May Bulletin

Greetings Fellow Federationists:

Register now for the National Convention coming July 1-6, 2013
The National Federation of the Blind will hold its annual convention, which gathers nearly three thousand blind people annually in Orlando, Florida. The convention will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Make reservations now by calling 800-204-7234. Pre-registration is now open. Pre-register online or download the mail-in form at www.nfb.org/registration. Pre-registration closes on June 1st. You must register for the convention in order to take advantage of the hotel rate of $79 per night. For more details on this exciting event, please visit our National Convention Web page.

Grants to the 2013 National Federation of the Blind Convention Are Now Available!
Your presence at the National convention is important! By your presence, you are a part of the largest gathering of blind people held anywhere in the world. The Federation needs your ideas and your voice, and you need the strength and knowledge that comes from common association and collective action. The NFB of California Board of Directors is hopeful that you will join us in the power and unity of purpose that we find at a national convention. Therefore, we are offering grants in the amount of five hundred dollars to assist blind persons and their families to attend the convention in Orlando, Florida. The convention will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel on July 1 to July 6, 2013.
There are two kinds of grants available:
First, the Wilbur Radcliff Grant is for first time attendees. The NFBC Board will select 10 recipients.
Second, the NFBC Grant will assist those who have attended a national convention in the past. There will be 5 recipients who will be chosen for this grant.
To apply for a grant, please go to 2013 National Convention grant forms. Apply before May 19th, 2013.

Voting Liaison Program
The National Federation of the Blind has received a grant from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). I am seeking the names of experienced California voters who would be willing to serve as liaison to the state board of elections to help ensure that the rights of all blind and visually impaired voters in our state are not violated. If you are interested in voter’s rights, please contact me by email as soon as possible.

River City Fundraising Event
Join the River City Chapter (Sacramento) on May 18th 2013 for a lunch and 30-minute ride in a convertible. The Sacramento Area Miata Owners Club will be providing rides between 10 am – 2 pm followed by a BBQ lunch. The event will be held at the Society for the Blind in Sacramento. Reserve your ride today! Email Tiffany Manosh to reserve your spot.

Apple iphone Workshop
On Friday, May 24, 2013 at 6:30 pm, The National Federation of the Blind of California San Francisco Chapter will hold an accessibility workshop at the Apple Store located at 1 Stockton Street in San Francisco at the corner of Stockton and Ellis. Exit BART at the Stockton Street Exit on the northwest corner and you will be right in front of the store. At this workshop, you will learn how to get started using an IOS device. You will get some hands-on experience in understanding the ease of use and true accessibility of Apple’s devices. Spread the word to any and all blind and visually impaired people who are interested in purchasing Apple products but have not had the opportunity to explore the possibilities. For more information, contact Darian Smith via email at dsmithnfb@gmail.com or call 415-215-9809.

Mary Willows, President
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 462-8575
mwillows@sbcglobal.net