Encouraging hybrid legislation

Greetings. Here's great news on the hybrid car front. This message was forwarded to a guide dog list I'm on from another list. Enjoy.

***

Subject: Legislative Alert - Motor Vehicle Safety Act

Dear Fellow Federationists:

I am writing to report that all of our hard work on the issue of silent cars
is paying off. Language that will protect the blind and others from the
danger posed by silent hybrid and electric vehicles has been favorably
reported to the United States House of Representatives by the Committee on
Energy and Commerce as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 (H.R.
5381). This legislation, which is a comprehensive bill to address numerous
vehicle safety issues raised by the recent Toyota recalls, now includes
language agreed to by the National Federation of the Blind, the Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers, and the Association of International Automobile
Manufacturers. If passed by the House of Representatives and adopted by the
Senate, this language will require the Department of Transportation to issue
regulations requiring a minimum sound standard for hybrid and electric
automobiles.



This victory is a product of our hard work and the cooperation of the
automobile industry, but we will need to remain vigilant to make sure this
bill becomes law. We will keep you apprised of developments and let you
know if action needs to be taken to secure this victory.



Thank you again for all you do.



Sincerely,

Jesse M. Hartle
Government Programs Specialist
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND

NAGDU phone conference on dog guides in healthcare facilities

Greetings. I received this information for a phone conference/seminar that the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is putting on in late November. I'm posting it now so those interested can register for this free event. Registration is limited from what I hear so act soon. Read on for more details.

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National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
October 27, 2009

Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care Facilities

What are your rights as a guide dog user when visiting family or friends in the hospital? As a patient, do you have the right to have your dog in the room with you? Are there places or conditions in which you can be restricted from being accompanied by your guide dog? Can your doctor deny you the right to have your guide dog with you in an examination room? Can an ambulance refuse to transport your guide dog with you? These questions and many more will be answered in an upcoming special teleseminar.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, will host "Guide Dogs in Hospitals & Other Health Care Facilities" on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. eastern standard Time (7:00 pm Central; 6:00 pm Mountain; and 5:00 pm Pacific). This teleseminar is absolutely free; however reservations are required. Participation is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

In order to reserve your space in this teleseminar, please send your name, city & state, and your email address by Friday, November 20, 2009 to

President@NFB-NAGDU.ORG

An email confirmation with the call-in number and access codes will be sent to you. Those without email access or who would like more information may call 813-626-2789.

The information provided during this teleseminar is intended as informal guidance only and should not be construed as legal advice. The National Association of Guide Dog Users, the National Federation of the Blind, or any of its affiliates, divisions, or chapters will not be responsible for any telephone charges or fees that may be incurred as the result of participation in this seminar. For more information about the National Association of Guide Dog Users, the National Federation of the Blind, or to locate a Chapter in your area, you may visit the following websites:

National Association of Guide Dog Users
HTTP://NFB-NAGDU.ORG


National Federation of the Blind
HTTP://NFB.ORG


The National Federation of the Blind is changing what it means to be blind!

Remembering Ed Eames

Greetings. A few days ago, the world lost a great champion for the rights of the blind and otherwise disabled, and even more important, the rights of guide/service dog users. This article in the Fresno Bee really sums up the life and contributions of Ed Eames. Ed Eames fought for rights of disabled. Farewell Ed; you contributed and you will be missed.

Great article on former CCRC student

Greetings. I found this in the Matilda Ziegler list of articles and was pleasantly surprised to read about this former Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center student. I saw her get an NFB of Texas scholarship this weekend in San Antonio in the amount of $1,500, but it appears that she is getting other scholarships and recognition out in West Texas. Watch out for this woman; she's going to make waves and changes in her world. The link is Blind Abilene woman receives scholarship help. enjoy, and go Mary!

Wi-Fi is cool

Greetings. I'm sitting in the hotel lobby in San Antonio at the NFB of Texas state convention. People with canes are walking all around me. It's kind of interesting listening to lots of blind people attempting to find things such as the front desk. It's cool to be online though and wireless. I finished my first Audible book in several years a little while ago. I took my first ride on Greyhound this morning, breaking my anti-Greyhound stance. It went okay, though I'm not sure I'm going to start riding Greyhound lots. Taking it to San Antonio is one thing, but I'll gladly stick to my flights on Southwest to Dallas and other places beyond the close bus range. Anyway, I made it without incident, grouping up wiht two coworkers and as it turned out some other blind folk traveling to the convention. The Greyhound station is about a block from the hotel. It's also kind of weird to come on a weekend convention and see lots of coworkers and students wandering around. I've already seen at least one former student that I'd rather not see. Let's just say that they were, uh challenge when they were a student, and since they left CCRC, we have had some interesting interactions. I'd be fine if we didn't cross paths the rest of the weekend, but I know that this won't happen. Oh well. I was sitting a few rows in front of my coworkers on the bus this morning, and to be funny, I sent several text messages back and forth with them. I thought of calling one, but thought that this would be too obvious, so I settled for the texts. Anyway, be watchingb this space for some updates this weekend. I'm staying till Sunday morning before returning to Austin. I'm going out to dinner later on the Riverwalk wiht some family friends. that should be fun too. Later.

Great article on current Google Books case

Greetings. I've mainly left it to others to rehash the dispute regarding the Google Books case and upcoming settlement. However, I came across this article from the Matilda Ziegler RSS feed (linked further down this page), which really sums everything up quite nicely. It's by Carl Jacobsen, the president of the NFB of New York affiliate, and is called Blind need more access to written word, from the Times union out of Albany, NY. Enjoy.

Exciting guide dog advocacy announcement

Greetings. I received this information in my email recently and thought it appropriate to post here. Feel free to share as appropriate with others you know that use guide dogs, no matter what school or support/advocacy organization they may belong to. Enjoy.

***

Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate!


Dear All,
I am pleased to announce that the National Association of Guide Dog Users, a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, has been awarded a grant from the NFB's Imagination Fund to develop and implement a nationwide toll-free Education & Advocacy Hotline. This hotline will provide information about the rights of disabled people to be accompanied by service animals under state & federal laws. It is our goal to provide summaries and full texts of each state statute, information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Air Carrier Access Act, and the Fair Housing Act, as well as specific guidance to particular industries, such as health care facilities, taxicabs, restaurants, and places of lodging. In addition, trained advocates will be available for personal assistance. Our projection is to begin beta testing in january and have the hotline fully functional by Spring 2010. As this initiative unfolds, messages will be sent to the NAGDU list, so you will be the first to know. If you have any comments or suggestions for specific features of this hotline, please send these comments to me at

President@nfb-nagdu.org

If you would like to subscribe to the email list of the National Association of Guide Dog Users, you may do so by going to

http://www.nfbnet.org

click on "Join or drop nfbnet mailing lists", find the link to the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), and complete the subscription information. Once you have subscribed to the list, please send a message introducing yourself. I look forward to being of service to you!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind

Convention agendas on NFB Newsline

Greetings. I received this yesterday from an email list. It's great to see the two largest consumer organizations of the blind having information offered through the same service. Let's hope this continues in future years. This also means that conventioneers have another way of checking the daily agenda at whatever convention they are at, in addition to the variety of existing options. Enjoy.

***

Both the ACB and the NFB will be holding their conventions within the next few weeks, and as a service to our subscribers we are making the convention agendas for both consumer organizations available on NFB-NEWSLINE®. To access these convention agendas, from the main menu press option number five “Newspapers in a Different State” for regions, and choose option number four “National Meetings of Interest to the Print Disabled.” From that point you may select option number one to access the ACB 2009 Convention Agenda, or option number two for the NFB 2009 Convention Agenda, or option number three for NFB-NEWSLINE® Detailed Convention Agenda. For those of you who use NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket, you may choose to download these convention agendas onto your personal digital talking book player and enjoy having the entire agenda on your small portable device. To do so, you will first need to add the convention agenda(s) to your Favorites list (option number four from the main menu) over the phone. This information is also available online via Web News on Demand at
www.nfbnewslineonline.org
To find the agenda of your choice, search for the agenda title in the “Publications Organized Alphabetically” category. Using Web News on Demand to read your agenda(s) allows you to easily search for details such as a particular meeting’s start time or room number. You can also have an e-mail of the entire agenda, a particular day’s schedule, or meeting information sent to your inbox on demand. If you should have any questions, please call Bob Watson, NFB-NEWSLINE® Content Manager, at (410) 659-9314, extension 2356.

Through Our Eyes to feature The Seeign Eye

Greetings. I received the following announcement from a couple of different sources and thought it worth posting here. Enjoy.

***

Joseph Ruffalo, president of the New Jersey chapter of the NFB, will feature The Seeing Eye and its 80th Anniversary during his Internet radio show scheduled for Wednesday, June 24.

Ruffalo, host of the ThruOurEyes Internet radio show, has invited Jim Kutsch, President and CEO; Rivi Israel, instructor; Roger Woodhour, volunteer puppy raiser; and Vincent Chaney, Seeing Eye Graduate, to appear on the show.

ThruOurEyes airs at 8 p.m. Eastern time and can be accessed by going to
www.thruoureyes.org
to listen live.

The ThruOurEyes show is also available via an Internet Podcast. Should you miss the show and wish to listen at a later time, the information is available on JAWS friendly links on
www.thruoureyes.org/jaws.html

Updated Stream FAQ from HumanWare

Greetings. I received the following note from the Stream Newswire regarding the updated Frequently Asked Questions documents on the HumanWare site. Read below for more information. Enjoy.

***

Dear Victor Reader Stream Friends:
We have updated the Stream FAQ (frequently asked questions) document on the Stream documentation page at:
http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/vr_stream_documentation

On that page navigate to the English heading to find the list of Stream documentation including the Stream FAQ in both Microsoft Word and html formats. This FAQ has over 100 answers to questions we have received about the Stream and we encourage you to review it.

This updated FAQ will especially interest Stream owners in the United States. New FAQ items have been added to the FAQ sections for NFB (National Federation of the Blind), NLS (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped), and RFB&D (Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic). In these sections of the FAQ you will find answers to questions about:

1. the new NFB-Newsline In Your Pocket service. The FAQ answers questions on how you can now download and transfer your favorite NFB-Newsline publications to the Stream in one simple step

2. NLS: The New FAQ answers questions about registering for the new NLS BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service and how to authorize your Stream to play these protected materials. Also, some Stream users are involved with testing the new NLS book cartridges in some regional libraries. Some of you have asked us about playing and copying these book cartridges on your Stream and the FAQ answers those questions. For general information about NLS service or the NLS digital transition you should contact your local library or visit the NLS home page at: http://www.loc.gov/nls

3. RFB&D: The FAQ answers questions about how to download and transfer their new DAISY download books to your Stream.

Even if you are not using these services we encourage you to download the FAQ or browse it online as there are more than 100 frequently asked questions that are organized into 15 different sections concerning many aspects of using the Stream and managing different types of content. You can easily navigate the FAQ as each section is a level 1 heading and each question is a level 2 heading.

Other useful Stream links:
- For general Stream product information, testimonials, demos, and reviews, visit:
http://www.humanware.com/stream
- For Stream software downloads, documentation, and where to find content for your Stream visit:
http://www.humanware.com/stream_support

Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Webinar announcement: NFB Newsline Online and the VR Stream

Greetings. I received the following announcement from HumanWare regarding an upcoming webinar, the new term coined for web based seminar presentations. While many of these so called webinars look interesting to me, I do have an issue with them being offered once, in the middle of the day. I know that there are many blind folk that don't work and likely attend these sessions whenever they're offered. However, what about the working folk? I'm not sure if these sessions are archived, probably so though. If you can attend, then good on you and enjoy.

***

Dear Victor Reader Stream Friends:

If you are an NFB-Newsline member you may have heard of the recent new service from NFB called NFB-Newsline In Your Pocket. It allows you to automatically download and transfer your favorite NFB-Newsline publications to your Stream everyday by simply clicking the NFB-Newsline In Your Pocket icon on your desktop. EASI is hosting a webinar June 16 where you can learn more.
Those of you who use NFB-Newsline may be interested in this webinar. The announcement follows.


EASI Webinar: Introducing NFB-NEWSLINE® Online June 16 at 2 PM
Using modern-age assistive technology to provide access and create opportunities for the print-disabled.

Presenter: Scott White, Director, Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation of the Blind

Co-host: Renee West, Marketing and Outreach Manager, Sponsored Technology Programs, National Federation of the Blind

NFB-NEWSLINE®, the largest electronic newspaper service in the world for blind and print-disabled Americans, has recently launched NFB-NEWSLINE® Online (
http://www.nfbnewslineonline.org). Through NFB-NEWSLINE® Online's groundbreaking features, subscribers can enjoy both an enhanced experience in reading the news and dramatically increased flexibility in how they choose to access their favorite publication's content. This Webinar will provide information on our two revolutionary new features, Web News on Demand and NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket, and how these initiatives can serve as valuable tools in the everyday lives of the print-disabled.

Register for the NFB Newsline Webinar
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/140743/introducing-nfb-newsline-online

Thank you,
The HumanWare Team

Newsline expands yet again

Greetings. NFB Newsline, a service where you can call a local or toll free number to listen to local/national newspapers or magazines, or get TV listings, has done it again. They've expanded and given the user more options. Yesterday, the NFB Newsline Online website launched, which among other things, allows you to read content on the web, have it automatically downloaded and placed on your Victor Reader Stream, or Icon/APH Braille Plus Mobile Manager, and perform other functions. If you're not registered with this free service, you can obtain an application from the site as well. If you're already signed upf or Newsline, then there's no additional cost. You will have to log in with your user ID and pass code, as well as agree to an agreement stating how you will or won't use the service, but this only happens the first time you log into the site. You can also sign up to have your papers emailed to you as DAISY files each day/week. Visit the site and read more about this exciting service for the blind. For more about Newsline, visit the official NFB Newsline website. enjoy.

Louis Braille coin released

Greetings. I received the following announcement in my Inbox today. Enjoy.

***

National Federation of the Blind Celebrates
Release of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar
NFB Jernigan Institute Releases
Report to the Nation on Braille Literacy Crisis

Baltimore, Maryland (March 26, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of blind people and the leading
advocate for Braille literacy, today celebrates the release of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar. This historic commemorative coin, the
first-ever U.S. coin to contain tactile, readable Braille, will be launched at a special ceremony at the headquarters of the National Federation of the
Blind in Baltimore beginning at 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2009.

The NFB Jernigan Institute, the research and training arm of the National Federation of the Blind, will also release a report to the nation on the literacy
crisis facing the blind in America. “The Braille Literacy Crisis in America: Facing the Truth, Reversing the Trend, Empowering the Blind” describes the
factors that have contributed to the shocking illiteracy rate of 90 percent among blind children and outlines steps to reverse this trend.

A portion of the money from sales of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, which was authorized by a law signed by President George W. Bush
in 2006, will be used to support the NFB’s “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign. The campaign is a national initiative created to double the number
of blind children learning Braille by 2015.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “If the blind can read, the blind can achieve. The Louis Braille Bicentennial
Silver Dollar celebrates the man who gave literacy to the blind and is a unique and beautiful keepsake, but it is also a coin with a mission: to make sure
that every blind child and every adult losing vision in our nation has the opportunity to learn Braille.”

Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, first vice president of the National Federation of the Blind and coordinator of the NFB’s national Braille Readers are Leaders
campaign, said: “Braille is not being taught to many blind children and adults because there are myths and misconceptions surrounding the code. Braille
is said to be slow and inefficient, difficult to learn, unnecessary in light of new technology, and something that isolates blind students from their sighted
peers. But the blind know these myths to be false, and studies have shown that Braille leads to employment opportunities, independence, and self-confidence
for blind people.”

The program celebrating the launch of the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will feature:

· The presentation of the report

· Remarks by Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind

· Remarks by Dr. Abraham Nemeth, who invented the Braille code used for mathematics and scientific notation in the United States

· Demonstrations by proficient Braille readers, including blind children

· A message from United States Senator Christopher J. Dodd, chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the sponsor of the
legislation authorizing the Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar

· Ed Moy, director of the United States Mint, who will give remarks and sign certificates of authenticity

· A “Braille Fair” featuring fun activities for children and adults who want to learn about Braille

The National Federation of the Blind is asking the American public, through purchasing this stunning silver dollar, to join its campaign to bring literacy,
education, opportunity, and success to the blind of America. The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar goes on sale to the general public at noon today.
Those interested in ordering a coin should visit
www.usmint.gov
or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, visit
www.braille.org

The NFB and the LSAC again

Greetings. Below you will find a press release put out this week regarding charges that the National Federation of the Blind is bringing against the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) regarding their website not being accessible to blind law school applicants. To fully undersand the relationship the NFB has had with the LSAC, read the article from the January, 1998, issue of the Braille monitor entitled, Victory In The LSAC Dispute. Though not quite the same thing, the 1997 suit and today's charges are related in that he LSAC is allegedly preventing blind aplicants from applying for and studying for the Law School Admissions Test. Here's the press release. Enjoy, and as always, please excuse any formatting errors.

***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@nfb.org

LSAC Discriminates Against Blind Law School Applicants

National Federation of the Blind Sues Law School Admissions Council for Inaccessible Web Site and LSAT Preparation Materials

Baltimore, Maryland (February 19, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people; its California
affiliate; and a blind law school applicant, Deepa Goraya, are filing a lawsuit today against the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).  The complaint
asserts that the LSAC, the body that administers the Law School Admissions Test (which most aspiring law students must take) and provides other services
to law schools and law school applicants, violates the California Disabled Persons Act and the Unruh Act because its Web site (
www.lsac.org
) and LSAT preparation materials are inaccessible to blind law school applicants.  The plaintiffs have attempted to meet with the LSAC to resolve the matter,
but the LSAC canceled a planned meeting.

Blind people access Web sites on computers equipped with screen access software that converts what is on the screen into synthesized speech or Braille.
 The keyboard is used instead of a mouse to navigate the Web site and click on selected links or buttons. If a Web site is improperly coded, however, blind
computer users cannot access the site.  Blind people can also use screen readers to access certain kinds of electronic documents, including those in the
popular Portable Document Format (PDF).  However, if PDF files are not properly "tagged," they cannot be used by the blind.  The LSAC Web site contains
accessibility barriers including improperly formatted online forms, tables and charts that cannot be read by screen access software, and faulty keyboard
navigation support.  These access barriers make it difficult or impossible for blind people to use the Web site to register to take the LSAT, among other
things.  The Web site is also the only avenue for people to apply online to any law school accredited by the American Bar Association.  However, blind applicants cannot submit their applications without sighted assistance because the application forms are improperly formatted.  In addition, none of the LSAT practice materials, which include previously administered versions of the test that sighted people
can obtain on the LSAC Web site, are available in accessible electronic formats.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Internet is extremely useful to blind people, as well as our sighted peers,
when Web sites are properly formatted according to well-established guidelines; there is no good reason for any Web site offering goods and services to
the public to be inaccessible to blind people.  For too long, blind people have experienced barriers to entering the legal profession, despite our long
history of demonstrated success in that field.  The National Federation of the Blind will not sit quietly while the LSAC willfully refuses to provide the
same services to blind people seeking admission to law school that it does to the sighted.  The LSAC is engaging in blatant discrimination against the
blind and we will not stand for it."

Deepa Goraya, a law school applicant and named plaintiff in the suit, said: "Trying to use the LSAC Web site made the experience of applying to law school
a nightmare when it should have been as easy for me as for anyone else.  I had to select and rely upon a reader for over fifty hours to complete my law
school applications.  Also, none of the practice tests available on the Web site were accessible.  I want the process of gaining admission to law school
to be easier for all blind people who are interested in entering this noble profession, and I hope this action will achieve that goal."

Blindness, the movie

Greetings. This is related to the movie called "Blindness" that came out yesterday. It's a bad sign when even the critics don't highly endorse a film. This one in particular though doesn't deal with the subject matter of blindness very well, and anyone who thinks that this is an accurate portrayal of what it's like to be blind has been smoking something.

In case you're not convinced, here's a couple of links from the National Federation of the Blind regarding the movie, on Frequently Asked Questions about Blindness Word document and an related Associated Press story on the movie.

A nationwide protest happened yesterday at dozens of theaters around the country and there have been and I expect will continue to be coverage of the feelings on the movie by a number of media outlets, such as CNN, the Washington Post, the New York Times,, and others.

Please pass the word along that the movie "Blindness" should not be seen or supported in any way. This goes beyond what "Mr. Magoo" did about 10 years ago. I've heard that the movie itself presents a dark environment and an overall depressive feeling to it. Trust me, this is one to avoid at all costs.

Conference call for guide dog users

Greetings. I received the following post from the national Association of Guide Dog Users, a division of the NFB, email list regarding a conference call that is to take place this Sunday, July 27. One need not be a member of either group to participate. If interested, read below for details. Enjoy.

***
Please distribute the following message as widely as possible.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) is a
strong and proud division of the national Federation of the Blind. On
June 29, 2008, members of NAGDU elected a new Board of Directors. In
an effort to be responsive to our membership, the Board would like to
hear from you. Whether you are a NAGDU member or not, we want to know
what you expect from us and the direction in which you would like the
division to move.

On Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 8:00 pm EDT (7:00 Central,
6:00 Mountain, 5:00 Pacific) the Board of Directors of the National
Association of Guide Dog Users will host a round table
teleconference. This will be your opportunity to offer your input and
suggestions on the future projects of the Association and to ask
questions of its leadership. Some of the topics on which we would
like your input and comments are:

1.. a nationwide toll-free advocacy hotline;
2.. Local & national legislative initiatives;
3.. creating & strengthening affiliate divisions
4.. Website development;
5.. The relationship between NAGDU & guide dog schools
6.. Grant projects & other fund raising programs;

To participate in this round table teleconference, simply follow the
call-in instructions pasted below. Anyone who is a guide dog user or
is interested in issues of guide dog handling is welcome to take part
in this teleconference. If you have any questions or need more
information about the round table or the National Association of
Guide Dog Users, please feel free to get in touch with me. My contact
information is below my signature. The NAGDU Board is looking forward
to a lively, dynamic, and informative discussion.

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
contact Marian

Conference Participant Instructions

1.. At the specified time, call (641) 715-3300
2.. When prompted, enter your participant code: 560908#

During the conference call, participants may use the following commands:
*3 exits the conference and puts you in the lobby.
*6 mutes the participant. Pressing the command again unmutes the participant.

Student scholarships available

Greetings. I received the following note from the National Federation of the Blind's Texas affiliate email list regarding scholarships for students. Those interested should apply soon since the deadline is near. Enjoy.

***
Hello everyone,

Please help get the word out about the National Federation of the Blind of Texas Scholarship program. Four students receive awards. Students are entering or attending community colleges or universities and have excellent academic records, and demonstrate service to the community/campus. Winners also get all expenses covered to attend the state convention of the NFB of Texas.

The deadline for applications is August 15. Please encourage friends to circulate this information and apply soon.

I am available to answer any questions. My email is
Kimberly.aguillard@gmail.com

Thanks,
Kimberly Aguillard

http://www.nfb-texas.org/scholarship_2008/index.html

Senate Legislative Branch Funding for Talking Books-Action Needed

Greetings. Those who use the NLS digital download service for reading books on the Stream or other players will find this message of particular interest. Below is a note I received on an NFB email list about actions you can take to ensure the appropriations of the full $34.5 million for the conversion of talking books from casette to digital form. Please consider taking action on this important issue.

***

Fellow Federationists:

As many of you know, on June 23, 2008, the Federation achieved a great victory when the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch held its markup of the fiscal year 2009 Legislative Branch bill. We had worked tirelessly to increase funding in this bill for the Talking Books program conversion from analog cassette technology to the new digital format. When the President's budget was originally presented to Congress in February, only $12.5 million was included for this transition; this was the same amount provided in the fiscal year 2008 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. Funding this conversion program at $12.5 million per year would mean that it would take six years to complete. We learned that a six-year plan would cause a drastic reduction in service, and together, we Federationists worked to educate members of the House of Representatives on the dangers of a six-year plan. Because of the work of the National Federation of the Blind, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch included an appropriation of $34.5 million. Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Ranking Member Tom Latham of Iowa pledged to complete the funding for the digital conversion in three years, rather than the original four-year plan or the devastating six-year plan proposed at the beginning of this year. While this was a great victory, there is still a great deal of work to do.



The Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch will markup their version of this bill in the next week or two. This subcommittee is chaired by Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and is the Senate counterpart of Debbie Wasserman Schultz's subcommittee in the House. All of us need to contact Senator Landrieu's office at (202) 224-5824, and ask her to retain the $34.5 million for the digital Talking Book program that is in the House bill. Tell her how important the Talking Book program is to you and to all blind Americans. Senators Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Dick Durban of Illinois, and Wayne Allard of Colorado are also members of this subcommittee, so those of you who live in their states should call their offices with the same request. Their telephone numbers are listed below. You can, of course, always call the Capital switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to any senate office.



I am asking that all NFB members contact Senator Landrieu's office and that the members in Illinois, Tennessee, Colorado, and Nebraska contact their respective senators serving on the subcommittee, by noon on Tuesday, July 15. Be sure to ask the senator to "maintain the $34.5 million funding level included in the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for the digital Talking Book conversion in the Senate Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill." Please let me know if you have any questions about this critically important matter. I know that if we all work together, we will secure funding for the digital Talking Book program in the Senate and insure that an appropriation in the amount of $34.5 million goes to the President.



Thank you for all of your outstanding work so far and for your continued assistance in securing the future of the Talking Book program.



Sincerely,

Jesse M. Hartle
Government Programs Specialist
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND


Democratic Subcommittee Members:

Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) (Chair)
Phone: (202) 224-5824

Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Phone: (202) 224-2152

Senator Ben Nelson (NE)
Phone: (202) 224-6551


Republican Subcommittee Members:

Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) (Ranking Member)
Phone: (202) 224-4944

Senator Wayne Allard (CO)
Phone: (202) 224-5941

New Braille Coin Announced and Shown

Greetings. I received the following post via an email list. This will likely be but one of several posts that I'll put here since I just got back from Dallas yesterday. I was at the NFB convention this past week, though I wasn't at the Braille coin unveiling. Enjoy.

1st U.S. Braille Coin Is Unveiled
The Associated Press
Published: July 3, 2008

DALLAS - DALLAS - Officials unveiled the prototype of the first U.S. coin
with readable Braille characters on Wednesday - a silver dollar
commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, the
creator of the alphabet for the blind.

The coin's display opened the National Federation of the Blind's annual
convention in Dallas.

"This is going to put Braille in front of people in a very dramatic way,"
said Chris Danielson, an NFB spokesman.

U.S. Mint director Ed Moy, federation president Marc Maurer and U.S. Rep.
Pete Sessions revealed the design of the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial
Silver Dollar in front of about 1,000 people at an outdoor plaza.

The heads side of the silver dollar depicts Louis Braille with the word
"Liberty" above it.

On the back of the coin, the Braille code for the word Braille - or "Brl" -
is inscribed, above a depiction of a school-age boy reading a Braille book
with a cane resting on his arm.

Behind him is a bookshelf bearing the word "Independence."

"It really expresses the hopes, the dreams and the independent spirit," NFB
executive director Mark Riccobono said of the design.

Although all coins distributed by the U.S. Mint are distinguishable to the
blind by their size and weight, the Braille silver dollar is the first to
have Braille characters that can be read, Moy said.

The commemorative 1-ounce coin will be available in spring 2009, the 200th
anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. The U.S. Mint will produce 400,000 of
the coins. Braille was born in France in 1809.

A $10 surcharge will be added to each coin, with money from the coin sales
going to support programs to help the blind.

The group is launching one of the largest campaigns to boost Braille
literacy by doubling the number of young Braille readers by 2015. Fewer than
10 percent of blind children are learning Braille, NFB officials said.

©2008 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.