Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

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Rev Up! – Vote

I VOTE EARLY

Send questions to revuptx@gmail.com or visit www.revuptexas.org.

The November 3 election will have a dramatic effect on disability rights and services at the local, state, and national levels for the next decade. 

The DISABILITY VOTE can influence the outcome of this election.  It is in our interest to support candidates – regardless of which party they represent – that support policies and funding that promote our ability to be included in our communities like every other Texan!

The COVID 19 pandemic poses unique challenges to the DISABILITY COMMUNITY.  Do we go to the polls and possibly confront long lines? Or do we use the mail-in ballot process (for the first time for many of us)?  The controversy about mail-in ballots adds another level of confusion.

REV UP Texas’ I VOTE EARLY campaign encourages eligible voters to use the mail-in ballot. But if you want to go to the polls, vote during the EARLY VOTING period. (See In-Person Voting below.)

>>REGISTER TO VOTE

If you have not already registered to vote, you MUST register by October 5 to be able to vote on November 3. Click here to register.

>>VOTING BY MAIL

  • To request a mail-in ballot, click here.
  • To be sure that your mail-in ballot WILL BE COUNTED, you must fill it out and mail it the day you get it – or the next day at the very latest. If you can hand-deliver your ballot, that’s even better. But you MUST deliver it by October 12.

>>IN-PERSON VOTING

Early Voting Dates: October 13 – October 30

General Election: November 3

  • Because of COVID-19, many counties are having a hard time finding poll workers.  This may cause counties to consolidate or eliminate polling locations.
  • If you find long lines when you go to vote in person, there are laws that may allow you to get preference.
  • Contact your county for voting locations. Click here to find contact information for your county election official.

>>LINKS TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

Secretary of State General Information on Disability – Voting  

Disability Rights Texas – Voting

Google Maps just got accessible-friendly!

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Use a wheelchair? Google just did you a solid

Google Maps will now tell you just how accessible a business or place really is. 

google-maps-wheelchair-accessible
How wheelchair-friendly is the building? Now you’ll know.

If you use a wheelchair to get around — or roll with someone who does — Google has just made it easier to know what kind of accessible doorways, elevators, parking and seating you’re going to get when you arrive.

A new feature in Google Maps for Android (and Google Search results) lets you scan one of 7 million map locations for that information, or add those details if you know them and Google doesn’t. 

How to find accessibility info in Google Maps

  • Search for the location on Google Maps (Android, desktop) or in Google Search (mobile)
  • Open the listing
  • Tap the description
  • Scroll to accessibility section

How to add accessibility info to Google Maps (on Android)

  • In Google Maps, open the main menu
  • Tap “Your contributions”
  • Tap “Uncover missing info”
  • Sort by “Accessibility”
  • Start adding missing info

You can also add accessibility info for a specific location from the accessibility section on any location listing (see above). Tap “Know what features this place has?” to add your own two cents.

View in browser.

Resources for Texas Students Who are Blind

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Resources for Texas Students who are Blind
06/07/2016
The Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities shares the following information for students who are blind or have a disability. Direct any questions to the organization offering the scholarship program.

 

American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT) Scholarships

ACBT awards scholarships each year to college bound students, students that are already attending college, and or students that are attending technical or vocational programs. The ACBT Scholarship Committee has made available the 2016-2017 scholarship announcement and application. The deadline is July 5, 2016 to submit the application, required supporting material, and letter of recommendation. ACBT invites eligible applicants to apply for the scholarships. Applicants do not have to be consumers of the DARS Division for Blind Services, however, they must present reputable references and any information provided regarding the application must be typed. The decision will be made and recipients notified by August 18, 2016. Scholarship recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the ACBT conference and Convention in Austin, September 23-25, 2016. Winners will be honored at the Awards breakfast occurring Sunday morning, September 25, 2016.

 

Address all questions to Cynthia Julun, ACBT Scholarship Chair via telephone at 409-924-9803 or by email at cjulun@sbcglobal.net

 

National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBTX) Scholarships

NFBTX awards scholarships to the best and brightest blind students each year at its state convention. Interested students must be legally blind and entering a post-secondary course of study in the fall semester of that year to be eligible. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, financial need and community service. NFBTX members and non-members alike are invited to apply for these awards. The deadline is June 30, 2016.

To apply for National Federation of the Blind of Texas scholarships, complete and submit the online form, application letter and contact information. http://www.nfbtx.org/scholarships.php

 

All required attachments should be sent to the NFBTX Scholarship Committee. Electronic materials are strongly preferred; however, transcripts and acceptance letters must be sent through standard mail. The NFBT invites applicants to confirm with them that they received all of your materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For additional questions, contact Norma Crosby via telephone at 281-968-7733 or ncrosby@nfbtx.org or e-mail scholarships@nfbtx.org.

 

American Association of People with Disabilities NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to offer the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. In 2016 the AAPD will offer eight (8) scholarships to 2nd year associate students; undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors; and graduate students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing a career in the communications, media, or entertainment industry. Each recipient will receive $5,625 to help cover the cost of education at their current college or university. The scholarship will be available for the 2016 fall semester. The 2016 application is due July 1, 2016. Students may apply online at: http://www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal-tony-coelho-media-scholarship-program/

 

Formation of a Blind Students of Texas ACBT Affiliate

 

The following is endorsed by Kenneth Semien, Sr., President

American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc. (ACBT)

semien@sbcglobal.net

Internet Presence: http://www.acbtexas.org

 

Andrew De Avila, President of the El Paso Council of the Blind and Board Member of the American Council of the Blind of Texas is eager to begin a dialogue with other college students who may be willing to share and receive support while collaborating within a new group consisting of college students who are blind or visually impaired. It is Andrew’s hope that this group of individuals will support an initiative to promote educational success while attending college. Mr. Avila expressed his concern over a crisis occurring with this population forfeiting completion of their studies because of the challenges they experience with limited support.

 

He is looking to create a group that is for college students, by college students for the 2016 fall semester. His proposed name is “Blind Students of Texas,” an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT). He says this affiliation would be beneficial to new and seasoned students and would be a support system for each other. More and more blind and visually impaired students are enrolling in online classes and he sees more accessibility questions with these online courses. He hopes students can help each other through these issues and help guide students to the path of receiving their diploma. Mr. Avila invites blind and visually impaired students who want to help other students to e-mail him at Andrew.epcb@gmail.com.

 

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (Committee) provides GovDelivery updates for informational purposes on a variety of disability related issues for a diverse audience. Updates may include information provided by external sources. The inclusion of this external information does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the Committee or the Office of the Governor of any information, policy, product, or service offered by an external source

If you would like to be removed from the Governor’s Committee e-mail distribution list, click here to unsubscribe or send an e-mail to GCPD@gov.texas.gov with the word “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

 

 
[Press Release] Governor Abbott Announces Grainger Expansion In San Antonio
06/07/2016
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[Press Release] Governor Abbott Announces Grainger Expansion In San Antonio

06/07/2016 01:33 PM CDT

 

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that W.W. Grainger, Inc., has opened a new sales facility in San Antonio, Texas.
   
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GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Office of the Governor · P.O. Box 12428 · Austin TX 78711-2428 · 800-843-5789

Congress Must Pass H.R. 3229 and S. 2196 to Protect Access for People with Disabilities

College Station Fire Department Installing Smoke Alarms for the Hearing Impaired

The College Station Fire Department would like the community to know that they have a limited number of smoke alarms for the hearing impaired available at no cost to the consumer. The fire department will install these alarms at no additional cost as well. The College Station Fire Department also has a limited number of conventional smoke alarms available for installation at no cost to the consumer. Additionally, the College Station Fire Department will install any consumer purchased smoke alarms at no charge. Must reside in College Station, own the home, and either be physically or financially unable to purchase or install the alarms without assistance. For more information call Christina Seidel, Public Education Officer for the College Station Fire Department at (979) 764-3712.

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Andrew Morse is our Special Projects Coordinator here at BVCIL. For more information on housing or questions about the above article, call us at 979-776-5505 and we’ll get you the information you are looking for.

Living Without Limits Panel Discussion This Tuesday, February 4

February is Low Vision Awareness Month!

Come join Insightful Connections, the organization of Texas A&M students who are blind or visually impaired, to learn more about the challenges and triumphs of those who have low or no vision. Topics will be Braille, independent travel, assistive technology, and life experiences, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Logistical details are:

When: Tuesday, February 4th
Location: Koldus 111
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm