News
February is Black History Month
Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to United States history.
Did you know?
Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
On February 12, 2009, the NAACP marked its 100th anniversary. Spurred by growing racial violence in the early twentieth century, and particularly by race riots in Springfield Illinois in 1908, a group of African American leaders joined together to form a new permanent civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). February 12, 1909 was chosen because it was the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
To read an article on Black Disabled Activist Johnnie Lacy, click HERE
For more information on Black History Month click HERE
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 2012 Scholarship Program – Application Deadline March 31
The NFB will offer 30 national scholarships to recognize the achievement of college students who are blind. Scholarships will range from $3,000 – $12,000. Each winner will also receive assistance to attend the 2012 NFB Annual Convention in July, providing an opportunity for networking with people who are blind in many professions and occupations. Application deadline is March 31, 2012. To learn more click here.
The Annual Youth and Adult Writing Contests for the Visually Impaired
The annual youth and adult writing contests sponsored by the Writers’ Division of the NFB will open January 1st and will close April 1st.
Adult contests, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and stories for youth are open to all entrants eighteen years and over.
The Youth Writing Contest, poetry and fiction, are to promote Braille literacy and excellence in creative writing. Entries will be judged on creativity and quality of Braille. The age groups for these authors is divided into grade levels: Elementary, Middle and High School.
Prizes for contest winners range up to $100 for adult categories and up to $30 for youth categories.
All contest winners will be announced at the Writers’ Division business meeting during the NFB national convention to be held in Dallas, Texas, the first week of July, 2012. In addition, shortly after convention, a list of winners will appear on the Writers’ Division Website, www.nfb-writers-division.net First, second, and third place winners in each category will be considered for publication in the Writers’ Division magazine, “Slate & Style.”
For additional contest details and submission guidelines, go to the Writers’ Division Website, www.nfb-writers-division.net
14th Annual Disability Day at the Capitol
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Celebrate community, advocacy and friendship!
This event is sponsored by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
To register or find out more information, please visit: www.gcdd.org or call 404-656-6593
Also, please plan on attending The Abilities Expo February 17-19, 2012 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Admission is Free! For more information, please visit: www.abilitiesexpo.com
BAIN Staff Participates in Helen Keller Training
In September, Helen Keller Representative Barbara Chandler held a training for all BAIN, Inc. staff. BAIN staff learned about the impact of hearing & vision loss, the types, causes and the greatest needs and barriers for the visually and hearing impaired. BAIN staff learned the American Sign Language Alphabet and practiced communicating with each other as well as two consumers who participated. Staff also learned about the newest technology and independent living devices as well as resources for the visually and hearing impaired.
For more information, please visit the Helen Keller website at www.hknc.org
Ms. Chandler teaches BAIN staff on how to effectively communicate with the visually & hearing impaired
Executive Director Virginia Harris and Peer Supporter Kent Bush use devices to understand what it is like to have a hearing loss
Peer Supporter Kent Bush learns how to lead "visually impaired" Peer Supporter Walter Abbott
ADA Celebration
Over two decades ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Before this occasion, millions of citizens were not guaranteed equal opportunities under the law. Now, all Americans are protected from discriminatory policies in employment, transportation, public accommodation, and government services.
Though this legislation was tailored for individuals with disabilities, it was a victory for every American. It reaffirmed our dedication to securing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens.
On July 23, 2011, BAIN, Inc. Center for Independent Living showed their support for the importance of this law and the lives it has touched with an ADA march. The march began at 8:30 am at the Bainbridge Winn-Dixie parking lot and ended at the Bainbridge Middle School cafeteria, formerly the Old Bainbridge High School, where there was food, games, exhibits, informational tables and most of all FUN!
Pictures Courtesy of www.bainbridgega.com
Please continue to visit this page for the latest local and national disability rights news.
