by Billie Jean Keith
The announcement of new products and services in this column cannot be considered an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its staff or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The Braille Forum” cannot be held responsible for the reliability of products or services presented herein.
To submit an item for “Here and There,” send an e-mail message to info@acb.org. You may call the ACB toll-free number, (800) 424-8666, and leave a message at extension 26. Please be advised that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates.
Apology
Kevin Wassmer contacted “The Braille Forum” to tell us that information we published about a listserv for aspiring broadcasters (March Braille Forum) was not pre-approved by him. We regret any inconvenience the publication of this information caused him.
Job Openings
Freedom Scientific Inc., an international software developer and high-tech hardware manufacturing company, has immediate need of technical support specialists, inside sales representatives and software engineers. Technical support specialists will work in the company's Stuart, Fla., location, answering calls, evaluating and diagnosing problems, producing documents and prioritizing incoming phone calls and voice messages. They must be fluent in grade 2 braille. Inside sales representatives will work in St. Petersburg, Fla. They will receive, solicit and answer prospective customers’ sales inquiries and explain types of services and products. Software engineers will compile code in C++. All jobs require computer literacy and two years of assistive technology experience. Send your resume and salary history in confidence to Human Resources, fax (727) 803-8001, or e-mail HR@freedomscientific.com.
Trebek Hosts Access Awards
The American Foundation for the Blind scored more than a “daily double” when they asked Alex Trebek, host of the Jeopardy! game show, to be master of ceremonies at the annual AFB Access Awards held recently in Washington, D.C.
Sony Studios’ Jeopardy! received an Access Award for making a simple accommodation to enable a participant who is blind to take part in the show. As a result, the contestant, Eddie Timanis, won five straight contests. The accommodation was to provide the listing of Jeopardy! categories in braille and allow him to use a typewriter for the final written question.
Other Access Award recipients included: Cakewalk, for adding hot keys to its popular software to enable music composers or producers who are blind to write, play and record music in an integrated MIDI and audio environment; California Council of the Blind, for its campaign that culminated in major financial institutions committing to the installation of talking ATMs throughout California (CCB’s vice president Jeff Thom accepted the award for the affiliate.); FutureForms for its innovative Verbal-eyes program, a tool developed to aid people who are blind or visually impaired to access electronic forms; Dr. Margaret and Cody Pfanstiehl for their tireless and successful advocacy campaign that led to the FCC rule requiring the major television networks to provide a minimum of audio described, prime-time programming; and Sun Microsystems for making accessibility an integrated part of the Java platform.
“The Braille Forum” extends its sincere congratulations to all the winners. Please keep striving to make the visual world more accessible for all of us!
SASI Volunteers Needed
We are conducting a study to find the genes responsible for Usher syndrome (hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (vision loss)) in Ashkenazi Jews. If you or a member of your family are an Ashkenazi Jew or of Ashkenazic heritage and have Usher syndrome, or both hearing loss and vision loss that has no other known cause, you and your family member may be eligible to participate.
Participation may be as simple as a phone call and giving blood locally or may involve spending a few hours at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for vision and hearing tests at no cost to you. There may be no direct benefit to you as a participant other than the possible medical advances and greater understanding of Usher syndrome that may result if causative genes are found.
For more information, please call Drs. Ness or Willner at (212) 241-6947, or by mail at: Judith Willner, Department of Human Genetics, Box 1497, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, or e-mail Dr. Ness at nesss01@doc.mssm.edu.
Stipends for Graduate Program in Rehab Technology
Stipends of $9,300 and $2,000 are available to 10 students per year for enrollment and completion of the Certificate Program in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (CPART). The University at Buffalo is accepting applications for the fall 2001 term.
Graduates with backgrounds in OT, PT, Special Education, SLP, and Engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. The curriculum includes six graduate-level courses that reflect the breadth of practice and research in the AT field, including: Computer Access, Ergonomics and Job Accommodation, Outcome Measurement, Wheeled Mobility and Seating, and Environmental Accommodation. If you are interested, additional information and an application package are available at http://wings.buffalo.edu/ot/cat/cprtdesc.htm.
Graduate Scholarships for Women with Disabilities
The ELA Foundation announces its annual scholarship program for women with disabilities who are pursuing a graduate degree at any accredited college or university in the United States. All applications must be received by June 15, 2001. Application procedures and forms can be found on the ELA web site at http://www.ela.org listed under Grants/Scholarships. The scholarships to be awarded in August are two awards of $2,000 each.
Easy to Understand Computer Books
A computer user who is blind recommends a web site that has good books for learning many aspects of computing. Also, there is a listing of books that are accessible under the topic “blind.” You may want to check out the listings and newsletter by visiting http://www.knowwareglobal.com/index.htm.
Voice of TV Rugrats Character Is Blind Actress
The voice for a new Rugrats character named Kimi is 22-year-old Canadian actress Dionne Quan. Kimi is the cowboy-booted, adventurous toddler in the Rugrats Neighborhood. Kimi owes her warm and giggling voice to Quan, who reads her weekly scripts in braille. Quan was selected over 147 other actors seeking the role. Rugrats producers adjust the microphone to avoid capturing the soft sound of Quan’s fingers moving over the script.
Travel Services for People Who Are Blind
According to a quote from Mark Twain, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” This appears to be the watch word for the Campanian Society, Inc., a travel service that specializes in programs which are designed to meet the unique needs of travelers with low vision or no vision. The Campanian Society strives to provide a rich educational experience unavailable on most vision-oriented trips by offering opportunities for tactile experiences and hands-on encounters. On-site lectures, readings and audio-description combine with music. Travel programs include tours to many beautiful American cities and locations such as Cape Cod, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Key West, New York City, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Hawaii. European tours have included cities in Italy, and visits to places of interest in Switzerland. For more information, contact The Campanian Society, Inc., Box 167, Oxford, OH 45056; phone (513) 524-4846; fax (513) 523-0276; e-mail campania@one.net, or visit the web site, http://www.campanian.org.
Rainbow Bear Travel
Rainbow Bear Travel and Cruise offers travel services for people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, e-mail rick@rainbowbeartravel.com, or write Rainbow Bear Travel & Cruise, 887 Park St., Ashland, OR 97520-3528; phone (541) 552-9388, or toll-free (888) 564-8510.
Listserv for Blind Travelers
This listserv for blind travelers is a welcome resource for sharing travel experiences and making recommendations to other travelers who are visually impaired or blind. Postings to the list center on travel opportunities, discussion of books on travel, local travel information and resources. To join, send a message to listserv@softcon.com. In the body of the text write: subscribe blind-travel your first name and last name. You will receive a confirmation message to which you reply OK in the text.
Travel Agent Who Is Blind
Travel agent Kathleen Prime (who is blind) specializes in travel arrangements for people who are blind or visually impaired. She also makes travel arrangements for non-disabled travelers. For more information, contact her at Tivoli Travel, Inc., phone (631) 698-5149, or e-mail to kprime@suffolk.lib.ny.us.
The Braille Bookstore
For more than 10 years, I Can See Books (The Braille Bookstore) has been producing high-quality, low-cost braille and print/braille books for all ages. They’re back with a new look and feel. The brand-new on-line shopping cart is a breeze to use while you browse through the list of more than 400 books. Selections include many Dr. Seuss, Madeline and Magic Tree House series; classics such as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women and Heidi. There are mysteries, cookbooks and guide dog books. All selections are available in grade 1 and grade 2 braille! Stop by http://www.braillebookstore.com, or phone (250) 753-3093.
Calling Blind Golfers
The United States Blind Golf Association’s National Championship will be a 36-hole open tournament for United States and international golfers who are blind or visually impaired. Hosted by the Greensboro Adams Farm Lions Club, the tournament will be held at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, NC September 17-19, 2001. Hotel, golf and other event expenses will be covered for qualifying golfers and coaches, but not travel fares. For more information, contact USBGA, phone/fax (850) 893-4511, e-mail USBGA@blindgolf.com, visit the web site, http://www.blindgolf.com, or write USBGA, 3094 Shamrock North, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Speak To Me New Spring Catalog
The people at “Speak To Me” want to talk about their new spring catalog full of interesting talking items — from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle wall clock to a talking pedometer. There are useful gadgets and frivolous novelties. The “Speak To Me” catalog is available in print, cassette, IBM-compatible disk and through e-mail. Send a message to catalog@speaktomecatalog.com, write the word catalog on the subject line. To order, call toll-free (800) 248-9965, or write to Speak To Me, 330 SW 43rd St. #154, Renton, WA 98055-4976.
On-Line Community for Blind: Seeking Products
Are you looking for a vendor for your product or service? If so, the webmaster of www.blindcommunity.com wants to hear from you. The content for people who are blind leans toward the lighter side of life, covering unique products of interest to blind people, entertainment, information on blindness-related sports, etc. Send an e-mail message to jj@blindcommunity.com, or visit the web site, http://www.blindcommunity.com.
Braille Greeting Cards
A company called Shadows in the Dark sells braille picture greeting cards for birthday, anniversary, get well, congratulations, Christmas, thank you, sympathy, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, friendship, Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras. Custom-created cards and poetry cards can be provided at no extra cost. Cards range in price from $1.75 to $3. You can buy sets of cards, and there are braille cards in French and German. To order, contact Shadows in the Dark, 4600 Pine Hill Rd., Shreveport, LA 71107-2716; phone (318) 459-2233; visit the web site at http://www.shadowsinthedark.com, or e-mail info@shadowsinthedark.com.
Free On-Line Telephone Calling List
Callingpost is a free service for civic, non-profit and volunteer organizations that allows groups to create an on-line telephone calling list. Users must first set up an account and add the names and numbers of those to be called. When you’re ready to use the service, dial a special toll-free number, leave a message no longer than 30 seconds, and Callingpost will deliver it to your recipient list. You can add any number of contacts to a group, and can manage any number of groups through your account.
A few rules exist: You cannot deliver messages to voice mail accounts or phone numbers requiring extensions. Messages can only be recorded using a phone, not over the Internet. Although the service is free, it is sponsored by businesses that attach five-second ads to each message. To learn more, visit http://www.callingpost.org.
Bible-Related Web Sites
If you would like to download a free recorded copy of the Bible in MP3 format, or to purchase a Bible and other related study materials on CD-ROM, these web sites may be of interest: http://www.audiotreasures.com; the King James Bible - http://www.avpublications.com; Bible Gateway/Gospel Communications International - http://www.biblegateway.org; Theophilos Bible Download - http://www.theophilos.sk; and On-line Bible - http://www.onlinebible.com.
NTWH Seeks Students
The National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped at the Crosby School (NTWH-Crosby) in Belfast, Maine is currently accepting applications for its May to September 2001 season. Individuals interested in the programs are encouraged to apply. The diverse student population is drawn locally, nationally, and internationally. There are opportunities available for both day and residential students. Programming includes performing and fine arts workshops, children’s programs, outdoor recreation and cultural activities. Workshops will be held at the new totally accessible residential facility. NTWH offers housing and dining for 50, four multi-use studios, a dance studio, 500-seat Main Stage, 100-seat Little Theatre, a darkroom and kiln.
Workshops will be in acting, singing, movement/dance, oral interpretation, play-writing, painting, drawing, pottery and photography. The following are the dates of the workshops open to new students: Children’s Perf Session I, 6/19 - 6/28; Introduction To Theatre Session II, 6/22 - 7/3; Children’s Performance Session II, 7/10 - 7/19; Children’s Performance Session III, 7/24 - 8/2; Chorale Workshop, 8/9 - 8/24; and Fine Arts Session II, 9/25 - 10/12.
Generous scholarship funds are available for qualified students. Scholarships are considered per individual, and are granted according to need. Contact the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped, PO Box 1138, 96 Church Street, Belfast, ME 04915; phone (207) 338-6894; fax (207) 338-6075; e-mail ntwhcrby@mint.net; or visit the web page, http://www.ntwh.org.
Shotwell Award Winner
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired presented its 2000 Ambrose M. Shotwell Memorial Award to William J. (“Bill”) Ferrell of Florida. The award honors an individual for his/her contributions to the field of rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired people. Bill is a long-time ACB and AER member. Congratulations, Bill!
White Canes
California Canes provides a wide range of white canes, including the lightweight carbon fiber models that are lighter than aluminum canes and stronger than steel, according to a press release from the company. Lite Duty canes for low vision consumers are the newest addition to the company’s product line. Check them out by calling California Canes at (949) 489-1973, or faxing the company at (949) 489-0996. The company’s address is 25611 Quail Run #123, Dana Point, CA 92629. You may also visit the web site, http://www.californiacanes.com.
Victor Wins in Competition
The recent CSUN conference at Los Angeles March 23 was the venue for a dramatic contest which pitted four digital talking book players against one another: VisuAide’s Victor Reader, Plextor’s Plextalk, Labyrinten’s LP Player, and isSound. The duel, held before an enthusiastic crowd of 70, was organized by the DAISY Consortium. The competition was designed to compare digital talking book players according to the criteria of efficiency, functionality and ease of use. Operated by visually impaired people, each unit was simultaneously put through an array of comparative trials under the watchful eye of three judges, all members of the DAISY Consortium.
After two and a half hours of intense competition, the DAISY Consortium judges awarded victory to VisuAide’s Victor Reader, which excelled in the majority of trials: basic features, help functions and positioning, advanced functions such as bookmarks, and even a drop test to determine shock resistance.
Generations CD
A new CD is now available featuring the Generations chorus of Louisville, Ky. Most of the members of Generations are alumni of the Kentucky School for the Blind. Their latest CD is packed with rousing spirituals, classical religious music, songs from well-known musicals, and more. CD’s cost $15, including shipping and handling. For more information, write to: Generations Inc., 3106 Townsend Terrace, Louisville, KY 40241; or call (502)327-0778; e- mail dhnolen@juno.com.
Has Books to Sell
Sylvie Kashdan, P.O. Box 17138, Seattle, WA 98107, s_kashdan@hotmail.com, will sell: Hare Krishna cookbook, braille, 2 volumes, $10; “The Joy of Eating Natural Foods,” braille, 8 volumes, $30; Complete Greek cookbook, braille, 5 volumes, $30. Postal money orders only. Send your request, along with your name, address, telephone number and money order to her at the address above.