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Blind of NH
While researching e-Accessibility topic, I got some information from Ed Meskys, President of the US National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire, who like me is a member of the National Fandom Federation of Science Fiction and Fantasy (N3F), and I asked if I could quote what I got from him. He very kindly encouraged me, and shared copy of a recent issue of their newsletter, which he publishes in a form that is easy for the Blind. I am a sighted person who finds the following to be fascinating. Warning - when I printed the whole thing out for my reading convenience, I found it to be 21 pages long, which could vary for other sighted people, depending on the dimensions for your printer. I took the liberty of editing some lines to try to improve how this appears on my Radio Blog.
you can quote all you want to, and I encourage you to do so.
The quote I included was from issue #27 of THE NH FEDERATIONIST which I
publish in large print and by email for the Natuional Federation of the
Blind of NH. In fact, I will send you the whole zine below.
Niekas Publications
National Federation of the Blind of NH
RR 2, Box 63, 322 Whitter Hwy
Center Harbor, NH 03226-9708
==
NH FEDERATIONIST, vol 14 #1 (whole number 27), Summer, 2002
The NH FEDERATIONIST ought to be published semi-annually in large
print, on cassette, and by e-mail by the NFBNH, P O Box 1696, Laconia
03247-1696, 603-524-1945. Ed Meskys, President. Thanks to Bruce Gillis who provided about
half the material in this issue. Editor, Ed Meskys (RR #2 Box 63 (322
EDDRESS!!).
>Who Are We{bold}
The National Federation Of The Blind Of New Hampshire is an organization
of blind persons working for blind persons. We engage in peer counseling,
especially helping those new to vision loss, to continue productive and
satisfying lives, educating the general public about blindness, advocacy by
seeking legislation to open more professional and social activities to the
blind, and combating discrimination against the blind. We are incorporated
as a 501(c3) non-profit organization in NH and are an affiliate of the
National Federation of the Blind headquartered in Baltimore. All officers
are unpaid volunteers.
>We're Back! {bold}
I apologize for not having a real FEDERATIONIST for the last two years,
but personal time and NFB finances prevented it. I believe the last regular
issue was in the fall of 1989, #24. I did publish 4-page convention
announcements in 2000 and 2001, without calling them FEDERATIONISTS, but I
suppose they could be called issues 25 and 26. Thus this is issue 27, vol.
14, #1.
>Newsline {bold}
Thanks to a $4million grant from the Federal Government, the NFB Newsline
(r) went nation-wide on March 1, 2002. Now any blind, visually impaired, or
reading disabled person anywhere in the US can call toll-free 1-888-882-1629
and listen to any of over 50 national newspapers like the Boston Globe, NY
Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Wall St. Journal, or even Toronto Globe
and Mail. You first get a menu of papers to choose from, and then can mark
one or more as favorites so as to not have to go thru the whole list every
time. You then pick today's paper, yesterday's, or last Sunday's. Finally
you pick the section you want, local, national, international, sports,
business, arts, classifieds, etc. An excellent synthesized voice starts to
read the first story. If you do not like it you can skip to the next story
at any time, go back to the beginning, to the previous story, go back one
paragraph, or even spell an unfamiliar word. All these commands are entered
using the pad of a touch-tone phone. You can also change the voice and the
speed of the reading, and the system will remember your choices the next
time you dial in. This is true even if you are traveling and call from
another state.
Right now about 50 papers are available. The goal is to add papers until
we have at least two papers from every state. I hope we can eventually get
the CONCORD MONITOR, MANCHESTER UNION LEADER, & NASHUA TELEGRAPH.
The newspapers are making their electronic files available to us free and
we give the service free. However they want it limited to those who need it
because of vision or other reading problems so you must be certified. Please
fill in the form in this newsletter or call the 800 number and follow the
instructions. You can also sign up thru your local talking-book library. You
will be given a customer number and pin which you will have to dial after
the 800 number in order to access the service.
The grant covers the service in NH for a little over one year so it will
run out sometime after the end of February. We need to get funding for the
program to continue. We hope that some state agencies will apply for grants
to cover part of the cost, but must ask our state legislators to make up the
difference.
>Jobline Improved {bold}
Last July the Jobline program went nationwide, thanks to a Dept of Labor
grant, for a one year trial program. This ran out July 1, 2002, but a little
money is left to continue it for a short time. This service is for all
jobseekers, sighted or blind, welfare client or corporate executive. It
allows the user to access the nationwide computerized listing of job
openings using a touch-tone phone, similar technology to that used for NFB
BNEWSLINE. You can look for jobs by category, region of country, salary
range, etc. It will search for openings within a specified distance from
your zip code. You can say you will not travel more than 5 miles from your
current home, 100 miles, 1,000 miles, or any figure in-between. As with NFB
NEWSLINE you set up a profile and the system remembers your profile the next
time you call. You can use this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To
try this service dial
1,800-414-5748.
In September, 2002, the service will have a major improvement. Menus will
help you create a resume, and then you can have it automatically forwarded
to any of the listings on Jobline. Thus you will be able to use Jobline not
only to find a job you are interested in, but also apply for it.
>Remember Our State Conference {bold}
This year our annual state conference will be at the Holiday Inn in
downtown Concord Nov 15-17. Our representative from the National
organization will be one of the three new members of the National Board of
Directors, Carlos Servan of Nebraska. He is second in command at the local
blind services agency.
We will follow our recent format of having a single presentation followed
by a technology demo Friday afternoon. The single subject will probably be
on preparing an IEP for a student. After dinner break we have committee
meetings (dog guide users, resolutions, & constitution) and a hospitality
suite where you can network . All day Saturday we have talks and
presentations on many subjects, and reports on the activities of various
agencies, with exhibits of technology and tools for the blind. Then we have
a social break and the banquet with presentation of awards and scholarships
and a moving address by our representative from National headquarters. After
the banquet we have music for listening and/or dancing, and a quiet
hospitality room for people who want to talk and network. Sunday morning we
have our business meeting with reports and elections. We adjourn by about
noon. Please mark your calendars and plan to come for an informative and
inspiring weekend.
>Current State Affiliate Officers{bold}
President: Ed Meskys, Center Harbor NH
First Vice President: John Parker, Laconia NH
Second Vice President, vacant
Secretary: Bruce Gillis, Dover NH
Treasurer: Lucille Lynch, Manchester NH
Board Member-At-Large: Donald Little, Concord NH
Board Member-At-Large: Carol Holmes, Derry NH
Board Member-At-Large: Julie Clark, Concord NH
Board Member-At-Large: Gil Vickery, Littleton NH
Board Member-At-Large: Carmela Quail, Littleton NH
>Sad News{bold}
It is with regret that I announce the closing of the Capital City and
Merrimack Valley chapters. None of the original chapters remain. With help
from National headquarters we hope to rebuild at least one of these in the
near future.
>A Personal Note{bold}
I have been your state president, off and on, for ten years now. I am
getting old and am not as able as I used to be, and also want to be free to
do more traveling with my wife, so I will not stand for re-election this
November. I will remain on the board but it is time to think about the
upcoming leadership of this organization, and in which direction we should
go. Also, Bruce Gillis, who has been a wonderful secretary, and who
maintains our listservs and website, has announced that he will remain for
only one more two-year term. I sincerely hope that he, like me, will at
least remain active on a smaller scale. I think it will take at least two
persons to do all the wonderful work which Bruce has accomplished...one to
maintain and improve our listservs and website, and one to keep our records
and be pro-active in correspondence, seeking information on the web and
forwarding it to us, and writing postal and e-mail letters seeking financial
and material support. We need one or more apprentices to start working with
Bruce now so that the transition will not be a shock.
I do an infrequent personal newsletter, THE VIEW FROM ENTROPY HALL, which
I only send out by e-mail. It is largely concerned with science fiction and
fandom, but covers anything which interests me at the moment. I send it free
to anyone who requests it. I have published a print magazine, which has won
the Hugo award, about SF and fantasy since 1962. I have some issues
available on tape. Because of high production cost I must charge for this.
Please enquire if interested.
>Listservs{bold}
With the encouragement of agencies and organizations "of and for Blind and
Visually impaired people in New Hampshire" we now have a listserv " By
subscribing to the NHBlind-Talk listserv you can begin to share information,
ideas and resources related to the N. H. Agenda as well as blindness and
visual impairment in general. There is no cost to join this listserv. Simply
do the following:
2. The only thing in the message area should be: Subscribe NHBlind-talk
Once you have successfully subscribed you will receive confirmation from
the listserv. Any messages sent to the list will also be sent to you.
Of course, any messages that you send to the list will be sent to all
members. This is a great opportunity for people in New Hampshire of all
ages and geographic areas to share information, resources,
ideas, needs and interests related to blindness and visual impairment.
The NFB of NH has its own mailing list, nfbnh-news. You get on this one by
a message for the list, send that, too, to the same address.
>Fleet Introduces New Talking ATMs in NH{bold}
Fleet Boston Financial unveiled details of its Program of installing
talking automated teller machines (ATMs) in New Hampshire as part of a major
initiative to make banking services more accessible to thousands of Hew
Hampshire residents who are blind or visually impaired. A live demonstration
of the voice guidance technology was given to attendees of the 2001 annual
state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of New Hampshire.
The first Talking ATMs were introduced in New Hampshire in March 2001 when 5
machines were installed marking the first time that visually impaired ATM
users in New Hampshire were able to listen to ATM instructions and obtain
audible account information. Douglas Weick, District Manager, Fleet - New
Hampshire's Retail Banking Group, introduced Fleet's comprehensive plan to
ensure that people with vision impairments, including the growing number of
senior citizens, can more conveniently access banking services at Fleet.
Fleet's accessibility plan includes ATMs with voice guidance capabilities,
as well as enhanced access to printed materials and improved Web site
accessibility at www.fleet.com. "Fleet is deeply committed to meeting the diverse needs of all our customers and to building accessibility into the
fabric of our organization," said Weick. "The talking ATMs we are
installing here and throughout our service area will create even greater
access for people who cannot easily read information as it is currently
presented on our ATMs."
Fleet currently has a total of 103 ATMs in New Hampshire. All newly
installed ATMs going forward will include voice guidance capabilities, and
eligible existing ATM sites, those that meet minimum technology requirements
for voice guidance, are included in Fleet's installation plan. "Fleet is
making significant investments in our ATM network overall over the next two
years as part of a commitment to build the most technologically advanced,
state-of-the-art and accessible bank ATM network in the industry," said
Sally M. Reilly, director of Fleet Self Service Marketing and
Functionality. "We are very proud to have an accessibility plan that is far
ahead of other banks in the industry in terms of the scope of the
commitment. No other bank to our knowledge has made such a comprehensive
commitment to accessibility. "Fleet was the first bank in the Northeast to
introduce "talking ATMs." Over the next two years, the bank will complete
the installation of 1,420 talking ATMs throughout its Northeast retail
service area, from Maine to Pennsylvania. "We are thrilled that Fleet is
demonstrating its commitment to improving accessibility for blind and
visually impaired people, and we applaud their efforts," said Stanley J.
Eichner, managing attorney with the Disability Law Center, "By introducing
talking ATMs, Fleet has been a leader within the banking industry, and we
are now seeing other financial institutions throughout the country follow in
Fleet's footsteps."
Fleet's talking ATMs will be equipped with universal audio jacks. The
bank will provide listening devices to people with vision impairments,
through which they can receive private audio instructions for transactions
typically displayed on the ATM screen for cash withdrawals, deposits,
transfers, payments and balance inquiries. Fleet is upgrading existing ATMs
that have been developed by leading ATM manufacturers NCR Corporation and
Diebold Corporation. Both NCR and Diebold are actively involved in the
development of ATMs that are voice-guided and/or use other adaptive
technologies. To locate the nearest Fleet talking ATM, consumers may call
Fleet Customer Service 24 hours a day at 1-800-841-4000, or use the search
engine on the Fleet Web site. Fleet has long been a leader in accommodating
the needs of people with visual impairments, and this announcement expands
that commitment. In addition to installing talking ATMs, Fleet now
provides important financial materials including statements, brochures and
other account information in Braille, audiocassette, and large print
formats. The bank also is designing and generating each page of its website
( www.fleet.com) to be accessible to people with disabilities. Web design features will enable computer users who are blind and who use screen reader
technology on their computers to access Fleet's website. It is estimated
that over 1 million Americans are legally blind and another 12 million
Americans experience some form of irreversible visual impairment. As many as
75,000 Americans become blind each year, and the visually impaired category
increases by 120,000. The fastest growing segment of this population is the
elderly, who are at the greatest risk of developing degenerative eye
disease.
>Access Expo{bold}
We will have a table at the Access Expo to be held Thursday, September 5th
at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. Here vendors, agencies, and
organizations dealing with all disabilities will have information tables,
and there will be a number of presentations and discussions during the day.
For more information on this free event go to the official show site:
>BLIND COOKS{bold}
You're invited to join a discussion list community called Blind Cook.
Here's a description of the discussion list community. This list is
primarily for blind cooks and will cover recipes, methods that we use to
cook, and may even extend into the realm of kitchen gadgets that will make
cooking easier. There are currently 150 members on our list.
If you choose to join, you will receive email messages from other
community members. You may join by two methods. The first is by sending a
(all one word in lower case letters) or the second way is by visiting the
word in lower case letters). If you are not already a Yahoo.com member, you
will need to complete a quick and free registration process before joining
the community. When joining the community, you may choose to read messages
via email or by visiting the Blind Cook Web page at the above web address.
>NEWS FROM THE NH TALKING BOOKS PROGRAM{bold}
There have been many changes at Talking Books in 2001. The retirements of
Eileen Keim and Mary Doiron, plus the promotion of Debora Rialland to the
State Library's Reference Section, left Pam and Sherry on their own for a
while. They have now been joined by replacement troops. First, I'd like to
introduce myself. I'm Donna Gilbreth, and I have the
intimidating task of trying to replace Eileen Keim as administrator. I have
been a librarian at the State Library since 1981, in the Reference and
Information Services Section. Talking Book Service is an unexplored world
for me, so I have a lot to learn on the job. Next, Jody Matisko has signed
on as Library Aide, replacing Deb Rialland. She has the tough and
never-ending job of sending books to you every day, and shelving your
returned books. Finally, I'd like to welcome Brenda Corey, who is replacing
Mary Doiron as our new reader's advisor. Brenda is a State Library veteran
of several years, having worked in both Reference and Network Services.
Sherry Ober has left our section, after several years of fine service, and
is now a Library Associate in Special Library Services in the main NH State
Library building on Park Street. in Concord. Betty Clark began work as
Library Technician in October. She was an executive secretary at the State
Library for several years.
The Library of Congress is planning for the next generation of talking
books, making future plans to replace cassette books with a new digital
format. Cassette books have been around since the 1960's, and flexible disc
books only recently ceased production. Digital books will mean a new
recording and playback system. Currently, the National Library Service is
working on standards for the books and playback equipment of the future. We
may be able to use the new format in the next 5 to 10 years.
>Dial 211 Service Coming to NH{bold}
2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health
and human service information and referral (I&R). 2-1-1 is an
easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical
connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate
community-based organizations and government agencies. As a result of the
passing of House Bill 707, a new 2-1-1 Commission is being formed. This
commission will work over the next year to oversee the design, development
and operation of a 2-1-1 service for community information and referral.
To learn more about 2-1-1 and how it will benefit you and your community
to questions like What will 2-1-1 provide for New Hampshire? What is the
2-1-1 Commission? How can I get involved in the 2-1-1 program? How can I get
more information on 2-1-1?
>Ask Alice{bold}
Ask Alice is a free accessibility analysis of your Web site. To find out
whether your website is easily accessible to blind persons go to
For more information contact David Greco, CEO of SSB Technologies, Inc.
Phone: (415) 975-8037; Fax: (415) 975-8038; E-mail:
>Refurbished Equipment Marketplace{bold}
The Refurbished Equipment Market Place (REM) is a division of the Alliance
for Assistive Technology, Education and Community Health Services (ATECH).
Atech is a non-profit organization in New Hampshire in cooperation with the
University of New Hampshire's Assistive Technology partnership project. REM
receives and refurbishes donated equipment for use at home, school, work or
play. The goal of Paul Luff, REM coordinator of sales and marketing, is to
have anyone who needs assistive technology to automatically think of REM as
a potential resource not only for obtaining necessary equipment at low cost,
but also as a place to donate equipment that has been previously used.
Clients can request bi-monthly e-mail sales flyers on newly available
refurbished equipment, and an inventory list of all available equipment.
For more information on services REM provides, call Paul at 1-800-427-3338
> Summer Fun for Blind Children{bold}
I have had a great response to the idea of having a time for children to
come in with parents or teachers to play computer games. There will be no
charge for game playing on these occasions. We will have four Thursday
afternoon game sessions, August 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Each afternoon
will be broken into two sessions, 1:00 to 2:30 and 3:00 to 4:30. We will
take two children per session along with any adults to want to be there with
the child. Please sign up as soon as you can. We have 16 slots.
These sessions will all take place in our demo center in Salisbury. We are
suggesting that these sessions are appropriate for Children who are blind or
low vision, between the ages of 7 and 15 but we are flexible. Please call me
if you have any questions.
Gayle Yarnall
Adaptive Technology Consulting
P.O. Box 778
Amesbury, MA 01913
Phone: (978)462-3817
Fax: (978)462-3928
>Charlie Savage {bold}
Last fall long time Federationist Charlie Savage passed away. He had been
active in the NFB of CT where he had run a cafeteria under the state BEP.
After moving to NH around 1980 he joined the Capital chapter of the NFB of
NH, and then he and his wife Alice helped start the Lakes Region chapter. He
established a business making and selling wooden toys, and had volunteered
as a cook for the local Lions Club. After he retired they created a motor
home and toured the country, spending much of their time in Texas. Then late
in oct 1999 Charlie & Alice were in an auto accident, and he was seriously
injured.
>NH Map{bold}
Ever want a Braille map of New Hampshire? Well now
one is available. The Princeton Braillists have
several Braille maps of different states. They have a
map of New Hampshire. Contact the Princeton
Braillists at 28B Portsmouth Street, Whiting, New
Jersey 08759 or call 1-732-350-3708.
>New Books {bold}
I publish the announcements of these two books without endorsing their
quality or denouncing it. I simply received an announcement of the first
title, while I did receive a print review copy of the second. Unfortunately
it was inaccessible so I could not judge it. I do not know whether either is
available in accessible format, audio, Braille, or text computer file.
"Resources Available for Low Sight People" Greenwood Publishing Group,
A Field Guide for the Sight Impaired Reader by Andrew Leibs, (A
Comprehensive
Resource for Students, Teachers, and Librarians) ref for the sight impaired
MAKING LIFE MORE LIVABLE by Maureen A. Duffy, American Foundation for the
Blind, 132 pages, large format 8.5x11) trade paperback. They refer you to
"afbpressbooksonline". The table of contents is: Living Independently With
Vision Loss; Making Your Environment More Livable; General Principles;
Modifying Your Environment Room by Room; Additional Health Conditions;
References; Resource Guide; About Maureen A. Duffy.
I am concerned about the past record of previous AFB manuals as made
infamous in NFB banquet speeches. I remember they implied that a newly
blinded person would not be able to find the toilet paper roll he had lived
with for 20 years, the ridiculous methods of teaching a blind person to
enter an elevator, applaud, shake hands, take a bath, etc. I sincerely hope
this book does not suffer from such treatment of blind persons as stupid,
foolish, and incompetent.
>Recipes on Tape{bold}
Kathleen Bartlett (P O Box 94, Barnstead NH 03218, 435-2462) has made
available 60 basic recipes used by a blind member of her family. They are on
cassette for a nominal fee of $4 plus mailer, and if there is enough demand
she will make them available in large, bold print. This is not a
professionally recorded tape, and there are background noises like birds,
but the tape has been tested by several listeners and is quite
understandable. The recipes are basic and grouped by type.
>Enabling Sport Foundation in Franklin NH{bold}
We are the ENABLING SPORT FOUNDATION (ESF), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit
organization. Our mission is to open a whole new World of recreational
challenges and enjoyment for the physically challenged. We do this through
our support for a new sport, rail riding, and by utilizing a valuable
threatened resource, abandoned railroad tracks. There are thousands of
abandoned railroad tracks throughout the United States, as well as the rest
the world. We propose to convert some tracks into Recreational Parks where
everyone, including the blind and people with disabilities, can come and
enjoy the sport of railriding. It is already working right here in New
Hampshire, as the state has endorsed this concept and has given ESF several
areas of railroad track to use in our own local project. If you want to save
abandoned railroad tracks or are interested in providing recreational
opportunities for all in your state we can guide you. ESF and the Cotton
Valley Rail Club (a motorized inspection car club) work together to make the
tracks in NH safe and enjoyable for both our uses. Next to our tracks are
paths for walking, and bike riding - everyone is served and no tracks are
taken up. We invite you to explore this site to find out how you can get
involved by supporting our local efforts or by establishing your own park!
ESF's Ron Forster has created a rail-cycle, the Rail Rider that is
accessible to all people. Now everyone can go out and enjoy the great
outdoors--freedom and mobility for all! [An early version of the rail-rider
was shown at an NFBNH state conference about a dozen years ago.] About Our
Park. We have established our own park here in New Hampshire. It is located
3 miles from Wolfeboro Center, off route 109, at an old railroad station
called Fernald Station. Contact Information for ESF is The Enabling Sport
Foundation, 99 Memorial Street, Franklin 03235, Phone: 603-934-1938, Email:
>Scholarships{bold}
The NFB of NH offers two scholarships a year. The Theresa Herron
Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500 is open to any visually impaired
college or high school student in NH to help her or him buy some aid not
covered by VR, to buy extra reading time, to take part n some summer
educational or recreational program, or to save for college. The student can
be an older person returning to complete their high school education or to
attend a secondary vocational school.
The Floyd Callward Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is for
any post-secondary visually impaired student from NH, whether in college
straight from HS or returning at a later date, in graduate or professional
school, or in post- secondary career training.
For applications write Louis Gosselin, c/o Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, 361 Lincoln St., Manchester 03103, phone 669-8733.
Our national organization offers about 27 scholarships ranging from
$3000 to 10,000. Three of these are reserved as repeat scholarships for
previous winners. Winners also travel all-expenses paid to our national
convention where they learn much that will help in their education. Four
students from NH have received these scholarships ranging from $2000 to
$4000.
Note that ALL of these scholarships are open to students from ALL states
including DC and Puerto Rico, and that many state affiliates offer their own
scholarships the way NH does. For information write NFB Scholarships, 1800
Johnson St., Baltimore MD 21230-4998.
Past scholarship winners include:
Callward Scholarship 1990, Kirstyn Cassavechia, Cornell U, NY.
1991,
Tom E. Lynch, Keene State College. 1992, Daniel Boisvert, UNH. 1993, Judyth
Ann
Leavitt, Keene State College. 1994, Kenneth Dunnington, UNH. 1995, Jennifer
Lee
Hawkins, Johnson & Wales College, RI. 1996, Carmela P. Quail, UNH. 1997,
none. 1998, Stephanie Loring Jock, Hesser College at Portsmouth. 1999,
Christine Menges, University of Massachusetts at Lowell. 2000, Joan K.
Nelson, Pierce College, working on MBA in
Leadership. 2001, Linda M. Bolle, Reading Mass, second year PH.D. candidate
in Clinical
Psychology at Antioch School of Graduate Studies, Keene. 2002, YOU?
Herron Scholarship 1992, Carolyn Corrigan, Winchester. 1993, Gavin
x. Sawyer, Charlestown. 1994, Paul Joe Harcz, Notre Dame College. 1995, Tom
Lynch, post graduate work for teacher certification. 1996, Dawn Hodge, UNH.
1997, Molly Blank, John Stark High, Weare. 1998, Jessica Kremidas,
Dunbarton, Goffstown High. 1999, none. 2000, Brendon R. Powers, of Spofford,
Keene High. 2001, Christopher Sand, St. Thomas Aquinas High, Dover.
National scholarships: 1983, Clyde Terry, Franklin Pierce Law School.
1987, Mark Baxter, Dartmouth College. 1991, Kirstyn Cassavechia, Cornell U.
1996, Dawn Hodge, UNH.
If you do not win a scholarship one year try again. Many state and
national winners only achieve their scholarships on their second or third
try.
>Our National Convention{bold}
Plan for our national conventions. The convention represents
seven full days and evenings of lectures, seminars, workshops, and
discussions
on every topic of interest to a blind or visually impaired person or family
member. Dozens of specialized groups have their own meetings. Examples
include
blind parents, parents of blind children, educators, writers, musicians,
farmers, horse trainers & riders, scientists & engineers, lawyers, computer
workers, businessmen, and persons who are deaf-blind. No matter what your
interest or profession you will find an appropriate division or committee.
One
afternoon and evening is left open for touring, exploring the dozens of
displays of tools and technology, or seeing a movie with Descriptive Video
Service. On the last day the convention ends exactly at 5 PM so as not to
interfere with travel plans. Usually the convention runs from Saturday to
Friday. In 2003 and 2005 we are returning to the 2002 site, Louisville. In
2004 we will be in Atlanta, and in 2006 and 2008 we will be in Dallas. The
2007 site has not yet been selected.
We get fabulously low special hotel room rates, usually under $60 a night.
In addition we can usually help you find a
room-mate to save even more.
>HELP!{bold}
Since the late Frank Snee initiated it some 15 years ago, ads in our
state convention program book have paid most of our expenses in putting on
the annual state convention. We ask members and friends to take booster adds and
to sell ads to businesses they deal with. Unlike straight donations, the full
value of the ad may be deducted as a business expense. For your information
we include a sample add form as part of this issue. The form itself need not be
used but can be shown to a potential advertiser, or you can get more forms
by writing me (Ed Meskys) or the state office. But please...at least take a $5
booster yourself! We need your help to meet our convention expenses!
>Fun Weekend in Littleton{bold}
John Olivera and the Association of Blind Citizens is sponsoring a
recreational weekend outing to Littleton NH Aug. 17-18. A 15 passenger van
will depart Boston Park St. MBTA station at 9 AM and return Sunday at 5 PM.
If there is sufficient interest, a second van will leave from Concord and
make stops, if necessary, at exits along I-93.
Activities will include a 60 minute hayride to Rock Estates in a mule
drawn wagon, a free hour to explore Main St., including a visit to the
Chutters General Store, and check out the longest candy counter in the
world, then enjoy a Cookout at the Maple Leaf Motel. Finish the evening with
a bonfire and singing in Gil Vickery's back yard, or check out the JAX Jr.
movie theater, visit the Oasis Patio Lounge with entertainment, get a
Bishops homemade ice cream or spend time enjoying the night activities in
Littleton on your own.
Start out Sunday with Breakfast at Littleton Diner on Main Street and end
the activities by taking the bus to the Hobo Scenic Railroad for a 90 minute
ride.
The cost for this ABC Summer Breeze outing will be $85/pp double occupancy
or $115 for single occupancy. The recreation fee covers round-trip
transportation from Boston, one night lodging, the hayride, the ride on the
Hobo Railroad through the white mountains, one meal, marshmallows for the
Bon Fire and lots of fun and friendship. This package is also available from
Concord,
* NH, depending on level of interest (requires at least seven participants).
Please make checks payable to the Association of Blind Citizens, Po Box 246,
Holbrook, MA 02343. Space is limited so do not wait and be left behind.
Reservations will be taken on a first come basis and will not be confirmed
until full payment is received. The recreation fee is nonrefundable unless
ABC cancels the trip because of weather conditions. For additional
information or questions please call the A.B.C. news and Activities line @
781-654-2000 and leave a message for John Oliveira and be sure to include
your contact information.
If you want to get on the bus from Concord call Marie Johnson at 225-7917.
Another option is to set up a tent in Gil Vickery's back yard instead of
staying in the motel. Call him at 444-6154.
>Braille Readers Are Leaders{bold}
The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children and the
National Association to Promote the Use of Braille continue to sponsor an
annual "Braille Readers Are Leaders" contest. There are various categories
by grade. There are also categories for persons who just recently switched to
the use of Braille and for greatest improvement over last year. For info write
"Braille Readers Are Leaders" at 1800 Johnson St., Baltimore MD 21230.
>Have You Been Hassled?{bold}
While we blind persons usually have the good will and support of the
general public, we will occasionally encounter difficulties because of the
public misunderstanding of our abilities and competence. Blind persons have
been denied rental housing, admission to theaters and amusement parks,
public transportation, adult education classes in local school systems and
colleges, either totally or "unless accompanied by a responsible adult."
Thus we are put down as irresponsible or not adult. Our
organization, on the local, state, and national level can help you achieve
your rights and prevent other people from having the same difficulties.
Often a simple official letter or other communication is sufficient, but when it
is necessary we have gone to the law to help. Court cases are expensive and our
resources are limited, but we will go to the extreme of a law suit when the
case would help set a precedent which will also help others in the future,
and we are in a financial position to do so. But most cases can be resolved
without a suit. Help yourself and other blind persons by notifying the state
office of any cases of discrimination which come to your attention. Write
NFB of NH at Box 1696, Laconia 03247-1696 or call 524-1945.
Guide dog users might be denied entrance to restaurants, theaters,
stores, wild animal farms and zoos, etc. Most of these discriminative acts
are illegal in most places. We can help avoid future incidents for you or other
blind persons if you report such incidents to our Dog Guide Committee.
Please contact the chairperson, Carol Holmes at 33 Hillside Ave., Derry 03038, 434-
6042.
>Join a Division{bold}
Our organization has many divisions covering almost every aspect of
life and work. Most of these divisions have newsletters for members. They
hold annual meetings at our National Convention and sometimes at other times and
places and publish newsletters for members and other interested persons.
Many have local affiliates which also hold meetings. Besides formal divisions
there are also committees and smaller "special interest groups." For a list
go to the NFB website, www.nfb.org, or write National headquarters for a complete list.
>Music for Visually Impaired{bold}
Music V.I. has made available taped lessons for piano & keyboard and for
guitar aimed at blind and visually impaired users in bookshelf cassette
albums. You may borrow them from the music division of the National Library
Service in Washington DC (800-)or
purchase a set for one instrument for $37 (912-249-0628, 704 Habersham Rd.,
Valzosta GA 31602). The agency has provided music lessons to blind and
visually impaired students for 25 years and is experienced in dealing with
their students' needs. If the student is having problems it may call an 800
number for help.
Here is a description of the guitar course:
"Intro to the Guitar for the Visually Impaired" is a beginner guitar
course which takes the student through the basics of guitar playing using no
written material or visual references. In the three tapes that make up the
course the student will learn how to hold the guitar, names of the parts of
the guitar, tuning the guitar, the three most common rhythm patterns of the
guitar, several chords to use with these patterns, songs for each of these
patterns and chords, names of the notes of the guitar, and several tones
within these notes. In the fourth tape, "Guitar by Ear," song lessons from
"the master by ear library" is included as well.
>Emergency Weather Information By E-Mail{BOLD}
The Emergency E-Mail Network is a free service that provides weather and
natural-disaster information in all fifty states through both e-mail and
pager. Users register by county so that they can receive the appropriate
local warnings from local emergency management agencies. Users can receive
warnings about hurricanes, tornadoes, other severe weather, evacuations,
health emergencies, and natural disasters. To sign up for this free service,
>Data Assist, Inc Launches Technology Web Site for the Disabled{bold}
Data Assist, Inc. announces the launch of Assist.Com, a web site targeted
toward the disabled community, and designed to unite Internet users with
assistive technology resources. Assist.Com is a site devoted to helping
people find technology which will improve their lives, make them more
independent, or just make daily tasks a bit easier. The site
features books, articles, products, and a directory of web sites for
those who need technological aids. "I believe the Web itself is the
most important assistive technology available today. There are a
phenomenal number of resources and products available which can make all
people more independent. Assist.Com will unite the people who need them,
with these resources," said Brian Lockrey, President of Data Assist, Inc.
"The Internet enables people to learn about new technology that will
ultimately improve people's lives," Lockrey continued. The initial focus of
Assist.Com is linking people with high quality products, articles,
books, and web sites. The site hopes to be the first widely used Internet
portal for those with, or interested in, physical or mental disabilities.
Future plans for the site include an e-commerce mall where site
visitors can purchase high quality products as well as discussion forums
provides database and internetworking solutions to corporations,
educational institutions and governmental agencies. The company is based
in Columbus, Ohio and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider.
>VSA Arts{bold}
VSA Arts has grants to make museums and theaters in NH accessible to all
disabilities, including blind. Next year they will sponsor a live theater
performance of a comedy play with audio description thru headphones, and
will arrange for busses to bring in blind persons from all parts of the
state. They also have a newsletter, "Perspective." Contact VSA arts of New
Hampshire, 44 South Main St., Concord, NH 03301, V/tty 603-228-4330, Email
>Guide Dog Resources on the Web{bold}
>Useful Resources{bold}
* New England Handicapped Sports Association Newsletter for October 2001 is
* Handiworks: Necessary Accessories for People who are blind or visually
* US Association of Blind Athletes at
News Flashes and Announcements about DVS and WGBH TV Station in Boston, Mass
electronic version of their quarterly newsletter called DVS Guide. The
newsletter will provide you with an up to date broadcast schedule of TV
programs with DVS as well as quick DVS related news items. To receive the
electronic version of the quarterly newsletter, send your name and current
version of the DVS Guide newsletter. They also have a weekly e-mail listing
of theaters showing movies with DVS.
* Blind Golf Association newsletter at
* Services for Blind and Visually Impaired:
* New England Ski for Light (includes summer activities): www.nersfl.org >CHIPS WHICH MIGHT BRING SIGHT{bold}
(Edited from article by Paul Eng on ABCNEWS.com)
For decades, scientists and eye doctors have been trying to develop
artificial eyes that would return the sense of sight to blind and visually
impaired people. And the thought of the "bionic eye" may not be too far
fetched. Many companies, such as Optobionics in Wheaton, Ill., have taken
the first steps with tiny microchips that can mimic certain parts and
functions of the human eye - such as the rods and cones, sensors that
convert light into electrical impulses at the retina located at the back of
the eye. But scientists at the Office of Naval Research in Arlington, Va.,
believe they are on the path to a chip that could truly mimic the entire
nerve system of the retina back of the human eye. At the heart of their
potential artificial eye is a well-known chip design called a cellular
nonlinear network, or CNN. In the chip, individual computer circuits are
connected to each other in a checkerboard array. Each connection can be
given a mathematical "weight" that "describes" the relationship of each
circuit to each other. When the chip is exposed to image data, each pixel or
point of light in the picture is sent to a specific cell in the chip.
Mathematical algorithms can then manipulate each connection's weight to
produce different resulting images. One set of algorithms could help find
the edges of an object in the image. Another set of algorithm could then
find corners, while another set defines contours. Unique Advantages: Larry
Cooper, the program manager at Office of Naval Research who specializes in
nanoelectronics, says the CNN chip has multiple advantages that make it
ideal for use in an artificial retina. For one, the connections between each
circuit are parallel, or "non-linear." That means, the calculation for each
circuit is happening almost simultaneously and allows for very rapid image
processing. "The time it takes a chip to [process a function] is about a
microsecond," says Cooper.
Would It Work? How the CNN chip could be used as an artificial eye,
however, is still fairly theoretical, says Frank Werblin, a professor of
neurobiology at the University of California at Berkeley. Werblin, who has
conducted his own research in CNN chips, says the ideal use would be to
create a three-dimensional array where each layer of CNNs would mimic a
specific layer of sensors in the human eye. One layer, for example, would be
able to pick out edges, while another picks out color. And while the
algorithms for doing such CNN calculations are well known, Werblin says the
problem is figuring out how to connect it all with the human brain. "You
have a million optic nerve fibers leaving your eyes, and each goes to
specific part of the brain's cortex," says Werblin. But he says no one knows
just how many or exactly which ones are needed to produce an image that
could be understood by the brain.
Still a Decade Away from Bionic Eyes: And there's still the question of
how to connect silicon chips to human nerve cells - a process that's just
being tried out with much simpler chips such as Optobionic's
artificial light sensors. David McComb, chief information officer with
Optobionics, says the company has successfully implanted the microchips into
the retinas of six patients under a clinical trial approved by the Food and
Drug Administration. However, actual results of how well the chips are
working probably won't be released for review by other
scientists until later this year. And according to both Werlink and Cooper,
it will still be quite some time before CNN chips could be implanted in
humans - if ever. Right now, most CNN chips are just too big - about 1 or 2
square inches - and require too much power to be embedded in an eye. Still,
the potential prospects of ending blindness through artificial eyes grows
brighter every day. "Couple of years ago, every one thought this was
pie-in-the-sky, Star Wars stuff," says Dr. Gerald Chader, an ophthalmologist
and chief science officer for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. But with
more clinical trials and research, Chader says it's quite possible that some
form of chip implants will be helping to improving failing eyes in five to
10 years. "In the last couple of years there has been progress," he says,
"We have a great deal of hope that there will be positive outcomes."
[editor's note: Another line of research tried to link a TV camera directly
to the visual cortex of the brain. I first heard of this research at a
lecture in the NY Lighthouse in the 1970s, and they did not expect anything
useful to come of it for a long time. Also, the image was very rough-only
ten pixels high by twenty wide. They tested it only with people with memory
of vision but now totally blind. From time to time this line of research was
mentioned in press releases or news articles, but just recently I saw
mention of doctors in Portugal actually doing this as "something useful" for
volunteer patients. I have not heard whether they have exceeded their
original 200 pixel limit.]
>Letters{bold}
[letters will be edited for clarity and space.]
Dear Ed,
Thank you for your Federationist newsletter. I always enjoy hearing from
you and finding out what your organization is up to. I saw that you had a
bit on DVS in the Theaters. WGBH is doing a good job in that arena. I
didn't know if you were aware that Jim Stovall from Narrative Television
Network, in Tulsa, one of my grantees, is making description available on
the web. Start off with this website, and see what you think:
narrativetv.com
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say. Take care,
Jo Ann McCann
|[Sorry, but I lost the sender's name]
I found a really cool web-site where you can send Braille for free. Check
it out, I signed-up a week ago and sent a letter to my blind friend. He said
the Braille was great. Here's the address:
Have Fun, From Braille Curious!
|Ahrved Engholm
Hi-
I thought I should send you a card as an experiment. I didn't get the card
from an agency, but from my local post office[here in Sweden]. An
organization had put up small stands with free Braille sets, with the idea
to get people to contact blind friends. The set consisted of a card, an
envelope (which could be sent without postage!), a sort of plastic Braille
matrix and a small punching device, a sort of stylus. But I don't know if
I'll repeat the experiment. It took me something like 20 minutes to punch
just a few short lines! Another thing was that the plastic matrix lacked the
commercial at sign - the @ - used for Internet addresses, so I had to
simulate it with writing "/a/".
Also, I posted it the day BEFORE the World Trade Center terror attacks,
and that's the reason I didn't mention it [until you wrote that you had
received it].
Let's keep in touch!
Best, --Ahrvid Engholm
|Paul Joseph Harcz
My fight....
Everything boils down to access to information in the most readable form
and in a timely manner.
Everything boils down to my own records and/or access to
government information that is and should be made available to anyone else.
Everything boils down to getting the same information at the same time as
everyone else from government entities.
For years I have fought to get my own accessible file from Notre Dame
College. It took seven years to get even one letter in response to access
issues on diskette from the College's 504 officer. Can we see what is wrong
with this picture as they gladly took thousands of taxpayers funds during that period
of time?
It took me years to get even part of my file in accessible format from
Blind Services and there are huge gaps in it. The DRC cannot seem to figure
out uniformly how to deliver even e-mail on complaints that involve
alternate format including the six-month battle to get my divorce papers on
disk. It took sixteen years, three OCR complaints, etc. even to get my
daughter's print file.... Yet the school had it...DRC had it...Well actually
they didn't since it is missing a couple of years...Then it took me many
months to get it in alternate format. And again there are huge gaps in the
information that involves the special ed process.
Now then there was the four year battle to get tax and other bills on disk
from the City of Manchester.
And then while the US Dept. of Ed.'s Section 504 office has remitted a
voucher to the Boston Regional Office to get my own and other complaint
information on disk, after one year I still didn't have all of it.
Social security doesn't remit anything on disk even though they have been
apprised.
It is taking months to get my Client Assistance file on disk.
ASSETT, the NH Association for the Blind and even SBVI do not uniformly
inform potentially interested blind persons of general events, newsletters,
etc. in alternate format and in a timely manner. Do people not seem to
understand that there is a problem when the agencies
"serving" the blind do not offer accessible information in a timely manner
even after continued requests? Is this not "willful indifference" to the law
that they of all people should know? Further this has gone on for years. And
even further when I point these issues out ... Well there is a "shoot the
messenger" situation going on.
I am told," You're right but you're angry." Or, "We don't know how to do
that." Or, "We have limited resources." Or, "You should just try to get
along...It's you're approach." Or, "We'll take care of that (while forcing
me to revisit the same trough over and over again)." Or, "You send us too
much information (when the issue is how little is sent back)."
This is all a "victim focus" and compounds the discrimination. It is like
an alcoholic who blames another person for his/her behavior or refuses to
take responsibility for his/her actions (or the agency).
Now I am truly sorry if this is embarrassing but this is the daily reality
of not only myself but also millions of blind persons in America (if they
are informed enough to know of their rights to access information on
equivalent terms with the non-blind).
I think that the fact that none of these federally funded agencies have
followed their own requirements to act affirmatively in developing and
implementing a self-evaluation is the problem. I think that the damage comes
with the passage of time.
I have also been blamed for pointing out that the system is broke,
especially in New Hampshire. It is time not only for compliance but also for
repair. It is also time that the agencies that are supposed to know or
enforce this stuff come into compliance themselves.
The damage in losing "EARS" (my livelihood), loosing the joint legal and
physical custody of my daughter, the damage to me on financial terms, and
the intense pain and suffering that I've received is in incalculable.
I communicate the printed word effectively and in a timely manner with
these entities which are supposed to no the law and their obligations; And
which are funded with taxpayer's monies. I simply wanted reciprocity and now
I wish for financial remedy to pay me back for some of the damage.
I certainly do not wish to continually be "vilified" for pointing out the
facts. Nor do I wish to have the problem compounded with retaliation for
"whistle blowing" which has happened from Notre Dame and from Vocational
Rehabilitation.
In all of these instances we have non-blind personnel proscribing what we
need. And we have the perpetrators of discrimination often as the agents of
remedy.
In all of these situations I am forced to be my own (and others) technical
consultant, legal representative, arbitrator, etc. I am oft asked to sit
down over and over again with the very ADA-504 officers who have
discriminated against not only myself but against other individuals, and a
class over a protracted period of time.
In all of these situations these folks get a paycheck for their "efforts"
while I get discrimination.
Now if this situation is not worth fighting about twenty five years after
the passage of the Rehabilitation Act which obligated all of these entities
to come into compliance then I do not know what is.
Joe
>THANKS{bold}
We wish to thank all those who help spread the word about our annual
convention, seminar, sharing, and learning experience. Especially would
like to thank Marie Johnson for her coordinating and taking the lead in
working out the fine details with the Holiday Inn. Also we would like to
share our appreciation and thanks to Susan and all the staff from the Holiday Inn for
all the extra effort they put into accommodating our organization during our
recent convention.
Also thanks to Bruce Gillis and Marie Johnson for their work in setting up
our table at the technology exhibit and seminar in Portsmouth, and to Bruce
for setting up our table at Expotech in Manchester.
>FEDERATIONIST by E-Mail{bold}
If you do not receive the NH FEDERATIONIST regularly, either Write to
NFBNH, PO Box 1696, Laconia 03247 or Ed Meskys, RR #2 Box 63, 322 Whittier
and ask to be put on the mailing list. There is no charge. We prefer to send
this by email tho we will send it in print if requested. Our goal is to have
a recorded edition but have not yet been able to get sufficiently organized
to do so.
Also, join a chapter for we have chapters which meet in Laconia, Keene,
and Littleton. If none is available in your area, take out an "at large"
membership by sending $3 dues to the NFBNH c/o our state treasurer, Lucille
Lynch, 34 Woodgate Ct., Manchester 03103. You are entitled to a free
subscription to our monthly magazine, THE BRAILLE MONITOR. Please specify
whether you want it in conventional print, on talking book cassette, in
Braille or by email. We hope to have other chapters in the near future and
will notify at-large members in the area.
============================================================================
=
National Federation of the Blind of NH FREE MATTER FOR BLIND & PHYSICALLY
HANDICAPPEDP O Box 1696
Laconia NH 03247-1696
RETURN REQUESTED
© Copyright 2002 Al Macintyre.
Last update: 08/25/2002; 2:27:10 AM.
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