Monitor Miniatures

News from the Federation Family

Elected:
The following officers were elected at the November meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona East Valley Chapter: president, Megan Homrighausen; first vice president, Ammar Tarin; second vice president, Samaya Tarin; secretary, Tony Sohl; treasurer, Jennifer Kasl; board member one, Mark Feliz and board member two, Heather Bowes.

Blind Cruising 2020:
The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be hosting a cruise fundraiser from September 27 to October 4, 2020. The affiliate will receive a portion of the cost of each cabin that is booked. All are welcome, including members of the NFBMD, other affiliates, families, colleagues, and friends. For additional information or to reserve your cabin, please email [email protected]. Details are as follows:

Ship: Carnival Pride
Date: September 27 to October 4, 2020
Port of departure: Baltimore, Maryland
Number of nights: seven
Ports visited: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and Freeport, Bahamas

Key dates:
First deposit due: January 10, 2020, $25 per person
Second deposit due: April 15, 2020, $250 per person plus full names of sailors
Final payment due: June 15, 2020

Types and prices of cabins (this is a per person price based on double occupancy and includes cabin fee, port charges, and taxes)
Balcony cabin (extended balcony) = $951.64 per person
Balcony cabin (standard balcony) = $928.64 per person
Balcony cabin (obstructed view) = $885.64 per person
Ocean View cabin = $835.64 per person
Interior cabin = $770.64 per person

If anyone needs a triple or quad cabin, they should let us know.

Blind Intelligence Analyst Sues FBI and Department of Justice:
Lawsuit Says FBI Technology is Inaccessible
Joe Orozco, a blind intelligence analyst with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2012, is suing the FBI and the United States Department of Justice for violating his civil rights under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The lawsuit alleges that technology Mr. Orozco is required to use in his job, some of which is proprietary, is inaccessible to him and to other blind employees and that the FBI has offered no alternative means for him to access the information, data, and services available through this technology.

Like many other blind people, Mr. Orozco uses screen reader technology. It converts digital information into synthesized speech and uses keystrokes to execute many functions, to read and interact with computer software, Internet and intranet websites, and mobile apps. When not properly coded, however, these technologies can present barriers so that screen readers cannot interpret them or access their functions. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires the FBI, like other federal agencies, to ensure that the information technology it develops, procures, maintains, or uses allows all federal employees, with or without disabilities, to have access to, and use of, information and data. The law’s implementing regulations contain specific guidelines for creating and procuring accessible technology. Mr. Orozco’s lawsuit, brought with the assistance of the National Federation of the Blind, alleges that the FBI and Justice Department have failed to follow or deliberately ignored these guidelines.

“It is nothing short of shameful that two of our nation’s top law enforcement agencies are flouting a federal civil rights law and failing to value the contributions of Mr. Orozco and other blind people who are helping to protect all Americans,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “America’s civil rights organization of the blind is proud to stand up for the right of blind people to play an equal role in our nation’s security.”
Mr. Orozco is represented by Timothy Elder and Albert Elia of the TRE Legal Practice.

In Brief

Notices and information in this section may be of interest to Monitor readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have edited only for space and clarity.

Touch History, The Library of Congress’ Verbal Description Tour
Visitors with visual impairment are invited to experience a walking tour of the Thomas Jefferson Building. The Touch History tour is led by a specially trained docent who uses vivid language and original building materials to describe and interact with the building. Tours will be held by advance request and last about one hour.

Please contact the visitor engagement office at [email protected] or 202-707-9779 to secure your reservation. It is recommended that you reserve your spot about two weeks prior to the tour date.

Groups interested in visiting should contact Cathy at [email protected]. If ADA accommodations are needed, please make requests five business days in advance at 202-707-6362 or [email protected].

NFB Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.