Monitor Miniatures

Monitor Miniatures

Braille Monitor
March 2014

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Monitor Miniatures
News from the Federation Family
Requests for Accommodations Based on Disability:
The convention of the National Federation of the Blind is designed to be accessible especially to blind people in that materials are offered in accessible formats and other nonvisual aids are provided. Therefore special requests for these items are not required. If you require specific accommodations based on your disability other than the blindness-related accommodations mentioned above in order to participate fully and equally in the convention, we urge you to let us know as soon as possible. Specific accommodations for which requests are required include requests for deaf or deaf-blind interpreters.
Due to the size and complexity of this convention, as well as the need to plan for additional human and other resources appropriately, requests for specific accommodations must be submitted no later than May 31, 2014. In order to make a request, 1) preregister for the convention by visiting <https://www.nfb.org/registration>; and 2) send your specific request for accommodations in writing to the NFB Jernigan Institute using email at <[email protected]> with the subject “convention request for specific accommodations.” Please include your name, the dates you plan to be at the convention, information on the best way to follow up with you, and your specific request.
Convention Tidbit from a Grateful Parent:
David Ticchi has been a family friend, great help, and mentor for my daughter. He suggested that I share with you the feelings that I had and discussed with him at the convention. My daughter, Lindsey Shapiro, is fifteen years old and will be a sophomore in high school. This was our second convention experience. The complete acceptance and understanding from fellow Federationists is such a good feeling. In my multiple roles as mother/teacher/advocate, I often feel like I am swimming upstream. I have to constantly explain, discuss, highlight, and fight for what my daughter needs. You cannot help second-guessing yourself and the decisions that you make when you are constantly questioned by the experts in the sighted world and the school. The experience of just being at the convention, witnessing the skillful alternative techniques of other blind people, listening to real experts—the blind themselves—validate all the explanations and fights that I endure all throughout the year. My daughter is more confident because of the positive attitudes and influences that are apparent at the convention. I am so grateful that we were able to attend the convention and feel that the experience is unparalleled.

Marlene Shapiro

Your Experience Needed:
In an effort to gather critical accessibility information, the NFB Legal Department is requesting that members email Valerie Yingling, paralegal, at <[email protected]> or call her at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2440, if they have experienced or been affected by any of the following:

Electronic Health Records

We are seeking information from employees and students required to use electronic health record systems on the job or for school purposes.

Pre-employment Testing

We are seeking information from anyone who has attempted to fill out an online job application or take an online employment test with screen access software or expects to do so in the near future. If the test you have taken or plan to take was developed by Kenexa, or if the job you have applied for or will be applying for is with a federal government contractor, we would be especially interested in speaking with you.

Online and Mobile Banking

We are gathering information pertaining to account management and other features.

Technology in Higher Education

We are gathering information from college and university students regarding Web applications for assignment collaboration and other technologies. See, also, <https://nfb.org/digital-tech-access>. Common Core State Standard Assessment Field Tests: We are seeking information regarding K-12 students who will be taking a field test or have been excluded from taking the test due to blindness, see <https://nfb.org/common-core-state-standards-testing-accessibility>.

Elected:
At its fall convention the National Federation of the Blind of California elected two new members to the board of directors: Tim Elder and Rick Watson. Joe Retherford was elected president of the California Association of Blind Students, and Tina Thomas was elected as the president of the California Association of Guide Dog Users.
Announcing the 2014 California Chemistry Camp for Blind and Visually Impaired High School Students:
Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the very visual subject of organic chemistry successfully? Do you have a general love for science? Do you want to learn how you can do chemistry as a blind person just as successfully as your sighted peers? Are you interested in how blind professionals use science in their careers every day? Then the 2014 California Chemistry Camp is for you. Come join Accessible Science for an educational, exciting, and fun-filled weekend of hands-on science.
Camp will take place at Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa, California, Friday, May 2, 2014, through Sunday, May 4, 2014. Up to fifteen blind high school students ages fourteen to eighteen will be selected to participate. There is no cost to apply for the program. Accessible Science is a 501(c)3 organization that exists to provide accessible educational opportunities. However, participants are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to support current and future programs of Accessible Science, because it is only through the generosity of our supporters that we can provide our programs at no cost.
During this exciting and busy three-day experience, students will learn how blind and visually impaired people use chemistry in their careers, explore techniques used by blind people to make chemistry accessible, perform hands-on accessible chemistry experiments, apply the chemistry they learned to some basic cooking and to olive oil, see the chemistry they learned turned into action with an exhilarating magic show, and talk with blind and sighted scientists who use chemistry as a mainstay of their careers. The students will also participate in recreational activities, and exciting evening activities are planned. Note that students need not love science to apply. This will be a learning experience for everyone.
Throughout the weekend students will have quality time to socialize with each other and with blind mentors and instructors. Students will be put into groups of three, and each group will work with a blind mentor. The blind mentor will act as a role model for the students during the course of the weekend and participate in all activities with them. To apply, fill out the preliminary application by visiting <http://www.accessiblescience.org/node/5>.
We hope to see you this spring at Enchanted Hills. If you have any questions, contact Angela Fowler, Director of Planning, Accessible Science by email at <[email protected]> or by phone at (530) 902-0987.
Elected:
The Colorado Springs Chapter of the NFB of Colorado held its 2014 election with the following results: president, Jeanette Fortin; vice president, Brian Smith; treasurer, Bridget Worley; secretary, Lisa Gavel; board members, Kevan Worley, Gina Bullard, Jim Beal, Jillian O’Connor, and Zaina Braddy. We have a wonderful board and anticipate more involvement and growth of our chapter in 2014.
Student Connect 2014:
The Colorado Association of Blind Students and the Colorado Center for the Blind are pleased to announce Student Connect 2014, our dynamic and energetic student seminar. It will be held from April 10 to 13, so please apply immediately if you wish to attend. This seminar will be a great way for students to network, gain information, learn about scholarships, experience Colorado, and have fun. For more information contact Antonio Rozier at <[email protected]>.
Elected:
The Ann Arbor Chapter of the NFB of Michigan voted on its 2014 slate of officers January 11. Elected were president, Terri Wilcox; vice president, Nick Wilcox; secretary, Amy Shepherd, and treasurer, Larry Keeler. The Ann Arbor executive board is excited for the new year and for the opportunity to serve and to represent the National Federation of the Blind.
Blind Entrepreneurs: Earn an Entrepreneur of Excellence Certificate While Building Your Business:
The Hadley School for the Blind and the NFB’s National Association of Blind Merchants together with the National Federation of the Blind’s Entrepreneurs Initiative (NABM/NFBEI) are partnering to offer free online business education. Enroll now to complete a two-part series of Hadley courses without taking time away from your business, and NABM will award you with an Entrepreneur of Excellence Certificate. Individuals who earn the certificate will be recognized at NABM's Business Leadership and Superior Training (BLAST) Conference or at its annual meeting held in conjunction with the convention of the National Federation of the Blind. Attendance at these events will not be a requirement for certification.
NABM and Hadley will also offer “Randolph-Sheppard on the Web.” “Randolph-Sheppard on the Web” consists of regularly scheduled webinars focusing on business trends and challenges pertinent to all blind operators. These live online discussions will enable you to work with other merchants and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) professionals to solve the pressing concerns that affect your business. If you don’t have time to participate live, the seminars will be archived on the web so you can listen at your convenience.
The courses, modules, and webinars offered through this partnership are part of Hadley’s Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship (FCE). The goal of this initiative described at <www.hadley.edu/business>, is to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired with the knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities to enable them successfully to launch and grow their own businesses.
Courses and modules are online only and are practical, relevant, and interactive. The FCE also includes live and recorded online lectures available through <Seminars@Hadley>; interactive group discussions; access to an online resource center; and a directory of visually impaired business owners.
“Entrepreneurs of Excellence set the tone for their businesses by modeling the way and continually investing in their own personal growth,” says Hadley President Chuck Young. “These self-employed leaders know that the business is only as good as their ability to manage and become profitable. This is an incredible opportunity for vendors to affordably invest in themselves, their business, and their future.”
Nicky Gacos, president, National Association of Blind Merchants, adds, “We are excited and proud to collaborate with the Hadley School for the Blind. They are a world leader in quality correspondence and online learning for the blind. This is no-cost, highly accessible, flexible, user-friendly training for twenty-first century business people. This will be in-the-trenches, where-the-rubber-meets-the-road, practical education you can apply now. It is for the blind manager who is truly committed to increased professionalism and profit. Most states will be accepting these courses and webinars to meet upward mobility requirements. I can't wait to begin awarding certificates of excellence and seeing profits rise.”
To learn more about how you can earn your certificate and keep current in your industry, visit <www.hadley.edu/nabm> and enroll today.
2014 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium:
The 2014 Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will be held on April 24 and 25, 2014, at the Jernigan Institute on the topic “Disability Rights in the 21st Century: Creative Solutions for Achieving the Right to Live in the World.” The symposium will consist of plenary sessions and workshops facilitated by distinguished law professors, practitioners, and advocates who will discuss topics such as disability discrimination in the criminal and juvenile justice systems, next steps in Olmstead litigation, rights of parents with disabilities, supported decision- making as an alternative to guardianship, and how to work with the media to get the disability rights message across.
The registration fee for the symposium will be $175 for professionals and $25 for students. To learn more about the symposium and symposium sponsorship opportunities, view the agenda, and register online, please visit <https://nfb.org/law-symposium>. You may download a registration form to mail or fax. Hotel information is also available on the symposium website.
For additional information, contact Lou Ann Blake, JD, Law Symposium Coordinator, Jernigan Institute, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21230 or call (410) 659-9314, ext. 2221. You may email <[email protected]>.
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.
IRS Provides Online Services for People with Disabilities:
People who are blind or visually impaired can download hundreds of the most popular federal tax forms and publications at the IRS accessibility page <http://www.IRS.gov/Accessibility>. You can choose from accessible PDFs to e-Braille and HTML formats that use screen-reading software and refreshable Braille displays. Watch a video introducing you to products and services available for people with disabilities, and browse the American Sign Language videos with the latest federal tax information for disabled veterans, and more.
People who are unable to complete their tax return because of a physical disability may get assistance through a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site. You can find a nearby VITA or TCE location by calling 1-800-906-9887. Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities, explains the tax implications of certain disability benefits and other issues and is available at <http://www.IRS.gov/publications/p907/index.html>.
Visit <www.IRS.gov> and enter “accessibility” in the Search box for more information.
Microsoft Announces Scholarship for Students with Disabilities:
Microsoft is pleased to announce the launch of the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship intended to empower and enable high school students with disabilities to (a) go to college, (b) realize the impact technology has on the world, and (c) target a career in the technology industry. The scholarship was launched on Friday, January 17, 2014, and includes a goal to increase enrollment of persons living with a disability in higher education and in the long term decrease the unemployment bias for disabled persons.
This new program was started and is supported by Microsoft employees, who will select promising high school seniors who require financial assistance in order to enter and successfully complete a vocational or academic college program. This non-renewable $5,000 scholarship will be paid to the recipient’s Financial Aid Office by the Seattle Foundation on behalf of the DisAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Microsoft.
Eligibility
All candidates must be high school students living with a disability who plan to attend a two- to four-year university or college program, maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or equivalent, and have declared a major from the approved list (see scholarship guidelines on application).
Requirements
To apply for the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship, the student must meet the following guidelines:
1. Be a current high school senior living with a disability (as defined by the World Health Organization, whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or speech).
2. Plan to attend an undergraduate program in a two- or four-year university/college or technical college in the fall of the academic year following high-school graduation. Schools must be in the USA or have a USA affiliate for financial transactions (contact Seattle Foundation to verify non-USA school’s eligibility).
3. Declare a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, legal, or in business that are approved (i.e., paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).
4. Demonstrate a passion for technology.
5. Demonstrate leadership at school and/or in the community.
6. Have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
7. Require financial assistance to attend college.
8. Enrollment status must be full-time or half-time.
To Apply
To apply for the scholarship, print and fill out the application, available for download at <www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarsh…;, and enclose it in an envelope with the following items:
1. Résumé including extracurricular activities (school- and community-related), honors and awards you have received, and work experience.
2. Photo of yourself
3. An official "sealed" copy of your transcript
4. Three essays

In five hundred words or less, describe how you plan to be engaged in the technology industry in your career
In five hundred words or less, share your vision of how Microsoft can innovate its future and services solutions creatively and successfully to support those living with disabilities in the workplace and in daily life to reach their potential.
In 250 words or less, demonstrate your financial need for this scholarship

5. Two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty or staff member at your school. These letters should be original, not duplicates of college recommendation letters, and on letterhead.
Completed applications should be mailed by March 15 to the Seattle Foundation, c/o Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship, 1200 5th Avenue, Suite 1300, Seattle, WA 98101. Selection will be completed, and those selected to receive the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship will be notified by April 15. If you have questions, email <[email protected]>.
Bring Your Perkins Brailler Back to Life:
The Selective Doctor, Inc., was established inMarch 1992 by Joe and Barbara Staniewski. Joeretired fromIBM Corporation in January 1992 and has been repairing Perkins Braillers ever since. He has repaired over 6,600 Braillers from forty-four different states, along with Puerto Rico, Guam, and England. We currently repair Braillers forfive different blind schools in the United States, along with theDivision of Rehabilitation Services, Veterans Administration, NYC Department of Education, Blind Industries, and many other organizations.
We charge a flat rate for labor of $60 for a manual Perkins Brailler, plus parts and postal insurance, and $70 for an electric Brailler, plus parts.The Braillers are mailed back to you using Free Matter for the Blind. Currently we do not repair Next Generation (plastic) Perkins Braillers. Our turn-around time is approximately one week. Please call (410) 668-1143 or email us at <[email protected]> for further information.
Monitor Mart

The notices in this section have been edited for clarity, but we can pass along only the information we were given. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the statements made or the quality of the products for sale.
For Sale:
I am selling a gently used Optelec ClearView+ in great working condition. It is very user friendly and has several viewing options: color, black text on white background, white text on black background, etc. Also has zoom capability and a movable reading table that can be locked in any position. User manual is available. I am asking $1,000 firm, cash only. Call Jacquie at (573) 701-1698.

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.

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