Upcoming Events
NFB BELL Academy Training Seminars
There will be two training seminars for affiliates planning to host one or more NFB BELL Academy sites in the summer of 2017; attendance at one of these training seminars is required.
September 30-October 2, 2016
This training is only for states that hosted one or more NFB BELL Academy sites in the summer of 2016. Registration has closed for this training.
October 20-23, 2016
This training is for novice- and intermediate-level NFB BELL Academy staff, but may be attended by more experienced staff as well. Registration has closed for this training.
Free Accessibility Training Boutiques
Google Training
The NFB Jernigan Institute and Google are co-hosting a three-day event for access technology trainers on all things Google on October 4–6. For more information on the training and how to apply, please visit the Google Training page.
Android
Monday, November 14, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Android has long been a mainstay for the users of mobile devices. As the versions tick by and different companies customize the operating system, it is hard to learn what the state of play is for accessibility on mobile phones and tablets that use Android. This session will aim to demonstrate what accessibility features are available, what improvements have been made in the latest major updates, and what devices offer the best experience for a blind user.
Chromebooks
Thursday, December 8, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
As Chromebooks spread through educational institutions and individual households, they bring with them an entirely new operating system and approach to screen readers. If you want to learn more about how it works and how it differs from business as usual, this boutique will get you started.
If you are interested in attending any of these boutiques, please RSVP to [email protected] Space is limited.State Conventions
Many states have their conventions in the fall. Please visit the State Conventions page to find out if there is an upcoming convention in your state.
What's New
Don't Participate. Don't Donate. Educate: The National Federation of the Blind and #HowEyeSeeIt
Members and leaders of the National Federation of the Blind from across the nation do a fantastic job of countering low expectations, misconceptions, and stereotypes about blindness. We believe the #HowEyeSeeIt Blindfold Challenge being promoted by the Foundation Fighting Blindness unnecessarily perpetuates negative perceptions and fears about living with blindness. If you haven't taken action yet, or want to let others know how to counteract this harmful fundraising campaign, please read our latest blog post and take action!
Important Legislative Action
We need to thank Representative Mac Thornberry, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for assisting disabled veterans injured prior to September 23, 1996, to obtain access to the Space Available program by including language to correct the exclusion of these veterans from the program in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Your letter of thanks will give Chairman Thornberry support when he seeks inclusion of his language in the final joint House and Senate bill when the conference committee meets in September. We have made it simple and convenient for you to write to Chairman Thornberry; all you need do is fill out the very short webform located at this link: https://nfb.org/thank-you-thornberry
Proposed Uber Class Action Settlement
In order to prevent discrimination against service animal users by Uber drivers, the NFB has proposed a class action settlement that would, among other things, require Uber to provide additional training to its drivers, require Uber drivers to acknowledge their responsibility to transport riders with service animals, and require Uber to terminate drivers that refuse to transport riders with service animals. View the full notice or an additional summary of the comprehensive settlement terms from the attorneys for the class.
Jamie Allison Discusses the Importance of Blindness Skills
In this video,Jamie Allison talks about her journey to becoming an independent blind person and the importance of Braille and cane travel.