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.
New President & CEO
VisionServe Alliance’s board of directors recently announced the appointment of Lee Nasehi as its new president and CEO. Lee has been with Lighthouse Central Florida, Inc. in Orlando, Fla. since 1998; serving as its chief executive since 2000 and founding its subsidiary social enterprise organization, Lighthouse Works! Inc. in 2010. During her tenure at Lighthouse she created and expanded innovative service delivery models and employment opportunities for people with vision loss and expanded effective business operations. Her term will begin March 1, 2019.
NIB, LC Industries Form Partnership
Envision and LC Industries have established a joint initiative called the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center. The center has formed a strategic alliance with the National Industries for the Blind, aimed at expanding training and professional development for people who are blind. This alliance aims to create 500 new jobs by 2022. It will provide for the expansion of numerous training programs created by NIB and will allow for new programs to be developed. Some of the areas into which the program will expand include providing training for veterans who are blind and transitioning to civilian life, and an entrepreneurship program for people who are blind to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to run private businesses.
Dishwasher Door Open Alert
How many times have you fallen over your open dishwasher door? Most of us have done it at least once. Now there’s a solution: the dishwasher door open alert. The unit is a box measuring 4” x 3” that mounts to the front of your dishwasher with 3M Command tape. When the door is lowered, the unit beeps once, then waits 45 seconds, and then emits a series of three chirps every six seconds, alerting you to the fact that it is still open. Uses one 9-volt battery (included). Instructions are available in print and by email. For more information, send email to [email protected] or call (845) 282-0643.
Perkins School for the Blind Former Students
The Perkins Alumni Association’s annual newsletter, “News and Views,” is now available. Catch up on old friends and classmates; renew friendships; and consider joining the association. To receive a copy, either send an email to [email protected] or call (617) 972-7873 and leave a message.
Free to Good Home
Betsy Grenevitch has a number of braille books to give away, including children’s books: “Appolonia’s Valentine,” “April’s Kittens,” “Pippa Passes” and “The Fairy Doll.” Also available are the following adult Christian books: “A Secret Too Good to Keep,” “And the Lord Appointed a Worm,” “Forever and Ever Amen,” “From Vapors to Floods,” “Maker of Heroes,” “My Hand in His,” “Please Pardon My Poetry,” “Something to Hold On To,” “Teenagers Pray,” and “Today.” She also has several copies of a Bible study titled “Won by One.” If interested, contact Betsy at [email protected], or call her at (678) 862-3876.
New from National Braille Press
“Little Blue Truck” is now available as a print-and-braille board book for preschoolers and up. Little Blue Truck is going along a country road and gets stuck in the mud. Some unexpected helpers get him back on the road. Read to find out who they were!
Another new children’s book is “The Screaming Chef,” by Peter Ackerman and Max Dalton. It’s available in contracted UEB for ages preschool to 6. When one young boy starts screaming nonstop, his parents run out of ideas for how to stop him – until they realize that he doesn’t scream while he’s eating. Until the night when dinner burns, that is. What happens next? Read and find out!
For fans of the Fly Guy, there’s a new book out, “Fly Guy’s Big Family.” It’s available in contracted UEB for ages 4 to 8. Fly Guy misses his family, so his friend Buzz plans him a surprise party and invites the whole family.
Brand-new in the adult section is “Super Short Stories in Uncontracted Braille.” It’s available in braille (one volume) and in BRF, and is great for adults learning uncontracted UEB. These 10 super-short stories are for adults only — they deal frankly with adult subjects in fairly clean language.
Over in the technology section is “Getting Started with the iPhone and iOS 11: Step-by-Step Instructions for Blind Users,” by Anna Dresner. It’s available in braille, BRF, Word, ePub, and DAISY. This new edition contains everything you need to know to get started with your iPhone 11. Most of the book is relevant for iPod touch users, and since the layout of iPhone Plus screens resembles that of iPad screens, iPad users should find this edition useful as well.
Brand-new is “Drop into Dropbox: It’s So Much More than File Storage” by Judy Dixon. It’s available in braille (one volume), BRF, Word or DAISY. In this book, you’ll learn how to use Dropbox to back up your files securely; work collaboratively on shared files; and work on-the-go with all of your devices. Coverage includes choosing the right plan; creating an account and installing Dropbox; using Dropbox online or on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device; sharing files with and requesting files from friends or colleagues; security and notification settings; and getting help.
For more information, contact National Braille Press at 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
Seeking Old-Time Radio Cassettes
I’m seeking old-time radio cassettes, especially Lux Radio Theatre episodes and Suspense episodes. Will be willing to accept any cassettes being discarded. Call Paul at (607) 359-4914.
Braille Music
“How to Read Braille Music, 2nd Edition” by Bettye Krolick is now available from Opus Technologies. This book explains the music braille symbols most frequently found in elementary through intermediate-level music. It’s suitable for both children and adults. Use this book if you are working with students who want to play in the band, or if you have more serious, higher-level blind musicians who need a strong understanding of the braille music code.
For more information, contact Opus Technologies toll-free at 1-866-678-7832, or send email to [email protected].