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“Disability is a normal part of the world we live in.” Video Contest

Video Competition: Reclaiming ‘Normal’

The Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, an organization focusing on the rights of people with disabilities, invites one and all to enter a video competition to help commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The theme of the competition is Reclaiming ‘Normal’

Disability is a natural – and “normal” – part of the world we live in;  a world that belongs to all of us.  It is a part of the collective human experience. Disability is not special;  it’s a part of life.  Let’s reclaim the word “normal.”

Guidelines:
Submit a short video (less than 10 minutes) addressing the statement: “Disability is a NORMAL part of the world we live in”.  Submissions can be short documentaries, candids, scripted scenes, animated shorts, music videos, editorials…. we want to see YOUR version of people with disabilities Reclaiming Normal.

This competition is open to everyone.  There are no age limits or geographic boundaries.  You do not have to have a disability to enter the competition. You do not have to be an expert film-maker to enter.  You don’t even need a video camera.  You can make a short film and enter it in this competition if: you have access to a video camera, digital camera, or cell phone with video capabilities, or you have access to a web cam or a laptop with built-in camera,  or you have access to simple software that enables you to make and edit a slide show from still photos.  This doesn’t require a video camera, and this software is not only free – it’s already living on your computer.  Macs come with iMovie as part of the standard bundle,  and PCs come with Windows Moviemaker.  Both are easy,  drag-and-drop programs.

Submission details:
Individuals may submit as many entries as they like.  To submit a video,  go to the It’s Normal Facebook Group at http://tinyurl.com/27owl28 and either upload the video directly onto our wall or post a link to where you’ve uploaded your video on Youtube.  To be entered into the competition, entries must be submitted no later than June 10th, 2010.

Prizes:
A panel of judges will name the Grand Prize winner, 2nd and 3rd place
winners.  Grand Prize:  The Flip UltraHD 2 HR camcorder,  Second Prize: $50 iTunes Gift Card,  Third Prize: $25 iTunes Gift Card

Questions? Send an email with “Video Competition” in the subject line to lana@ilrcsf.org

Resources in the Community

"Disability is a normal part of the world we live in." Video Contest

Video Competition: Reclaiming ‘Normal’

The Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, an organization focusing on the rights of people with disabilities, invites one and all to enter a video competition to help commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The theme of the competition is Reclaiming ‘Normal’

Disability is a natural – and “normal” – part of the world we live in;  a world that belongs to all of us.  It is a part of the collective human experience. Disability is not special;  it’s a part of life.  Let’s reclaim the word “normal.”

Guidelines:
Submit a short video (less than 10 minutes) addressing the statement: “Disability is a NORMAL part of the world we live in”.  Submissions can be short documentaries, candids, scripted scenes, animated shorts, music videos, editorials…. we want to see YOUR version of people with disabilities Reclaiming Normal.

This competition is open to everyone.  There are no age limits or geographic boundaries.  You do not have to have a disability to enter the competition. You do not have to be an expert film-maker to enter.  You don’t even need a video camera.  You can make a short film and enter it in this competition if: you have access to a video camera, digital camera, or cell phone with video capabilities, or you have access to a web cam or a laptop with built-in camera,  or you have access to simple software that enables you to make and edit a slide show from still photos.  This doesn’t require a video camera, and this software is not only free – it’s already living on your computer.  Macs come with iMovie as part of the standard bundle,  and PCs come with Windows Moviemaker.  Both are easy,  drag-and-drop programs.

Submission details:
Individuals may submit as many entries as they like.  To submit a video,  go to the It’s Normal Facebook Group at http://tinyurl.com/27owl28 and either upload the video directly onto our wall or post a link to where you’ve uploaded your video on Youtube.  To be entered into the competition, entries must be submitted no later than June 10th, 2010.

Prizes:
A panel of judges will name the Grand Prize winner, 2nd and 3rd place
winners.  Grand Prize:  The Flip UltraHD 2 HR camcorder,  Second Prize: $50 iTunes Gift Card,  Third Prize: $25 iTunes Gift Card

Questions? Send an email with “Video Competition” in the subject line to lana@ilrcsf.org

Resources in the Community

Pushing Limits on KPFA Berkeley features Blind Man's Bluff.

Pushing Limits, radio by and for people with disabilities.

Listen live or to the archived recording at
http://kpfa.org/archive/id/60304

Description: We’re bringing you a dramatic production — a radio adaptation of scenes from Blind Man’s Bluff, a self-published memoir by visually-impaired writer and advocate Geri Taeckens.

Travel with Geri as she collides with the reality of visual impairment and disability in her life. Pull up a chair, and listen as this compelling drama unfolds.

Greeta Ahart, LightHouse’s Accessible Formats coordinator and thespian, did production wrok on thsi radio theater episode of Pushing Limits.

Resources in the Community

Pushing Limits on KPFA Berkeley features Blind Man’s Bluff.

Pushing Limits, radio by and for people with disabilities.

Listen live or to the archived recording at
http://kpfa.org/archive/id/60304

Description: We’re bringing you a dramatic production — a radio adaptation of scenes from Blind Man’s Bluff, a self-published memoir by visually-impaired writer and advocate Geri Taeckens.

Travel with Geri as she collides with the reality of visual impairment and disability in her life. Pull up a chair, and listen as this compelling drama unfolds.

Greeta Ahart, LightHouse’s Accessible Formats coordinator and thespian, did production wrok on thsi radio theater episode of Pushing Limits.

Resources in the Community

Northern California Entertainment and Recreation Listing April 16, 2010

If you do not receive this listing in your inbox every Friday, join the distribution list by emailing bberenson@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

This listing is compiled by the Vision Loss Resource Center at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It is compiled weekly as a service to the blind and visually impaired community of Northern California. If you have a meeting or event information that would be appropriate for inclusion in this list, please email info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. This list will be updated every Friday. Information for each Friday’s listing must be submitted by the Wednesday prior to publication.

northern-ca-entertainment-recreation-listing.4.16.10

This week’s highlights include:

Poi Fire Art Workshop

May 1   3:00 pm-5:00 pm

Poi originates from the traditional performing arts of the Maori people of New Zealand, and has since developed many forms enjoyed worldwide as a hobby, exercise or performance art, alongside juggling and other forms of object manipulation.  Please join poi performers Jeff Starr, Valerie Mate and Audrey Whaling. In this  introduction to poi, learn basic technique, initial moves and tips to begin the journey of learning this art form. No experience necessary. Come with an open mind and prepare for a fun afternoon.  Bring a pair of old socks and a pair of knee socks.

iPhone Interactive Workshop:

May 8  1:00pm – 3:00pm

Excited about Apple iPhone’s out-of the-box accessibility? Dubious about a blind-friendly touch screen?

Explore VoiceOver screen reader, Zoom magnifier and voice control options with LightHouse staff. Learn tricks from other iPhone users and get tips on helpful apps for transit info and more!

You do not need to own an iPhone to participate.  Attend in person or via live stream.  RSVP and details at 1-888-400-8933 or rsvp@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Resources in the Community

CENSUS ALERT: Important Information about Your Census Form

As you know, the 2010 Census is upon us.  You may have received a form in the mail from the U.S. Census Bureau in late March.  All Americans are required to provide Census data under Title 13, United States Code, Sections 143 and 191.  Anyone over 18 years old who refuses or willfully neglects to complete the questionnaire or answer questions posed by Census employees may be fined up to $5,000.  The Census Bureau is required to safeguard information it receives and is prohibited from sharing information about individuals with anyone, including other governmental agencies.  Any Census worker who shares personal information about any individual will be subject to a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The information obtained through the Census may only be used for statistical purposes, including legislative redistricting and the allocation of nearly $400 billion in governmental funding to public projects such as schools, road and infrastructure construction, hospital and health care services, rehabilitation programs, and disaster preparedness projects.  It is crucial that the nation’s blind be counted.

Blind Americans can complete the Census in a number of ways:

— By Phone: Call the Census toll free help line at 1-866-872-6868 and request a representative.  A Census worker will complete the Census Short Form over the phone between April 12 and 21.  You may be asked for your 20-digit Census Identification Number, which is located on the bar code below your mailing label.  The U.S. Census will likely continue to receive telephone submissions after April 21, but fewer representatives will be available to take data in this manner.

— At Home: You may schedule a home visit by a Census worker by calling (toll free) 1-866-872-6868.  Census workers will be deployed to conduct home visits in May and June.  Though the U.S. Census attempts to send representatives to every home that failed to mail in a form, it is unlikely they will reach every American.  Thus scheduling a visit by calling the Help Line guarantees a visit to your home.

— In Person: Individuals can visit Census Questionnaire Centers in person for assistance with completing their forms.  To locate your local office, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/bcqac-textview.php and enter your zip code.

— As a Group: chapters and affiliates can request that a Census Partnership Specialist conduct a Census workshop and provide survey completion assistance for a group.  Individuals will be required to bring the Census form they received in the mail because it lists their Census Identification Numbers below the bar code on the address label.  To find your local Census Partnership Office, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/bcqac-textview.php .

Resources in the Community

Notice of new MUNI fares as of May 1, 2010

A message from F. Ross Woodall, LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center Specialist and SFMTA -Muni Accessibility Advisory Committee member:

Starting May 2010 the following price changes will be in effect:

* Senior Monthly Pass will increase from $15 to $20.
* Youth Monthly Pass will increase from $15 to $20.
* Disabled Monthly Sticker will increase from $15 to $20.
* Senior/Disabled Pilot Pass will increase from $20 to $25.

Senior and Disabled individual one-way fares will remain at $1.00.  Valid RTC ID Card, Social Security Card with picture ID, or disabled placard receipt with picture ID are required for this fare.

Feel free to share this information. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about SFMTA’s Accessible Services please contact Jamie Osborne at (415) 701-4439 | jamie.osborne@sfmta.com. You may also visit us online at www.sfmta.com or call 3-1-1 (415.701.2311 if you are outside of the 415 area code) for additional transit fare details.

Thanks for riding the Muni!

Resources in the Community

San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind

1 Commenton San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind

An invite from Jaime Tomasello, Member of the NFBC San Francisco Chapter:

Come one, Come all!

The San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California would like to extend an open AND FRIENDLY invitation to all whom are interested to join us for our monthly chapter meeting.

Who: The membership and officers of the San Francisco chapter of the National Federation of the blind of California (NFBCSF)

When: Saturday March 20, 2010 from 1-3 pm.

Where: The San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired 214 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 (415)431-1481.

Why: to discuss matters of concern, share stories and experiences, as well as become more socially connected to other blind and visually impaired persons in the San Francisco bay area.

How: Just show up! – We are located Between Grove and Hays near San Francisco City Hall. We are accessible by SF muni lines 47, 49, 31 and F Market. Also accessible via BART and Muni metro subway lines at Civic Center station

At our upcoming meeting we will have: Discussions about current chapter business and updates on current organizational and state Affiliate goings-ons.

If you have any questions about the NFBC San Francisco Chapter please contact our chapter president Eric Holm either at (415)425-5613 or at ericholm@att.net. We welcome your presence, energy, ideas and enthusiasm; and look forward to seeing you at our next NFBC San Francisco chapter meeting!!!!

LightHouse News, Resources in the Community

News from San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and Upcoming NFB Legislative Workshop.

A note from Jaime Tomasello, Secretary of the NFBC San Francisco Chapter

The San Francisco Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California would like to extend an open AND FRIENDLY invitation to all whom are interested to join us for our monthly chapter meeting.

Who: The membership and officers of the San Francisco chapter of the National Federation of the blind of California (NFBCSF)

When: Saturday February 20, 2010 from 1-3 pm.

Where: The San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired 214 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 (415)431-1481.

Why:   to discuss matters of concern, share stories and experiences, as well as become more socially connected to other blind and visually impaired persons   in the San Francisco bay area.

How:  Just show up! – We are located Between Grove and Hays near San Francisco City Hall. We are accessible by SF muni lines 47, 49, 31 and F Market.  Also accessible via BART and Muni metro subway lines at Civic Center station

At our upcoming meeting we will have: Elections for all chapter board positions.  Discussions about current chapter business, updates on current organizational and state  Affiliate goings-ons.

If you have any questions about the NFBC San Francisco Chapter please contact our chapter president Eric Holm either at (415)425-5613 or at ericholm@att.net.  We welcome your presence, energy, ideas and enthusiasm; and look forward to seeing you at our next NFBC San Francisco chapter meeting!!!!

National Federation of the Blind of California Legislative Workshop, 2010

When:     February 27, 2010
Time:        9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Where:    The California School for the Blind, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont, CA 94536

Are you interested in helping to advocate for legislation which will positively impact blind people in California? Are you passionate about legislative issues, but not sure how you can help advocate for them? The 2010 NFBC legislative workshop is the place for you.

This workshop will cover the entire legislative advocacy process, starting with a lesson in resolution writing by former NFBC president Jim Willows, and climax in a series of debates on the important legislative issues which are facing us right here and now. This will be a hands-on workshop which will give you real practice in all aspects of legislative advocacy. Registration will begin at 9:30. The workshop will start at 10 and end at around 4:30. Lunch and registration is $5.

To sign up for this exciting seminar, please contact:

Bruce Sexton (Legislative Committee Chair)
925-209-8595
bjsexton@comcast.net

Space is limited, so reserve your seat early.

Resources in the Community

Join Youth Organizing, Disabled and Proud! to promote disability history in our schools.

2 Commentson Join Youth Organizing, Disabled and Proud! to promote disability history in our schools.

One of the key issues identified by youth with disabilities is the lack of education about Disability History in California schools. We launched our 2010 community organizing campaign in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The campaign will focus on developing a youth organizing strategy to engage decision makers to support a resolution to require California public schools to infuse instruction and activities related to disability history into the existing school curriculum.

This advocacy effort is associated with the Advocacy Agenda created at the 2008 and 2009 Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) and is in association with the advocacy efforts of the Museum of Disability History. Our goal is to have the Governor, the Legislature and the Superintendent of Schools declare that one week of instruction in California Schools emphasize the teaching of Disability History. We are advocating that Disability History Week be declared during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the week of July 26th, 2010.

Through this advocacy agenda, we will organize, educate and connect youth with disabilities across California to develop leadership skills through volunteerism, letter writing, public speaking, and developing community partnerships.

We will measure our success by determining the number of California youth with disabilities who report that they have made presentations, written letters, sent post cards, collected petitions in their communities, and those who take action on Facebook and through e-advocacy actions about the importance of Disability History. Ultimately, we will determine our success based on the number of youth we are able to organize and mobilize to take leadership in their local communities, and if we are successful in obtaining a resolution to declare that California Schools shall infuse Disability History curriculum into their lessons plans for one week annuhttp://wwally.

Get Involved!