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 Braille 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.
** USABA SPORTS FESTIVAL
The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will host a Sports Festival and Mission Vision program July 27-Aug. 2 in Colorado Springs. Blind and visually impaired athletes, including veterans and active-duty service members, come from around the United States to train, learn, refine their abilities and compete alongside their peers in various sports clinics instructed by USABA national coaches. Participants arrive July 27 and 28; the sports festival will be held July 29-30, and the Rocky Mountain State Games will be held July 30-Aug. 1. The Rocky Mountain State Games is a multi-sport festival; this year's competition offers more than 31 sports. For more information, visit www.usaba.org or contact Rich Cardillo at (719) 630-0422 extension 15, or e-mail [email protected].
** GOVERNOR MOREHEAD REUNION
Calling all GMS alums, friends, and anyone who wants to join us in a fun-filled weekend! The Governor Morehead School Alumni Association will hold its annual convention/reunion Aug. 6-8, 2010, at the Holiday Inn, North Raleigh, in Raleigh, N.C. This will be a memorable occasion because activities will be held at the Ashe Avenue campus and the campus of the old Garner Road School.
To complete a convention application and to learn more about the Governor Morehead School Alumni Association, go to www.gmsaai.org, or call Annie Edgerton Carson at (919) 556-0786 if you do not have access to a computer.
** FREE WRITER'S COURSE
Rebecca Hein offers a free teleconference seminar for writers. This set of five sessions, 90 minutes each, is entitled "The Music of Writing." Generally, the calendar for each 5-session seminar is set according to the schedules of the participants. Class size is limited to five participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment for the next course closes July 1, 2010. To sign up, call Rebecca Hein at 1-888-921-9595. Or send an e-mail to [email protected] and put "The Music of Writing" in the subject line. You are encouraged to follow up your e-mail with a phone call.
** HELP DESK HITS 3,000
Congratulations to Ray Campbell and the Chicago Lighthouse for assisting more than 3,000 users by way of their Adaptive Technology Help Desk. Since its inception in 2006, Ray has helped individuals from 49 states, Canada, China, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The Adaptive Technology Help Desk is a free to use, one-stop resource for any person who is blind or visually impaired or who works with this population who seeks assistance with a technology-related problem. The help desk takes requests weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time by phone at 1-888-825-0080 or via e-mail to [email protected].
** MUSIC STUDY NEEDS FEEDBACK
Adam Ockelford, a researcher in the UK, is undergoing a new study to determine the effects visual impairment has on the development of music in babies, children, and young adults. He seeks individuals who have been diagnosed with Leber's amaurosis, despite whether they seem musically inclined, to complete a short questionnaire. Ockelford has conducted and published two earlier studies with a similar focus which analyzed participants experiencing septo-optic dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity. His findings thus far indicate that there are varying levels of musical development based on the nature of a person's vision loss. For example, children with COD are more likely than a sighted child to have perfect pitch. And for children with ROP, the chances of having perfect pitch are even greater, approximately 4,000 times that of a sighted child. To participate in the newest study for those with Leber's amaurosis, or to learn more about previous study results, contact Adam Ockelford by internationally calling 07818-456 472 or by e-mailing [email protected].
** WANT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA?
The Hadley School for the Blind offers free distance learning programs for thousands of students who are visually impaired around the country. Students can complete Hadley's high school diploma program at their own pace from the comfort of their own home regardless of age. Each summer Hadley honors its graduates by hosting a graduation ceremony at its Winnetka, Ill. facility. Hadley covers all expenses for each graduate and one guest to attend the ceremony. With a high school diploma from Hadley, graduates can either continue on to college or begin their work life. You can learn more about Hadley at www.hadley.edu or by calling 1-800-323-4238.
** SOCIAL NETWORKING MADE ACCESSIBLE
Anna Dresner's newest book, "Social Networking and You: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for Blind Users," is now available through National Braille Press. Anna discusses what these sites are, how to get started on them and privacy-related issues when using them. She provides an overview of commands for navigating each site and tips for specific screen reader accessibility with each. This book is available in braille, eBraille, text, and DAISY formats for $12. For more information, contact NBP at 1-800-548-7323 or visit www.nbp.org.
** FREE TO GOOD HOME
I have a braille King James Bible (both Old and New Testaments) that I am looking to give to a good home. Contact Helen Driskill at (806) 379-7909.