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February 2012 Bulletin

by NFBCal

To be read at chapter meetings:

 Washington Seminar:
February is always an exciting time of year in the National Federation of the Blind.  This year we have three important issues to introduce to our California representatives. 

We are asking Congress to pass H.R. 3086, the Fair Wages for Persons with Disabilities Act.  This bill would insure that all disabled people will receive at least the Federal minimum wage.  We want everyone to earn a fair wage and get off of the dole rather than make it impossible for them to live a comfortable life style.

The Home Appliance Accessibility Act would call for a study to develop guidelines for appliance manufacturers.  Even if a company wanted to do the right thing and make appliances accessible they do not have any guidelines for how to do that.  This is a start.

The Americans with Disabilities Business Opportunities Act would include people with disabilities in the category of people who are eligible to apply for small business loans.  The category is “socially disadvantaged”.  This would open doors for blind people to start their own businesses.

Pathfinders Chapter Casino Fundraiser:
The Pathfinders Chapter will host a turn-a-round casino trip to the San Manuel Casino on Saturday, April 21, 2012.  President Rochelle Houston promises that fun will be had by all as you hunt for that pot of gold.  To guarantee a seat on the bus, send a $21.00 donation to Rochelle.  The bus will leave from the Metro Green Line Stations Park and Ride at the corner of 120th and Crenshaw Blvd, in the city of Hawthorne, , 8:00 A.M. and return at 4:30 P.M.  Contact Rochelle at:  rhouston@gmail.com  for more information.

CSB Alumni:
If you have attended any of the programs offered by the California School for the Blind your help is needed.  This is your opportunity to give back.  There will be hearings held in the near future which will determine the scope of services available to blind children in our state.  There is absolutely no school district that can provide the range of experiences, education and training that CSB has to offer.  No district can afford to hire a Braille teacher which is dedicated to Braille instruction everyday.  No district can afford to hire Adapted Physical Education teachers that give blind students experiences boating, ice skating, bowling and many more individual instruction.  The Counselors in the dormitory are not babysitters.  They work with each student to learn skills of independence which will last a lifetime.  The Assistive Technology staff not only know everything there is to know about technology but, they also go out to school districts and teach the teachers as well as students who can’t get into CSB.

I may sound a bit bias but, as I walk around that campus, I realize that no school district can possibly afford to duplicate what is available for free to districts and families in California.  We need all alumni, parents of students and friends who can testify to contact me, Mary Willows to organize a coordinated effort to insure a healthy budget for the future.  Please call or contact me for further information

Get Your Cowboy Hat On and Join the Beach Cities Chapter for a Ho-down:
President Juliette Cody would like to invite y’all to a Ho-down on Saturday, February 25, 2012.  If any varmants dare to show up not properly attired, they will be thrown in jail.  How will they get sprung?  You will have to come find out.  Below is the invitation.

NFB Flyer Chili Cook-off
Come on you’ll!
Put on your boots, grab your hat, hop on your horses,
jump on your wagons, and ride out to the
National Federation of the Blind
NFB Beach Cities Chapter’s Hoedown
Chili Cook-off & Country Dancing
Saturday, February 25, 2012
12-4 pm
Carlsbad Senior Center
799 Pine Avenue, Carlsbad
It is the Wild Wild West at its best!
Western Attire or Else!
No doubt, some of us will get too wild and the mean sheriff will have to lock us up!
It will be a guaranteed rootin’ tootin’ good time!
Please RSVP: Juliet Cody 760-480-1265
 Email: julietcody@cox.com
or Pat Whisman: 760-547-5549

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

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