Braille Monitor April 2006
2006 Convention Attractions
by Mark Taylor
From the Editor:
Every year�s national convention is an absolutely unique event. The agenda items,
the exhibits, the new friends and business acquaintances: all these give each
convention its own character and significance. Some activities lend a luster
to the convention in part because they do take place every year and provide
helpful fixed points in the whirl of events. In this category are the meetings
of the Resolutions Committee and the board of directors, the annual banquet,
and the many seminars and workshops of the various divisions and committees.
Here is a partial list of activities being planned by a number of Federation
groups during the 2006 convention, July 1 through July 7. Presidents of divisions,
committee chairpeople, and event presenters have provided the information. The
agenda will list the locations of all events taking place during convention
week.
Access Technology Day at National Convention
by Steve Booth
This year our technology day conducted by the International Braille and Technology
Center staff is Saturday, July 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are offering
four sessions covering a wide variety of topics that have been of interest to
our members this last year. We have both high-tech and low-tech offerings, so
something is bound to please almost everyone. Our first morning session explores
the world of PDAs. Find out what all the talk is about and how these personal
data assistants may work best for you. The second morning session looks at DAISY-reading
hardware and software. Find out what DAISY stands for and discover how accessible
it is.
In the afternoon we take a look at today's cell phones and their accessibility in 2006. Talking software for cell phones is becoming more widely available on several product brands and models. We'll tell you about some of the models to consider purchasing and how they work.
Our final session looks at the current and future state of consumer electronics. If you have shopped for appliances recently, you most likely became frustrated by all the flat screens and small visual displays in use today. Attend our session to find out which products are usable and learn about what efforts the NFB is undertaking to improve the accessibility of consumer products.
Below is the schedule of events for the day:
* Session One, 8:30 - 10:00
a.m.
Accessible PDAs (Personal Data Assistants)
* Session Two, 10:30 - 12:00 noon
DAISY hardware and software
* Session Three, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Accessible cell phones
* Session Four, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
The current and future
state of consumer electronics
Advocacy Skills Training Seminar
by Dan Frye
An advocacy skills training seminar will be offered this year at the national
convention on Wednesday evening, July 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The purpose
of this concentrated, fast-paced, interactive session will be to equip affiliate
leaders and Federation members with basic skills they can use in many advocacy
situations: offering public presentations, developing negotiation and mediation
techniques, sharpening interviewing and listening skills, documenting interactions,
de-escalating emotional or potentially volatile encounters, and more. In addition
to surveying and practicing essential advocacy skills, we will include brief
vignettes on current issues regularly faced by advocates working in the blindness
field, e.g., employment discrimination, Social Security issues, challenges in
special education, dog guide access, etc.
Polishing the presentations and improving the effectiveness of affiliate volunteer advocates will benefit our members, allies, and social cause. Well-trained volunteer advocates imbued with our fundamental philosophy about blindness will serve both as ambassadors for our organizational mission and in support of individual members and friends who face systemic discrimination or misunderstanding arising from blindness-related questions.
In preparing this agenda, we will survey affiliate leaders about the issues and general advocacy skills they would like to have addressed during this seminar. Please plan to join us in this first general advocacy skills workshop. Together we can create a program that offers value to both currently active and aspiring organizational advocates.
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BLIND, Inc., Karaoke
Night
by Shawn Mayo
Whether you are a contender to become the next American Idol, shatter
the stereotype about blind people possessing great musical talent, or fall somewhere
between, you'll have a great time at BLIND, Incorporated's, annual Karaoke Night
on Saturday, July 1, from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Bring all your friends or come
make new ones and enjoy music, door prizes, and a cash bar.
Sing solo, with a group, or just sit back and enjoy the musical stylings of your fellow Federationists. Be sure to get there early to hear NFB President Marc Maurer sing. And, if that's not enough, come find out what song the BLIND, Incorporated, staff and students will sing this year. Meet current students and alumni as they share their experiences from training.
Admission is only $5, and song lists will be available in Braille that night.
Don't miss your chance
to be a rock star.
Blind Professional Journalists Group
by Elizabeth Campbell
I am pleased to announce that the Blind Professional Journalists Group will
meet from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3. I am excited about meeting those
of you who are interested in exploring the ever-changing journalism profession
as a possible career. We welcome students as well as others who are interested
in working in print or broadcast journalism.
Please consult the agenda for the meeting location. If you have questions prior to the convention, please contact me evenings at (817) 738-0350. You may also send email to <[email protected]>.
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Braille Carnival
Buddies Help Needed
by Melissa Riccobono
Once again buddies are needed for the Braille Carnival at the NFB national convention.
The Braille Carnival is a fun-filled opportunity to help blind and sighted children
between the ages of six and eleven participate in a variety of Braille and carnival
activities. If you enjoy working with children, this would be a wonderful activity
for you to get involved in. You do not need to be a Braille reader in order
to be a carnival buddy.
This year the format for the Braille Carnival will be a bit different. We will conduct two one-hour carnival sessions during the afternoon of Saturday, July 1. The first session will take place from 1:30 to 2:30, and the second session will follow, from 2:45 to 3:45. We prefer that you work both sessions, but if you cannot, arrangements can be made to accommodate you.
If you are interested in
being a carnival buddy or if you have questions about this event, please contact
Melissa Riccobono by email at <[email protected]>, or by phone at (410)
235-3073.
An Evening at the Colorado Center for the Blind
by Julie Deden
Take charge. Challenge yourself. Drop by the CCB open house on Wednesday, July
5, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The staff and students at the Colorado Center for
the Blind invite you to discover what good training can do for you.
· Practice using
a long white cane with our travel instructors.
· Meet our employment staff and take a quick career assessment survey.
· Create a piece of art with our art instructor.
· Try out a Braille puzzle.
· Learn about exciting innovations in the area of adaptive technology.
· Pick up some recipes and practice your techniques in food preparation.
We look forward to seeing
you on Wednesday, July 5, at our open house.
Colorado Center for the Blind Alumni Gathering
by Julie Deden
Reunite with your CCB friends on Tuesday, July 4, at lunchtime. We look forward
to seeing you then.
Deaf-Blind Division
by Robert Eschbach
The Deaf-Blind Division will conduct two meetings during the National Federation
of the Blind convention. The first meeting will be on Monday evening, July 3,
beginning at 7:00 when we share information about new technology and programs
of interest. The second meeting will be Wednesday evening, July 5. Registration
begins at 6:00 p.m., and the business meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items
include discussion of future programming for the Deaf-Blind Division and an
election for officers and board members.
If you need financial assistance
to attend the convention or require interpreter services, please contact Bob
Eschbach, president, (520) 836-3689 or email <[email protected]>. All
requests must be made by May 15.
Diabetes Action Network Seminar
by Lois Williams
The Diabetes Action Network seminar will be held Monday, July 3, from 1:00 to
5:00 p.m. The theme is "Bee Heart Smart." To help reduce the risk
of heart disease and other diabetes complications, those with diabetes should
be as busy as bees (physically active) and wise as owls (informed about diabetes).
Employment Committee Seminar
by Buna Dahal
Meet dynamic professionals, shake hands, and make that first connection. The
NFB Employment Committee will conduct an employment seminar filled with variety
on Saturday, July 1.
If you are asking, �Why should I attend the employment seminar?� these are the benefits:
* Learn how to make the
jobs come to you.
* Experience the impact of an informational interview.
* Learn the value of mentoring and role modeling.
* Realize that getting a job is more than writing a resume.
* Understand the value of networking.
For more information contact
Fatos Floyd at (402) 471-8120, <[email protected]>, or Buna Dahal
at (303) 778-1130, <[email protected]>.
¿Hablas Espanol?
by Rosy Carranza
On Sunday, July 2, the Department of Affiliate Action is hosting an informative
and fun-filled seminar, completely in Spanish. This seminar will feature presentations
from dynamic Hispanic Federationists, Latin sounds from a group of talented
musicians, and much more! The seminar is geared to native Spanish speakers and
will address many issues and concepts obscured by language barriers. This will
be a time to learn more about the NFB and to network with others. If you are
interested in helping, please contact Rosy Carranza at (410) 659-9314, ext.
2283, or by email at <[email protected]>.
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Ham Radio Group
Emergency Preparedness Seminar
by D. Curtis Willoughby
In accord with long-standing tradition, the first meeting of the 2006 convention
will be the Emergency Preparedness Seminar conducted by the NFB Ham Radio Group.
The seminar will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. We will discuss frequencies
to be used during the convention, especially those to be used in the event of
an emergency call-out. We will also discuss those architectural features of
the convention hotels and other information that NFB hams need to know if an
emergency response is necessary.
Any Dallas hams willing to do a little frequency scouting before the convention are asked to contact Curtis, KA0VBA, (303) 424-7373, <[email protected]>. The Ham Radio Group has a service project to serve the Federation by handling the distribution of the special FM receivers to allow hearing-impaired conventioneers to hear a signal directly from the public address system, which is much easier to understand than the sound that normal hearing aids pick up in a meeting. These same receivers are used to allow Spanish speakers who do not understand English fluently to hear a Spanish translation of the convention and the banquet.
We will take some time
at the Emergency Preparedness Seminar to prepare for this project as well. It
is important that all group members willing to help come to the seminar.
Ham Radio Group Annual Business Meeting
The annual business meeting of the NFB Ham Radio Group will be held at noon
on Thursday, July 6.
The Human Services Division
by Melissa Riccobono
Are you a student majoring in psychology, social work, music therapy, dance
therapy, addiction counseling, or a related field? Are you a professional employed
in or seeking employment in one of these fields? If so, please join the National
Federation of the Blind Human Services Division for our annual seminar and business
meeting at this year�s national convention in Dallas. The Human Services Division
will meet on Monday, July 3. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the seminar/business
meeting will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Human Services Division was formed in order to allow blind psychologists, social workers, counselors, other human service workers, and those interested in human service fields to network, ask questions, and share techniques with one another. We will discuss techniques blind human service workers use in order to get the job done.
Please join us for this informative seminar. Dues are $5. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Riccobono, president, National Federation of the Blind Human Services Division, by phone at (410) 235-3073, or by email at <[email protected]>.
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The Louisiana Center
for the Blind Players
by Jerry Whittle
The Louisiana Center for the Blind Players presents One Woman's Treasure,
an original play by Jerry Whittle. This romantic comedy takes place in Pennsylvania
over a Christmas vacation. Genie Edwards must sell her family home and possessions,
and the entire family works together to get the job done although most of them
disagree with her about which possessions to keep. Many colorful characters
come and go during their whirlwind vacation in the frozen North. All proceeds
from the sale of tickets go to the summer training programs for blind children
at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Admission is $5. Two performances will
take place Monday evening, July 3.
Meet the Blind Month Activities and Other Special Events Seminar:
Plans and Action Equal Success
by Jerry Lazarus
Every October is Meet the Blind Month. Find out about entertaining and fun-filled
events that can occur throughout October so that sighted people can meet their
blind neighbors. Our seminar (3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 5) will include
encouragement for chapters to try new types of fundraising and meet-and-greet
events.
We will discuss what has
worked well in the past, and have a time for questions. Conducted by Jerry Lazarus,
NFB director of special projects
National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith
by Tom Anderson
The National Association of the Blind in Communities of Faith will hold its
annual meeting on Monday, July 3. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., and
the meeting will be called to order at 1:00 p.m. The theme of this year's meeting
will be "Overcoming Challenges." A panel of Federationists will describe
the challenges they face in achieving their goals in places of worship, and
what they have done to overcome these challenges. We also plan to have an update
on the publication of the book entitled Experiencing God, hear from
publishers in the field of producing faith-based literature for the blind, and
have a brief presidential report. A brief board meeting may be held following
adjournment.
The National Association
of the Blind in Communities of Faith will again coordinate the devotional services
that will take place from Tuesday, July 4, through Friday, July 7. The theme
of the devotional services will be "The Surrendered Life." Devotions
will be held an hour before the morning session. Please contact me if you would
like to preach or sing at these devotional services. My home address is 5628
South Fox Circle, Apartment A, Littleton, Colorado 80120. My home phone is (303)
794-5006. My work address is 2233 West Shepperd Avenue, Littleton, Colorado
80120, and my work phone is (303) 778-1130, ext. 220. My email address is <[email protected]>.
National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs
by James R. Bonerbo, CPA
The National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs announces its annual seminar,
which will be held on Saturday, July 1. The meeting will start at 2:00 p.m.
with registration and introductions of the participants. Topics covered will
include forms of business, types of organizations, accounting policies, tax
problems, and other matters relevant to the successful operation of a business.
We welcome all first-timers
and veteran entrepreneurs because sharing ideas and experiences will help us
all. See you in Dallas.
National Association of Blind Lawyers
by Scott LaBarre
Each year the National Association of Blind Lawyers (NABL) conducts its annual
meeting at the convention of the National Federation of the Blind, and this
year is no different. We will meet on July 3 at the Hilton Anatole from 1:00
to 5:00 p.m., exact room to be announced. The purpose of our annual meeting
and seminar is multifaceted.
We will examine emerging trends in the law that affect blind people and others with disabilities. For example, we will address the ongoing struggle to gain equal access to legal texts and access to a level playing field for legal examinations like the LSAT and bar exams. Other discrimination and civil rights cases will be reviewed. We will discuss how to practice law most effectively as a blind or visually impaired legal professional, focusing this year on the most effective technology for blind lawyers. We will address the issue of how to use readers most efficiently in light of the increasing access to printed materials made possible by assistive technology.
The EEOC will tell us how to practice most effectively in front of the Commission. Undoubtedly we will hear from the American Bar Association as well as local law schools and bar associations about their outreach efforts to blind and visually impaired students and legal professionals. Because our agenda covers substantive areas of the law and addresses the practice of law itself, many of our members have applied for and received continuing legal education credits for our seminar.
At the conclusion of the
seminar we will hold a reception for NABL members and seminar participants to
promote networking and fellowship within our membership. If you are a lawyer,
legal professional, or law student or are otherwise interested in law, the NABL
meeting in Dallas on July 3 is the place to be.
Mock Trial
by Scott LaBarre
The National Association of Blind Lawyers will sponsor its ninth annual mock
trial at the 2006 NFB convention. This trial will reenact an old Federation
case. Federation lawyers will be pitted against each other arguing the merits
of the two positions.
Although the matter has not been firmly decided, we will very likely revisit an employment discrimination case in which an employer refused to allow a blind person to work because of the employer�s concern that the job was just too dangerous for the blind. See your favorite Federation lawyers strut their legal stuff. Stay tuned to the Presidential Release and email lists to hear more details about the case as the convention draws closer.
You, the audience, will
serve as the jury. This year's trial promises to be just as entertaining and
thought-provoking as past trials. A charge of $5 per person will benefit the
National Association of Blind Lawyers. The trial will take place on Sunday afternoon,
July 2, at 4:30 p.m., somewhere in the Hilton Anatole. Consult the convention
agenda for the exact place.
National Association of Blind Merchants
by Kevan Worley
The National Association of Blind Merchants would like to thank our loyal snack
pack customers over the past nine years. The snack pack has not only been a
lot of fun and a great fundraiser for our division, but has also helped many
conventioneers on tight budgets to snack pretty well. This year our plan is
to sell our ever popular snack pack again. Only $5 will get you a grab bag of
snacks, salty and sweet. So come to our table in the exhibit hall, enjoy a small
cool drink, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win $1,000, and prepare to be
surprised and delighted by our latest entrepreneurial venture. I�m sure we will
have something new to sell you. We are Federation merchants.
The annual meeting of the
National Association of Blind Merchants will take place Monday afternoon, July
3, at 1:30 p.m. Check the convention agenda for location. This year registration
for our division meeting will begin approximately thirty minutes after adjournment
of the board of directors meeting. If you are involved in the Randolph-Sheppard
program or operate a similar business, you won�t want to miss this merchants�
meeting. On Wednesday, July 5, from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., we invite you to our
sixth annual Randolph-Sheppard reception. Socialize, network, and learn more
about Randolph-Sheppard opportunities. Check the convention agenda for location.
National Association of Blind Office Professionals
by Lisa Hall
The National Association of Blind Office Professionals will meet, with registration
beginning on Saturday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 7:00
p.m. Please check your convention agenda for meeting room and location or check
the Web site at <www.nfb.org> before you arrive for the convention.
Who should attend? Those
holding office positions such as Braille transcribers; Braille proofreaders;
secretaries; telephone operators; computer instructors in a rehab, educational,
or other facility; customer service representatives; medical transcribers; and
many others.
As I write this notice, we have recently lost a true Federationist who was part
of the NFB since 1964. Carol Clark was a former president of this division when
it was called the National Association of Blind Secretaries and Transcribers.
I don't know when she organized this division, however, we believe it may have
been as early as the 1970's. A celebration of Carol Clark�s life and contributions
will occur at our meeting.
As I write this notice, we are developing an agenda. I have been a leader of this division since 1996. I was vice president of the National Association of Blind Office Professionals from 1989 to 1996. I have always worked to keep this organization vital, provided educational opportunities at our general meetings by developing resources to use to enhance job skills in the office professions, changed the name of our organization to reflect the wide variety of office positions held by blind people, and provided opportunities for blind people to network with one another and others.
This is an election year, which means that we will elect officers. Please think about who you would like to lead our organization for the future. The current officers are Lisa Hall, president, San Antonio, Texas; Lois Montgomery, vice president, Moline, Illinois; Sherri Brun, secretary, Orlando, Florida; and Debbie Brown, treasurer, Rockville, Maryland. It is very important to consider where our organization should go in the future.
If you wish to learn more about our division, contact President Lisa Hall at 9110 Broadway, Apt. J-102, San Antonio, Texas 78217; phone (210) 829-4571; email <[email protected]>. Membership dues are $5 a year. Anyone wishing to join can send dues to Debbie Brown, treasurer, 11923 Parklawn Drive, Apartment 104, Rockville, Maryland 20852; home phone (301) 881-1892; email <[email protected]>.
The National Association of Blind Office Professionals page is located at <http://www.zeli.net/nabop.html>.
I look forward to seeing
everyone in Dallas, Texas, on July 1.
National Association of Blind Piano Technicians
by Don Mitchell
The National Association of Blind Piano Technicians invites you to attend a
special seminar held at the convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
This meeting will present information on financially fulfilling careers in piano
tuning, servicing, repairing, and rebuilding pianos. We will meet at 3:00 p.m.
on Monday, July 3, at the NFB convention. Consult your convention agenda for
room location. The annual business meeting will take place at that time. If
you are unable to attend and wish to support our activities, please send your
dues to our division treasurer, Connie Ryan, 56 N. Extension Road, Apartment
107, Mesa, Arizona 85201. Annual dues are $10. We look foreword to seeing you
in Dallas.
National Association to Promote the Use of Braille
by Nadine Jacobson
Can you believe that it is already time to think about the 2006 meeting of the
National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB)? Once again we will
have an interesting agenda, packed full of information about securing literacy
for blind children and adults. Please join us in Dallas at the convention of
the National Federation of the Blind on July 3 at 7:00 p.m. As usual, consult
your convention agenda for the exact location.
Once again we will be moved by the efforts undertaken by our Braille Readers are Leaders contest winners. Those kids are an inspiration to all of us. The Louis Braille Memorial Coin to be minted in 2009 will also be a topic for discussion. We need to begin thinking of how we can use this coin and Braille�s 200th birthday to promote literacy. As of this writing, the bill creating this coin has already passed the House of Representatives, and I trust that we will be able to celebrate its becoming a certainty by the time we meet. There will be other developments to review during the past year that affect how we read, write, and learn Braille.
We will have our now traditional Braille children's book flea market conducted jointly by NAPUB and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children. Please bring any gently used Braille children's books that can be used by other children. Consult the Miniatures section for directions about how to mail such books as well.
If you have agenda items
or questions, contact me by email or by phone. My email address is <[email protected]>,
or call me at (952) 927-7694. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Dallas.
National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals
by Carlos Serván
The National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (NABRP) will
meet July 3 for our annual seminar and business meeting. Registration will begin
at 1:00 p.m., and the seminar and business meeting will be held from 2:00 to
5:00. The NABRP meeting is an opportunity for all rehabilitation professionals
in the blindness field to get together, network, share mutual interests, find
placement strategies, examine concerns about the rehabilitation profession,
and generally shape quality services for the blind in the nation.
If you are involved in
rehabilitation for the blind, you don't want to miss this meeting. We promise
to have nationally recognized leaders in the rehabilitation field to help us
examine and discuss current issues in rehab. If you have any questions about
this meeting, feel free to contact Carlos Serván at (402) 327-0414, or
send an email to <[email protected]>.
National Association of Blind Students
by Ryan Strunk
The National Association of Blind Students will conduct its annual meeting on
Sunday, July 2, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the NFB convention. Registration
with a fee of $5 will begin at 6:00 p.m. We will also be hosting Monte Carlo
Night on Wednesday, July 5, from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. Monte Carlo Night
is a fundraiser for the student division, and this year it will be bigger and
better than ever. Come support the students and have fun at the same time. For
more information contact Ryan Strunk, president, (402) 730-4092, or email <[email protected]>.
National Association of Guide Dog Users
by Priscilla Ferris
The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) will be holding its meetings
at our national convention as follows: Saturday evening, July 1, from 7:00 to
10:00, business meeting. Please remember that this is an election year. Monday
evening, July 3, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., we will address the topic; making
an informed decision. We will have guests from many of the guide dog schools
and other interesting speakers.
NFB in Computer Science
by Curtis Chong
The 2006 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science
will take place on Monday, July 3, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. With the imminent
release of a new version of Windows (now known as Vista), we plan to have a
representative from Microsoft's Accessible Technologies Team on hand to speak
to our members about the work that Microsoft has done to ensure continued accessibility
to this operating system and the applications that run under it. We will be
discussing the efforts by the State of Massachusetts to convert its data to
the OASIS Open Document format�a format that is currently not accessible to
the blind. If things go as planned, we will also be talking about Google and
the things that it is doing that have the potential effect of shutting out the
blind from some of its services.
This being an even-numbered year, we will hold an election of officers and board members. We will also find opportunities for computer professionals and others to network with each other to address problems of nonvisual access to technology and technology-based services.
Dues for membership in
the NFB in Computer Science are $5. For more information contact Curtis Chong,
president, NFB in Computer Science, 3000 Grand Avenue, Apartment 810, Des Moines,
Iowa 50312; phone (evenings) (515) 277-1288; email <[email protected]>.
The National Federation of the Blind in Judaism
by David Stayer
The NFB in Judaism group will gather Sunday evening, July 2, from 7:30 to 9:00
p.m. Consult the convention agenda for the location.
NFB LINK
by Rosy Carranza
Thanks to all who have signed up to serve as NFB LINK mentors. Throughout our
national convention you will have the opportunity to attend one of several training
sessions to help you be better prepared to serve as a mentor. The sessions will
be informative, fast-paced, and fun. Stay tuned to the Monitor for
additional information.
National Organization of Blind Educators
by Sheila Koenig
On Monday, July 3, the National Organization of Blind Educators (NOBE) will
conduct its annual meeting from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration begins at 1:00
p.m. NOBE is a network of blind teachers and those interested in careers in
education. Our meeting will offer an opportunity to meet blind people teaching
at various grade levels and in different content areas.
Many questions arise as
people contemplate and realize their dreams of teaching: how will potential
employers react to a blind applicant? How does a blind person manage students
in a classroom? How does one accomplish the daily duties as well as the "other
duties as assigned" for which teachers are contracted? During our seminar
at the 2006 convention in Dallas, successful blind teachers will discuss such
questions. Seminar participants will also meet in small groups specific to grade
level and content areas of interest. In this way we can create a network of
mentors extending beyond our meeting. If you teach or are considering a career
in teaching at any level, plan to join us.
National Organization of the Senior Blind
by Judy Sanders
It is hard to believe that we are already planning for another convention. But
we are, and the National Organization of the Senior Blind (NOSB) is ready for
action. This year we will have our usual variety of speakers who will demonstrate
how active seniors can be between conventions. Our theme is "Life continues
after blindness." So we want to hear from seniors who are newly blind and
how they are dealing with it and the role the Federation plays in their lives.
Pat Healy from New Jersey is just such a person. And I know there are many others.
Anyone wishing to suggest someone for this part of our agenda should let me
know.
We will, of course, have our not-so-silent auction to raise those much needed funds for NOSB. We will be pleased to accept donated items, and we encourage you to come bid as high as you can. To facilitate the bidding, we want to produce a list of items to be circulated before the auction. Anyone wishing to donate an item and have it appear on our list should notify me by June 15. Use the email or phone number that appears at the end of this announcement. You will never attend another auction like this one.
We are electing a president,
vice president, secretary, and treasurer. All those who pay their five dollars
dues are eligible to vote. The business part of our meeting will begin at 7:00
and end no later than 10:00 p.m. However, be sure and come early to view the
auction items and make your initial bids. For more information about NOSB, our
meeting, or the convention, please contact Judy Sanders at <[email protected]>,
or call me at (612) 375-1625.
Performing Arts Division
by Adrienne Snow
The Performing Arts Division is dedicated to the support of performers: singers, actors, instrumentalists, magicians, etc. We will be meeting at the convention in Dallas on July 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please check your agenda for the room assignment. At this meeting we will conduct general elections; all seats are open this year. We will also have speeches and presentations from two actors and a singer who are donating their time to help our division. All who are interested are welcome to attend.
The performing Arts Division will be conducting the Showcase of Talent this year, which will take place Tuesday evening, July 4. Those interested in performing must contact Adrienne Snow no later than the close of the opening general session of the convention. There is no charge for performing, but the usual rules about providing your own accompanist and not singing along with the voice track of recordings still apply. If you have questions, feel free to contact Adrienne Snow at the convention or at <[email protected]>.
Planned Giving
Seminar
by Israel Menchero
Wednesday, July 5, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., join us to learn more about charitable
estate planning and gift strategies. This seminar will provide information on
various planned-giving opportunities, legal implications, and impact on personal
taxes. Participants will receive information on the different types of income-generating
gifts available with the NFB, the legal language to be used in bequests, planning
the timing of gifts, and points to consider before making a gift. Information
will also be presented on the difference between a charitable gift annuity and
a charitable remainder trust, will preparation, and gifts of life insurance.
Public Employees Division
by Ivan Weich
The Public Employees Division will meet Monday afternoon, July 3. No special
agenda items to report yet. Ivan Weich�s new address for mail is 4301 Clogston
Avenue NE, Bremerton, Washington 98310.
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Rehabilitation
Conference
by Christine Brown
The National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals, the National
Blindness Professional Certification Board, and the Professional Development
and Research Institute on Blindness are proud to announce that the fifth annual
rehabilitation conference will be held in Dallas, Texas, at the annual convention
of the National Federation of the Blind. The conference will be held on Saturday,
July 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will include a rich agenda of key leaders
and professionals working in the fields of rehabilitation and orientation and
mobility. Please consult your agenda for room location.
Registration for the conference
will begin at 8:00 a.m. The registration fee will be $50 for professionals working
in the field and $25 for students or job seekers. The conference will be of
particular interest to those currently working in the field of rehabilitation
for the blind, students in professional preparation programs, those interested
in travel training as a career, and those with general interest in rehabilitation
for the blind. For more information about the conference contact Christine Brown
at (318) 257-2029; email <[email protected]>.
Roman Catholic Mass
by Mary Ellen Jernigan
Father Gregory Paul, C.P., will be with us at this year�s convention and will
celebrate Mass on Sunday morning, July 2, at 6:30. The room assignment will
be listed in the agenda.
Social Security Seminar
by James McCarthy and Teresa Uttermohlen
An outreach seminar, "Social Security and Supplemental Security Income:
What Applicants, Advocates, and Recipients Should Know," will take place
Wednesday afternoon, July 6. The purpose of this seminar, conducted by the National
Federation of the Blind with the assistance of the Social Security Administration,
is to share information on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
benefits for the blind. This includes the income subsidy program for those receiving
the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Seminar presenters will
be Jim McCarthy, director of governmental affairs for the National Federation
of the Blind, and his wife Terri Uttermohlen, first vice president of the Greater
Baltimore Chapter of the NFB and a training and technical assistance liaison
employed by Virginia Commonwealth University to provide training and technical
assistance to work incentives specialists throughout the nation. Social Security
representatives will be available to offer helpful publications about their
programs and share valuable tips about communicating with the Social Security
Administration.
Sports and Recreation Division
by Lisamaria Martinez
Have you ever wondered if a blind person could play football or basketball?
Have you ever heard of goalball? Have you ever had questions concerning blind
people and rock climbing, dancing, rafting, or even something as simple as going
to the gym? Well, come one, come all! The Sports and Recreation Division of
the National Federation of the Blind invites any person interested in sports
or recreation to attend our first-ever meeting. The meeting will be held on
Monday, July 3, between 1:30 and 5:00 p.m. Registration will be $5 and will
begin at 1:00 p.m. This meeting will be not only informative but interactive.
For more information contact Lisamaria Martinez, president, at <[email protected]>;
or at (510) 289-2577.
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Attention Veterans
by Dwight Sayer
Please join us in celebrating the Fourth of July in Dallas, Texas. The National
Federation of the Blind will be honoring veterans at the beginning of the national
convention on the Fourth of July. We encourage all veterans to let us know if
you are going to attend this year�s convention. It will be much easier to prepare
for the celebration if we know approximately how many veterans will be attending.
For more information contact Dwight D. Sayer, U.S. Air Force, first vice president,
NFB of Florida; (407) 877-1970; <[email protected]>.
Writers Division
by Tom Stevens
During preconvention activities on Saturday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 the
Writers Division will conduct an open-mike poetry and short fiction reading
session. We encourage interested Federationists to bring original writing to
recite or read to an attentive audience. There is no charge.
On Monday afternoon the Writers Division will conduct its annual information and business meeting from 1:30 until 4:00. Everyone is welcome to a session where we will discuss writing of various types and conduct a small amount of business. Our primary purpose is to encourage you to write and run editors ragged with your submissions. Come one, come all.