.  Here?s my situation:
>
> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with a
> school district near the area where I am doing my independent living
> training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the
> people I would be working with ETC.
>
> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those same
> people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job working with
> blind students in the Tacoma School District (In Washington State) and I
> have accepted it on the phone. What comes next is a matter of orientations,
> trainings, and the human resource part? all of that very exciting. But
> well? where am I going to breathe after long, hard, challenging, first
> couple of days at work? This is where I would love asking my questions:
>
>
>   1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
>   2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to a
> new place and living independently?
>   3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new
> environment in your living arrangement?
>   4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience with
> this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to deal with
> there?
>   5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by landlords,
> as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?
>
> Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded
> email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from you
> very soon. ?
>
> Best Wishes,
>
> Humberto
>
> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFBWATlk:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/merribeth.manning%40gmail.com
>


From mjc59 at comcast.net  Mon Dec  9 21:03:34 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2019 13:03:34 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] deadline extended to 12/12 for Washington Seminar
 application
Message-ID: <B346A642-400B-4E06-A848-9D82CD8586CD@comcast.net>

Would you like to be one of the people from our state to attend the 2020 NFB Washington Seminar? Read all the details in the attached form. Questions? Contact me at 206-604-5507 be this Thursday. Here is a link to our NFB national information page about the event: https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar <https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar>


Marci





From clb5590 at gmail.com  Tue Dec 10 21:15:56 2019
From: clb5590 at gmail.com (Cynthia Bennett)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:15:56 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
	<CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>

Hi Humberto,

I cannot express how excited I am for you! finding your first job after school and/or training is so difficult. It took me several months. I am so proud of you! How lucky your students will be to have a blind instructor who is a braille and technology superstar as well.

Here is my apartment advice. I have found 3 apartments in the Seattle market which is quite unforgiving so I think these tips will be helpful.

Before you look for apartments, divide your monthly income into thirds. This is the maximum rent you can probably pay without getting someone to cosign your lease. Of course, if you can find something with cheaper rent, that is best, but this will help you knock out any too expensive options. If you would rather rent something mor expensive or if your income is not enough, as many of us in Seattle have gone through, you'll have to think of someone you trust who may be willing to be your cosigner. It is good to have a conversation with them ahead of time and get their agreement. Many people ask family members though I realize this is not always an option. Your cosigner will need to have sufficient income, in other words, the rent cannot exceed 1/3 of their monthly income. If I were you, I would prioritize finding a place that does not require a cosigner. But if you do not have enough credit, your income may not matter and you may need to find a cosigner. Of course, if you have a cosigner, the goal is that you pay rent, but they are responsible for your rent if you do not pay.


Have at least the amount of your monthly income, or 3 times your rent set aside. Worst case scenario, you'll owe first month's rent, last month's rent, and an expensive deposit equal to one month's rent. Application and credit check fee tends to be around $45. You should also keep in mind that moving itself incurs costs.

Learn your credit score. I recommend downloading an app called Credit Karma. The internet tells me most landlords want to see a 620 credit score or higher. Checking your credit score will give you another clue as to whether you'll need a cosigner.


Get a copy of your signed offer letter listing your annual income. You may have to provide this as proof to your landlord.


Start thinking about where you'd like to move. Though some markets necessitate a realtor, I don't think the Seattle and suburb market is quite there. I have never used a realtor. I have however talked to blind people I trust. I have a contact number for a person who has lived in Tacoma which I will give you offline. I would learn the names of neighborhoods with public transportation to places you would like to go. This may also require that you request the person who hired you to get you a school placement as soon as possible, or to get a list of possible placements. I generally want to be in one bus distance from work and in walking distance from grocery stores, a pharmacy, and restaurants. You may have different priorities and some things may be more negotiable for you than others. For example, it's not important for me to be in walking distance from my doctor, but others may feel differently. take some time and reflect on your priorities and then ask questions to the people who live in Tacoma or the places you're considering living in and determine a few neighborhoods in which you'd like to live.

Check Craigslist once per day and make inquiries at all places that look interesting. I usually do a google search for something like "Belltown Seattle apartments rent Craigslist." The first word, Belltown, is the neighborhood within Seattle. Then I use the filters once I have clicked on the google search result that takes me to the page on craigslist. I enter my maximum rent, minimum bedrooms and bathrooms, and check the amenities that are nonnegotiable for me. For example, I only want an apartment with laundry in unit and then I sort the results so those most recently posted are at the top. Be very careful though. Listings like to associate with popular neighborhoods. Read the listing very carefully to learn more about the location and apartment to determine whether you'd like to schedule a tour. There are a ton of apartment search websites. I find Craigslist has a lot of options and is not extremely inaccessible as compared to others. Run addresses in posts by your contacts who are familiar with the area, or perhaps develop a few anchors when you talk to these contacts. For example, I recently found an apartment in Pittsburgh. Once I learned there was a Whole Foods in a neighborhood I decided I could live in, Whole Foods became an anchor. If the listing gave an address, I put it into Google Maps and read the walking distance to Whole Foods. If there is not an address written in the apartment listing, but there is the name of a building, google the building name and you may find an address there. When you reach out to schedule tours, google the building if you can and read the reviews. Sometimes, you may not find reviews of the building itself but a larger management company. Though online reviews should be read with scrutiny, in other words, people often leave really bad reviews but they don't leave really good reviews, and honestly all rental companies are pretty crappy, red flag any really, really bad reviews and knock those places out .

Contact all listings that interest you. a smaller number, like literally maybe 50% or less,  will get back with you. sometimes you can contact a phone number, others, an email address, and even others have online appointment widgets. In these inquiries I have not disclosed blindness. If the appointment widget is not accessible, try to find an alternative way to get in touch like by calling directly and pretend you didn't know about the online appointment calendar if you are asked. In my experience, agents are usually happy to schedule an appointment over the phone even if they have an online appointment selector.

If you can, keep a flexible schedule so when you are called or emailed back after you inquire, you can go to the soonest appointment possible. in les ridiculous markets like those outside Seattle this may not be as important, but I would still try to do this just to be safe. When corresponding to make the appointment, verify the apartment has the amenities the listing says it has. Sometimes listings are misleading. Other times, an agent is renting multiple units and the one in the listing is not the one they will show you. this will help you confirm whether you actually want to make the appointment. I usually begin emails with, I'm corresponding about x apartment, including several details from the listing, the address and unit number if that is disclosed.

When you go to an appointment, try to get a direct phone number to someone or be prepared to ask a passerby or Aira agent to confirm you're in the right place. If I'm given a phone number to someone directly, when Google Maps says I am very close to the destination, I call and at that point disclose my blindness and ask them to look out for me. If they will not give you a direct phone number and instead ask you to dial something on a callbox, you may have to ask a passerby to confirm you're at the building or wing it.

Take someone to appointments if you can or do a video call. This isn't about blindness as much as it is people rent really crap apartments and it is important to get a second opinion.

Be sure to ask things like whether the apartment has been updated, what noises you'll expect to hear, what the person can tell you about the surrounding area in terms of bus stops and businesses, what the terms of the lease are including what is due with your application such as the application fee, deposit, and other fees, how much of your deposit is refundable, and how much the rent is, what bills are included in rent and what are your responsibility to pay separately, how much water and utilities tend to amount to if you do have to pay for them separately,  and whether you'll have to pay the last month up front. Ask lots of questions about the apartment as you walk through to seem engaged and serious about getting honest feedback. Ask to be toured around the common areas, especially the laundry room if laundry is not in unit. Touch the washers and dryers. Some are quite inaccessible. No apartment will be perfectly accessible but getting really hands-on in the apartment will help you decide what appliances you can make accessible, what inaccessible features you'll put up with and which ones are dealbreakers. Ask if anyone else is applying and if not, and if you are interested, be prepared to apply for the apartment that day.

Most apartment applications are now done online, or sent as an inaccessible pdf over email. The process will be at least partially inaccessible but because you don't want to spend a lot of time on this ask a friend to be on the hook to help you.

I love studio living. It is a great way to start out a bit cheaper. If you do not have the responsibility to care for others or host people often, I highly recommend. The more space you have, the more you'll fill it up so I honestly believe studio living has not only saved me rent but has saved me from buying more furniture and accessories.

If you need a cosigner right now or have other extenuating circumstances, priorities tours with individuals rather than companies. I've had some landlords who owned individual condos be flexible with my income once I showed them my job offer letter and savings. On the other hand, companies that rent loads of apartments allow a computer system to judge your eligibility so if you know you will not be determined eligible it's a waste of time and money.

After you sign a lease, procure renter's insurance. This costs me about $130 per year. I have it through State Farm, and renter's insurance is another, albeit shorter, email, but the internet has a lot of information about it. Some landlords will require proof of renter's insurance in which case you'll have to purchase it and send them your policy. If renter's insurance is required, ask your landlord if they have minimum coverage requirements so you're sure to get a policy that complies with your landlord's renter's insurance requirement. If your landlord does not require renter's insurance, get it anyway.

I know this process can seem really daunting. It is stressful. But many people remember what it was like to move. I'm sure some NFB members and our sighted friends could be pulled in to step up. This is not a time to be shy or feel ashamed to ask. This is a time when you need an apartment. Get the help you need in a timely manner.

On that note, if you are considering living anywhere in Seattle I can have a phone call with you  starting next week to talk about neighborhoods. I know the city of Seattle and our public transit extremely well. as you brainstorm what neighborhoods or cities you'll consider living in, feel free to let me know and I can connect you with people I know who are familiar with them.

Good luck!

Cindy

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Merribeth Greenberg via NFBWATlk
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 11:31 AM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Merribeth Greenberg <merribeth.manning at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living

Hi Humberto,
Congrats on the new job; how exciting.
The ladies have given some good advice and ideas.
I just wanted to comment on the idea of the studio.
I had one a while back; in a senior living place in Pocatello Idaho.
They can be nice, but you have to be creative with storage. Everything is out in the open. The unit I had, had a sliding divider wall. But, I don't know that you would find them in most places. If you wanted to divide off your sleeping area from your entertaining area, you might have to purchase a free standing divider. If you do decide to divide the space it does feel smaller.
>From living here, I learned I don't like living alone. I rather have a roommate (a human one).
Good luck on your new adventures; and Happy Holidays.
Beth Greenberg


On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 5:27 PM Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk < nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello, All:
>
> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.
>
> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if 
> possible.  Here?s my situation:
>
> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with 
> a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living 
> training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the 
> people I would be working with ETC.
>
> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those 
> same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job 
> working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In 
> Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next 
> is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part? 
> all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after 
> long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I would love asking my questions:
>
>
>   1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
>   2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to 
> a new place and living independently?
>   3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new 
> environment in your living arrangement?
>   4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience 
> with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to 
> deal with there?
>   5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by 
> landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?
>
> Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded 
> email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from 
> you very soon. ?
>
> Best Wishes,
>
> Humberto
>
> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFBWATlk:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/merribeth.mannin
> g%40gmail.com
>
_______________________________________________
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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/clb5590%40gmail.com.





From tishgifts at gmail.com  Tue Dec 10 21:49:27 2019
From: tishgifts at gmail.com (Kristina Colcock)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:49:27 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] NFBW Members at Large Chapter Meeting
Message-ID: <CAHFYiKDkM4Dv1tWXHa9GxKooKh_LjiWT-O72oXx7HmX7AOS3pQ@mail.gmail.com>

You are invited to a the monthly meeting of the NFB of Washington?s
Members at Large Chapter.

Topic: December?s NFBW Members At Large Chapter Meeting
Time: Dec 12, 2019 08:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
        And every month thereafter on the Second Thursday of the month.

For the month of December we will have a great meeting! Join us while
sipping a cup of your favorite hot beverage and share the wonderful
winter season! Bring your ideas for the coming year. Your input and
interests help make for memorable meetings.

The phone line will open at 7:45pm. This gives us a chance to chat and
catch up with eachother before the meeting begins at 8:00pm. We are
usually finished by 9:00 pm.

If you haven?t paid dues yet and wish to do it electronically, we do
accept Paypal payments. Just send your $5 to payments at nfbw.org and you
are set. No searching for stamps or getting that annoying paper cut on
your tongue when licking the envelope to seal it.

We are now using the Zoom platform. You can join our meeting via your
computer or your phone.  Below is all the information you need. If you
have a smart phone and are reading the email on it, just use the ?One
tap mobile? number. Since most of us are on the West Coast, go ahead
and use the number for San Jose if you need clarification. If you are
going us from the East coast, please use the New York number. If you
want a local number for some reason, there is a link near the bottom
of the email that will help you with that search.

If you have any questions, please call or email me. Looking forward to
Thursday?s meeting!

Kris Colcock
Kris at colcock.com
206-854-3025

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/194179421?pwd=eUtuUHJVU3I4akkvS3dzUDJZcmN2UT09

Meeting ID: 194 179 421
Password: 695041

One tap mobile
+16699006833,,194179421# US (San Jose)
+19292056099,,194179421# US (New York)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 194 179 421

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abJFTlaHSG
You can also download a file for you iPhone calendar at: Monthly:
https://zoom.us/meeting/vJ0pdu6hqjkrgcjGbJb7nw-ePAhqdgditg/ics?icsToken=98tyKuihqjotE9CXsV_9ArYtA9rlb_HqkHZNoIRfth2yDTceZzPXPvNGNbZ2BN-B



From tishgifts at gmail.com  Tue Dec 10 21:57:19 2019
From: tishgifts at gmail.com (Kristina Colcock)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:57:19 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
	<CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>
	<002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAHFYiKD+cpn0=G=3T518c+GxZAmEW_vYCV4BAjbGOnB9rK30CA@mail.gmail.com>

Hello,

I am goinig to try and hook you up with a couple of our members at
large  chapter members who lie in Tacoma I believe. I PROMISE to get
back to you soon! :)

Kris

On 12/10/19, Cynthia Bennett via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Humberto,
>
> I cannot express how excited I am for you! finding your first job after
> school and/or training is so difficult. It took me several months. I am so
> proud of you! How lucky your students will be to have a blind instructor who
> is a braille and technology superstar as well.
>
> Here is my apartment advice. I have found 3 apartments in the Seattle market
> which is quite unforgiving so I think these tips will be helpful.
>
> Before you look for apartments, divide your monthly income into thirds. This
> is the maximum rent you can probably pay without getting someone to cosign
> your lease. Of course, if you can find something with cheaper rent, that is
> best, but this will help you knock out any too expensive options. If you
> would rather rent something mor expensive or if your income is not enough,
> as many of us in Seattle have gone through, you'll have to think of someone
> you trust who may be willing to be your cosigner. It is good to have a
> conversation with them ahead of time and get their agreement. Many people
> ask family members though I realize this is not always an option. Your
> cosigner will need to have sufficient income, in other words, the rent
> cannot exceed 1/3 of their monthly income. If I were you, I would prioritize
> finding a place that does not require a cosigner. But if you do not have
> enough credit, your income may not matter and you may need to find a
> cosigner. Of course, if you have a cosigner, the goal is that you pay rent,
> but they are responsible for your rent if you do not pay.
>
>
> Have at least the amount of your monthly income, or 3 times your rent set
> aside. Worst case scenario, you'll owe first month's rent, last month's
> rent, and an expensive deposit equal to one month's rent. Application and
> credit check fee tends to be around $45. You should also keep in mind that
> moving itself incurs costs.
>
> Learn your credit score. I recommend downloading an app called Credit Karma.
> The internet tells me most landlords want to see a 620 credit score or
> higher. Checking your credit score will give you another clue as to whether
> you'll need a cosigner.
>
>
> Get a copy of your signed offer letter listing your annual income. You may
> have to provide this as proof to your landlord.
>
>
> Start thinking about where you'd like to move. Though some markets
> necessitate a realtor, I don't think the Seattle and suburb market is quite
> there. I have never used a realtor. I have however talked to blind people I
> trust. I have a contact number for a person who has lived in Tacoma which I
> will give you offline. I would learn the names of neighborhoods with public
> transportation to places you would like to go. This may also require that
> you request the person who hired you to get you a school placement as soon
> as possible, or to get a list of possible placements. I generally want to be
> in one bus distance from work and in walking distance from grocery stores, a
> pharmacy, and restaurants. You may have different priorities and some things
> may be more negotiable for you than others. For example, it's not important
> for me to be in walking distance from my doctor, but others may feel
> differently. take some time and reflect on your priorities and then ask
> questions to the people who live in Tacoma or the places you're considering
> living in and determine a few neighborhoods in which you'd like to live.
>
> Check Craigslist once per day and make inquiries at all places that look
> interesting. I usually do a google search for something like "Belltown
> Seattle apartments rent Craigslist." The first word, Belltown, is the
> neighborhood within Seattle. Then I use the filters once I have clicked on
> the google search result that takes me to the page on craigslist. I enter my
> maximum rent, minimum bedrooms and bathrooms, and check the amenities that
> are nonnegotiable for me. For example, I only want an apartment with laundry
> in unit and then I sort the results so those most recently posted are at the
> top. Be very careful though. Listings like to associate with popular
> neighborhoods. Read the listing very carefully to learn more about the
> location and apartment to determine whether you'd like to schedule a tour.
> There are a ton of apartment search websites. I find Craigslist has a lot of
> options and is not extremely inaccessible as compared to others. Run
> addresses in posts by your contacts who are familiar with the area, or
> perhaps develop a few anchors when you talk to these contacts. For example,
> I recently found an apartment in Pittsburgh. Once I learned there was a
> Whole Foods in a neighborhood I decided I could live in, Whole Foods became
> an anchor. If the listing gave an address, I put it into Google Maps and
> read the walking distance to Whole Foods. If there is not an address written
> in the apartment listing, but there is the name of a building, google the
> building name and you may find an address there. When you reach out to
> schedule tours, google the building if you can and read the reviews.
> Sometimes, you may not find reviews of the building itself but a larger
> management company. Though online reviews should be read with scrutiny, in
> other words, people often leave really bad reviews but they don't leave
> really good reviews, and honestly all rental companies are pretty crappy,
> red flag any really, really bad reviews and knock those places out .
>
> Contact all listings that interest you. a smaller number, like literally
> maybe 50% or less,  will get back with you. sometimes you can contact a
> phone number, others, an email address, and even others have online
> appointment widgets. In these inquiries I have not disclosed blindness. If
> the appointment widget is not accessible, try to find an alternative way to
> get in touch like by calling directly and pretend you didn't know about the
> online appointment calendar if you are asked. In my experience, agents are
> usually happy to schedule an appointment over the phone even if they have an
> online appointment selector.
>
> If you can, keep a flexible schedule so when you are called or emailed back
> after you inquire, you can go to the soonest appointment possible. in les
> ridiculous markets like those outside Seattle this may not be as important,
> but I would still try to do this just to be safe. When corresponding to make
> the appointment, verify the apartment has the amenities the listing says it
> has. Sometimes listings are misleading. Other times, an agent is renting
> multiple units and the one in the listing is not the one they will show you.
> this will help you confirm whether you actually want to make the
> appointment. I usually begin emails with, I'm corresponding about x
> apartment, including several details from the listing, the address and unit
> number if that is disclosed.
>
> When you go to an appointment, try to get a direct phone number to someone
> or be prepared to ask a passerby or Aira agent to confirm you're in the
> right place. If I'm given a phone number to someone directly, when Google
> Maps says I am very close to the destination, I call and at that point
> disclose my blindness and ask them to look out for me. If they will not give
> you a direct phone number and instead ask you to dial something on a
> callbox, you may have to ask a passerby to confirm you're at the building or
> wing it.
>
> Take someone to appointments if you can or do a video call. This isn't about
> blindness as much as it is people rent really crap apartments and it is
> important to get a second opinion.
>
> Be sure to ask things like whether the apartment has been updated, what
> noises you'll expect to hear, what the person can tell you about the
> surrounding area in terms of bus stops and businesses, what the terms of the
> lease are including what is due with your application such as the
> application fee, deposit, and other fees, how much of your deposit is
> refundable, and how much the rent is, what bills are included in rent and
> what are your responsibility to pay separately, how much water and utilities
> tend to amount to if you do have to pay for them separately,  and whether
> you'll have to pay the last month up front. Ask lots of questions about the
> apartment as you walk through to seem engaged and serious about getting
> honest feedback. Ask to be toured around the common areas, especially the
> laundry room if laundry is not in unit. Touch the washers and dryers. Some
> are quite inaccessible. No apartment will be perfectly accessible but
> getting really hands-on in the apartment will help you decide what
> appliances you can make accessible, what inaccessible features you'll put up
> with and which ones are dealbreakers. Ask if anyone else is applying and if
> not, and if you are interested, be prepared to apply for the apartment that
> day.
>
> Most apartment applications are now done online, or sent as an inaccessible
> pdf over email. The process will be at least partially inaccessible but
> because you don't want to spend a lot of time on this ask a friend to be on
> the hook to help you.
>
> I love studio living. It is a great way to start out a bit cheaper. If you
> do not have the responsibility to care for others or host people often, I
> highly recommend. The more space you have, the more you'll fill it up so I
> honestly believe studio living has not only saved me rent but has saved me
> from buying more furniture and accessories.
>
> If you need a cosigner right now or have other extenuating circumstances,
> priorities tours with individuals rather than companies. I've had some
> landlords who owned individual condos be flexible with my income once I
> showed them my job offer letter and savings. On the other hand, companies
> that rent loads of apartments allow a computer system to judge your
> eligibility so if you know you will not be determined eligible it's a waste
> of time and money.
>
> After you sign a lease, procure renter's insurance. This costs me about $130
> per year. I have it through State Farm, and renter's insurance is another,
> albeit shorter, email, but the internet has a lot of information about it.
> Some landlords will require proof of renter's insurance in which case you'll
> have to purchase it and send them your policy. If renter's insurance is
> required, ask your landlord if they have minimum coverage requirements so
> you're sure to get a policy that complies with your landlord's renter's
> insurance requirement. If your landlord does not require renter's insurance,
> get it anyway.
>
> I know this process can seem really daunting. It is stressful. But many
> people remember what it was like to move. I'm sure some NFB members and our
> sighted friends could be pulled in to step up. This is not a time to be shy
> or feel ashamed to ask. This is a time when you need an apartment. Get the
> help you need in a timely manner.
>
> On that note, if you are considering living anywhere in Seattle I can have a
> phone call with you  starting next week to talk about neighborhoods. I know
> the city of Seattle and our public transit extremely well. as you brainstorm
> what neighborhoods or cities you'll consider living in, feel free to let me
> know and I can connect you with people I know who are familiar with them.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Cindy
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Merribeth
> Greenberg via NFBWATlk
> Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 11:31 AM
> To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Merribeth Greenberg <merribeth.manning at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
> Studio-Living
>
> Hi Humberto,
> Congrats on the new job; how exciting.
> The ladies have given some good advice and ideas.
> I just wanted to comment on the idea of the studio.
> I had one a while back; in a senior living place in Pocatello Idaho.
> They can be nice, but you have to be creative with storage. Everything is
> out in the open. The unit I had, had a sliding divider wall. But, I don't
> know that you would find them in most places. If you wanted to divide off
> your sleeping area from your entertaining area, you might have to purchase a
> free standing divider. If you do decide to divide the space it does feel
> smaller.
> From living here, I learned I don't like living alone. I rather have a
> roommate (a human one).
> Good luck on your new adventures; and Happy Holidays.
> Beth Greenberg
>
>
> On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 5:27 PM Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk <
> nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello, All:
>>
>> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.
>>
>> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if
>> possible.  Here?s my situation:
>>
>> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with
>> a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living
>> training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the
>> people I would be working with ETC.
>>
>> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those
>> same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job
>> working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In
>> Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next
>> is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part?
>> all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after
>> long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I
>> would love asking my questions:
>>
>>
>>   1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
>>   2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to
>> a new place and living independently?
>>   3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new
>> environment in your living arrangement?
>>   4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience
>> with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to
>> deal with there?
>>   5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by
>> landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?
>>
>> Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded
>> email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from
>> you very soon. ?
>>
>> Best Wishes,
>>
>> Humberto
>>
>> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NFBWATlk mailing list
>> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NFBWATlk:
>>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/merribeth.mannin
>> g%40gmail.com
>>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
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From sonshines59 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 11 04:47:35 2019
From: sonshines59 at gmail.com (Judy Jones)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 20:47:35 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <CAHFYiKD+cpn0=G=3T518c+GxZAmEW_vYCV4BAjbGOnB9rK30CA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
	<CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>
	<002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>
	<CAHFYiKD+cpn0=G=3T518c+GxZAmEW_vYCV4BAjbGOnB9rK30CA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <042e01d5afde$1bf4b480$53de1d80$@gmail.com>

Neil and Debbie live in Pullaup, close by.

Judy

?Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.?


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kristina Colcock via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 1:57 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Cc: Kristina Colcock
Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living

Hello,

I am goinig to try and hook you up with a couple of our members at
large  chapter members who lie in Tacoma I believe. I PROMISE to get
back to you soon! :)

Kris

On 12/10/19, Cynthia Bennett via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi Humberto,
>
> I cannot express how excited I am for you! finding your first job after
> school and/or training is so difficult. It took me several months. I am so
> proud of you! How lucky your students will be to have a blind instructor who
> is a braille and technology superstar as well.
>
> Here is my apartment advice. I have found 3 apartments in the Seattle market
> which is quite unforgiving so I think these tips will be helpful.
>
> Before you look for apartments, divide your monthly income into thirds. This
> is the maximum rent you can probably pay without getting someone to cosign
> your lease. Of course, if you can find something with cheaper rent, that is
> best, but this will help you knock out any too expensive options. If you
> would rather rent something mor expensive or if your income is not enough,
> as many of us in Seattle have gone through, you'll have to think of someone
> you trust who may be willing to be your cosigner. It is good to have a
> conversation with them ahead of time and get their agreement. Many people
> ask family members though I realize this is not always an option. Your
> cosigner will need to have sufficient income, in other words, the rent
> cannot exceed 1/3 of their monthly income. If I were you, I would prioritize
> finding a place that does not require a cosigner. But if you do not have
> enough credit, your income may not matter and you may need to find a
> cosigner. Of course, if you have a cosigner, the goal is that you pay rent,
> but they are responsible for your rent if you do not pay.
>
>
> Have at least the amount of your monthly income, or 3 times your rent set
> aside. Worst case scenario, you'll owe first month's rent, last month's
> rent, and an expensive deposit equal to one month's rent. Application and
> credit check fee tends to be around $45. You should also keep in mind that
> moving itself incurs costs.
>
> Learn your credit score. I recommend downloading an app called Credit Karma.
> The internet tells me most landlords want to see a 620 credit score or
> higher. Checking your credit score will give you another clue as to whether
> you'll need a cosigner.
>
>
> Get a copy of your signed offer letter listing your annual income. You may
> have to provide this as proof to your landlord.
>
>
> Start thinking about where you'd like to move. Though some markets
> necessitate a realtor, I don't think the Seattle and suburb market is quite
> there. I have never used a realtor. I have however talked to blind people I
> trust. I have a contact number for a person who has lived in Tacoma which I
> will give you offline. I would learn the names of neighborhoods with public
> transportation to places you would like to go. This may also require that
> you request the person who hired you to get you a school placement as soon
> as possible, or to get a list of possible placements. I generally want to be
> in one bus distance from work and in walking distance from grocery stores, a
> pharmacy, and restaurants. You may have different priorities and some things
> may be more negotiable for you than others. For example, it's not important
> for me to be in walking distance from my doctor, but others may feel
> differently. take some time and reflect on your priorities and then ask
> questions to the people who live in Tacoma or the places you're considering
> living in and determine a few neighborhoods in which you'd like to live.
>
> Check Craigslist once per day and make inquiries at all places that look
> interesting. I usually do a google search for something like "Belltown
> Seattle apartments rent Craigslist." The first word, Belltown, is the
> neighborhood within Seattle. Then I use the filters once I have clicked on
> the google search result that takes me to the page on craigslist. I enter my
> maximum rent, minimum bedrooms and bathrooms, and check the amenities that
> are nonnegotiable for me. For example, I only want an apartment with laundry
> in unit and then I sort the results so those most recently posted are at the
> top. Be very careful though. Listings like to associate with popular
> neighborhoods. Read the listing very carefully to learn more about the
> location and apartment to determine whether you'd like to schedule a tour.
> There are a ton of apartment search websites. I find Craigslist has a lot of
> options and is not extremely inaccessible as compared to others. Run
> addresses in posts by your contacts who are familiar with the area, or
> perhaps develop a few anchors when you talk to these contacts. For example,
> I recently found an apartment in Pittsburgh. Once I learned there was a
> Whole Foods in a neighborhood I decided I could live in, Whole Foods became
> an anchor. If the listing gave an address, I put it into Google Maps and
> read the walking distance to Whole Foods. If there is not an address written
> in the apartment listing, but there is the name of a building, google the
> building name and you may find an address there. When you reach out to
> schedule tours, google the building if you can and read the reviews.
> Sometimes, you may not find reviews of the building itself but a larger
> management company. Though online reviews should be read with scrutiny, in
> other words, people often leave really bad reviews but they don't leave
> really good reviews, and honestly all rental companies are pretty crappy,
> red flag any really, really bad reviews and knock those places out .
>
> Contact all listings that interest you. a smaller number, like literally
> maybe 50% or less,  will get back with you. sometimes you can contact a
> phone number, others, an email address, and even others have online
> appointment widgets. In these inquiries I have not disclosed blindness. If
> the appointment widget is not accessible, try to find an alternative way to
> get in touch like by calling directly and pretend you didn't know about the
> online appointment calendar if you are asked. In my experience, agents are
> usually happy to schedule an appointment over the phone even if they have an
> online appointment selector.
>
> If you can, keep a flexible schedule so when you are called or emailed back
> after you inquire, you can go to the soonest appointment possible. in les
> ridiculous markets like those outside Seattle this may not be as important,
> but I would still try to do this just to be safe. When corresponding to make
> the appointment, verify the apartment has the amenities the listing says it
> has. Sometimes listings are misleading. Other times, an agent is renting
> multiple units and the one in the listing is not the one they will show you.
> this will help you confirm whether you actually want to make the
> appointment. I usually begin emails with, I'm corresponding about x
> apartment, including several details from the listing, the address and unit
> number if that is disclosed.
>
> When you go to an appointment, try to get a direct phone number to someone
> or be prepared to ask a passerby or Aira agent to confirm you're in the
> right place. If I'm given a phone number to someone directly, when Google
> Maps says I am very close to the destination, I call and at that point
> disclose my blindness and ask them to look out for me. If they will not give
> you a direct phone number and instead ask you to dial something on a
> callbox, you may have to ask a passerby to confirm you're at the building or
> wing it.
>
> Take someone to appointments if you can or do a video call. This isn't about
> blindness as much as it is people rent really crap apartments and it is
> important to get a second opinion.
>
> Be sure to ask things like whether the apartment has been updated, what
> noises you'll expect to hear, what the person can tell you about the
> surrounding area in terms of bus stops and businesses, what the terms of the
> lease are including what is due with your application such as the
> application fee, deposit, and other fees, how much of your deposit is
> refundable, and how much the rent is, what bills are included in rent and
> what are your responsibility to pay separately, how much water and utilities
> tend to amount to if you do have to pay for them separately,  and whether
> you'll have to pay the last month up front. Ask lots of questions about the
> apartment as you walk through to seem engaged and serious about getting
> honest feedback. Ask to be toured around the common areas, especially the
> laundry room if laundry is not in unit. Touch the washers and dryers. Some
> are quite inaccessible. No apartment will be perfectly accessible but
> getting really hands-on in the apartment will help you decide what
> appliances you can make accessible, what inaccessible features you'll put up
> with and which ones are dealbreakers. Ask if anyone else is applying and if
> not, and if you are interested, be prepared to apply for the apartment that
> day.
>
> Most apartment applications are now done online, or sent as an inaccessible
> pdf over email. The process will be at least partially inaccessible but
> because you don't want to spend a lot of time on this ask a friend to be on
> the hook to help you.
>
> I love studio living. It is a great way to start out a bit cheaper. If you
> do not have the responsibility to care for others or host people often, I
> highly recommend. The more space you have, the more you'll fill it up so I
> honestly believe studio living has not only saved me rent but has saved me
> from buying more furniture and accessories.
>
> If you need a cosigner right now or have other extenuating circumstances,
> priorities tours with individuals rather than companies. I've had some
> landlords who owned individual condos be flexible with my income once I
> showed them my job offer letter and savings. On the other hand, companies
> that rent loads of apartments allow a computer system to judge your
> eligibility so if you know you will not be determined eligible it's a waste
> of time and money.
>
> After you sign a lease, procure renter's insurance. This costs me about $130
> per year. I have it through State Farm, and renter's insurance is another,
> albeit shorter, email, but the internet has a lot of information about it.
> Some landlords will require proof of renter's insurance in which case you'll
> have to purchase it and send them your policy. If renter's insurance is
> required, ask your landlord if they have minimum coverage requirements so
> you're sure to get a policy that complies with your landlord's renter's
> insurance requirement. If your landlord does not require renter's insurance,
> get it anyway.
>
> I know this process can seem really daunting. It is stressful. But many
> people remember what it was like to move. I'm sure some NFB members and our
> sighted friends could be pulled in to step up. This is not a time to be shy
> or feel ashamed to ask. This is a time when you need an apartment. Get the
> help you need in a timely manner.
>
> On that note, if you are considering living anywhere in Seattle I can have a
> phone call with you  starting next week to talk about neighborhoods. I know
> the city of Seattle and our public transit extremely well. as you brainstorm
> what neighborhoods or cities you'll consider living in, feel free to let me
> know and I can connect you with people I know who are familiar with them.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Cindy
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Merribeth
> Greenberg via NFBWATlk
> Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 11:31 AM
> To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Merribeth Greenberg <merribeth.manning at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
> Studio-Living
>
> Hi Humberto,
> Congrats on the new job; how exciting.
> The ladies have given some good advice and ideas.
> I just wanted to comment on the idea of the studio.
> I had one a while back; in a senior living place in Pocatello Idaho.
> They can be nice, but you have to be creative with storage. Everything is
> out in the open. The unit I had, had a sliding divider wall. But, I don't
> know that you would find them in most places. If you wanted to divide off
> your sleeping area from your entertaining area, you might have to purchase a
> free standing divider. If you do decide to divide the space it does feel
> smaller.
> From living here, I learned I don't like living alone. I rather have a
> roommate (a human one).
> Good luck on your new adventures; and Happy Holidays.
> Beth Greenberg
>
>
> On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 5:27 PM Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk <
> nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello, All:
>>
>> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.
>>
>> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if
>> possible.  Here?s my situation:
>>
>> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with
>> a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living
>> training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the
>> people I would be working with ETC.
>>
>> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those
>> same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job
>> working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In
>> Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next
>> is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part?
>> all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after
>> long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I
>> would love asking my questions:
>>
>>
>>   1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?
>>   2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to
>> a new place and living independently?
>>   3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new
>> environment in your living arrangement?
>>   4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience
>> with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to
>> deal with there?
>>   5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by
>> landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?
>>
>> Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded
>> email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from
>> you very soon. ?
>>
>> Best Wishes,
>>
>> Humberto
>>
>> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NFBWATlk mailing list
>> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NFBWATlk:
>>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/merribeth.mannin
>> g%40gmail.com
>>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBWATlk mailing list
> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFBWATlk:
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>
>
>
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFBWATlk:
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>

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From humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com  Wed Dec 11 05:08:04 2019
From: humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com (Humberto Avila)
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:08:04 +0000
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or
 Studio-Living
In-Reply-To: <002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>
References: <MWHPR04MB1214B98DDF3DDDD4E70C6D57E8590@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
	<CAGxJuJiNfG5C2q77jf-+Ofu3C4gYXkU4cLbMv0ZNsF9vEyyN+A@mail.gmail.com>
	<002001d5af9f$04003140$0c0093c0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <MWHPR04MB12140DAC0688F30A347C6032E85A0@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>

Hello Cindy,



Thanks for your emailed novel about apartment searching. I will surely keep this in my library of important advice books and on my Voice Dream Reader playlist when I go on trips! ??



I would love to give you a call and chit chat about these things. I am very overwhelmed about this as you know... maybe reaching as many people as I humanly can is good for me and I am doing just that right now.



Thanks!



Humberto


[JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>



-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cynthia Bennett via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 1:16 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Cynthia Bennett <clb5590 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living



Hi Humberto,



I cannot express how excited I am for you! finding your first job after school and/or training is so difficult. It took me several months. I am so proud of you! How lucky your students will be to have a blind instructor who is a braille and technology superstar as well.



Here is my apartment advice. I have found 3 apartments in the Seattle market which is quite unforgiving so I think these tips will be helpful.



Before you look for apartments, divide your monthly income into thirds. This is the maximum rent you can probably pay without getting someone to cosign your lease. Of course, if you can find something with cheaper rent, that is best, but this will help you knock out any too expensive options. If you would rather rent something mor expensive or if your income is not enough, as many of us in Seattle have gone through, you'll have to think of someone you trust who may be willing to be your cosigner. It is good to have a conversation with them ahead of time and get their agreement. Many people ask family members though I realize this is not always an option. Your cosigner will need to have sufficient income, in other words, the rent cannot exceed 1/3 of their monthly income. If I were you, I would prioritize finding a place that does not require a cosigner. But if you do not have enough credit, your income may not matter and you may need to find a cosigner. Of course, if you have a cosigner, the goal is that you pay rent, but they are responsible for your rent if you do not pay.





Have at least the amount of your monthly income, or 3 times your rent set aside. Worst case scenario, you'll owe first month's rent, last month's rent, and an expensive deposit equal to one month's rent. Application and credit check fee tends to be around $45. You should also keep in mind that moving itself incurs costs.



Learn your credit score. I recommend downloading an app called Credit Karma. The internet tells me most landlords want to see a 620 credit score or higher. Checking your credit score will give you another clue as to whether you'll need a cosigner.





Get a copy of your signed offer letter listing your annual income. You may have to provide this as proof to your landlord.





Start thinking about where you'd like to move. Though some markets necessitate a realtor, I don't think the Seattle and suburb market is quite there. I have never used a realtor. I have however talked to blind people I trust. I have a contact number for a person who has lived in Tacoma which I will give you offline. I would learn the names of neighborhoods with public transportation to places you would like to go. This may also require that you request the person who hired you to get you a school placement as soon as possible, or to get a list of possible placements. I generally want to be in one bus distance from work and in walking distance from grocery stores, a pharmacy, and restaurants. You may have different priorities and some things may be more negotiable for you than others. For example, it's not important for me to be in walking distance from my doctor, but others may feel differently. take some time and reflect on your priorities and then ask questions to the people who live in Tacoma or the places you're considering living in and determine a few neighborhoods in which you'd like to live.



Check Craigslist once per day and make inquiries at all places that look interesting. I usually do a google search for something like "Belltown Seattle apartments rent Craigslist." The first word, Belltown, is the neighborhood within Seattle. Then I use the filters once I have clicked on the google search result that takes me to the page on craigslist. I enter my maximum rent, minimum bedrooms and bathrooms, and check the amenities that are nonnegotiable for me. For example, I only want an apartment with laundry in unit and then I sort the results so those most recently posted are at the top. Be very careful though. Listings like to associate with popular neighborhoods. Read the listing very carefully to learn more about the location and apartment to determine whether you'd like to schedule a tour. There are a ton of apartment search websites. I find Craigslist has a lot of options and is not extremely inaccessible as compared to others. Run addresses in posts by your contacts who are familiar with the area, or perhaps develop a few anchors when you talk to these contacts. For example, I recently found an apartment in Pittsburgh. Once I learned there was a Whole Foods in a neighborhood I decided I could live in, Whole Foods became an anchor. If the listing gave an address, I put it into Google Maps and read the walking distance to Whole Foods. If there is not an address written in the apartment listing, but there is the name of a building, google the building name and you may find an address there. When you reach out to schedule tours, google the building if you can and read the reviews. Sometimes, you may not find reviews of the building itself but a larger management company. Though online reviews should be read with scrutiny, in other words, people often leave really bad reviews but they don't leave really good reviews, and honestly all rental companies are pretty crappy, red flag any really, really bad reviews and knock those places out .



Contact all listings that interest you. a smaller number, like literally maybe 50% or less,  will get back with you. sometimes you can contact a phone number, others, an email address, and even others have online appointment widgets. In these inquiries I have not disclosed blindness. If the appointment widget is not accessible, try to find an alternative way to get in touch like by calling directly and pretend you didn't know about the online appointment calendar if you are asked. In my experience, agents are usually happy to schedule an appointment over the phone even if they have an online appointment selector.



If you can, keep a flexible schedule so when you are called or emailed back after you inquire, you can go to the soonest appointment possible. in les ridiculous markets like those outside Seattle this may not be as important, but I would still try to do this just to be safe. When corresponding to make the appointment, verify the apartment has the amenities the listing says it has. Sometimes listings are misleading. Other times, an agent is renting multiple units and the one in the listing is not the one they will show you. this will help you confirm whether you actually want to make the appointment. I usually begin emails with, I'm corresponding about x apartment, including several details from the listing, the address and unit number if that is disclosed.



When you go to an appointment, try to get a direct phone number to someone or be prepared to ask a passerby or Aira agent to confirm you're in the right place. If I'm given a phone number to someone directly, when Google Maps says I am very close to the destination, I call and at that point disclose my blindness and ask them to look out for me. If they will not give you a direct phone number and instead ask you to dial something on a callbox, you may have to ask a passerby to confirm you're at the building or wing it.



Take someone to appointments if you can or do a video call. This isn't about blindness as much as it is people rent really crap apartments and it is important to get a second opinion.



Be sure to ask things like whether the apartment has been updated, what noises you'll expect to hear, what the person can tell you about the surrounding area in terms of bus stops and businesses, what the terms of the lease are including what is due with your application such as the application fee, deposit, and other fees, how much of your deposit is refundable, and how much the rent is, what bills are included in rent and what are your responsibility to pay separately, how much water and utilities tend to amount to if you do have to pay for them separately,  and whether you'll have to pay the last month up front. Ask lots of questions about the apartment as you walk through to seem engaged and serious about getting honest feedback. Ask to be toured around the common areas, especially the laundry room if laundry is not in unit. Touch the washers and dryers. Some are quite inaccessible. No apartment will be perfectly accessible but getting really hands-on in the apartment will help you decide what appliances you can make accessible, what inaccessible features you'll put up with and which ones are dealbreakers. Ask if anyone else is applying and if not, and if you are interested, be prepared to apply for the apartment that day.



Most apartment applications are now done online, or sent as an inaccessible pdf over email. The process will be at least partially inaccessible but because you don't want to spend a lot of time on this ask a friend to be on the hook to help you.



I love studio living. It is a great way to start out a bit cheaper. If you do not have the responsibility to care for others or host people often, I highly recommend. The more space you have, the more you'll fill it up so I honestly believe studio living has not only saved me rent but has saved me from buying more furniture and accessories.



If you need a cosigner right now or have other extenuating circumstances, priorities tours with individuals rather than companies. I've had some landlords who owned individual condos be flexible with my income once I showed them my job offer letter and savings. On the other hand, companies that rent loads of apartments allow a computer system to judge your eligibility so if you know you will not be determined eligible it's a waste of time and money.



After you sign a lease, procure renter's insurance. This costs me about $130 per year. I have it through State Farm, and renter's insurance is another, albeit shorter, email, but the internet has a lot of information about it. Some landlords will require proof of renter's insurance in which case you'll have to purchase it and send them your policy. If renter's insurance is required, ask your landlord if they have minimum coverage requirements so you're sure to get a policy that complies with your landlord's renter's insurance requirement. If your landlord does not require renter's insurance, get it anyway.



I know this process can seem really daunting. It is stressful. But many people remember what it was like to move. I'm sure some NFB members and our sighted friends could be pulled in to step up. This is not a time to be shy or feel ashamed to ask. This is a time when you need an apartment. Get the help you need in a timely manner.



On that note, if you are considering living anywhere in Seattle I can have a phone call with you  starting next week to talk about neighborhoods. I know the city of Seattle and our public transit extremely well. as you brainstorm what neighborhoods or cities you'll consider living in, feel free to let me know and I can connect you with people I know who are familiar with them.



Good luck!



Cindy



-----Original Message-----

From: NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Merribeth Greenberg via NFBWATlk

Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 11:31 AM

To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>>

Cc: Merribeth Greenberg <merribeth.manning at gmail.com<mailto:merribeth.manning at gmail.com>>

Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Looking for some Advice on Apartment- or Studio-Living



Hi Humberto,

Congrats on the new job; how exciting.

The ladies have given some good advice and ideas.

I just wanted to comment on the idea of the studio.

I had one a while back; in a senior living place in Pocatello Idaho.

They can be nice, but you have to be creative with storage. Everything is out in the open. The unit I had, had a sliding divider wall. But, I don't know that you would find them in most places. If you wanted to divide off your sleeping area from your entertaining area, you might have to purchase a free standing divider. If you do decide to divide the space it does feel smaller.

From living here, I learned I don't like living alone. I rather have a roommate (a human one).

Good luck on your new adventures; and Happy Holidays.

Beth Greenberg





On Sat, Dec 7, 2019 at 5:27 PM Humberto Avila via NFBWATlk < nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>> wrote:



> Hello, All:

>

> I hope you all are having a fantastic evening and weekend.

>

> I am here with a question and / or a request for pieces of advice if

> possible.  Here?s my situation:

>

> Two weeks ago on 11/20/19, I interviewed for a teaching position with

> a school district near the area where I am doing my independent living

> training. The interview was awesome and I got a good impression of the

> people I would be working with ETC.

>

> But to cut to the chase quickly? yesterday I got a call from those

> same people that interviewed me that day. I was offered the job

> working with blind students in the Tacoma School District (In

> Washington State) and I have accepted it on the phone. What comes next

> is a matter of orientations, trainings, and the human resource part?

> all of that very exciting. But well? where am I going to breathe after

> long, hard, challenging, first couple of days at work? This is where I would love asking my questions:

>

>

>   1.  What are some of your experiences with going apartment searching?

>   2.  What are some of your experiences with coping with moving in to

> a new place and living independently?

>   3.  What strategies and techniques do you use to learn your new

> environment in your living arrangement?

>   4.  Has anyone rented a studio apartment? What is your experience

> with this type of living? Any perks, or inconveniences that I have to

> deal with there?

>   5.  How do you deal with inaccessible materials presented by

> landlords, as well as leasing terms and conditions, and accommodations?

>

> Any advice, once again, is deeply appreciated! Sorry for my longwinded

> email. But thanks for reading, and I sure look forward to hearing from

> you very soon. ?

>

> Best Wishes,

>

> Humberto

>

> [JAWS Certified, 2019]<http://www.freedomscientific.com/Certification>

>

> _______________________________________________

> NFBWATlk mailing list

> NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org>

> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org

> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for

> NFBWATlk:

>

> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/merribeth.mannin

> g%40gmail.com

>

_______________________________________________

NFBWATlk mailing list

NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org<mailto:NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org>

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:

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From mjc59 at comcast.net  Wed Dec 11 22:51:01 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:51:01 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] 2020 Washington Seminar application
Message-ID: <85EA1968-5E81-4170-8C54-7B3EF325DCE3@comcast.net>

Hello,

Since some have had difficulty filling in the file I sent here isa the form pasted below in its entirety. Complete the form by this Friday. Contact me with any questions.

Marci Carpenter


 NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF WASHINGTON 

2020 Washington Seminar Application

Must be submitted to the NFB of Washington President by December 6, 2019

The NFB Washington Seminar is one of the most important activities of the National Federation of the Blind. It is a great experience for anyone in the NFB! Every year 500-600 blind people from across the country gather for this event. We invite new members and those who have attended before to join us in Washington DC in February 2020. We hope to have members attending from all 10 of our Congressional Districts. We meet with our Senators and Representatives about our national legislative agenda and do follow-up work with them after the Seminar. Fact sheets on our legislative agenda (the bills we will discuss) are provided to us by our national legislative coordinators. This form was developed to help all attendees understand the expectations we have before, during and after Washington Seminar. We want everyone to have a good experience.

This form applies to members of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington who wish to be delegates at the 2020 Washington Seminar whether or not assistance is sought from the organization. Anyone seeking financial assistance is required to complete this form. All others attending Washington Seminar are requested to do so. It must be returned to me via e-mail at presidentnfbw at gmail.com <mailto:presidentnfbw at gmail.com> by December 6, 2019. A committee of Federationists will review applications for financial assistance. We will notify everyone by December 13, 2019. If you have any questions about the form or Washington Seminar you can send me an email or call me at 206-604-5507.

Washington Seminar begins Monday, February 10, 2020 and ends on Thursday, February 13. All delegates are expected to arrive by Sunday, February 9, 2020 by nighttime and make plane reservations home no earlier than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13th. Delegates are expected to make their own flight and shuttle arrangements to and from the hotel unless you need financial assistance up front, in which case Corey Grandstaff will work with you to purchase plane tickets,  make hotel reservations and send grants. Please notify me about your specific confirmed travel itinerary. The affiliate will pay for shared rooms only with members of the same gender in each room. Travel reimbursements will be processed after the seminar.

Those who are selected as delegates must attend a mandatory two hour teleconference, which will take place in late December or early January. This training will cover protocols such as the need for participants to attend assigned appointments and fulfill specific roles at the meetings. First time attendees will have the opportunity to listen at the first appointment and then speak at a future appointment. Participants are also expected to attend an afternoon training session at the Holiday Inn in Washington, D.C. on Monday, February 10, and the Great Gathering In at 5:00 PM that day. We will hold a Washington state caucus before our first appointment to review the schedule of appointments and the issues, practice our presentations and assign roles. All attendees are expected to dress appropriately for Washington Seminar; suits or nice slacks and shirts, dresses, skirts or nice slacks and shirts (no jeans, t-shirts or tennis shoes)

Following the seminar, delegates are expected to send at least one follow-up email to a staff member who attended the meeting in the federal legislator?s office and must attend at least one follow-up meeting in the district office in order to garner or confirm support for our initiatives. These follow-up meetings will be arranged by me or someone I designate. 

All applications will be considered.  NFB of Washington will give preference to veterans, first time attendees, students, and members from under represented geographic areas in the state. The committee shall consider whether an applicant listed the correct congressperson below in weighing the applicant?s ability to follow up and participate in Washington Seminar activities and legislative initiatives.  The same person may be counted in more than one category, e.g. a student may also be a new attendee. Before final selections are made, applicants must give a telephonic presentation to me to confirm their understanding of the bills. I will contact applicants to schedule the interview.











































 2020 Washington Seminar Application

Must be submitted to the NFB of Washington President by December 6, 2019.

APPLICATION


Name:	

Date:	

Address:	

City, State, Zip:	

Phone (Cell):	
The cell phone number above should be the one you will have with you in D.C.

Email:	

My congressional Representative is:

Please explain any relationships that you or members of your family may have with other federal legislators, even if you do not live or vote in their districts:

Please check all of the following that apply by placing a letter ?X? in between the brackets.
[] I am a student.
[] I would like to also attend the Student Seminar.
[] I am a veteran.
[] I am a senior citizen.
[] I am a blind merchant.
[] I am the parent of a blind child.
[] I have attended Washington Seminar before.
[] I have never attended Washington Seminar before.

INTERVIEW

Before final selection as a delegate, please be prepared to give a presentation to me. I will contact applicants to schedule interviews.


ESSAY

The NFB of Washington would like to know why you should be selected as a delegate to Washington Seminar 2020:
	


The NFB of Washington would like to know how well you understand our legislative initiatives. Please explain your knowledge about the Access Technology Affordability Act (ATAA): 	 


The NFB of Washington would like to know if you have had any of the following experiences, check all of the following that apply by placing a letter ?X? in between the brackets:
[] Have written a bill
[] Sent a letter to the congressperson.
Please provide a copy or response from the office
[] Have received a sponsor or co-sponsor on a bill at the state or federal level
[] Visited with your legislator?s office.
If so which one and which office?	(type here)
[] Testified before the legislature at the state or federal level.
Please provide a copy 
of the testimony

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By signing below, you understand and agree to the following:


Delegates are expected to arrive by Sunday, February 9, 2020 by nighttime and make plane reservations home no earlier than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 13th..
Delegates are required to make their own flight and shuttle arrangements to and from the hotel or work with Corey Grandstaff if advance financial assistance is requested. 
If the affiliate is purchasing your plane ticket and/or making your hotel reservation you are expected to contact Corey Grandstaff promptly after being notified of your selection and to make those arrangement with him within one week of being notified of your selection so that we can get the best available airfare.
Unless requesting advance financial assistance, delegates are expected to make their own hotel reservations. Hotel information will be available soon.
Delegates must attend the mandatory two hour teleconference to prepare for the seminar.
Delegates must attend the Monday afternoon training session in Washington, D.C., unless assigned to another commitment at that time, and must also attend the Great Gathering In at 5:00 PM that day.
Following the seminar, delegates will send at least one follow-up email to at least one of the Congressional staff members who attended the meeting on behalf of the federal legislator in Washington, D.C.
Following the seminar, delegates will attend at least one follow up meeting in the district of the federal legislator.
Failure to complete any requirements will result in denial of future funding. 

Signature of applicant:	
Date:	
Email completed forms to Marci Carpenter at presidentnfbw at gmail.com <mailto:presidentnfbw at gmail.com>.  If you have questions about the form call me at 206-604-5507

From michaeldforzano at gmail.com  Thu Dec 12 06:33:21 2019
From: michaeldforzano at gmail.com (Michael Forzano)
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:33:21 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] NFB Rideshare Testing
Message-ID: <78FD6B86-9D2C-4184-B49D-15475677A3CA@gmail.com>

Hi All



For those who don't know, the NFB has been conducting testing to monitor Uber and Lyft's compliance with the settlement regarding denials of passengers with service animals. Unfortunately, we continue to be denied by Uber and Lyft drivers, so the data gathered by the testing program continues to be important. In order to meet our goal for 2019, the NFB of Washington needs to report 9 additional Uber tests and 7 Lyft tests.



If you are a guide dog user and use rideshare, please fill out the form at https://nfb.org/rideshare-test for each ride you take, regardless of whether you were denied. Both positive and negative experiences are helpful and count towards our goal. You may also fill out the form for any rides dating back to January 1, 2019 that you have not yet reported. If possible, please also email me at michaeldforzano at gmail.com to let me know how many Uber and Lyft rides you reported.



The testing for this year must be completed by December 31. If the goal is met, the NFB of Washington will receive a grant in early 2020.



Thanks in advance for your help with this important project.



Thanks,

Mike Forzano. 


Sent from my iPhone

From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov  Tue Dec 17 16:32:02 2019
From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel)
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:32:02 +0000
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Information Sharing - Loan Program Associate
 PositionSeattle
Message-ID: <BY5PR09MB4756386B164B035ED3901A48F9500@BY5PR09MB4756.namprd09.prod.outlook.com>




From: GCDE [mailto:gcde at public.govdelivery.com]
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2019 8:47 AM
Subject: Information Sharing - Loan Program Associate Position

[Image removed by sender. Hand on a Braille display - Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment]<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEyMTYuMTQzNzgwNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VzZC53YS5nb3YvR0NERT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.XOXO-uGVTUsVoRhrNZbd-eNvvzLxBSdsDDrbrIm2kiY/br/73158598660-l>
GCDE News
________________________________
Information Sharing - Loan Program Associate Position

Hello,

Northwest Access Fund is hiring for a Loan Program Associate position. Please forward this to any qualified individuals and contact me directly via email if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Emerson


Job Description

Loan Program Associate

Northwest Access Fund is pleased to announce an entry-level opportunity for a full-time Loan Program Associate position to help operate our Assistive Technology Loan Program.

About Northwest Access Fund

Northwest Access Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established by and for people with disabilities. We promote access to technology and economic opportunity for people with disabilities living in Washington and Oregon. Northwest Access Fund offers affordable products (low-interest loans and matched-savings accounts) and services for people with disabilities to acquire assistive technology and enhance their personal financial capability. For more information visit http://nwaccessfund.org/<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEyMTYuMTQzNzgwNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbndhY2Nlc3NmdW5kLm9yZy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.DbmadqWJ1RdzeDMPRHuA2xcmsrCUj6oT-pTtQ7MAfJI/br/73158598660-l>.

Position Responsibilities

Loan Program:

  *   Under supervision of the Program Director, support all elements of the Assistive Technology Loan Program. Specific tasks include:
  *   Answer loan inquiries, provide program information, and send application packages;
  *   Provide outside referrals where necessary, including identifying other possible sources of funding using Northwest Access Fund's database;
  *   Assist with processing loan applications, and verifying accuracy and completeness of each file;
  *   Collect required documentation for applicants and follow up on missing elements;
  *   Collect and input data into loan servicing software as well as Northwest Access Fund's data systems;
  *   Act as a liaison between borrower and lender;
  *   Prepare closing documents;
  *   Provide applicants with timely and periodic status updates of their loan application;
  *   Examine, understand, and interpret consumer credit reports;
  *   Maintain client confidentiality and keep files and data in a secure manner;
  *   Provide assistance to borrowers, as needed;
  *   Assist with outreach activities, including mailings, phone calls, and occasional event tabling.

Other Tasks:

  *   Serve as a primary point of contact (telephone and email) for questions about Northwest Access Fund's programs and services;
  *   Complete miscellaneous projects as needed.

Required Skills

  *   Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with a diverse constituent population, including people with disabilities;
  *   Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  *   Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and handle multiple tasks efficiently with high attention to detail;
  *   Ability to work as part of a team;
  *   Excellent with numbers;
  *   Ability to provide an exceptional level of customer service: in person, by email, and over the phone;
  *   Interest in learning and professional growth;
  *   Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; and
  *   Ability to learn database management systems.

Education and Experience

  *   College degree preferred (equivalent experience will be considered);
  *   Experience in providing customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

  *   Knowledge and experience working with people with disabilities;
  *   Knowledge and experience of/with Assistive Technology;
  *   Knowledge and/or experience in consumer lending;
  *   Knowledge and/or experience with financial education or coaching; and
  *   Knowledge and/or experience with bookkeeping.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

  *   Primarily works in standard office conditions and climate;
  *   Primarily works at a desk and computer, likely for extended periods of time; and
  *   Travel may be required, primarily in Washington and occasionally in Oregon.

Compensation

  *   $41,000 - $45,000 DOE annually for full-time work, with option of health, dental, and vision benefits, plus SIMPLE IRA (matches up to 3% of salary), and PTO for 11 holidays and 18 vacation days annually.

Start Date

  *   Negotiable; target date is Jan 2020

Application Procedure

Email resume and cover letter with the subject line LOAN PROGRAM ASSOCIATE to emerson at nwaccessfund.org.In<mailto:emerson at nwaccessfund.org.In> your cover letter, please address relevant experience and reasons for your interest in this particular position.

Questions

Please contact Emerson Sekins with questions at 206-328-5116 or emerson at nwaccessfund.org<mailto:emerson at nwaccessfund.org>.



We encourage individuals with disabilities to apply.

Emerson Sekins, MPA

Executive Director

Northwest Access Fund

www.nwaccessfund.org <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAxOTEyMTYuMTQzNzgwNjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm53YWNjZXNzZnVuZC5vcmc_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.jN1rwOrR7swInSfWIYNSige6MY4UtDhUuCLWFnHXYPo/br/73158598660-l>

1437 S. Jackson St.

Suite 302

Seattle, WA 98144

206-328-5116 Phone

206-328-5126 Fax

1-888-494-4775 TTY

emerson at nwaccessfund.org<mailto:emerson at washingtonaccessfund.org>

Thank you for subscribing to the GCDE disability information newsletter.

Stay Connected with Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment:
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________________________________
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From Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov  Thu Dec 19 23:19:39 2019
From: Noel.Nightingale at ed.gov (Nightingale, Noel)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2019 23:19:39 +0000
Subject: [NFBWATlk] FW: Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception Jan. 22,
 2020
In-Reply-To: <DM5PR04MB0987825FDC1FABC246426F0ADD520@DM5PR04MB0987.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
References: <1d1f4721fea8463daf901a5165ba83b9@dshs.wa.gov>,
	<MWHPR04MB1086B5EB856E612390F6A090C9530@MWHPR04MB1086.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
	<DM5PR04MB0987825FDC1FABC246426F0ADD520@DM5PR04MB0987.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <BY5PR09MB4756104FFD4886B056F7C16CF9520@BY5PR09MB4756.namprd09.prod.outlook.com>



From: Heather Melendez - DBSC <AdminAssistant at seattledbsc.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2019 3:07 PM
To: DBSC Info <info at seattledbsc.org>
Subject: Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception Jan. 22, 2020

(This email is sent on behalf of the Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing concerning the upcoming Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception that will occur on Jan. 22nd, 2020. The attached PDF flyer contains the same details as below. Please do not reply to this message. Thank You.)


You are invited to attend the 39th Annual Disabilities Legislative Reception Wednesday, January 22, 2020 5:30 - 7:00 pm Columbia Room Legislative Building State Capitol Hosted by: Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Washington State Governor's Committee on Disability Issues, and Employment Washington State Rehabilitation Council Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Washington State Independent Living Council, Self Advocates in Leadership.
Questions? Contact Emily Rogers at emily.rogers at ddc.wa.gov<mailto:emily.rogers at ddc.wa.gov>.
For reasonable accommodations, contact Emily Heike at eheike at esd.wa.gov<mailto:eheike at esd.wa.gov> by December 31, 2019


Heather Melendez

Administrative Assistant

DeafBlind Service Center

1620 18th Ave. Suite #200

Seattle, WA 98122

833.235.5550 (Toll Free - Voice)

206.323.9178 (Voice)

206.455.7932 (VP)

206.328.8497 (Fax)
info at seattledbsc.org<mailto:info at seattledbsc.org> (Email)
www.seattledbsc.org<http://www.seattledbsc.org>

________________________________


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation (which includes gender identity and expression), age, veteran's status or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability.


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From topdot at gmail.com  Thu Dec 19 23:43:28 2019
From: topdot at gmail.com (Dean Martineau)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2019 18:43:28 -0500
Subject: [NFBWATlk] new book on Chrome for screen reader users available
Message-ID: <087401d5b6c6$1dcc3640$5964a2c0$@gmail.com>

Hello, 

 

I wanted to let you know that my second book, Get Cracking with Chrome for
Windows, is now available. The comment of one of the reviewers of the
pre-release version was: "thank you for your work on this book, and I
believe that it will be valuable to both beginners and more advanced users."


 

You can investigate it at
https://www.techforblind.us/get-cracking-with-chrome-for-windows/

 



From mjc59 at comcast.net  Wed Dec 25 03:53:22 2019
From: mjc59 at comcast.net (Marci Carpenter)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 19:53:22 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
Message-ID: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>

Season?s Greetings to our members and friends. May the holidays you celebrate be filled with joy.

Marci Carpenter

Sent from Marci's iPhone



From sonshines59 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 25 04:10:20 2019
From: sonshines59 at gmail.com (Judy Jones)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 20:10:20 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <005601d5bad9$395e5250$ac1af6f0$@gmail.com>

Thank you, you too, and have a wonderful day.

Judy

?Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.?


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 7:53 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' List'
Cc: Marci Carpenter
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays

Season?s Greetings to our members and friends. May the holidays you celebrate be filled with joy.

Marci Carpenter

Sent from Marci's iPhone

_______________________________________________
NFBWATlk mailing list
NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
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From lfitz50 at gmail.com  Wed Dec 25 04:42:27 2019
From: lfitz50 at gmail.com (Leslie Fitzpatrick)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 20:42:27 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <000b01d5badd$b6081760$22184620$@gmail.com>

>From Betty and me as well to all of you.

 

Les Fitzpatrick

 

Piano Technician

 

Ham call sign K5FPT

 

-------------- next part --------------
An embedded message was scrubbed...
From: "Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 19:53:22 -0800
Size: 4228
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/attachments/20191224/3135f4c4/attachment.mht>

From lfitz50 at gmail.com  Thu Dec 26 23:47:27 2019
From: lfitz50 at gmail.com (Leslie Fitzpatrick)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2019 15:47:27 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Google nest
Message-ID: <040401d5bc46$d504c590$7f0e50b0$@gmail.com>

Hello Group, I would like to get some info about the Google nest and the
google nest E If anyone has one please email me back on this list. Thank
you. 

 

Les Fitzpatrick

 

Piano Technician

 

Ham call sign K5FPT

 



From kkipp123 at gmail.com  Fri Dec 27 02:33:07 2019
From: kkipp123 at gmail.com (Kaye Kipp)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2019 18:33:07 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>

I hope everyone celebrated the holidays in fine style.  I did, and I ate too much.  Lol.

Kaye

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 7:53 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Marci Carpenter <mjc59 at comcast.net>
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays

Season?s Greetings to our members and friends. May the holidays you celebrate be filled with joy.

Marci Carpenter

Sent from Marci's iPhone

_______________________________________________
NFBWATlk mailing list
NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/kkipp123%40gmail.com




From lfitz50 at gmail.com  Fri Dec 27 02:36:32 2019
From: lfitz50 at gmail.com (Leslie Fitzpatrick)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2019 18:36:32 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
	<01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <044501d5bc5e$73eb3600$5bc1a200$@gmail.com>

I definitely ate too much I'm sure but I'll probably do it again next
Christmas and thanksgiving.

 

Les Fitzpatrick

 

Piano Technician

 

Ham call sign K5FPT

 

-------------- next part --------------
An embedded message was scrubbed...
From: "Kaye Kipp via NFBWATlk" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2019 18:33:07 -0800
Size: 5939
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/attachments/20191226/64de1f62/attachment.mht>

From sonshines59 at gmail.com  Fri Dec 27 02:41:45 2019
From: sonshines59 at gmail.com (Judy Jones)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2019 18:41:45 -0800
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>
	<01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <05ae01d5bc5f$2e68e900$8b3abb00$@gmail.com>

We're coming off the holiday celebration as well, and I fixed hamburgers tonight, a change from the turkey and ham we have been enjoying.  We have snippets of leftovers that will be gone by next week,no doubt.

Judy

?Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.?


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kaye Kipp via NFBWATlk
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2019 6:33 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Kaye Kipp
Subject: Re: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays

I hope everyone celebrated the holidays in fine style.  I did, and I ate too much.  Lol.

Kaye

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 7:53 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Marci Carpenter <mjc59 at comcast.net>
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays

Season?s Greetings to our members and friends. May the holidays you celebrate be filled with joy.

Marci Carpenter

Sent from Marci's iPhone

_______________________________________________
NFBWATlk mailing list
NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/kkipp123%40gmail.com


_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com




From humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com  Fri Dec 27 22:11:44 2019
From: humberto_avila.it104 at outlook.com (Humberto Avila)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 22:11:44 +0000
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays
In-Reply-To: <01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
References: <32C53D43-EF42-48E4-A584-FCBD5E2A28CD@comcast.net>,
	<01d601d5bc5d$f980b5c0$ec822140$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <MWHPR04MB121437ACE1FFD13570C669D6E82A0@MWHPR04MB1214.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>

Thank you so much, Ms. Marci.

I hope your Christmas went well so far. Mine was OK. Just relaxing with my family.

But I know I have a great present I am enjoying and be enjoying for the foreseeable future, which is my new position in Tacoma public schools.

I had BBQ ribs for Christmas Eve and Tamales the following day which is always great!!!

Hopefully everyone is having a relaxing time this time around.



?Positive thinking leads to a positive attitude which leads to positive actions which lead to positive outcomes.?
? ME

On Dec 26, 2019, at 6:35 PM, Kaye Kipp via NFBWATlk <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

?I hope everyone celebrated the holidays in fine style.  I did, and I ate too much.  Lol.

Kaye

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATlk [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Marci Carpenter via NFBWATlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 7:53 PM
To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List' List' <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Marci Carpenter <mjc59 at comcast.net>
Subject: [NFBWATlk] Happy Holidays

Season?s Greetings to our members and friends. May the holidays you celebrate be filled with joy.

Marci Carpenter

Sent from Marci's iPhone

_______________________________________________
NFBWATlk mailing list
NFBWATlk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbwatlk_nfbnet.org/kkipp123%40gmail.com


_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBWATlk:
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