Press Releases
Press releases from the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
3/29/18
For Immediate Release
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri to Hold 56th Annual Convention in Jefferson City
Kansas City, Missouri (March 29, 2018): The 56th Convention of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Missouri will be held this year in Jefferson City, Missouri from April 5 through April 8 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. This is the major annual event in the NFB of Missouri's calendar. During this gathering, members pass resolutions, vote for officers, and show the public that blindness does not hold us back from living the lives we want. "The state convention is more than just a policy-making meeting," said Shelia Wright, President of the NFB of Missouri. "It is an opportunity for us to recognize past achievements and to refocus our energy to meet future challenges. In 2017, we participated in the National Fitness Challenge which gave us an opportunity to show people that blindness does not prevent us from living physically fit and healthy lifestyles. Our annual summer BELL Academy is one of our most important programs; it provides young blind children with Braille instruction as well as introducing them to confident and competent blind adult role models. In short, the NFB is an organization of blind people speaking for ourselves and as such, we take responsibility for taking a leading role in shaping the policies and public attitudes that affect our lives."
Some convention highlights include two "One Touch Self Defense" classes, a Parents of Blind Children Seminar, and meetings of various NFB divisions such as the Diabetes Action Network, the Missouri Association of Guide Dog Users, the Missouri Association of Blind Merchants, and the Missouri Association of Blind Students. There will also be a showing of the award-winning movie "Do You Dream in Color?," a documentary about 4 blind high-school students striving to overcome barriers to achieve their dreams. In addition, our scholarship winners will be recognized and presented with their awards at the banquet on Saturday night.
The convention will also feature distinguished guests from across the state and nation. Mayor Carrie Tergin will welcome convention participants to the city. Moreover, we will hear presentations from leading professionals from two of the nation's premiere rehabilitation centers for the blind as well as representatives from Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, and the Wolfner Braille and Talking Book Library. Our national representative, who will give a report on our national priorities and issues as well as being our keynote banquet speaker, is generating much excitement and anticipation this year among NFB of Missouri members. It is none other than Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the blind. Mr. Riccobono is most famous for his role in the Blind Driver Challenge. On January 29, 2011, he made history by being the first blind person to safely drive a vehicle equipped with non-visual access technology at the Daytona International Speedway. Furthermore, on January 24, 2018 he was among 12 national leaders and automotive innovators honored with the Autos2050 Driving Innovation Award presented by the Auto Alliance and the Alliance for Transportation Innovation for his leadership in crafting policies that will lead to the development of fully autonomous vehicles that the blind and other people with disabilities can safely use.
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About the National Federation of the Blind
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.
CONTACT:
Daniel Garcia, Public Relations Chair
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
(816) 621-0902
dangarcia3@hotmail.com
2/7/17
For Immediate Release
Blind Missourians Want Increased Literacy for Blind Students, Accessible Voting Machines, and Better Pay for Rehabilitation Counselors
Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri Will Converge in Jefferson City in Support of Its 2018 Legislative Agenda
Kansas City, Missouri (February 7, 2018): On February 12 and 13 members of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri will be in Jefferson City to promote the legislative priorities of blind Missourians. "Our 2018 legislative agenda makes evident the NFB of Missouri's commitment to increase employment among the blind and to remove barriers to full participation in society," said Shelia Wright, President of the NFB of Missouri. "Blind people have to contend with an unemployment rate of 70%. Blind people who know Braille are more likely to be employed. The NFB of Missouri calls upon the legislature to provide schools with better tools to ensue blind students have more access to Braille instruction, for rehabilitation counselors to be adequately compensated for their work, and for blind people to have the opportunity to be able to use accessible voting machines to independently cast their own ballots during all elections regardless of where they live in Missouri."
Missouri law recognizes the fact that the equivalent of print for the sighted is Braille for the blind. However, schools don't have a clear way to determine whether Braille, print, or a combination of both is the most appropriate way for a student to learn. Senate Bill 681, introduced by Senator Jacob Hummel, is designed to modify the law so that schools would be required to use the National Reading Media Assessment (NRMA) or another research-based assessment to give them solid reasons to make this determination. The use of research-based assessments to objectively evaluate students would ensue that blind students throughout the state could get access to the Braille instruction they need.
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) which was enacted into law in 2002 recognizes the right of the blind to independently cast their own ballots by requiring that all voting machines in Federal elections be equipped with accessible non-visual systems. The state received Federal funding to ensure that at least one machine in each polling place complies with this requirement of HAVA. Some election boards set up these machines during state and local elections, but this is not done uniformly throughout the state. As a result, many blind people do not get to exercise their right to privately cast their own ballot in many local elections. The cost associated with setting up these machines is minimal since all election boards already have these accessible voting machines in their possession. The NFB of Missouri is asking the state legislature to ensue the right of the blind to independently cast their ballot by requiring the use of these machines in all elections.
Missouri's Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) is the state agency charged with providing blind people with the resources and skills necessary to independently function in society. Although RSB counselors are very diligent and work very hard to meet their client's needs, they are paid less than their counterparts in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation which helps people with other disabilities. The reason for this is that the salary ranges for RSB Counselors are determined by the Department of Social Services. It is therefore difficult for RSB to attract and keep highly qualified people with the requisite level of education and experience that translates into quality, competent, dedicated, and effective counselors. The NFB of Missouri is asking the state legislature to remedy the situation by increasing the salary range for RSB counselors, thus leading to RSB providing better services and more blind Missourians getting the necessary skills to allow them to be productive members of society.
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About the National Federation of the Blind
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.
CONTACT:
Daniel Garcia, Public Relations Chair
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
(816) 621-0902
dangarcia3@hotmail.com
10/12/17
For Immediate Release
October 15 Commemorates Independent Travel for the Blind
Governor Greitens Signs Proclamation to Promote Public Awareness of the White Cane and Dog Guide as Tools of Independence for Blind People
Kansas City, Missouri (October 12, 2017): Governor Eric Greitens has recently signed a proclamation declaring October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. The proclamation serves as a means to promote greater public awareness of the usefulness of the white cane or dog guide as a tool allowing "every blind person to move freely and safely from place to place." In addition, the proclamation is a way of reminding motorists of their responsibility to "exercise appropriate caution when approaching a person who is visually impaired and carrying a white cane." The proclamation also calls on colleges and universities to provide blind people with full training, and on employers to utilize the talents and skills of blind people.
"Throughout history, blind people have used canes or similar objects to help them get around," said Shelia Wright President of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri. "Though many might consider the white cane to be a simple stick, with the proper training the device is magical: detecting steps, poles, curbs, and changes in the walking surface between the sidewalk and the street. The white cane is liberating, offering freedom of travel to people who once were limited to the mobility that family and friends had the time to give them. In 1964, a joint resolution by the U.S. Congress recognized the importance of the white cane by declaring October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. In his proclamation, Governor Greitens identifies the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri as a partner assisting state agencies in the promotion of greater employment opportunities for blind people."
Since its founding in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has been a leading force in promoting independence for blind people. In the 1960's and 1970's the National Federation of the Blind helped obtain passage, in all 50 states, of White Cane Safety Laws, which removed barriers to blind people living independently. More recently, the NFB tackled the issue of quiet cars by successfully helping to pass the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, signed into law on January 4, 2011. Also, earlier this year, the National Federation of the Blind established a monitoring program to ensure that dog guide users are not denied service by rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft.
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About the National Federation of the Blind
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.
CONTACT:
Daniel Garcia
Public Relations Chair
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
(816) 621-0902
dangarcia3@hotmail.com