[accessibleimage] National Center for Blind Youth in Science , Unveiling of Touch the Earth Book

Subject: Please Distribute to NFB Lists before convention 
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:19:16 -0400
Thread-Topic: Please Distribute to NFB Lists before convention
Thread-Index: Acaa8CEZw+/dPJXJRpyRNtePYIhWUA==
From: "Riccobono, Mark" <MRiccobono@xxxxxxx>
To: <dandrews@xxxxxxxx>

National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = 
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

National Center for Blind Youth in Science

2006 National Convention Highlights



In just a couple of days, Federationists from all over the country will converge on 
Dallas, Texas, for a week of meetings, fellowship, and planning for our work over the 
coming years.  There will also be many opportunities to celebrate our achievements as 
a movement.  The NFB Jernigan Institute is proud to provide a number of activities at 
the convention that can contribute to pride in our accomplishments.  Specifically, we 
are pleased to be able to announce a number of exciting developments in our initiative 
we call the National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS).  Don’t miss 
these exciting events at the convention.




Saturday, July 1, 2006





Unveiling of a Prototype Touch the Earth Book

On Saturday afternoon, youth attending the convention will have an opportunity to be 
the first to see a prototype Touch the Earth book that combines imagery from 
NASA’s MODIS Sensor, Braille pages, and innovative touch user interface 
technology from Somatic Digital LLC.  Conceived by the NFB Jernigan Institute, Touch 
the Earth is a proof of concept meant to spark new ways of delivering educational 
content to students where Braille and technology come together.  See the convention 
agenda for information on these sessions for youth directed by Author Noreen Grice and 
NASA Research Scientist Elissa Levine.



NEW! Special Touch the Earth Feedback Session

Please drop in to a special session on Saturday evening from 7-8:00 p.m. in the Metropolitan Ballroom, Tower Mezzanine, to see the prototype Touch the Earth book for yourself and provide feedback on the concept and the technology. This session is open to all. At this session and during the early part of the convention, the Jernigan Institute and NASA will be asking people to complete a short evaluation of the Touch the Earth prototype. Everyone completing the survey by Thursday morning of the convention will be eligible to win a 1 Gigabyte Ipod Shuffle courtesy of Somatic Digital LLC. 




Sunday, July 2, 2006





4:30 - 7:00 pm­NATIONAL CENTER FOR BLIND YOUTH IN SCIENCE (NCBYS) WEB PORTAL 
LAUNCH

Peacock Terrace, Tower Lobby 

Be the first to browse this unique portal that serves as a resource clearinghouse for 
blind youth and science, technology, engineering, and math. Meet with blind scientists 
and engineers and learn about other exciting NFB initiatives.  Developed under a grant 
from the National Science Foundation’s Research and Disabilities Education 
Program.  Visitors to www.blindscience.org who complete a survey about the Web portal 
will be eligible to win a $35 gift certificate from the NFB Independence Market.



Other Highlights: * Don’t miss a number of exciting youth activities on Saturday, July 1, as part of sessions entitled, “NFB Jernigan Institute Science Academy Comes to Dallas.” * Visit the Exhibit Hall, where you will find booths hosted by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the National Center for Blind Youth in Science. Visitors will have an opportunity to preview the Touch the Earth prototype, learn about new science initiatives, talk to blind people who work for NASA, and examine tactile materials. * Don’t miss the Tuesday afternoon General Session. Immediately following the Presidential Report, you will learn more about the work of the Jernigan Institute and our impact on science, technology, engineering, and math. * Watch for new projects being considered and help blind youth reach new heights . . . ! 



The 2006 National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention is shaping up to be 
one of the biggest and busiest yet.  Make sure you fit some of the exciting 
activities of our Jernigan Institute into your convention schedule and be sure 
to help youth, parents, and teachers learn about our work.



Travel safely to Dallas!



Mark A. Riccobono

Director of Education, Jernigan Institute

National Federation of the Blind


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