by Billie Jean Keith
The announcement of products and services in this column is not 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 responsible for the reliability of products and services mentioned.
To submit an item for “Here and There,” send an e-mail message to billiejean@2keiths.com. You may call the ACB toll-free number, (800) 424-8666, and leave a message in mailbox 26. Please bear in mind that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates.
Position Available
The Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of superintendent, Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville. Successful candidates must possess an advanced degree in special education or a related field (doctorate preferred); three years’ experience in educating students who are visually impaired; administrative certificate and three years’ experience in educational administration (certificate in vision preferred); and possess or obtain a superintendent endorsement. This position requires knowledge of the regulations applying to the operation of a 24-hour residential and special education program including such program areas as assistive technology, communication needs, braille and slate and stylus, low vision, orientation and mobility, independent living, etc. It also requires working knowledge of federal statutes related to special education, IDEA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Illinois School Code; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, program managers, various state and local education agencies on a statewide basis, parent organizations, alumni associations, advisory councils, service providers, consumer groups and students at all levels. The salary range for this position is $47,772 to $101,484.
To apply, send a resume including salary information to Marjorie Olson, Education Liaison, Illinois Department of Human Services, PO Box 19429, Springfield, IL 62794-9429; fax (217) 785-5753. All applications must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2002.
LDS Leather Harness Pouches
These harness pouches are made of top grain leather. They measure approximately 6.5" x 4.5" x 1.5" and attach to the backstrap of your harness. There is a large pocket big enough for wallet, small cell phone, and a few other personal items like comb or lipstick. A key attachment is included so your keys don’t fall out when you open the pouch. There is a flat inner pocket as well as a flat outside pocket. Velcro closures keep your belongings secure. No two pouches are ever exactly the same as they are completely handmade at the time of order. Nearly any color is possible, from the traditional tans, black, mahogany and browns to reds, blues, greens and others. We also have one that is done in both red and blue and stitched in white to honor the USA. The cost is $35 plus $5 for shipping and handling. An even larger model is available that attaches to the harness handle. The handle model is $60 plus shipping. Pouches ordered prior to December 1 can be guaranteed for Christmas. Ordered after that, we’ll sure try but we can’t guarantee delivery before Christmas. Other leather equipment for dogs is available such as collars, leads, and harnesses. Send an e-mail message to SmartDog@mmcable.com.
New Braille Music Curriculum
Dancing Dots, developer of GOODFEEL, the world’s first braille music translator, has taken another step in the advancement of music opportunities and independence for blind and low vision students and professionals worldwide. Working with author Richard Taesch of the Southern California Conservatory of Music, Dancing Dots has published “An Introduction to Music For the Blind Student; A Course in Braille Music Reading” to meet the basic need of blind music students: to become literate in music braille.
Lessons and supplemental exercises are applications of the course which has been the official curriculum at the Southern California Conservatory of Music - Braille Music Division for over five years. Taesch, the author of the curriculum, has chaired the guitar department at the Conservatory since 1976 and is certified by the Library of Congress as a music and literary braillist.
“An Introduction to Music for the Blind Student” has a retail price of $299 for three print and four braille volumes. Further information on ordering the course in braille music reading is available by contacting Dancing Dots, Braille Music Technology at (610) 783-6692.
Seasonal Gifts from Ann Morris Enterprises
The next best thing to shopping at Ann Morris’ booth at the ACB convention is shopping in her catalog of varied items selected for people who are blind or have low vision. The 2002 catalog includes holiday items such as musical lighted angels; electric window candles that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn; a Christmas clock; a lighted musical church; a talking Santa salt/pepper set; a musical wreath and much more. Items range from about $7 to $20 each. And of course, there are the everyday items we need — from talking and braille watches to kitchen accessories. Specialty items include a talking book/TV-radio and a digital recorder. The money identifier’s price is reduced to $295 during 2001.
The catalog is available in large print, four-track cassette, computer disk, e-mail and the shopping cart web page. Braille catalogs are $10, but with any order, just $6. For more information, contact Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc., 551 Hosner Mountain Rd., Stormville, NY 12582-5329, phone (845) 227-9659, toll-free (800) 454-3175, fax (845) 226-2793, e-mail annmor@webspan.net, or visit the web site, www.annmorris.com.
More Coffee or Tea, Anyone?
This coffeehouse sells gourmet coffee, tea and gift baskets with braille labels, if requested. The coffee catalog is available by e-mail only, and there is a print catalog featuring their Healthglow products. According to coffee lovers on the ACB listserv, the selection of coffees and teas is excellent. For the holidays, they have a Christmas blend that people order year round, and there is eggnog coffee. Other Christmas specials include 10 percent off regularly priced coffee in their e-mail catalog and a gift basket on sale. For more information about gift baskets and gourmet Belgian chocolates, call toll-free (800) 347-9687, visit the web site www.coffee-anyone.com, or e-mail coffee@coffee-anyone.com.
Glow Dog
Glow Dog, Inc. sells unique safety apparel for people and pets. Following America’s tragedy on September 11, the company decided to give a portion of the proceeds from patriotic reflective T-shirts and pet bandanas to the Fire Fighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund in New York City. The patriotic items include a reflective American flag T-shirt and pet bandanas. Glow Dog uses a technology called “Iluminite,” a printing process that embeds millions of microscopic reflectors into the weave of a fabric. Because the reflectors are microscopic, the fabric maintains softness and daylight/indoor color. At night, however, the fabric reflects a brilliant light in the headlights of oncoming cars.
All indoor and outdoor apparel and a catalog appear on the Glow Dog web site at www.glowdog.com, e-mail glowdog@glowdog.com, call toll-free (888) 456-9364, fax (781) 687-9888, address 131A Great Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.
British Literature
Following the collections of American and children’s literature on CD-ROM is the latest collection of British literature assembled by Richard Seltzer. Authors of classic works from England, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, Wales and Australia (703 books in plain text) make up this new collection. Books are easily accessible by browser or with a word processor. Please check the table of contents at http://www.samizdat.com/britlitcd.html.
The cost for the entire collection is $29. Orders by check or credit card go to: B&R Samizdat Express, PO Box 161, West Roxbury, MA 02132, phone (617) 469-2269, or e-mail seltzer@samizdat.com.
Window-Eyes and Windows XP
When Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows XP, two separate versions were created. One is the Windows XP Home version that focuses primarily on home entertainment and Internet access; the other is Windows XP Professional that focuses primarily on business and advanced home computing.
According to Clarence Whaley, Director of Sales and Marketing for GW Micro, many large computer manufacturers (such as Dell, Compaq, HP, and others) are already including these new operating systems on their custom-built machines. Originally, GW Micro thought it would follow Microsoft’s lead and develop two screen readers, Window-Eyes and Window-Eyes Professional. After examining the details of the two operating systems, GW Micro’s development team deduced that minimal differences exist between the two Windows XP versions. GW Micro is developing only one product, Window-Eyes Professional. It provides a software package that includes access to both versions of Windows XP as well as versions of previous Microsoft operating systems such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000. This will make Window-Eyes Professional a “one size fits all” product.
For the first 60 days after its release, users who own a current version of Window-Eyes can migrate to Window-Eyes Professional for a very special price. For information about the various pricing plans available, or the technical aspects of Window-Eyes Professional, please e-mail support@gwmicro.com, phone (219) 489-3671, or visit the web site, www.gwmicro.com.
E-Mail Subscriptions to Ziegler Magazine
The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, a free monthly publication since 1907, gathers items from leading newspapers and periodicals. Articles cover health, travel, nature, personalities, history, science, music, sports — you name it — to assure as broad a selection of articles as possible. Each issue contains “Readers’ Forum,” where readers can “sound off,” and “Special Notices,” in which readers and organizations can announce goods or services they will sell, buy, exchange or give away. Every issue has a short story and a poem as well as names and addresses of readers seeking pen pals.
The magazine is available in grade 2 braille, four-track cassette, or by e-mail subscription. To subscribe, contact Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, 80 Eighth Ave., Room 1304, New York, NY 10011, phone (212) 242-0263, fax (212) 633-1601, e-mail blind@bellatlantic.net.
Christmas Specials from Copper Dots
Remember the item (August Here and There) about the wide variety of cookbooks, knitting and crochet books in braille, large print and computer disk from Copper Dots? Now, there are three new Christmas crochet books available. Also, the company’s e-mail address has changed. To receive a braille catalog, please write in braille or typewrite to 1446 N. Coronado St., Chandler, AZ 85224-7824, phone (480) 345-8773, e-mail marnott@extremezone.com.
Tidy Up E-Mail Messages
Message Cleaner is a utility program designed to remove those pesky little carets and line breaks from forwarded e-mail messages. The program is available for a free, 30-day trial period, and operates with Windows 95, 98, and NT. Following the free trial time, Message Cleaner costs $7.50. For more information, contact Roundhill Software via the web site, www.RoundhillSoftware.com/MessageCleaner, or e-mail MessageCleaner@RoundhillSoftware.com.
Free Shipping and New Items from California Canes
California Canes has a new, slim-line, seven-section folding cane made of the same durable carbon fiber as the regular folding canes. It comes with a tip that retrofits other tips. Sizes range from 46 to 60 inches at a cost of $30 each with roller tip, $22.50 each with regular tip. The company also has carry cane holders made from 100 percent leather and denim lined with leather. The price range is $15-20. During December, there is free shipping for single orders and 50 percent off shipping and handling for bulk orders. Contact California Canes, 25611 Quail Run #125, Dana Point, CA 92629; phone toll-free (866) 489-1973, fax (949) 489-0996, visit the web site, www.californiacanes.com, or e-mail califcanes@home.com.
Competition in Technology Research and Development
The Organization of Blind Spaniards, “Organizacion Nacionale de Ciegos Espanoles” (ONCE) invites submissions by December 31, 2001, for its second ONCE International Prize in Research and Development for New Technologies for the Blind. The prize recognizes innovative research and its practical application for computers, telecommunications and biotechnology that result in improved quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. The top winner will receive just over $160,000, and two runners up will win over $53,000 each. Prizes will be awarded in June 2002. Submissions will be accepted in English or Spanish. For more information, contact ONCE by phone at 011-34-91-577-3756, or via the web site www.once.es.