ABLE - Audio Braille Literacy Enhancement

ABLE Friends,

Important alert: Beyond Vision has a virtual career talk tomorrow, see this information and other Beyond Vision Updates below.

Warmly,
Cheryl Orgas

Good morning,

Thank you for being a community partner of Beyond Vision! As we like to do, we want to give you a little update about what’s happening at Beyond Vision this fall.

First, I want to make sure you are all aware of our Career Talk that we are having next Tuesday, October 29, at 2 p.m. This is a virtual event where I will be giving tips on building a resume and making a first good impression with an employer. Please share with your networks and anyone you think might be interested in receiving some employment tips!
To register and get meeting details for the Career Talk, visit this link:
a9309957-78b8-4710-a4d1-17547dc03d95@6f7c8f5c-496d-4044-834c-823fa291c633/registration" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a9309957-78b8-4710-a4d1-17547dc03d95@6f7c8f5c-496d-4044-834c-823fa291c633/registration

Last week Tuesday, October 15, is a day we know as White Cane Safety Day!, Mayor Dan Devine of West Allis came to read the White Cane Safety proclamation to employees of Beyond Vision who are also West Allis residents. Thanks to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired for making sure these proclamations are a priority for our local politicians every year!
You can watch the full reading here on Beyond Vision’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrdsPKA-SjM

In September, Beyond Vision held its annual Shot in the Dark fundraiser. This year was an amazing success! You can check out all of the fun through the hashtag on any of our social medias: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Or check out this Facebook post about how it turned out: https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=924077986414490&id=100064368924549&_rdr

Thank you again for all you do in our communities! Feel free to reach out any time if you have questions or have updates that you would like to share. Let’s continue to make this fall season a success!

ABLE Friends,

Please spread the word about the on demand same day taxi service. This is a wonderful option for those unexpected emergencies that come up.

Warmly,
Cheryl Orgas

Are you a Transit Plus rider and have a last-minute health or job transportation need? Here's how to sign up for the fully accessible Transit Plus Same Day Pilot.
✔️ Complete the agreement online at RideMCTS.com/TransitPlusSameDayPilot
✔️ OR download a copy to email, mail or submit in person
✔️ Get accepted and book your ride

Dear ABLE Friends,

Today is White Cane Safety Day, celebrate this day supporting safety for blind and low vision people crossing the street. Drivers must pay attention to those using a white cane or guide dog.

Bill and I were proud to accept the proclamation of our village, Shorewood WI. We bought a house in Shorewood in 1989 and have been proud residents of this village ever since. We raised our son in this fine village and we walk the streets of Shorewood every day. Many people know Bill was hit by a car in 2014 by an inattentive driver who didn’t pay attention to the rules of the road and the white cane. This issue is very personal for us.

Support pedestrians with low vision on this day and every day.

There is a photo of Bill and I with our wonderful Shorewood Village Clerk, Toya.

I am representing ABLE and Bill is representing the NFBW Milwaukee Chapter.

We are grateful to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired for seeking support for the White Cane Safety Day from communities throughout the whole state. Shorewood is one of 35 communities in Wisconsin to support proclamations.

Honor this day, October 15, 2024.

Warmly,
Cheryl Orgas

Today is the last day to register for the ABLE Luncheon - You won't want to miss this fabulous event! -

Today is the last day to register for the ABLE Luncheon - You won't want to miss this fabulous event! 2024 marks 59 Years of Service to our community. In fact, in it’s very early days, this organization made it possible for Executive Director Cheryl Orgas to be one of the first students to receive braille at the same time as her sighted peers. Today she leads our efforts to ensure that children an...

Registration deadline is coming up fast! Please Celebrate With Us! -

Registration deadline is coming up fast! Please Celebrate With Us! The registration deadline for the luncheon is less than two weeks away. Please help us by getting your registration in soon!

Dear ABLE Friends,

Celebrate with us the efforts of Julie L. Hapeman, Ed.D., Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist with Milwaukee Public Schools. She has been tireless in her efforts to give children a wide range of experiences within which to grow their skills. Julie has been responsible for White Cane Day Flash Mob in October for over a decade. She has been an ongoing supporter of ABLE activities including Braille Games and the ABLE Luncheon. No surprise, Julie is on the National Stage.

Cheryl Orgas

Meet APH Scholar Julie Hapeman! Julie provides outstanding services to students in the Milwaukee Public School System by providing exemplary O&M instruction, creating opportunities for students to explore coding, and empowering other educators. Learn more about her and the APH products she keeps in her toolkit: https://bit.ly/4e9twgt

Dear ABLE Friends:

Please spread the word to our community of blind and low vision individuals.

Ex Fabula is a wonderful organization to work with. The first StorySlam is next Thursday, the 26th. What a great opportunity to talk about guide dogs and how they are different than pets. Our community of dog guide users might want to participate.

Warmly,
Cheryl Orgas

Ex Fabula wants you to be part of our 16th season of community storytelling. This year, we are hosting StorySlams on themes including Found Family, Missed Connections, and Small Wins, and you can attend to share a personal story or just to listen. The first one is “Pets” on Thursday September 26 at Sugar Maple! We will also produce Season 6 of our award-winning radio show and podcast Real Stories MKE, and continue our special projects that amplify underrepresented voices. We’re also continuing to provide accommodations upon request including Braille and large-print materials, sighted guides, free tickets, and even transportation reimbursement. Full details plus a text-only event list are at exfabula.org/accessibility/. Prefer to talk to a human? Text or call Megan at 414-530-3503 or email [email protected].

Send a message to learn more

Dear ABLE Friends,
This webinar is coming up fast. See information below with corrected link.
Cheryl Orgas

Dear Friend,
Vision loss should not be a barrier to exercising your right to vote. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, Vision Forward, Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition, and the Statutory Council on Blindness are teaming up to make sure people with blindness and low vision are set up to have a successful voting experience this fall.
We invite you to join us Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a free interactive Zoom session covering information on how to vote and your voting rights. We will also address barriers voters have experienced in previous elections and your accessible voting options for the November 5 election.
You can submit your voting questions before the session to [email protected] and they will be addressed on September 24. Closed captioning will be available. If you have disability-related accommodation needs, contact [email protected] by September 10. If we hear from you after that date, we will do our best to be responsive but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your needs.
Join the Zoom session with this link:

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Dear ABLE Friends,

Spread the word regarding this upcoming zoom webinar today, focusing on the right of blind people to vote democratically, independently and anonymously.

Cheryl Orgas

Get Out and Vote!
“We need to be able to vote anonymously, we need to be able to vote democratically, and we need to be able to vote independently and not have to rely on somebody else to mark the ballot and hope like crazy that they actually did what we wanted.” Federationist, Barbie Elliott from Utah, shared.

The National Federation of the Blind is promoting Disability Voting Rights Week, September 9-13, a nonpartisan movement that advocates for accessible voting, encourages voter registration, and emphasizes the importance and right for disabled people to vote. And September 17 is National Voter Registration Day. Are you registered to vote?

Upcoming Webinar on September 12

Join the National Federation of the Blind on September 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. eastern to learn your rights when it comes to accessible in-person voting and preparing yourself for the upcoming election.
Zoom Meeting ID for the Voting Webinar is 970 4983 0716.

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,97049830716 #

Voting Resources
You can find the following voting resources at nfb.org/vote.
• Ballot Marking Device Demonstrations
• Election Information on NFB-NEWSLINE®
• Resources by State
Share the importance of voting and the voting resources on social media, during chapter meetings, and at state conventions.

Send a message to learn more

ABLE Friends,

Please share this webinar information far and wide. Our right as blind and low vision individuals to vote in Wisconsin is so vital.

Cheryl Orgas

Dear Friend,

Vision loss should not be a barrier to exercising your right to vote. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, Vision Forward, Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition, and the Statutory Council on Blindness are teaming up to make sure people with blindness and low vision are set up to have a successful voting experience this fall.

We invite you to join us Tuesday, September 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a free interactive Zoom session covering information on how to vote and your voting rights. We will also address barriers voters have experienced in previous elections and your accessible voting options for the November 5 election.

You can submit your voting questions before the session to [email protected] and they will be addressed on September 24. Closed captioning will be available. If you have disability-related accommodation needs, contact [email protected] by September 10. If we hear from you after that date, we will do our best to be responsive but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your needs.

Join the Zoom session with this link: https://vision-forward-org.zoom.us/j/86829730794 (passcode 296372).

Please Celebrate With Us! -

Please Celebrate With Us! Please join us at this year’s annual fundraising and volunteer recognition luncheon. We have news to share. The best way to learn about who we are and what we do is to join us in-person for lunch at the Italian Conference Center, Thursday, October 24, 11:30A.M.

ABLE is hiring for a Tactile and Braille Production Assistant! -

ABLE is hiring for a Tactile and Braille Production Assistant! The Tactile and Braille Production Assistant creates tactile graphics for ABLE recipients, produces braille and tactile documents, and assists with order intake, tracking, and follow-up for the Braille Department. Tactiles are computer-generated, raised-line drawings that can be felt and understood....

I am so pleased to celebrate today, the beginning of the Paralympics in Paris. See notice from the Ability Center below:

Go Team USA!!!
From uber-popular para swimming to "murderball" wheelchair rugby, this year's Paralympics are full of exciting events. And thanks to a bevy of new streaming options its easier than ever to tune in.
This years games will make history as the first Paralympic Games to offer live coverage of every one of the 22 sports played. Like the Olympics every event at the Paralympics will be available to stream on Peacock.
A select number of events will also be airing on the NBC channels: NBC, CNBC and USANetwork.
You can also watch highlights and athlete interviews on Paralympic.org. Check out the schedule here!

Cheryl Orgas

Paralympic Schedule & Results - 28 August | Paris 2024 Paralympics 28 August official daily competition schedule and live results for Paris 2024. Find out which athletes are taking home medals for which countries.

I am so pleased to celebrate today, the beginning of the Paralympics in Paris. See notice from the Ability Center below:

Go Team USA!!!
From uber-popular para swimming to "murderball" wheelchair rugby, this year's Paralympics are full of exciting events. And thanks to a bevy of new streaming options its easier than ever to tune in.
This years games will make history as the first Paralympic Games to offer live coverage of every one of the 22 sports played. Like the Olympics every event at the Paralympics will be available to stream on Peacock.
A select number of events will also be airing on the NBC channels: NBC, CNBC and USANetwork.
You can also watch highlights and athlete interviews on Paralympic.org. Check out the schedule here!

Paralympic Schedule & Results - 28 August | Paris 2024 Paralympics 28 August official daily competition schedule and live results for Paris 2024. Find out which athletes are taking home medals for which countries.

Irish Fest brochure and schedules available now! -

Irish Fest brochure and schedules available now! Milwaukee Irish Fest is collaborating with ABLE to offer the 2024 schedule and pertinent information in numerous formats.

Dear ABLE Friends,

I am sharing this information for anyone who might be interested. ABLE is not connected to this research study.

Cheryl Orgas
Executive Director
Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement

We hope you’re doing well!
We at the National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision (NRTC) are excited to announce our latest study focused on career mentoring and employment, and we’re looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
• Are blind or have low vision
• Have had a career mentor
• Are between the ages of 30 and 70
• Reside in the US
• Have at least three years of paid work experience since completing their education

Your insights would be incredibly valuable to us, and participating in this survey will only take about 10 to 15 minutes. You can easily complete it on either your computer or mobile device.

If you fit the criteria and are interested in contributing to our research, please click the following link to get started:

https://msstate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vJutErGmc74n6S?Source=30

NRTC Career Mentorship Survey
Have you had a career mentor or received career mentorship in the past? We want to hear from you! msstate.co1.qualtrics.com

If you have any questions about the study, feel free to reach out to Jamie Boydstun at [email protected] or call 662-325-2001.
We would also be grateful if you could share this email with others who might be interested in participating.
Thank you so much for your time and support!
Warm regards,
The NRTC team

NRTC Career Mentorship Survey Have you had a career mentor or received career mentorship in the past? We want to hear from you!

Save the date and take this opportunity to sponsor ABLE's Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit, Thursday, October 24, 2024 -

Save the date and take this opportunity to sponsor ABLE's Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit, Thursday, October 24, 2024 ABLE’s Annual Awards Luncheon & Benefit is less than three months away. Please put this date on your calendar. Can we make 200 people this year? Help us honor our amazing volunteer team. In 2023 these fabulous individuals gave over 7,000 hours of their time.

ABLE’s 2023 Annual report now available -

ABLE’s 2023 Annual report now available I am pleased to share with you ABLE’s 2023 Annual Report. 2023 was a fantastic year of great successes. Our team of staff and volunteers are touching the lives of blind and print disabled individuals every single day.

Wisconsin State Fair Daily Schedule and Accessibility Information Audio Files Now Available! -

Wisconsin State Fair Daily Schedule and Accessibility Information Audio Files Now Available! Copyright (C) 2024 Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement (ABLE). All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

ABLE Board Director Dawn Koceja represented ABLE yesterday at the dedication of the MCTS bus stop in Cheri McGraths memory.

Dear ABLE friends:

We are pleased to pass on the following information from Milwaukee County Transit System. Cheri would be proud to have a bus shelter dedicated in her name. She was a staunch supporter and rider, using the bus many times a week.

Cheryl Orgas, ABLE Executive Director

Bus Stop Dedication Ceremony

Milwaukee County Transit System is dedicating bus stop No. 4363 located at North Prospect Ave and East Royall Pl in front of Saint John’s On The Lake to honor Cheri McGrath for her many years of volunteer service.

Please join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the bus stop:
1800 N Prospect Ave
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
At 1:00 pm

Information and Music Lineup for Summerfest Now Available! -

Information and Music Lineup for Summerfest Now Available! Please share this information with as many individuals as you can reach, so our community has full access to this information for Summerfest.

I am honored to be asked.

Helen Keller Dinner

Friday June 28, 2024
6:00p.m.
Elks Lodge (lodge room)
5555 Good Hope Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223

Guest Speaker: Cheryl Orgas, Executive Director-Audio/braille Literacy Enhancement

Fish/Chicken buffet, special music, door prizes, cash bar

Donation: $25
Fundraiser for the National BVI chamber of Commerce

For more info: [email protected]

Cheryl Orgas

Dear ABLE Friends,

Braille Games was another great success. We had 38 children register. There was so much excitement at the Milwaukee Public Museum last Thursday, the 16th. I am so grateful to our 10 mentors who participated, working directly with the children at the braille activity stations. Also thank you to all the Teachers of the Visually Impaired, the Orientation and Mobility Instructors, and parents who brought children to the event. Also a special thanks to our ABLE volunteers, staff, and partners Vision Forward and Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library. And of course, a special thank you to our partner, the Milwaukee Public Museum and Dawn Koceja and her Museum staff and volunteers who deserve a special thank you for putting on a spectacular event.

Warmly,

Cheryl Orgas

The power of touch: 22nd annual Braille Games brings fun to Milwaukee Public Museum MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --The 22nd annual Braille Games were held Thursday, May 16, at the Milwaukee Public Museum, providing an interactive way to learn and play, through the power of touch."All the activ

Dear ABLE Friends,

Please share the link below widely. Thank you for your help.

Cheryl Orgas

Hello,

In late 2023, Milwaukee County Transit Service (MTCS) switched providers for its paratransit program, Transit Plus. The new provider for the paratransit van service is Transdev. Some riders have experienced challenges with the Transdev van service. A group of paratransit riders and advocates have come together to create this survey to learn more about the experience riders are having with the van service. We need your help - please complete the survey and/or share it with others. Please complete as soon as possible – it is especially helpful if you can complete the survey by May 20, 2024.

Who should complete the survey?
• Milwaukee County residents who use the Transit Plus van service provided by Transdev
• Personal care assistants who ride the van service with a client
• Agency that employs people who use the van service or has clients who use the van service

The public meeting will be held on June 1, 2024 - 11:00 am at Independence First, 540 1st St.

Donna Brown-Martin, Milwaukee County Department of Transportation will be at the meeting. County Executive David Crowley has also been invited.

Please fill out the survey. It will only take 5-10 minutes.

https://s.surveyplanet.com/b1h9hmnz

Send a message to learn more