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February 2015 Bulletin

by nfbcal

“How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg.”-Abraham Lincoln

Dear Fellow Federationists,

“The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.”

Accomplishments in Washington 2015
This year the National Federation of the Blind hosted a reception to celebrate 75 years of advocacy for blind people in America. On Tuesday, January 27, Federationists and several members of Congress came together to recognize the work of the NFB. Amongst the speakers was Congressman Pete Aguilar (31st District) from California who acknowledged the history and success of the Randolph Sheppard Act. He told his personal story about growing up the son of a blind man who benefited from the innovative Business Enterprise Program. I am certain there will be an article in the Braille Monitor about this in the near future.

Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act” (TIME Act) (H.R. 188) was well received this year. As of the writing of this bulletin nine Republicans have co-sponsored the bill. The state of Vermont successfully changed supported employment for the disabled to a business model which has resulted in job retention at minimum wage. This was definitely a selling point for Republicans. We will keep you informed as we hear of the progress of H.R.188.

National Federation of the Blind 2015 Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31, 2015
Help us to spread the word about the largest scholarship program in the county for visually impaired and blind students. Are you a legally blind college student living in the United States or Puerto Rico? This annual program offers 30 scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000 to eligible students, from high school seniors beginning their freshman year in the fall semester of 2015, up through grad students working on their PhD degrees. These merit scholarships are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. In addition to the money, each winner will receive assistance to attend the July 2015 NFB annual convention in Orlando, Florida, providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations. To apply, read the rules and the Submission Checklist, complete the official 2015 Scholarship Application Form (online or in print), supply all required documents, and request and complete one interview by an NFB affiliate president (unless the president requests a later date). Applications are accepted for five months, from November 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015. Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships for complete rules and requirements.

Chemistry Camp 2015 Accepting Applications Now
If you know of a 14-18 year old blind or visually impaired student with an interest in learning about chemistry, now is the time to get the applications for the 2015 Chemistry Camp.

When: Friday, May 1 through Sunday May 3, 2015
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa, California
Who: Up to twelve blind students will be selected to participate

For more information or to apply, please visit:
http://www.accessiblescience.org/node/2

Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact Angela Fowler:
530-902-0987 or fowlers@syix.com.

KNFB Reader Mobile App is Available for 50% off
The KNFB Reader App is an App that you can use to take a picture of a document and it will read the document to you. It is on sale for $49.99 right now. It usually costs $99. Go to: http://www.knfbreader.com/.

Audible Prescription Labels
For your information, if you get your prescriptions filled at Walmart, Walgreen’s, or CVS, you may want to know that they offer their customers audible prescription labels. All you have to do is ask your pharmacist.

Mary Willows, President
National Federation of the Blind of California
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925) 895-2778
mwillows@sbcglobal.net

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