The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance. |
   |
Upcoming Events
April 13-18, 2012: NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington D.C. Program
This four-day experience will provide blind students with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country’s government, its history, and its culture. In addition to learning about the history of the organized blindness civil rights movement, how resolutions are passed, and how blindness legislation is created, participants will learn more about advocacy work for blind individuals and available resources for blind students and adults. Twenty-four students age twelve to sixteen will be accepted to attend the LAW program. Apply now by visiting www.nfb.org/LAWProgram. Applications are due by February 1, 2012. For more information, call (410) 659-9314, extension 2312, or e-mail at Natalie Shaheen at nshaheen@nfb.org.
April 19-20, 2012: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium
The National Federation of the Blind will host the fifth Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium, "Disability Identity in the Disability Rights Movement," at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore. The symposium will address the impact of disability identity on the right of the disabled to live in the world. Registration is now open; visit the Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium Web page to register online, view the agenda, and/or learn more.
May 9-11, 2012: Training the Trainers: Teaching and Supporting Users of Access Technology
This two-and-a-half-day seminar is designed to provide access technology trainers and content creators with the information they need to ensure that their blind and low vision users can succeed in their endeavors. To meet this goal, the training will provide hands-on involvement with screen access software; Braille; DAISY eBooks; Apple's iDevices and computers; and other devices and technology. For more information or to register, please visit www.nfb.org/trainers.
May 14-18, 2012: Video Description Training for Employment
Video description is a tool developed to provide blind people with access to visual information portrayed in videos; however, historically the workforce in this field overwhelmingly consists of sighted individuals. This workshop, held at the NFB Jernigan Institute, will provide blind participants with some initial training to help them gain employment in the video description field and acquire related skills for other work. Applications are due by March 9, 2012. To learn more or apply online, please visit www.nfb.org/vdrdc.
June 30-July 5, 2012: National Convention
This year we are returning to Dallas and the beautiful Hilton Anatole Hotel for our annual convention. This year's gathering will be bigger and better than ever! Make reservations now by calling (214) 761-7500; you won't want to miss out on the excitement! For more information watch the Braille Monitor or visit the National Convention Web page.
What's New
NFB Testifies Before Senate Committee
on Accessible Educational Technology
Mark Riccobono, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, testified today before a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The hearing, “The Promise of Accessible Technology: Challenges and Opportunities,” was convened to explore the barriers and opportunities that technology presents to Americans with disabilities. Mr. Riccobono testified regarding the importance of ensuring that technology used in K-12 and postsecondary educational institutions is accessible to the blind and to other students with disabilities. For more information please read the official press release or the full text of Mr. Riccobono's testimony.
NFB Compares Accessibility
of E-book Readers
The National Federation of the Blind's Access Technology department recently evaluated the accessibility of various e-book readers and their conclusions were published in the January 2012 issue of the Braille Monitor. The article focuses on comparing the accessibility - or lack thereof - of popular e-book readers like the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook, as well as Apple iOS software, Mac, and Windows PC support. Read the full article for the Access Technology team's findings.
NFB Announces Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Program. Each year the National Federation of the Blind presents cash awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. Recipients of the 2012 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards will be determined by the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee of the National Federation of the Blind. Online applications are due by March 31, 2012. Individuals or organizations are encouraged to apply on behalf of themselves or others. For further information please visit the Bolotin Awards Web page or read the official press release.
