edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The ACB Braille Forum” cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to [email protected], or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering’s mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date.
Alliance for Braille Literacy Meeting
The Alliance for Braille Literacy will hold its third annual meeting Oct. 16-18, 2015 in St. Louis, Mo.
The meeting will begin with a celebration in honor of Dr. Abraham Nemeth’s birthday on Friday at 7 p.m. and conclude on Sunday at 1 p.m. Meeting sessions will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the offices of the Missouri Council of the Blind, 5453 Chippewa St., St. Louis, MO 63109.The meeting is open to all members of ABL and those who support braille literacy in the STEM fields.
If you plan to attend or if you wish to receive meeting handouts after the event, please register at www.all4braille.org or contact Imke Durre at [email protected]. Registration is free.
Amtrak Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the ADA
With input from station owners and stakeholders from the disability community, and state and federal officials, Amtrak has taken many significant steps to improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities – from trip planning, to purchasing tickets, to station access, to on-board services.
Since the ADA was enacted, Amtrak has improved accessibility at many stations, including repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks, and renovating entrance ways and restrooms. All trains have accessible seating and restrooms, and long-distance trains have accessible bedrooms.
Amtrak is enhancing mobility by installing passenger information displays (PIDs) in audible and visual formats, installing or rebuilding station entrances, restrooms and ticket counters, as well as ensuring accessible pathways between the parking lot, station building and platform.
Through the remainder of this year, Amtrak will complete accessibility projects at stations in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Prince, W.Va.; Williston, N.D.; Devils Lake, N.D.; Stanley, N.D.; Rugby, N.D.; Winona, Minn.; St. Cloud, Minn.; Red Wing, Minn.; Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Havre, Mont.; Glasgow, Mont.; and Malta, Mont.
Envision Seeks Research Fellows
Envision seeks two additional postdoctoral research fellows to design and execute research projects in conjunction with the Envision Research Institute (ERI). The new fellows will be sponsored by Bosma Enterprises of Indianapolis and LC Industries, Inc., of Durham, N.C.
These research fellows will work on their respective studies for up to two years, partnering with mentors at Envision and at renowned educational, research and medical institutions around the world. Their work puts them on a fast track to independent and impactful research careers, and provides a nurturing environment in which they can strive to pinpoint solutions to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.
For more information, visit www.envisionus.com/Research-Continuing-Education/Envision-Research-Insti....
Sonar Glasses Now Available
SONAR GLASSES, by G-Technology Group, are a new assistive tool designed to increase mobility independence for blind and visually impaired people. The glasses complement the white cane by providing information regarding the location of nearby objects above waist level within 6 feet of the user (e.g. tree limbs, signs, walls, etc.).
The glasses work based on echolocation. The detection range of the glasses is set to 6 feet, and it can be customized. If an obstacle is detected, a subtle vibration in the temple warns the user of the nearby object. If the object is closer than 3 feet, the vibration intensity increases.
Glasses are available with clear or dark lenses. The glasses have 100% UV protection. Prescription lenses and photosensitive lenses are also available. The glasses are shipped with a head strap, battery charger, and two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The glasses are made in the USA and are backed with an unconditional 1-year warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
For more information, contact Jeff Shad, G-Technology Group, at (571) 297-4756, or via e-mail, [email protected]. You may also check the web site, www.g-disabilityproducts.com.