edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins
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 & COO
In January, Jason Menzo was promoted to president and chief operating officer of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. He was recognized by colleagues and constituents for his passionate leadership style and ability to create innovative partnerships. Previously, he was named one of the “50 Outstanding Innovators in Pharma (marketing)” and as “Ophthalmic Marketer of the Year” by Product Manager 360, a leading trade publication.
COVID Test Information
Rumors have circulated that unused COVID tests should be refrigerated. However, it has been noted that the package of a government-supplied test states it should be stored between 35 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrigeration can cause moisture to accumulate within the packaging. Check both your specific test and with a pharmacist or physician.
New York School Reunion
The Alumni Association of the New York State School for the Blind, Inc. will hold its annual reunion from Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12 at the Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. On-campus activities will include a pizza party with students and staff, our opening ceremony, our annual business meeting and a picnic. Our technology demonstration, Jeopardy game, banquet, brunch and memorial service will happen at the hotel. Where possible, we hope to hold some of these activities on Zoom as well.
For further information, check this spring’s Alumni Bulletin, subscribe to the NYSSB Alumni Association Facebook page, or contact our treasurer, Chet Smalley, at (814) 566-6332, or email him, [email protected].
Lessons for Living Available in Spanish
The Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center offers Lessons for Living. These lessons provide information on how individuals who are blind can safely and efficiently complete everyday tasks. Nineteen lessons are available for download in audio and print formats. Visit https://www.oib-tac.org/technical-assistance/direct-service/lessons-living. The lessons are also available in Spanish at https://www.oib-tac.org/technical-assistance/direct-service/lessons-living.
New from National Braille Press
New in the children’s section is “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson and Fumi Kosaka. It’s available in UEB for ages 4 to 8.
Another new book for ages 4 to 8 is “I’m My Own Dog” by David Ezra Stein. It, too, is available in UEB. If you’ve got a dog lover in your household, they’ll enjoy this book.
Newly available is “The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague” by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieley. It’s available in UEB for ages 7 to 10. This is a true story about a woman – a gifted mathematician – who fought both racism and sexism to work as an engineer in the U.S. Navy to change ship design.
“It’s Perfectly Normal (2021 Edition): Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health” by Robie H. Harris. It’s available in braille with tactile illustrations. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Puberty and growing up is a confusing, awkward, and uncomfortable time in any young person’s life. This updated and age-appropriate book teaches children about their changing bodies, gender, sex, sexual health, and more.
On a tight budget? Check out “Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day” by Leanne Brown, available in braille or BRF. It includes more than 100 recipes. Assists in maximizing every ingredient and teaches economical cooking methods.
If you’ve got a writer in your house, “Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style” by Benjamin Dreyer will share some insider wisdom, advice, and fun facts to help sharpen their skills. It’s available in braille or BRF.
For more information, call 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
NBP’s Two New Trustees
National Braille Press (NBP) announces the appointment of two new trustees: Jeremy Kream, EVP and head of Legal, Corporate and Global Delivery at State Street Corporation, and Cindy Doe, an EY Americas Consulting Risk Leader.
Jeremy Kream is Executive Vice President and head of Legal, Corporate and Global Delivery at State Street. He manages legal oversight of corporate and infrastructure matters, including securities and governance, mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, technology, IP and operations, HR, compensation and benefits, procurement, and RE. He also serves on the board of directors of subsidiaries and internal committees of these functions and is the assistant secretary of the parent holding company, State Street Corporation.
Cindy Doe is an EY Americas Consulting Risk Leader who has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, specifically in banking and capital markets, investment management and insurance. She has worked with global financial services clients on technology and cyber risk management, fraud risk management, vendor risk management, resiliency, internal and external audits as well as service organization control reporting exams.