September Bulletin

September 3, 2012

In honor of all working people in this country, I hope this Labor Day brought good friends, family and fun to your life. There are so many blind people who could and should be working. We must never stop working toward equal employment and opportunities for blind people.

Fair Wages for All Disabled Workers:
On August 25, 2012 Californians showed up at sixlocations throughout the state to bring our message of “Fair Wages For Disabled Workers”. From Sacramento to Escandido, we carried signs which informed the public that we want to change what it means to be working in this country. People stopped and asked, “what is the problem with Goodwill Industries?” This gave us an opportunity to educate the public that there are still workers in America being paid less than the Federal minimum wage just because they are disabled. Please help us to stop this practice by bringing this message to Congress next year. We want to hear from sheltered workshop workers who are earning less than the minimum wage. Some have been in training or rehabilitation programs for years. We also want to hear from those who are working for a workshop that is paying at least minimum wages to the workers. We know it is possible to pay a decent wage and still make a profit. We need to rally and stop perpetual training or rehabilitation.

Help us to pass the “Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act”. Read more!

Pre-register for the 2012 National Federation of the Blind of California Convention:
This year, our annual convention will be held at the Embassy Suites Los Angeles Airport, South. It is located at 1440 E. Imperial Avenue in El Segundo, California, 90245.
We have our own personalized webpage for making hotel reservations. To make your hotel reservation click here.
Or call to make reservations at: 310-640-3600

You will need your hotel confirmation number in order to pre-register for the convention. Pre-registration forms can be found at Formstack.

The hotel rates are $116.00 plus tax for doubles which includes a full breakfast (anything you can think of), as well as, a “Manager’s Reception” every night between 5:00 and 7:00 P.M. where you can meet up with old friends and make new friends over drinks and snacks. Triples or quads are $129.00 plus tax. If you do the math that means you can attend the most influencial meeting of the blind forabout $35.00 per night.

The convention promises to be the most enthusiastic and informative one we have had in many years. Our national representative will be Mark Riccobono, Executive Director of the Jernigan Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.

On Thursday, October 18, 2012 we will learn from the California Association of Guide Dog Users (CAGDU) at an afternoon seminar from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M.; the Board of Directors will meet at 5:00 P.M.; and from about 7:00 til 9:00 we will enjoy an evening of “Meet and Greet” the officers and board members at a “Progressive” social evening. It will give everyone an opportunity to meet the board members and learn your way around this beautiful atrium style hotel.

On Friday, October 19, we will provide ample opportunity for convention attendees to visit with vendors of aids and technology for the blind in the “Exhibit Hall”; break-out sessions will include resolutions, a legislation workshop, a meeting of the Parents of Blind Children, a seminar put on by the California Association of Blind Students (CABS), and a fun and very talented “Showcase of Talent” in the evening. That is just to name a few events. There are many, many other committees and groups which meet on this very busy pre-convention day.

On Saturday, October 20, I will gavel the convention to order promptly at 9:00 A.M. with a greeting from the Mayor of El Segundo, Carl Jacobson. Throughout the day, we will hear from our national representatives and leaders from all over the country. Attendees will be enriched and energized by the good news of the Federation throughout the country.

Saturday evening, we will hear a keynote speech from Mark Riccobono; present scholarships to worthy blind college students; auction off theme baskets and donations from the previous “Catch Our Dreams” fundraising event; present new chapter charters and witness the first “California Hall of Fame” presentation.

On Sunday, October 21, we will vote on resolutions which will guide the goals and direction of our organization in the next year; hold election of three board members; and hear from seasoned Federationists about how joining the NFB and becoming active in a local chapter will change your life.

Join us as we change what it means to be blind in California.

2012 NFBC Scholarships
The National Federation of the Blind of California annually awards scholarships to qualified blind college students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. This year, four scholarships will be presented on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of California. Applications must be submitted by September 28, 2012. For more information and an application go to Scholarship Requirements & Application.

California Association of Blind Students Presents “Breaking Down Barriers”:
On Friday, September 21, CABS will hold a seminar at California State University in Sacramento, CA (Sac State) Students will learn how to navigate through services and programs designed to make classes accessible. For more information and a registration form go to http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1248586-AeMtSgI3qc.

NFB of California West Coast Vanguard Chapter:
We have a new chapter to serve the Northridge area. We will present the “Charter of Affiliation” to President Rick Boggs at the annual banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of California on Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Contact Information
Rick Boggs, President
Mobile: 818-439-9698

Escomdido Chapter Elections:
The National Federation of the Blind of California Escondido Chapter held elections. The new chapter president is Mona Takemoto. We are so excited to once again have a chapter in Escondido. For information about the location and date of meetings send an e-mail message to Ramona.longoria@gmail.com

Mary Willows, President
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(510) 462-8575
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

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