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 E-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.
Eye Exams for Service Dogs
Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are prepared to provide more than 7,500 service and working animals with free eye exams during the month of May as part of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO®)’s 11th annual ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event.
Online registration for owners/agents for the animal(s) opens April 1 at www.ACVOeyeexam.org and closes April 30.
To qualify, service and working animals must be active, working animals that have been trained through a formal training program or organization, or are currently enrolled in a formal training program. View the qualifications at https://www.acvoeyeexam.org/qualifications-expectations/.
For more information, visit www.ACVOeyeexam.org.
New Medicare Cards Coming Out Soon
Beginning this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare. Instead of a Social Security number, the new card will have a Medicare number that’s unique to each person. The new card will help protect identities and keep personal information more secure. Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.
Medicare will automatically mail new cards at no cost to the address on file at Social Security. Make sure the address of anyone you’re helping is up-to-date. An address can be updated easily by signing into or creating a my Social Security account.
Once you get your new Medicare card:
- Destroy your old Medicare card right away.
- Use your new card. Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.
- Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Treat your Medicare number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.
For more information about the new Medicare card, visit go.medicare.gov/newcard. You can also visit Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud.
New CEO for World Blind Union
Mr. José Maria Viera is the new WBU Chief Executive Officer. José is WBU’s second CEO. He has a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in management of development. Prior to joining the WBU, José worked as Latin America Coordinator for Disability Rights Promotion International and did consulting work for the UNCRPD Committee Secretariat.
Camp Siloam
Camp Siloam 2018 will take place from Sat., May 19 through Sat., May 26, 2018 at the Golden Cross Ranch in New Caney, Tex. This year’s theme is “Our Wondrous, Awesome God.”
Camp activities include Bible studies, horseback riding, hayrides, swimming, a talent show, ladies’ fellowship, campfires, and more. The cost of the camp week is $325. There is a $25 (non-refundable) registration fee; you will be sent a camp application and medical form.
Camp updates are available via our voicemail system at 1-866-251-5165 and enter mailbox #7128, or e-mail [email protected].
NYSSB to Hold Centennial Reunion
The Alumni Association of the New York State School for the Blind will hold its centennial reunion June 7 through 10, 2018 at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020; phone (585) 344-2100. Reunion events will include a ceremony celebrating the school’s sesquicentennial and a picnic with students and staff.
The deadline for reunion reservations is May 1, 2018. If you wish to become a member, or have questions about the reunion, contact Diane Scalzi at (586) 337-5226, or email [email protected].
APH Celebrates 160 Years
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) was founded in Louisville in 1858 to develop and produce educational materials and provide services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH employs 300 people and offers over 1,000 products online and by catalog.
APH launched a National Writing Contest for visually impaired students and adults, as well as professionals who work with them. The deadline is June 1st. The winning entries will be announced in October. For more information, visit www.aph.org, or call 1-800-223-1839.
Hearne Leadership Award Recipients
AAPD recently named Lydia Brown and Emily Ladau as the recipients of the 2018 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards. They were honored at the 2018 AAPD Leadership Awards Gala on March 13th.
What’s New from National Braille Press?
Newly available from National Braille Press are Nemeth reference sheets in your choice of print or braille. It covers braille indicators, basic arithmetic, geometry, algebra, advanced math alphabets, and miscellaneous symbols. Page-by-page examples further explain how to use the code.
For the curious reader, now available is a book titled “How to Learn Almost Anything.” Written by Anna Dresner, it takes you on an app tour of over 40 of the best learning apps for all ages, and interests.
Recently published is “iOS 10 without the Eye,” by Jonathan Mosen. It is available in braille (3 volumes), BRF, Word, and DAISY. This book was written specifically with blind people and assistive technology instructors in mind. Mosen starts with the install process, and works his way through all the VoiceOver changes before moving on to the new features.
For more information, contact NBP, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA 02115-4302; call toll-free 1-800-548-7323; or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.