Upcoming Events
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Accessibility Testing Symposium
Wednesday November 2 & Thursday November 3, 2016
(Preconference sessions: November 1)
Hosted by the National Federation of the Blind Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access to Education, Public Information, and Commerce (CENA), this two day event brings together people who are interested in accessibility testing with peer reviewed presentations, panel discussions, and exhibits. Our keynote speaker is the esteemed Judy Brewer, director of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) at the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Take a look through the preliminary program and consider joining us in Baltimore for this inaugural symposium dedicated to improving the accessibility of electronic and web-based products and services through testing.
For more information, please visit http://ictaccessibilitytesting.org, or contact the Symposium Chair, Chris Law, at [email protected].
Free Accessibility Training Boutiques
An Introduction to Accessibility in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Thursday, October 20, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides have undergone tremendous improvements in accessibility in recent years. Blind and sighted users alike are often unaware of the techniques available for unlocking the full power of features like collaboration with screen access software. Join us to learn more.
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.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.
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.
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! Please also Watch President Riccobono discuss the consequences of the #HowEyeSeeIt Campaign.
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.