To Be Read At Chapter Meetings:

I don’t usually cut and paste articles for the bulletin but, this month I am making an exception.  Over the weekend we broke through a few barriers for our affiliate and I think you would enjoy reading about it.  The following is an article about “Chemistry Camp” 2011.

Breaking Down Barriers: Opening the Doors of Chemistry to the Blind
By Mary Willows and Henry Wedler

The National Federation of the Blind of California and the California Association of Blind Students sponsored a unique Science experience for blind high school students.  The event was called, “California Chemistry Camp 2011”.  It was held on April 29, 30 and May 1, 2011 in the serene Enchanted Hills Camp, a camp directed by the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind near Napa, California.

Ten young blind students were invited to spend the weekend with four of our NFB of California mentors. Several post-doctoral fellows and graduate students from the University of California, Davis chemistry department, the UC Davis chemistry Club, and Professors from the prestigious UC Davis chemistry department assisted Henry Wedler, undergraduate student and Treasurer of the California Association of Blind Students, to assemble materials and facilitate hands on activities which will change what it means to be a blind student.  Henry’s goal for the two day academy was not to teach a science class.  Rather, he aimed  to teach blind high school students that you can study chemistry as a blind person and there are ways to make the subject of chemistry completely accessible. Ultimately, when these students get to a science class where a teacher is misguided in thinking that they should be concerned for their safety, they can say with conviction that they want to participate fully in laboratory activities, that they understand the safety concerns of the instructor, and that they know how to work with chemicals safely. If it’s something the students don’t feel comfortable with, they know how to ask for assistance and how to work with an assistant to ensure that they, (the students) are in charge and not merely letting the assistant do everything for them. One student from Davis even asked Henry if he could do chemistry research during the summer working for a UC Davis chemistry professor. This will most likely happen either this or next summer.

Chemistry is based on observations of various solutions, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and reaction mechanisms. In particular, Chemistry concentrates on the composition, structure, and properties of matter as well as chemical changes that occur during a reaction.  Students at chemistry camp got to involve themselves strongly in each of these fields.

All of us have taken a Science class in school where experiments were performed and students were required to make observations of the changes they observed. But, how many of us led the experimental process, played an active role in performing the experiments, and demonstrated that a blind person can and should be a Chemist?  How many of us were relegated to the end of the lab table to simply listen in while sighted students learned how to create esters, titrate chemicals or explore thermodynamics, kinetics, natural products chemistry, and combustion? How many of us learned to use a pipette, pour chemicals safely, and observe chemical changes using senses other than vision?

What do Chemists do anyway?  If you ask Henry Wedler, you will get a litany of career choices which require a degree in Chemistry. For instance, you could get a job with a candy company making esters and analyze them using the sense of smell as artificial flavorings for candies. As Henry is doing, you could study theoretical chemistry on the computer and then get a job either teaching or working in industry to develop new and innovative theoretical models to understand how organic chemistry reactions actually happen. If you’re good at theoretical chemistry, you could do anything. You could work for NASA developing material for space suits, rocket fuels, etc. Alternatively you could perform  wine chemistry at one of the wineries next door to Enchanted Hills Camp making some of the finest Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines in the world. Henry’s graduate chemistry will revolve around the chemistry of wine and olive oil. With the right adaptations, theoretical chemistry is completely accessible to a blind person without assistance. The motivation for the students is that a blind person is capable of embarking on all of these careers. 

In addition to having fun with Chemistry, Henry made sure there was time for students to get to know each other.  The students showcased talents, told each other jokes and shared stories about their frustration with an education system which discourages breaking through their comfort zones. Students got to collaborate during social time with students of the transition Summit, a program sponsored by the Lighthouse for the Blind of San Francisco where high school students receive guidance on the transition between school and work. This collaboration proved to be extremely fruitful. Friendships were formed in short order between these budding chemists, their mentors, and other students at camp. The California affiliate will be holding a fundraiser to ensure that similar weekend experiences continue.  We will be holding a live auction and pasta feed on June 12, 2011 at the Courtyard Marriott in Fairfield, California.  If you would like to buy tickets to the event or make a donation to future Chemistry Camps, please visit:
 http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1071735-2Hx4MPDim9
 
Congratulations to Our Braille Readers are Leaders Winners:
The results of the “Braille Readers are Leaders” contest are out.  This year, one of the students from the California School for the Blind was a big winner.  Jonathon Wong won $50.00 for reading the most pages of braille in his age category.  If you have a family in your area with a blind child in school, please tell them about the contest and try to encourage participation in next year event.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Shasta Cascade Chapter:
On June 11, 2011 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. local wineries will be pouring samples at President Karen Steele’s home in Shingletown.  There will be craft booths.  Donation is $10.00.  30562 Withrow Road, Shingletown, CA, 96088
Phone:  530-474-3885

Catch Our Dreams:
On June 12, 2011we will hold a fundraising event for future Chemistry Camp opportunities in California.  We will auction off over $1,000.00 in merchandise while we feast on pasta.  Our entertainment for the afternoon will be a blind ventriloquist.  Tickets are only $25.00.  For more information and ticket orders go to www.sixdots.org where you will find directions and a more detailed flyer.

Mary Willows, President
39481 Gallaudet Drive Apt. 127
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 248-0100
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

March 2, 2011

To be read at chapter meetings:

California Chemistry Camp, 2011:

Announcing the 2011 California Chemistry Camp for Blind High School Students!

If you know of a blind high school student who is interested in Chemistry, please distribute the following information. This is a camp that they might be interested in attending.  They will learn how blind people tackle the very visual subject of organic chemistry successfully and how blind professionals use science in their careers every day. 

When: Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa, California.
Who: Up to twelve blind high school students ages 14-18 
To fill out the application, go to www.sixdots.org
and follow the link on the main page to the application.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Henry Wedler
Program Coordinator
Email: hobywedler@gmail.com
           
Assemble your gift baskets
It is not too soon to start thinking about activities for our Fall Convention.  This year, the State Convention will be held at the Hilton,-Newark/Fremont on October 13 – 16, 2011.  During the banquet, we will again hold an auction.   Chapter members should start thinking about a theme and collecting items to be placed in the gift baskets for auction.  For example: a basket may contain gourmet items, or a basket for chocolate lovers, or baking enthusiast’s basket.  This statewide fund raising event was started last year and proved to be a lot of fun at the end of the banquet. Let’s build on the idea and show how creative our chapters can be.

Congratulations on your retirement:
Many blind children and adults have benefited from over fifty years of the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Jean Norris  at the Kenneth Jernigan Library , in Tarzana, California.. On February 28th, 2011, a reception was held to honor Mrs. Norris..  Dr. Marc Maurer presented her.  with a plaque  thanking her for many years of service.  Family, friends and Federationists joined together to show appreciation.  Mrs. Norris will continue to volunteer at the Library . 

2011 Scholarships
March 31st, 2011 is the deadline for National Scholarship applications to be sent in to the National Office.  Thirty (30) scholarships ranging from $3000. to $12000. will be awarded at the banquet of the National Federation of the Blind in Orlando, Florida on July 8th, 2011.  Contact your local Disabled Students Services Office at any Community College, California State Universities, University of California or private colleges to encourage them to distribute the applications.  Applications are available at www.nfb.org/scholarship

Mary Willows, President
39481 Gallaudet Drive Apt. 127
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 248-0100
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

FEBRUARY BULLETIN 2011

BLIND DRIVER CHALLENGE SUCCEEDS in the
Race for Independence:

On January 29, 2011 a blind driver, Mark Riccobono, independently drove an SUV around the three and a half mile track at the Daytona Speedway in Florida.  Mark showed 100% accuracy as he maneuvered through an obstacle course, made sharp turns, and even avoided a surprise of four boxes thrown on the course to try to catch him off guard. 

Nearly 400 Federationists, dressed in purple shirts, were on hand to witness history in the making.  This event demonstrates to the world not only the possibilities for technology but it also demonstrates the possibilities for blind persons in the future.  The National Federation of the Blind proves to the world that anything is possible.  Given the proper training, education and technology we can compete with our sighted peers on the basis of equality.
Inland Empire Chapter Valentine’s Day fundraiser:

NEB of California Inland Empire Chapter is hosting a Fundraiser Luncheon for Valentines’ Day

When: February 12, 2011
Time: 12:00 noon to 4:00pm
Donation $10.00 (meal included)
where: VFW (Veteran Foreign War)
Address: 825 S. Magnolia Ave.
Monrovia, California 91016
we are inviting all Chapters to come and join in on the fun.
We will have a 50/50 bingo game, Raffle drawings and dancing.
For more information Contact Cheryl Thurston at 909-829-2481
NFB of California, Pathfinder Chapter:
Cordially invite you to our Chapter Building Reception come out and Join us to learn about the organization and some of the things we do to enrich the lives of the blind.

When: February 17, 2011
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
WHERE: WLCAC SENIOR CENTER BRADLEY BUILDING
Address: 10957 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA CROSS STREET 109th STREET
Refreshments will be served. Door Prizes will be given out to those who register
For reservation and more information please call: Rochelle Houston, Chapter Presidents
Phone: 323-754-9689
Email: rhouston58@gmail.com
Chemistry Camp coming to California:

Announcing the 2011 California Chemistry Camp for Blind High School Students!

 Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the very visual subject of organic chemistry successfully? Do you have a general love for science? Do you want to learn how you can do chemistry as a blind person just as successfully as your sighted peers? Are you interested in how blind professionals use science in their careers every day? Then the 2011 California Chemistry Camp is for you!
 Come join the National Federation of the Blind of California, the California Association of Blind Students, the Lighthouse for the Blind of San Francisco, the University of California, Davis chemistry department, and up to twelve blind high school students for an Educational, exciting, and Fun-Filled weekend of science!
 
When: Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa, California.
Who: Up to twelve blind high school students ages 14-18 will be selected to participate.
Cost: There is no cost to apply for the program. Once accepted, however, donations from students or parents to the National Federation of the Blind of California would be most appreciated to off-set the expenses associated with the program.

 During this exciting and busy 3-day experience, students will get to learn how blind people use  chemistry in their careers, will explore techniques used by blind people to make chemistry accessible, perform hands-on accessible chemistry experiments, apply the chemistry they learned to some basic cooking, see the chemistry they learned turned into action with an exhilarating magic show, and talk with blind scientists who use science in their professional careers. The students will also be able to participate in recreational activities. Note that students need not only love science to apply. This will be a learning experience for all blind people!
Throughout the weekend, students will have quality time to socialize amongst each other and with blind mentors and instructors.
 Students will be put into groups of three and each group of three will work with a blind mentor. The blind mentor will act as a role model for the students during the course of the weekend and do everything with the students. The students will perform all activities with their mentors. Each group (three students and mentor) will most likely share a sleeping area.
 Transportation will be provided from three pick-up points in the San Francisco bay area to the camp. Students will be picked up at the pick-up points in the bay area around 2 PM on Friday, April 29 and will be dropped off at the same points at about 4 PM on Sunday, May 1. Parents are also welcome to provide their child with transportation directly to the camp if they wish.
 Preliminary applications are now available. All applications are due by March 1, 2011.

We hope to see you this spring at Enchanted Hills!
If you have any questions, contact
Henry Wedler
Program Coordinator
hobywedler@gmail.com
T: 707 338-3692.    
Washington Seminar::

By the time you are reading this bulletin, 18 blind Californians will be headed for the halls of congress.  On February 1, 2, and 3 hundreds of blind people will be visiting with Senators and Representatives to educate them about current issues concerning the blind in 2011.

The following is a brief description of the issues.

Legislative Agenda of Blind Americans:

Priorities for the 112th Congress, FIRST Session
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States.  As the Voice of the Nation’s Blind, we represent the collective views of blind people throughout society.  All of our leaders and the vast majority of our members are blind, but anyone can participate in our movement.  There are an estimated 1.3 million blind people in the United States, and every year approximately
75,000 Americans become blind.  The social and economic consequences of blindness affect not only blind people, but also our families, our friends, and our coworkers.

Three legislative initiatives demand the immediate attention of the 112th Congress in its first session.

Initiative 1

We urge Congress to work with blind Americans to create a Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind which mandates that consumer electronics, home appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology and software provide user interfaces that are accessible through nonvisual means.

This legislation should:

  a. Mandate that all consumer electronics, home appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology and software be designed so that blind people are able to access the same functions as sighted people by nonvisual means and with substantially equivalent ease of use.
  b. Create a commission within the Department of Commerce to establish standards for nonvisual accessibility of electronic devices intended for use in the home or office.  Such a commission should represent all stakeholders, including:
 organizations of the blind;

 manufacturers of consumer electronics, home appliances,   kiosks, and electronic office technology and software,   or associations representing such manufacturers; and

 experts on universal design, electronic engineering, and   related fields.

Establish within the Department of Justice the authority to enforce the regulations promulgated by the commission established by this legislation.

  a. Authorize the commission to reexamine and rewrite standards
periodically as consumer electronic technology continues to evolve.
Initiative 2

We urge Congress to work with blind Americans to establish a commission within the Department of Education to set uniform national standards for the education of blind students in grades K-12.  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other existing laws and regulations do not currently provide objective standards to measure the educational progress of blind students.

This legislation should:

• Create a commission within the Department of Education, comprised to ensure representation of all stakeholders, to set educational standards for blind children, and to promulgate regulations.

Initiative 3

We urge Congress to increase business opportunities for disabled Americans by enacting the Americans with Disabilities Business Opportunity Act.

This legislation should:

• Authorize tax credits to for-profit businesses that purchase goods or services from businesses owned by individuals with disabilities (including from businesses operated under the federal Randolph-Sheppard program),

• Amend Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act to include people with disabilities as presumptively socially disadvantaged,

• Change federal procurement law to provide that businesses owned by individuals with disabilities (including businesses operated under the federal Randolph-Sheppard program) are included on the list of preferred small businesses to which subcontracts must be awarded, and

• Create training and technical assistance programs to prepare
individuals with disabilities to operate businesses capable of securing federal and private contracts.

Blind Americans need your help to achieve our goals of economic security, increased opportunity, and full integration into American society on a basis of equality.  Enactment of these legislative proposals will represent important steps toward reaching these goals.  We need the help and support of each member of Congress.  Our success benefits not only us, but the whole of America as well.  In this time of national economic insecurity, these measures will contribute to increasing the tax base and encouraging the purchase of consumer goods.
Scholarships for Legally Blind College Students:

There is still time to apply for scholarships from the National Federation of the Blind.  If you are a college student, or planning to be in the fall, you maybe eligible for one of thirty scholarships up to $12,000.00.

For more information and applications go to nfb.org/scholarships.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Blind Woman’s Right to Use Technology to Take Professional Examinations:

We applaud a federal appellate court ruling affirming the right of a blind California woman to use screen access technology to take professional examinations required for her to receive a license to practice law.  The ruling was handed down by a unanimous three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.  It upheld preliminary injunctions granted by a federal district court requiring the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) to provide electronic copies of its legal examinations to blind test takers so that they could read the questions with text-to-speech and magnification software.  The NCBE had appealed the injunctions, arguing that the law did not require it to provide electronic copies of the examinations and that the blind must choose from the menu of accommodations it was willing to provide.

Once again, the united efforts of the National Federation of the Blind has shown that patience and persistence will prove we are right.  We have the right to live in the world and pursue careers, have families, and yes, even drive a car.
Mary Willows, President
39481 Gallaudet Drive Apt. 127
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 248-0100
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

January 7, 2011

To be read at chapter meetings:

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Henry Ford

Happy New Year to all.  May this year start off with enthusiasm and continue to build team work and lasting friendships throughout the future.

The Blind Driver Challenge
The time has come when all of the blind people in America will witness a fantasy dream come true.  On January 29, 2011, the whole world will be watching as the unthinkable will come to fruision.  In Daytona, Florida, a blind person will actually get behind the wheel of a car and drive it independently prior to the Rolex 24 race.  California will be well represented by sixteen lucky people who were able to get tickets and hotel rooms.

The car will be controlled by a series of interactive computerized tactual signals.  The driver will where a helmit and gloves which will feed information to the driver as the car progresses through an obstacle course of cones.  Left – right directions will come from the seat, as well as, distance and speed wich will come from gloves and helmet.

This event is the result of years of research and development through a partnership between the University of Virginia, Engineering Department and the National Federation of the Blind.  Watch for television coverage and be sure to keep up with “Newsline for the Blind” to see who the surprise driver will be andjust how fast and far they can take the novel car.

Washington Seminar, 2011
Once again, a delegation of blind citizens from California will travel to Washington D.C. to educate Senators and Congressional representatives about issues concerning the blind.  Recently, we saw positive results of our collective action when Congress passed the “Pedestrians Safety Enhancement Act”.  This legislation will ensure that silent cars must emit an audible indicator to pedestrians that a vehicle is approaching.  We, the organized blind, brought the issue to the attention of Congress and worked tirelessly to educate representatives until the bill was passed.  Now, blind pedestrians will be safer when navigating streets and intersections in America. 

On February 1, 2, and 3 committed Californians will walk the halls of our nations capitol and ask for the support of fifty two Congressional representatives and our two Senators to help improve the lives of the blind in California.  Be sure to read the “Braille Monitor” to learn about the issues for this year.

Youth Programs
Applications are now being accepted for three programs geared toward youth between the ages of twelve (12) and twenty (20) years old.  They are the “Law and Advocacy in Washington” Program, deadline- February 1;  The
Junior Science Academy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math= ages fourteen (14) to eighteen (18); and the biennial, “Youth Slam”- ages sixteen (16) to young adult.  Please get the word out about these innovative and life changing programs.  For more information go to www.nfb.org

National Scholarships
Don’t forget to spread the word about 30 scholarships which are now available to blind and visually impaired college students.  The National Federation of the Blind awards $122,000.00 in cash and equipment to qualified high school seniors who are accepted into college for the fall and matriculating college students.  Spread the wordto students, parents and educators.  For more information go to www.nfb.org/scholarships 

California Leadership Seminar
On April 1, 2, and 3, 2011 current and future leaders in the National Federation of the Blind of California will meet in person in conjunction with our semi-annual meeting of the Board of Directors.  Chapter Presidents should plan on attending or sending a chapter representative who has an interest in chapter development and recruitment of members.  This will be an intense working weekend where a strategic plan of action will be developed and initiated.  As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”.
I sincerely hope that all of you have a happy and healthy 2011.

Mary Willows, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

December 4, 2010

To be read at all chapter meetings:

I begin this monthly bulletin with a quote:

“May peace be your gift this holiday season and your blessing all year through”.

e-Bay/Entrepreneurs Project:

NFB and e-Bay have joined together for an innovative pilot program. We are
looking for blind people who are serious entrepreneurs with a burning desire to
expand existing businesses to include e-Bay selling. We will be offering
successful applicants intensive eBay training and connect them with successful
blind business people and other experts who will provide assistance in specific areas, such as business planning, development and working with accessible accounting software. Phase one will train blind business owners to be trainers of future blind
entrepreneurs. To learn more about becoming an eBay Certified Education Specialist,
go to entrepreneurs@nfb.org. or to receive an information packet, phone (410)878-2660 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (410)878-2660      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Scholarships for California’s legally blind students

Applications are being accepted for the National Federation of the Blind 2011
Scholarship Program. A total of thirty eligible college-bound students will be awarded
gifts ranging from $3000.00 to $12,000.00 at the annual convention of the NFB in Orlando, Florida in July, 2011. The application form and full details are available
online at www.nfb.org/scholarships. Questions may be emailed to scholarships@nfb.org.

Seeking participants for 2011 Youth Slam:

One hundred and fifty high school age students from across the country will be
selected to attend this five day adventure in Baltimore, Maryland. Spread the word to all Californians either entering, attending, or graduating from high school in 2011. This life altering experience uses science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to ncourage and develop leadership skills. If you are interested in attending the NFBYouth Slam, either as a student participant, or as an adult volunteer, visit www.blindscience.org to complete an online application. Applications are due by March 1, 2011. Our California Youth Slam coordinator is Serena Olsen. She can be reached at 831-917-5335.

Blindness 411 on Facebook:

Teenagers looking for yet another Facebook group, may be interested in joining “Bindness 411” on Facebook. The California Association of Blind Students (CABS) also has a Facebook page. Blind high school and college students can share their experiences navigating through school, social situations , the Department of Rehabilitation and anything else which only another blind student can understand.
The CABS Facebook page can be found at: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=23442031813 or for more information, call CABS president , Angela Fowler at 530-902-0987.

Calling All Poets:

Please send your short original poetry to mwillows@sbcglobal.net. Artist will choose a poem as a theme on which to base an art piece, which will then be auctioned off as a fund raiser for our California Affiliate. The artist are looking for illustrative poetry.

To all Imaginators:

“He who has imagination without learning, has wings but no feet” – Joseph Joubert

Mary Willows, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
mwillows@sbcglobal.net