Stop Searching for Your Pen

Some things are just better kept together. BookSling keeps your pen or highlighter with your book. Why would you want it any other way? Whether you're in a classroom or just lying in bed, it's nice to know your tool of choice is always within easy reach- write where you need it.

Features & Benefits

• Attaches up to 2 pens, highlighters or pencils to your book.
  
• Integrated ribbon provides an optional bookmark you'll never lose.
  
• High quality woven elastic stretches 7.5-12" to fit most mid-to-large books.
  
• Elastic can also be used as a bookmark or stretched around the entire book to keep it closed.
  
• Thoughtful design allows your book to maintain a thin profile so it can be stored flat on a bookshelf or in a backpack.
  
• Works on hard and soft cover books.
  
• Great for clipboards too!

Works best with non-rubberized writing instruments.

Click this link to learn more or to purchase the Booksling from Everyday Innovations.

Freedom Scientific: Hardware, Software, Training and Tutorials

In April 2000, Freedom Scientific was formed by combining three companies: Blazie Engineering, Henter-Joyce and Arkenstone. Freedom Scientific is a company whose mission is to develop, manufacture and market innovative technology-based products and services that those with vision impairments and learning disabilities.

Freedom Scientific develops and manufactures a full line of assistive technology that includes hardware and software.
Some of their hardware products include:

• PAC Mate, the world's first and only hand-held device that can access Microsoft Pocket PC applications through the included JAWS® screen reader.
• Notetakers, personal devices to input and output information in accessible formats such as refreshable Braille and/or crisp synthesized speech.
• Braille Displays, used with PCs for dynamic output of screen information in refreshable Braille.
• Braille Embossers, produce hard copy Braille.
• Scanning and Reading systems, scan and translate printed materials and then output page information in crisp synthesized speech or on a display monitor, in a low-vision user format.
• A Speech Assisted Learning system offers an uncomplicated approach to teaching Braille using interactive technology.

Additionally, Freedom Scientific offers a full line of software accessory programs to expand the functionality of its hardware and provide blind or vision-impaired computer users access to a wide variety of information, education and job-related applications.
Some of the software includes:

• JAWS® for Windows, provides speech technology that works with the Windows operating system to access popular software applications and the Internet.
• Connect Outloud, an easy-to-use tool offering Braille and speech output to the web and gives the user the ability to send and receive e-mail.
• MAGic, helps those with low vision view information on their computer screen with magnification up to 16 times, while hearing it through their speech synthesizer.
• OpenBook, developed for individuals to read, edit and manage printed media by scanning it and converting it to digital information. It includes speech as well as the ability to customize on the screen for those with low vision.

The training department at Freedom Scientific provides individuals with a wide range of tools that help learn and train others to use assistive technology software products. These materials include free basic training, demonstrations, and courseware provided in instructor led workshops.

Finally, Freedom Scientific offers a variety of tutorials in cassette or CD formats for learning to use JAWS. Some of their tutorials include: Basic Training, Eudora Pro, Excel,Internet Explorer, Outlook, PowerPoint, SoundForge, MS-Word, And WordPerfect.

Magic

MAGic (MAGnification In Color) is a software solution ideally suited for low-vision computer users, or anyone who is required to spend extended periods of time in front of a computer screen.

Using this software, you can enlarge Microsoft Windows application screens, dialog boxes, and windows from 2 times to 20 times their normal size on your PC, laptop, or notebook. Screen locator options enable you to maintain accurate screen-to-context position at all times, whether you use a mouse or your keyboard. You can quickly fine-tune the magnification attributes of MAGic by setting preferences for magnification, panning, tracking, hot keys, and more.

JAWS For Windows

JAWS for Windows (JFW) is a screen access application that runs under the Microsoft Windows operating systems. JAWS for Windows interprets the text in a computer screen and turns it into speech output with the aid of a voice synthesizer, or into braille with the aid of a refreshable braille display.

JFW allows blind people to access a great variety of information by enabling them to browse the Web, read and/or write email messages, re-calculate spread sheets, or access database information. JFW offers comprehensive screen reading capability that includes extended product customization through powerful utility managers. JAWS can be customized with several languages including: Spanish, Danish, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Norwegian and Swedish.

Learn More Through Their Podcast

FSCast is Freedom Scientific's monthly podcast. Hosted by Jonathan Mosen, Vice President of Blindness Hardware Product Development, FSCast features news, interviews, and product demonstrations relating to Freedom Scientific products. FSCast is a great way to make the most of the products you have as well as learning about what's new and what's around the corner.

You can subscribe to the podcast, download the MP3 file, and learn more about podcasts and how to hear them by clicking this link: http://www.freedomscientific.com/fscast.

Freedom Scientific Blind/Low Vision Group
11800 31st Court North
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Toll Free: 800-444-4443
Fax: 727-803-8001
Email: Info@FreedomScientific.com
Web: http://www.freedomscientific.com

Tips for Cleaning Wicker and Cane Furniture

The original environment of wicker and cane is humid and tropical, and even though furniture pieces made from these sources may now live in homes in far away non-exotic places, their need for humidity and lush warmth never dies. Cater to this need and your wicker and cane furniture will continue to look great!

Most of the time, a good vacuuming is all your wicker furniture needs. You can plug your hose into the exhaust port and simply blow the dust away. The real problem with this type of furniture is that it can easily yellow. To avoid this, clean it by rubbing with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water. Be careful not to wet the wicker too much. If dirt is really stubborn, you might have to risk wetting it a little bit more. Mix a solution of 1 part water softener to 8 parts water, wipe off with a clean cloth and let dry naturally without heat to prevent cracking.

To clean cane, add a little lemon juice and salt to some warm water. Using a stiff brush, scrub the cane well with the solution. This application will also prevent the surface from yellowing. Marks and dirt deposits can be removed by applying some warm soapy water mixed with a little borax. Let the solution dry naturally.

A humidifier can help maintain the temperature in which wicker and cane thrive best. Consider buying one. Sometimes dried wicker can be restored with a little lemon oil. In general, neither wicker nor cane like cold temperatures and should be brought inside during the colder months.

Braille Magnetic Letters

Here's a great learning tool! Not only is each magnetic piece in the shape of the print capital letter, but the Braille equivalent is embossed onto each one as well. Blind and sighted people can reinforce Braille skills and practice spelling out words together by sticking the letters onto a refrigerator, filing cabinet, or cookie sheet. And best of all, none of the pieces will slide around while being read by touch.

Click this link to purchase the Braille Magnetic Letters from Future Aids and don't forget to purchase a set of Braille Magnetic Numbers.

That's right, you already know what these are ... Almost. What's cool about this 26-piece set, though, is that there aren't just the numbers from 0 through 9 with Braille on them. Also included is a second set of numbers, as well as the standard math signs. This way, assuming there's a real math whiz around, you'll have your Braille numbers down pat in no time!

Future Aids: The Braille Superstore
(A Division of MarvelSoft Enterprises, Inc.)
33222 Lynn Ave.
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 1C9 Canada
Toll Free: 800-987-1231
Web: http://www.braillebookstore.com

Tips for Cleaning the Bathtub and an Automatic Shower Cleaning System

I think one of the most difficult things for a blind or visually impaired person to clean is the shower or bathtub. You can feel over the surface, think you've got everything clean, and a sighted person can still see soapskum and mildew stains. It can really be embarrassing!

A good habit to get into is to rinse the bathtub as soon as you are finished and dry it immediately. The extra effort will be worth it in the long run because it will prevent you from having to scrub off watermarks and soap film that will set as soon as you leave the bathroom.

Rings around bathtubs are about as popular as those found around collars and other places too delicate to mention. The easiest way to prevent these rings from forming is to use a little non-oily bubble bath. If you are all out of bubble bath and don't feel like making a trip to the store, use some shampoo instead. If rings are really stubborn, wash with vinegar or a warm solution of water and water softener. You can also mix a paste of borax and lemon juice and scrub, scrub and then scrub some more. Let it dry and then rinse it off. This works well on tile and shower walls too.

The folks at Scrubbing Bubbles believe they have an automatic solution to the problem of getting the tub and shower clean and I know I'm going to give this one a try.

The Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner is a cleaning system that automatically sprays cleaner to eliminate the build-up of tough soap scum and mold & mildew stains. The cleaning formula combines with the water on your shower walls to begin working immediately. With daily use, your shower will be visibly cleaner and stay that way!

The device has a power sprayer that spins and sprays cleaning solution over 8 feet, even to the back wall of your shower. From a height near the shower faucet to the shower floor, the cleaner lands where moldy mildew and soap scum build up. It is designed to provide coverage for all four walls and tub of both standard six-foot shower/tub combinations and standing showers. It works best on surfaces that are already wet from showering.

Just press the button to activate, and close the shower curtain/door. The power sprayer will beep for 15 seconds. Then the device will spin 360º for 12 seconds and automatically release a pre-measured amount of cleaning formula. For best results, use consistently on a daily basis after the last shower of the day.

This cleaning system is safe to use on most standard showers, including fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic shower stalls and shower/tub enclosures. It's also safe for use on plastic and synthetic shower curtains. It is safe to use around pets and does not leave your shower or tub slippery after cleaning.

The automatic shower cleaner should be available in most mass retailers soon, and the basic kit with two 34 oz. bottles of cleaner (each lasting for 21 cleanings), and 4 AA batteries will sell for about $30. The refill bottles will be about $5.

The best part about this system, you don't have to rince the tub or shower. Just push the button and let the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner do the work!

Click this link to visit the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner website for more information and their FAQ.

How to Play the Alphabet Game

The Alphabet game is a perfectly fun way to pass the time and hone your kid's alphabet, attention and memory skills. The game involves the repeating of the phrase: "I'm going on vacation and bringing..."

This is a simple and fun game to play with kids and adults of almost any age. Here are the basic rules you'll want to follow:

1. Players must announce one item (food, animal, anything really) that they will bring with them on their trip.
   
2. The first person uses the letter A.
   
3. The second player must use the letter B, and so on.
   
4. The challenging part of this game is that each player must run through the entire list on every turn. This challenges everyone's vocabulary and memory (not just the little ones!). When you get to the second half of the alphabet it gets rather dicey trying to recall what item starting with F or G is going to be included.

Here is an example of how things could proceed in a game with three players: Player 1: I am going on vacation and bringing an Apple. Player 2: I am going on vacation and bringing an Apple and a Butterfly. Player 3: I am going on vacation and bringing an Apple, a Butterfly and a Chalkboard. Player 1: I am going on vacation and bringing an Apple, a Butterfly, a Chalkboard and a Diaper. And so on.

Another variation of this game is to tie each letter/item together. For example, if the first player again says Apple, but now the next in line must come up with a B-word that is related to an Apple. If that next player opts for Banana (sticking with the fruit theme) the following player now needs a C-word that relates to Banana (Central America - the source of some Bananas would be interesting). You may have been thinking another fruit related food item for the letter C, but getting away from the expected can take this version of the game down funny and more difficult paths. This can be made harder, easier or themed depending on what you start with, for example Appendix may cause the entire game to be played with body-part words or words relating to books/literature.

Webmasters, It's Time to Accessify

Have you ever had discussions with people and said, "We need to make that accessible?" or "This site needs to be made 508 compatible"? All gets to be a bit of a mouthful, doesn't it? What is really needed to make these meetings much shorter is a new verb: 'accessify' - to make accessible. Some folks liked this so much that they built a site around it!

The purpose of http://www.accessify.com is to build up a collection of useful resources, links to the best accessibility sites on offer (they're not selfish, they don't have a monopoly) and an online toolset for everyone to use free of charge.

Click this link to visit the home page of http://www.accessify.com.

What To Do With Old Print Books

So, you've finished another book. What are you going to do with it now? I'll bet you'll put it on a shelf and forget about it. Wouldn't you like to get another great book and put this one to better use? You can at bookends.com.

Bookins.com is a book swapping service. You can post the books that you are willing to swap on the site, and then build a list of books that you'd like to get in return. Bookins manages the swap; when you post an available book that somebody else wants, they contact you. You have two days to decide if you are willing to send the book along to the next person.

Here's the cool thing: they allow you to print a prepaid postage mailer label that you can tape to a box or envelope and simply leave in your mailbox, there is no cost to you (besides the package or envelope).

For each book that you trade, you earn points (4 to 6 for a paperback, about 11 for a hardcover book), and when you have earned enough points, Bookins looks for books on your "want" list that might be available. If they find one that matches, they arrange with another person to send the book to you. This time it does cost you; both the points that the book costs, plus $3.99 for shipping.

Click this link to put those old books to a better use at http://www.bookends.com.

Cooking by Numbers

Are you at a loss as to what to make for dinner tonight? Or do you have a limited amount of ingredients and need to make the most of them? Well, now you can! At Cooking by the Numbers, putting together meals has never been easier.

There is a list of ingredients on the site. Just check the boxes next to everything you have, for both the fridge and the cupboard. Once you're done with that, click the Find Recipes button.

This will give you a listing of recipes that you can make with what you have. It also tells you the percentage of your ingredients that matched the recipe. To see more recipes, click the More link or the down arrow.

If you click the I Feel Lucky box, you'll get only one recipe and it tells you the percentage of ingredients that you have and what you are missing.

Say you want to make a chicken dish. You could just check chicken, as well as, a few other ingredients and get a listing for only chicken recipes. For example, if you want to make some sort of chicken pasta, check chicken, tomatoes, cooking oil, pasta and noodles. The results will be mostly different types of chicken pasta dishes, with some tomato dishes thrown in, like Tomato Salad.

Another great section here at this site is Skills by the Numbers. This is where you can learn all sorts of different cooking skills. For example, How to Joint a Chicken, How to Slice a Potato, How to Fold, How to Make Carmel and that's just the tip of the culinary iceberg.

Click this link to start Cooking by Numbers: http://www.cookingbynnumbers.com.

How to Play Go Fish

I remember playing Go Fish with my grandmother several years ago. It's a fun little game that's a great way to pass some time on a rainy day. Do you remember how to play? Have you played it with your children? Let's refresh you on the game.

The Rules: If you haven't played in a while, Go Fish begins by shuffling the deck of cards. This is usually a job for the adults. But you can take time to teach the children how to shuffle. You deal out five cards to each player. You can have up to four players comfortably. You look at the five cards you have and if you have any matching pairs, you lay them down - face down or face up.

The youngest player goes first. They begin by asking one of the other players if they have a particular card. For example, do you have any 2s. If you are using a regular deck of cards, you may have them specify - do you have a red 2 or a black 2. You can play Go Fish by suits, but that's a lot harder and can take a lot longer.

If the player who was asked has the 2, they pass it to the person who asked. If they don't have it, they say "Go Fish" and the player who made the request then draws a card from the deck in the center. Play continues clockwise around the table until a player is out of cards. The first person to run out of cards, wins.

Click this link to purchase a braille set of Go Fish cards from the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired website.

An Alternative to Perkins: The Tatrapoint

Tatrapoint is a mechanical six-key Braille typewriter with adjustable key spacing. Every model comes with adjustable left and right margins and a warning bell 5 cells before the end of the line. It also includes Dymo tape holders on the carriage for making Braille labels.

For years there has been no option for a manual Brailler. Now there is, and it's smaller, lighter, cheaper and more flexible!

The Tatrapoint Adaptive 2, from SVEC a SPOL of Slovakia features:

• Adjustable left and right margins
  
• Adjustable spacing between keys to allow for different sized hands
  
• Line-end bell 5 cells before the end of the line
  
• Carriage release and backspace key
  
• Dymo tape clips integrated for embossing dymo tape
  
• Precise paper transport for exact readjustment of corrections in previously written text
  
• Dimensions: 40cm x 26cm x 8.5cm
  
• Weight: 2.75kg
  
• Paper: Standard braille paper (11 1/2 " x 11")
  
• Extras: carrying case and shoulder strap

For more information, contact:

SVEC a SPOL s.r.o
Stanicna 502
95201 Vrable
Slovak Republic
Phone: 00421-37-783-3445
Fax: 00421-37-783-3137
Email: svec@svecaspol.sk

Click this link to learn more about the Tatrapoint brailler.

Adobe Can Read PDF Files

One of the biggest access issues on the web right now is our ability to read documents in Adobe's PDF format. There are tons of documents that are produced in this format and most of them can't be easily read by our screen readers. Even sighted folks have trouble reading the print because of the strange colors that were used in the documents or because the print is simply too small.

Adobe is working on this issue by adding a reading option to later versions of its software. Before I go any further, you need to make sure you have a few things in order for this process to work. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or higher installed and you must have a speaker connected to your computer with the volume turned up. (It's good to have the speaker turned on too!) : )

Once you have both of those things, you can move on. Just follow these directions:

1. Open any PDF file that you want to read.
   
2. If you want Acrobat Reader to read the complete PDF file, press Control+Shift+B and it will start to read the file.
   
3. If you want Acrobat Reader to read a selected page, click on the page you want to hear and press Control+Shift+V. It will then read only the page you have selected.
   
4. To pause the reading, press Control+Shift+C. To continue reading from a pause, press the same combination of keys.
   
5. To stop the reading, press Control+Shift+E.

Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 and higher will only read the contents if the PDF file is in English.

Illuminating LED tweezers

Have you ever needed to put a little extra light on your eyebrows as you try to remove every little hair? The TweezLight and the La-Tweez are quite similar in concept: a LED spotlight built into the tweezers helps the user to focus on hairs, splinters, etc.

Both brands are widely available online, with the TweezLight being easier to find in the US. The La-Tweez is supposedly available in most Australian pharmacies.

Click this link to purchase the TweezLight from Amazon.com.

Accessible Self-Voicing Star Trek Game

p>As a huge fan of all the Star Trek series, I'm really excited about this game. I've played this one and if you like Star Trek, this is a must download for you.

Star Trek Final Conflict is a game in which you and the computer take turns shooting at each other as well as moving your ships about the alfa sector. Join in the action as you lead the Federation's most powerful fleet of starships and starbases against the forces of the Romulans, Klingons, Cardassians, and Borg. Completely self-voicing, uses Microsoft DirectX 9 and the Microsoft Dotnet Framework 2.0, and 5 action packed levels of gaming experience. You have five of the Star Trek ships from the television series and not only will you shoot, you have to move them about to dock with the starbases, Deep Space Nine and Earth Station McKinley to refuel. Not only that, but your starbases can also fight. You have the following four weapons: a deflector dish, photon torpedos, Quantum torpedos, and phasers.

Click this link to learn more or to download Star Trek Final Conflict from USA Games.

Take Your Magnifier to the Max

For a powerful and affordable digital magnifier mini CCTV that is easy to use - look no further than the Max Full-Color Digital Handheld Magnifier. Use this lightweight, hand-held portable low vision device on any straight or curved surface to magnify images and text from 15x to 30x! Move the Max Full Color Digital Handheld Magnifier over books, newspapers, magazines, or even medicine labels and read with ease. It connects quickly to any TV and is ideal for use at work, school or even on vacation.

Max is a powerful, portable, hand-held digital magnifier mini CCTV designed for people with low vision. The size of a computer mouse, the Max offers multiple viewing options and low vision magnification up to 28x on a 30" TV. View pictures in photo mode or choose between high contrast positive or high contrast negative for easy reading.

Features:

• Magnifies images on any surface, curved or straight from 15x to 30x
  
• Four viewing modes: full color, black and white, high contrast negative and high contrast positive
  
• Power supply included
  
• Built-in RCA and RF jack for connection to any TV
  
• Designed for right or left-handed use
  
• Weighs less than 4 ounces
  
• Light, convenient and easy to use
  
• 1 year limited warranty - 30-day money back guarantee

Click this link to purchase the Max Full Color Digital Handheld Magnifier from SHOP.COM.

Double Spacing in MS-Word

A few days ago, my son was working on a document for school. He came to me and asked if I knew how to turn on the double-spacing option in Word. I looked through the menu options and couldn't find it. I eventually was able to locate the feature and he got an A on the paper.

As I sat searching for this feature I thought, "This would make a great Fred's Head article," so here it is!

By default, MS-Word documents are single-spaced, which is great for most of what we do, but what about that small percentage of documents where you need things double-spaced?

Double-spacing is set through the Format menu, Paragraphs option. In the middle section of the Paragraph window entitled Spacing, you will find the Line spacing options. Using the pull down menu, you can select double-spaced or whatever you like. There are several choices listed there.

Once you've made your choice, click the OK button.

You can quickly turn on the double-spacing feature by using the keyboard command Control+2. To go back to single-spacing, use Control+1 and, as an added bonus, 1.5 line spacing is Control+5.

Now, what if you have a document that is already written single-spaced? Simply highlight the entire document (Control+A) and then follow the instructions to double-space the text.

What if you only need a section of the document double-spaced? You have two choices. First, you could turn the double-spacing on at the point it's needed, type the text and then turn it off when you've completed the section. Second, you could go ahead and type the text single-spaced. Then you would highlight the text you want to be double-spaced and follow the above process.

That's it! All the space you could ever want and then some!

How to Clean a Bathroom

No one likes to clean the house, but it has to be done. As blind and visually impaired people, the first impression we make on others is the most important. Keeping your bathroom clean not only shows that you are a clean person, it shows that you provide a healthy and safe environment for your family. Follow these steps to have your bathroom sparkling in no time.

1. Change into some "around the house" clothes.
   
2. Put all toiletries and personal items that belong in the bathroom in their proper places, most likely drawers and cabinets.
   
3. Close the drawers and cabinets, and then take all other items out of the bathroom. This includes stuff that doesn't belong in the bathroom, such as clothing, but keep in mind that your job will be easier if you remove the waste basket, toilet-brush caddy, etc.
   
4. Remove all fabric items to the laundry receptacle. If it is indeed true that you haven't cleaned your bathroom in months, the receptacles could probably use a washing as well.
   
5. Start with the toilet. Pour in some bleach or bowl cleaning solution and let it sit. Some toilet cleaners come in a bottle shaped to get the solution under the rim; these are very handy, but if you don't have any, ordinary bleach will do wonders. You can come back to this later; let the disinfectant do its job for 20-30 minutes.
   
6. Sweep the floor. Bathrooms accumulate a great deal of hair and lint. Those rubber-bristle brooms do wonders getting the junk out of those little crevices between tiles, but a normal broom will do an adequate job.
   
7. Apply the cleaning solution of your choice to the tub and shower walls. Let it sit for a few minutes, then start scrubbing. Spray cleansers made especially for getting rid of soap scum work very well on tubs that haven't been cleaned in a while. For hard water areas that are prone to green and rust-colored stains, a cleanser made for eliminating calcium, lime and rust is probably what you need. Never use abrasive cleaners, scrub pads or steel wool on bathroom fixtures, they quickly dull the finish.
   
8. Don't forget the anti-slip tub mat. Check the bottom; if it's mildewed, you may take it to another room and soak it in hot water with a bit of bleach or you can fill your tub with this bleach solution and pre-clean the tub while getting the mildew off your mat. You will still have to scrub your bathtub.
   
9. Don't forget the shower curtain; it is also prone to mildew. A solution of about 2/3 water, 1/3 bleach in a spray bottle (designated for this purpose) can be handy for getting rid of mildew.
   
10. Rinse the bathtub and shower area thoroughly with the hottest water from the tap. Hot water will dry faster and kill germs.
    
11. Clean the sink and counter area. You may use whichever cleaning product you used on the tub, and scrub in the same manner, rinsing your sponge thoroughly as you go. A toothbrush or cotton swabs can be handy for getting the junk out from between the faucet and handles.
    
12. Return to the toilet, and scrub your now germ-free toilet bowl with a toilet brush. Scrub well under the rim and flush.
    
13. Spray the rim and lid of the bowl with the same cleanser you used on your tub and sink; wipe. If you are concerned about germs on the outside of the bowl, spray a bit of your bleach-water solution on to the surface and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
    
14. Wash the walls, moulding, and windowsill if necessary. If these are made of wood, hot, soapy water, dish soap, or if in a pinch laundry detergent works well. If they are tiled, you can use the same cleaning product you used on your tub and sink.
    
15. Wipe the front and tops of cabinets and drawers. You'll probably want to use hot, soapy water for this purpose. If you're worried about germs on these surfaces, add a bit of bleach to your soapy water.
    
16. Clean the windows and mirror with a glass cleaner and paper towels. Do not use soap, bleach, or a sponge on glass; it will not make it look clean.
    
17. Mop the floor, starting with the furthest point from the door. Hot soapy bleachy water will work best. Be sure to go over your floor with a clean water rinse to remove slippery soap residue. Be sure to get along the sides of your toilet bowl where it is anchored to the floor, this area is often very dirty.
    
18. Exit the bathroom and dispose of your mop water, and probably your sponge.
    
19. Wash your hands and change your clothes.
    
20. Once everything's dry, put the items that belong in the bathroom back.
    
21. Take a moment to pride yourself on a job well done.

Calcium-lime-rust eliminating cleansers can also be sprayed on your shower head to unclog hard-water buildup and regain water pressure. For best results, spray a few times a week after showering.

Remember: the #1 enemy of mildew is bleach. Often just a small application of bleach will eliminate mildew stains without the need for scrubbing.

Ventilate your bathroom while cleaning. Fumes are never good for you. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Rinse your sponge or scrub brush numerous times as you go along, and change your mop water when it gets dirty. The object of cleaning is to wash dirt away and down a drain, not to move it around your bathroom.

Don't ever mix bleach and ammonia! Even sponges that have formerly come in contact with bleach can react with ammonia and cause chlorine gas to form.

Read the labels of your products carefully to make sure they can be mixed with bleach. Products like Windex often contain ammonia; use with caution if bleach is used nearby.

USB Microscope for the Visually Impaired

I attended college at the University of Louisville and one of my most interesting times was when I had to take a lab to complete a science credit. Me, being the science fiction fan that I am, chose astronomy as my science class because I thought I knew a little about the subject and maybe it would get me away from the science labs all together.

When that didn't happen, I realized that I was going to be in some trouble when our book said that we had to use microscopes and write papers on what we saw. Well, I had some usable vision at that time, but not enough to see through a microscope.

Luckily, they partnered me with another student who had sight, so he looked and I wrote. Things could have been a little easier if the USB Microscope had been around. I could see computer screens back then and could have helped him do some of the looking.

This computer microscope allows you to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary for hours of fun and learning. View specimens collected around the house, backyard, your desk, or the fridge. Look at the micro-printing on a dollar bill or examine the traces on your motherboard. This microscope provides you an easy way to zoom in on a wide variety of objects to satisfy your curiosity of the world around you. Ever wondered what lint looks like or the mold growing on your week-old bagels? Now you can find out.

Simple plug and play operation with included software that allows you to magnify objects and view them on your PC up to 200X and take snapshots and time-lapse movies. You can also manipulate images with drawing and painting tools.

Now, here's the cool thing for visually impaired folks. The QX5 microscope is detachable from the stand to allow you to get closer to large objects. What things could you look at with this? I know there's a few of you right now that are thinking of ways to use this that were never thought of by the manufacturer.

The USB Microscope QX5 has these great features:

• Take snapshots, video, and time-lapse movies
  
• 3 magnification levels - 10X, 60X, and 200X
  
• Super-brite LED lighting for bright top and bottom illumination
  
• Video playback at 15 frames/sec
  
• Resolution of 640x480
  
• Software works with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP
  
• Handheld mode allows for expanded viewing possibilities
  
• Comes with: Microscope, USB cable, Stand, Specimen Jars, Sample Slide, Tweezers, Eye Dropper, Slide Clip, and Software CD-ROM

Teachers of the visually impaired take note. This thing could be perfect for your lab or computer workshop. Have you ever had students who simply couldn't see through a regular microscope? Use this in combination with Zoomtext or another screen magnification program to further increase the size of what the student can see. Imagine showing them a circuit board up close, much closer than you can get with a normal CCTV.

Teachers of sighted children could also use this in combination with a projector to show something to the entire class. The possibilities are endless with a little imagination.

Click this link to purchase the USB Microscope from Think Geek.

Change the Colors of Yahoo!

Here's another helpful tip for all our low vision readers who have a Yahoo! email account. When you log in to Yahoo!, do you notice the colors that come up? Did you even know there were colors there?

The colors represent a border around your information, but if you're going to have to look at them every day, why not have a color that you actually like and that can help you read the text you came there for?

To change the colors, click on the Options link at the top of the page. From there, choose the Colors link on the left hand side of the page. Now, this is where you get to choose your new color. There are several colors to choose from, including Classic Blue, Sand, Khaki, Ice Blue, Pink, Maroon, Peas/Carrots and even a Salmon Pink, among others.

If you're not sure what some of those choices even look like, click on the one you'd like to check out and a display of the color will be shown. Once you're done, click Save. You can then go back to your email home page and see the difference.

If you decide that you don't like the color you chose, go back and pick another color. The look of your Yahoo! email is all up to you now.

How to Remain Standing While Riding a Bus

You're standing on a crowded bus, surrounded by folks who are waiting for the driver to call their stop. Then the bus stops suddenly. If you don't have a good hand hold, you go flying forward into other passengers and start a domino effect! Here's how to keep your footing during challenging times.

1. Place your feet about a foot apart in the shape of a "T" after boarding the bus. One foot should be aligned with the direction of travel and the other should be placed behind it perpendicular to the direction of travel.
   
2. When the bus stops, bend your rear leg and keep the front one straight to lean towards the back of the bus. As the bus comes to a stop, slowly straighten your legs to stand upright.
   
3. When the bus starts again, bend your front leg to lean forward.
   
4. Use the foot placed perpendicular to the direction of travel for lateral stability (i.e. during turns). Lean into the turns.

This technique works best for shuttle buses that make frequent, predictable stops. They also work great for subways and light rail.

Another approach is to stand diagonally in the bus. This gives stability for lateral as well as forward-backward motion!

This is not meant to be used as a substitute for holding onto the hand rails. The hand rails are there for your safety, use them if possible.

Tips for Cleaning the Stove

Cleaning the stove can be one of those chores that make a root canal seem more pleasant to endure. Still, it doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to be. Ponder the following tips the next time you are faced with the formidable task of cleaning your stove.

• The Stovetop: Most stovetops can be washed down with hot water and regular detergent. For those spills that have lived for a long time rent-free on your range surface or on those chrome and stainless steel parts, use a little baking soda and water. They will vacate the premises soon after you apply a smooth paste to the area and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Then wipe it off with a soft cloth and rinse with a solution of white vinegar mixed with water. Results are reminiscent of that old song, "Nowhere to run to, baby; nowhere to hide."

  For the cleanest oven top on your block, mix equal parts warm water and ammonia. Apply, wait thirty seconds and then rub as necessary. Rubbing alcohol also brings a beautiful shine to your stovetop. To clean and shine those messy chrome burner trim-rings, rub well with a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar.
  
  

• Stove Burner Drip Pans: One quick way to clean burner drip pans and rings is to simply add them to your next dishwasher cycle. For stubborn stains on drip-trays, place an ammonia-soaked cloth in it and leave it overnight. Wash off well with dish soap and water.
  
  
• Oven Spills: While this tip may seem like part of a family recipe of some sort, it isn't. When spills occur, sprinkle with a mixture of one part cinnamon and six parts table salt. Not only will it absorb the spill, but it will also help remove the burnt food odor. To dislodge baked on spills, apply a paste of baking soda and water. You may need to add a little elbow grease too.
  
  
• The Oven Racks: Place your oven racks in a garbage bag and throw in an ammonia-soaked cloth. Seal the bag tightly and leave outside overnight. Wash down well with soap and water the next day.
  
  
• Oven Trays: In the case of oven trays, an ounce of prevention is truly better than a pound of cure. Add a small amount of water to your trays while baking and broiling. This can save a lot of time later when it comes to cleaning them. If you are opposed to water for any reason, you can cover the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil as a spill-catching alternative. Oven trays as well as pans should be dried well after washing to prevent rusting. Place them in a warm oven so that they dry really well.
  
  
• The Oven Window: For that brown-stained window that no cleanser known to man seems to alleviate, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Coat the inside of the window well with the mixture and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes or until completely dry and then rinse with clean water.

Remember that only you can prevent a dirty stove. (I ought to know. I have one.) Happy Stove Cleaning.

Memoir of a Boy who is Blind

Adventures in Darkness: Memoirs of an Eleven-Year-Old Blind Boy, by Tom Sullivan, is a book that takes readers through the adventures of a "monumental" year in the life of Tom, a boy who has been blind since birth. Publishers describe the synopsis: "Tom lived in a challenging world of isolation and special treatment. But he was driven to break out and live as sighted people do." The 240-page book is available in hardcover and abridged audio on CD for a cost of $24.99. For more information, contact:

Thomas Nelson Publishers
P.O. Box 141000
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 800-251-4000
Click this link to purchase Adventures in Darkness: Memoirs of an Eleven-Year-Old Blind Boy, by Tom Sullivan from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Table Tennis and Air Hockey Combine to Create a Game for the Blind

Have you ever heard of a game called PowerShowdown? Well, join the majority of people in the United States. While invented in Canada and played rather extensively in other parts of the world, somehow it never managed to cross the borders into mainstream usage.

PowerShowdown, known internationally as Showdown, is a combination of table tennis and air hockey. Invented in the 1960s by Joe Lewis and Geraldine York, the game is specifically designed so individuals with visual impairments or blindness (VI or B) can play without sighted assistance. Additional rules have evolved from different parts of the world to make the game what it is today.

PowerShowdown has seen little use in the United States simply because most people are unaware of its existence. The tables are also expensive and difficult to obtain since they have to be ordered from Europe. Jim Mastro, Ph.D., has been working with a group at Bemidji State University in Minnesota to manufacture the tables in the United States. Considering the possibilities for social interaction as well as recreational or competitive sport, PowerShowdown is well worth discovering.

The game is inexpensive to start up, requires minimal maintenance, and can be played in a room the size of a classroom or meeting room. The only equipment needed is the specially designed table, two paddles, special ball into which metal bee bees have been inserted, and perhaps a glove for the batting hand. Sound produced by the bee bees rolling around inside the ball indicates the location of the ball during the play.

Showdown is easy to learn. The object of the game is to bat the ball off the side wall, along the table, under the centre screen, and into the opponent´s goal. the first player to reach eleven points, leading by two or more points, is the winner. Each player serves five times in a row. Player score two points for a goal and one point when their opponent hits the ball into the screen, hits the ball off the table, or touches the ball with anything but the bat.

The game of PowerShowdown has many benefits. Kinesthetic awareness, ear/hand coordination, and spatial awareness all come into play. The greatest benefit is the social aspect. It allows people with VI or B to compete and interact with other people. PowerShowdown could replace table tennis or air hockey in the family recreation room, providing an opportunity for participation with a competitive twist for entire families. It will help integrate individuals with VI or B into the general population.

The tables are $2,800.00 plus shipping and handling. Each is individually crafted and comes with two paddles and two balls. For additional information, click this link to contact Jim Mastro via email at jmastro@bemidjistate.edu.
A text file of the official rules can be found at http://www.ibsa.es/eng/deportes/showdown/IBSAShowdownRulebook2005-2009.txt.

The Incredible 2006 Annual Meeting Presentations of Tom Sullivan and Michael Hingson

Due to popular demand, and the gracious willingness of our presenters, the amazing Annual Meeting keynote presentations from October 12-14 2006 of Tom Sullivan and Michael Hingson are available through our website. Additionally, you may enjoy the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Anne Sullivan Macy and Arnall Patz.

Here's how to access the presentations:

the Keynote Presentations and Induction Ceremony recordings are located at: www.aph.org/anmtg/2006/media.html

To listen to podcasts of various Annual Meeting sessions, visit: www.aph.org/tech/info.htm

APH News: December 2006

APH News

Your monthly link to the latest information on the products, services, and training opportunities of the American Printing House for the Blind.

December 2006

Exciting New APH Products Announced!

Read on to learn about these new products - now available!

• Building on Patterns: Primary Braille Literacy Program: Kindergarten Level
• Fun with Braille
• Expandable Calendar Boxes
• Large Print and Tactile Protractors
• REVISED! Desk Top Reading Stand Now in Plastic
• APH Braille Book Corner

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The Incredible Annual Meeting Presentations of Tom Sullivan and Michael Hingson are Now Available!

Due to popular demand, and the gracious willingness of our presenters, the amazing Annual Meeting keynote presentations of Tom Sullivan and Michael Hingson are now available through our website. Additionally, you may enjoy the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Anne Sullivan Macy and Arnall Patz.

After viewing (or reviewing) these inspirational presentations you will feel a renewed pride in your profession.

Here's how to access the presentations:

the Keynote Presentations and Induction Ceremony recordings are located at: www.aph.org/anmtg/2006/media.html

To listen to podcasts of various Annual Meeting sessions, visit: www.aph.org/tech/info.htm

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APH's PE Website Feature for December!

PowerShowdown! Learn about this exciting game by visiting the APH's PE Website Feature page.

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SQUID: Tactile Activities Magazine Survey

SQUID: Tactile Activities Magazine is intended for students 5 to 12 years of age. Two SQUID issues are now available from APH with more issues soon to come! Karen Poppe, Tactile Graphics Project Leader, welcomes student feedback about the types of activities they most enjoy and would like to receive more of in SQUID issues. Please encourage students to visit and complete the short survey (maybe as a classroom assignment!) located at www.aph.org/edresearch/squid.html. Teachers' and parents' comments are welcomed as well. Thank you for your assistance!

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Looking for Braille Books for Holiday Gifts?

Are you looking for recreational reading books to give as gifts?? If so, here is an easy step-by-step guide to searching LOUIS for APH braille books.

Once you are on the LOUIS search page,

1. Choose "Subject" in the Search By drop box.
2. Type in "recreational reading" in the Search for box. If you would like to narrow the search by age group, please add "adult" "young adult" or "child" for example, "recreational reading child"
3. In the Choose a format drop box, highlight "Braille"
4. In the Choose an agency drop box, scroll down and click on "American Printing House for the Blind"
5. Lastly, in the Max Records to Display box, change to "All records retrieved" and then, click on the yellow Search button.
6. You will see a long list of titles in alphabetical order, scroll through the list to pick out your favorites!

Please remember APH has over 300 recreational reading titles in braille. If you need additional LOUIS help, please contact Resource Services at (800)223-1839 ext. 705.

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Louis Database Fall Cleaning

In an effort to clean up intention records in Louis, letters were sent out to all contributing agencies, asking them to update their intentions records. Over 10% of our agencies responded, resulting in hundreds of corrected records. Thank you to all of the contributing agencies for your efforts in helping us keep Louis up-to-date!

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Nevada Early Interventionists Focus On Visual Impairments

Approximately 30 staff members were joined by parents and others in Las Vegas on November 17 to gamble on an APH product demonstration and presentation. Janie Blome, Director of Field Services, was on hand to provide information about APH products for young students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, and to provide instructional techniques and strategies for using those products in children's homes and in their classrooms. The group also discussed some APH history and the process for accessing Federal Quota funds. Participants were excited to see many new APH products and some classics, including Setting the Stage, Picture Maker, the Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board and the many materials and revised handbooks for the APH Light Box. They were particularly enthused to learn the Light Box manuals are now available in Spanish, and encouraged APH to continue to provide materials relevant to Hispanic students and their families.

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APH Expands at the Utah AER Conference

APH was pleased to be a part of the Utah AER conference in Salt Lake City on November 3. Field Services Director Janie Blome joined Ex Officio Trustee Karen Blankenship (IA) to present sessions on the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairment. Karen's opening keynote overview of the Expanded Core Curriculum provided a perfect foundation for Janie's keynote highlighting APH products to enhance skills in the areas of the Expanded Core. An afternoon session allowed participants to get some hands-on experience with the APH materials as they studied individual products and provided feedback on the features of the products, ways they could be used with their students, and ways they might use the products in other curriculum areas as well.

Participants also had the opportunity to look over APH products at the APH exhibit booth. Highlighted products included Loving Me, Money Talks, Going Places, and the Sensory Learning Kit, among many others!

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Virginia's 2006 Workshop on Blindness and Visual Impairment a Success!

Virginia's 2006 Workshop on Blindness and VI, held Nov 15 - 17 in Hampton, VA was a success, as more than 150 attendees enjoyed sessions and product exhibits. The workshop featured 4 'strands' which included: Transition, O&M, Adaptive Physical Education and Life Skills, and Braille Literacy. The APH booth was also a success as it was filled with teachers interested in APH's newest products in these categories, exhibited by Field Services Representative Sandi Baker. The new Moving Ahead book - Splish the Fish - was a hit, as were Setting the Stage for Tactile Understanding, SQUID, and the Draftsman. Other new APH products included World at your Fingertips, Alphabet Scramble, and Going Places.

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Three Hall of Fame Inductees Installed

The likenesses of the final three members of the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, inducted in 2002, have been captured on bas relief plaques that are now installed in the Hall of Fame.

Louis H. Rives, Jr.

Lou Rives (1919-1986) received his baccalaureate and law degrees from the College of William and Mary. In 1947 he joined the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration (VRA) and ultimately served as Chief of the Division of Services for the Blind. Upon retirement from federal service, he became the Director of the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind. Rives served as AAWB President, receiving the Shotwell Award in 1969, and on the Board of the American Foundation for the Blind.

Mary Elizabeth Switzer

Mary Switzer (1900-1971) graduated from Radcliffe College. She served as Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Commissioner of the Vocational Rehabilitation Administration, and the first Administrator of the Social and Rehabilitation Service of HEW. In 1954 she shaped the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, referred to as the Magna Carta in the work for the handicapped. She retired in 1970 as the highest ranking female bureaucrat in the federal government. Switzer served as President of the National Rehabilitation Association (1960-61) and received AAWB's Shotwell Award in 1962. At least three buildings are named in her honor.

Robert H. Whitstock

Robert Whitstock (1930-1998) attended the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1955. Whitstock joined The Seeing Eye in 1957 and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles throughout the United States and Canada demonstrating the virtues of travel with a dog guide. From 1977 to 1992 he served as Vice President for Programs. Whitstock served as President AAWB (1973-1975). Want to learn more about these and other legends of our field? Visit the Hall of Fame Web Site at www.aph.org/hall_fame/

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2007 Nomination Process for the Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is now accepting nominations for 2007 induction consideration.

If you are interested in learning more about the process and/or submitting a qualified nominee to join the 38 inductees, please visit: www.aph.org/hall_fame/nom_letter.html

The nomination process will close Friday, March 16. Nominees who were first submitted in 2006 will remain active.

"The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired."

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APH's Elaine Kitchel Receives MACRT Award

Elaine Kitchel, APH's Low Vision Project Leader, received the 2006 Charlyn Allen Award at the Mid America Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers (MACRT) on November 9. The award is given "in recognition of outstanding achievement, dedication, and leadership in the field of rehabilitation teaching."

This year's award was presented to Elaine Kitchel, by Sue Dalton, last year's winner. Sue said, "Elaine is well known and loved by many of the MACRT members, is highly respected for her outstanding creative presentations, and is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge in order to improve access, materials, and the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired."

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Experiences of Parents With Visual Impairments Raising Children

Dr. Sunggye Hong, University of Northern Iowa, is seeking parents with visual impairments to participate in a 1-hour telephone interview. The purpose of the study is to learn about the strategies, concerns, and experiences these parents have as they raise their children. Parenting partners will also be invited to participate in the study.

Visit www.ed.arizona.edu/rosenblum/recruit.htm and read a letter of invitation and complete an on-line information form or contact Dr. Sunggye Hong at 319/273-7954 or hong@uni.edu to request an information form.

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Memoir of a Boy who is Blind

Adventures in Darkness: Memoirs of an Eleven-Year-Old Blind Boy, by Tom Sullivan, is a new book that takes readers through the adventures of a "monumental" year in the life of Tom, a boy who has been blind since birth. Publishers describe the synopsis: "Tom lived in a challenging world of isolation and special treatment. But he was driven to break out and live as sighted people do." The 240-page book is available in hardcover and abridged audio on CD for a cost of $24.99. For more information, contact: Thomas Nelson Publishers, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214; phone: 800-251-4000; web site: www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=078522081X

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APH Welcomes New Ex Officio Trustees

Christine L. Boone, Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, replacing Melody Lindsey.

Jane A. Breen, Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, replacing Richard Snowden.

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APH Travel Calendar

December

December 4-5, 2006
4th Annual Testing Agencies Disability Forum;
Washington, DC

December 4-8, 2006
Legislative Visits on Capitol Hill;
Washington, DC

December 10-12, 2006
Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness Conference;
Lansdowne, VA

January

January 23-28, 2007
ATIA;
Orlando, FL

February

February 2, 2007
2007 South Carolina AER;
Charleston, SC

February 22-23, 2007
New Mexico AER Conference;
Rio Rancho, NM

March

March 1-4, 2007
CTEVH;
Santa Clara, CA

March 14-16, 2007
SOMA;

March 19-24, 2007
CSUN;
Los Angeles, CA

March 23-25, 2007
Jo Taylor;
Dallas, TX

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A Word to Ex Officio Trustees!

Jack Decker reminds APH Ex Officio Trustees that last year was a record year in sales, partially because so much of the 2006 and 2007 Federal Quota allocations were spent before September 30. For a number of states this means less allocation available this year. Remember, APH welcomes cash sales.

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HELP WANTED: APH Employment Opportunities

For details, click on the positions of interest.

• Model & Pattern Maker I (Research)
• Textbook Coordinator - Large Print (Accessible Textbooks)
• Prototype Developer
• Field Services Representative (with Family Emphasis) (Field Services)
• Systems Librarian (Resource Services)
• Metadata and Nimac Support Specialist (NIMAC)

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Children to Receive Letters from Santa in Braille

NORTH POLE: The National Federation of the Blind announces that as Christmas approaches the Federation will be providing a special service for children who read braille.

Braille or print letters to Santa may be sent to Santa Claus, c/o National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230, by December 15. Letters may also be sent via the Internet at www.nfb.org. Letters must include the writer's name, the child's name, the child's birthday, the child's gender, mailing address, and a telephone number in case Santa's helpers at the National Federation of the Blind have questions. Each reply will be in Braille and print so that parents and children can read together. The replies will be in contracted Braille unless otherwise specifically requested.

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NEW! Building on Patterns:
Primary Braille Literacy Program: Kindergarten Level

Complete Kits:
Print Kit: 8-78450-00 -- $250.00
Braille Kit: 6-78450-00 -- $250.00

Teacher's Edition, Print: 8-78451-00 -- $130.00
Teacher's Edition, Braille: 6-78451-00 -- $130.00

Posttest Teacher's Manual, Print: 8-78452-00 -- $15.00
Posttest Teacher's Manual, Braille: 6-78452-00 -- $15.00
Posttest Consumable Set (Print & Braille): 8-78455-00 -- $13.00
Assessment Check-up Forms (Print & Braille): 8-78456-00 -- $16.00

Student Textbooks, 7 per Set: 6-78453-00 -- $66.00
Color Me Book: 6-78454-00 -- $10.00

Building on the success of Patterns: Primary Braille Reading Program, the new Building on Patterns (BOP) is a complete primary literacy program designed to teach beginning braille users to read, write, and spell in braille.

The Building on Patterns series addresses vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, phonemic awareness (ability to hear and interpret sounds in speech), and phonics (the association of written symbols with the sounds they represent).

BOP also addresses specific skill areas needed by the child who is blind, such as language development, sound discrimination, tactual discrimination, and concept development. Braille contractions are introduced from the beginning along with sound and letter associations.

Features of Building on Patterns

• Groups of contractions are taught together when logical to do so.
• Easily confused letters and words are introduced at different times.
• Punctuation is eliminated except for the capital at the kindergarten level and is introduced gradually thereafter.
• Ideas for incorporating technology are given.
• Lessons are flexible and can be adapted to fit a given student or students.
• Enrichment activities are suggested for additional practice or homework.
• Read-aloud books to go along with the lesson are suggested.

Kindergarten lessons include a selection to be read to the student, questions to discuss, and an activity for the child to complete. Textbooks are consumable. Recommended Ages: 4 or 5 years and up.

Note: Other levels of Building on Patterns will be available in the future.

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Fun with Braille

Fun with Braille Book, Braille -- $19.00
Fun with Braille Book, Large Print -- $19.00

Braille Practice with a Difference -- It's Fun!

This book of entertaining activities is designed to provide additional practice for adults and children who are already familiar with the braille contractions. The activities can be done in any order and can be chosen to practice a specific problem contraction or just for fun. A list of contractions and the activities in which they appear is included for reference. An answer key is provided in the back of the book.

The print edition includes selected activities in simulated braille so that print users learning braille can practice their skills. A complete print transcription of the simulated braille is included for non-braille readers.

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Expandable Calendar Boxes

White Expandable Calendar Boxes: $107.00
Black Expandable Calendar Boxes: $107.00

Expandable Calendar Boxes help students who lack a formal means of communications and literacy. They are closed-cell foam boxes that can be used singularly as an anticipation box or in a grouping of two or more as calendar boxes.

Expandable Calendar Boxes benefit students who have:

• Deafblindness
• Visual and multiple impairments
• Autism
• Other disabilities that put them at risk for not understanding, participating in, or directing the events that surround them

The boxes are designed so that a second box can be attached to the original anticipation box when the student is ready to learn "now" and "next." When the student is ready to perform multiple activities, additional boxes can be attached.

Kit contains:

• Six boxes (available in white or black)
• Six label/curtain u-channels
• Five connector u-channels
• Expandable Calendar Boxes Instruction Guide with tips on using the boxes
• Calendars for Students with Multiple Impairments Including Deafblindness by Robbie Blaha (guidebook)

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NEW! Large Print and Tactile Protractors

Large Print Protractor (4-Pack): $20.00
Tactile Protractor (4-Pack): $20.00

Now students can use the same convenient measuring tools in both classroom and assessment situations. One protractor is designed for large print users, the other for braille/tactile users. Both protractors allow for the measurement and construction of angles.

Both protractors feature:

• Lightweight, clear plastic
• Movable, transparent yellow wand
• Open hole where wand is attached for inserting pencil or push pin at vertex of angle
• Notches on bottom left and right allow for pinning the protractor to surface such as a rubber mat
• 6-inch ruler located at bottom of protractor

Large Print Protractor features:

• Bold, sans serif, 20-point font
• Upper labels mark every 10 degrees from 0° to 180°
• Lower labels mark every 20 degrees from 180° to 0°

Tactile Protractor features:

• Braille dot markings on upper edge: 3 dots at 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°; 2 braille dots at each 10° to 170° except 90°; a single braille dot at every 10° increment from 5° to 175°, excluding 45° and 135°.

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REVISED! Desk Top Reading Stand Now in Plastic 1-03220-01 -- $129.00

APH's classic Desktop Reading Stand is now made of durable white plastic, replacing the former wooden stand. This portable stand holds reading material at a proper position for low vision users.

Features:

• Bookshelf now runs width of the stand
• Lower cost than previous stand
• Adjustable page clamps
• Built-in carrying handle
• Same size as previous stand, with a reading surface measuring 23 3/4 x 18 inches
• Five tilt angles

Recommended ages: 8 years and older.

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APH Braille Book Corner

APH is now offering a number of new recreational books in braille (Quota funds can be used). Each of these titles was originally transcribed and produced by APH for the National Library Service which has graciously granted permission for this offering. As usual, these titles have been added to the APH Louis Database where you can find thousands of titles produced in accessible formats.

Note: all books are produced upon receipt of orders, therefore, please allow approximately 8 weeks for delivery.

Evidence of Things Unseen
by Marianne Wiggins: T-N1577-30 -- $95.00
Ray Foster returns to Tennessee after WWI, gets married, and lands a job building the atomic bomb. When he and his wife die from radiation poisoning, their adopted son looks for clues about their past. Descriptions of sex and strong language. (Adult -- Fiction)

The Love Wife
by Gish Jen: T-N1574-300 -- $94.00
A mysterious visitor from China with ambiguous intentions disrupts the Wong household. Strong language, descriptions of sex, and violence. (Adult -- Fiction)

Smoky the Cowhorse
by Will James: T-N1574-40 -- $51.00
Follows Smoky's experiences from his birth on the open range and his capture by humans to working as a rodeo star and saddle horse. Newbery Medal. (*AR #83, RL 6.5, Points: 13.0)

*Accelerated Reader number, reading level, and point value. For more information on the Accelerated Reader program, see the January 2006 APH News or www.renlearn.com/ar/

APH News Credits

President:
Dr. Tuck Tinsley
ttinsley@aph.org

Designer:
Malcolm Turner, APH Web Site Coordinator
webmaster@aph.org

Thanks to the following APH staff:

• Cindy Amback, Support Specialist, Field Services
• Sandi Baker, Field Services Representative
• Janie Blome, Director, Field Services
• Scott Blome, Director, Communications
• Brian Dougherty, Graphic Designer, Communications
• Elaine Kitchel, Low Vision Project Leader
• Becki Moody, Support Specialist, Communications
• Artina Paris-Jones, Assistant, Field Services
• Karen Poppe, Tactile Graphics Project Leader
• Tristan Pierce, Multiple Disabilities Project Leader, Research
• Linda Turner, Technical Services Manager, Resource Services

Editor:
Bob Brasher, Vice President, Advisory Services and Research
bbrasher@aph.org

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For additional recent APH News, click the following:
November Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv11.html
October Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv10.html
September Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv09.html

Archive of all previous issues - www.aph.org/advisory/advarch.html

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Please share this web link or any items that appear in this publication with anyone who might benefit.

Thank you.

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Subscribe to the APH News!
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It's Easy!

1. Create an email to aphinfo-request@iglou.com
2. Leave the subject blank
3. Type the word 'subscribe' (without any quote marks) in the body of the message
4. Send it.

What is Hypoglycemic Unawareness?

Children with diabetes need to be encouraged to test their blood sugar at least four to five times a day, six to eight times would be better. This is especially true because some kids can develop a condition called hypoglycemic unawareness. It means pretty much what it sounds like, the state of being unaware that one's blood sugar is too low.

Typically, there are obvious physical symptoms of low blood sugar that a person experiences. Rapid heartbeat, perspiration, shaking, anxiety, hunger, confusion, and irritability are some of these signs.

A diabetic who doesn't "sense" that he or she is falling into the low blood sugar "danger zone" can literally become unconscious before being able to get help.

Tips for Parents

• Get your child into a scheduled routine of testing blood sugar. Testing before eating and sleeping is a good plan. If you are firm in seeing that your child tests before all meals, snacks, and bedtime, eventually it will become a habit.
  
  
• If your child gets a low blood sugar reading, especially if it is below 70, treat with a sugar substance. Afterwards, ask about what he was feeling while he was low. Write down the symptoms he describes every time he's low, and discuss them with your child to help him become more aware.
  
  
• Make sure teachers and caregivers are aware of your child's particular symptoms of hypoglycemia. When in doubt, the teacher or caregiver should give the child juice, soda (not diet) or candy such as sweet tarts (that dissolve quickly).
  
  
• Your son or daughter should keep juice boxes or emergency candy on hand for times when symptoms appear.
  
  
• Set up rewards for your child when he consistently checks his blood sugar. Plan a movie or trip to someplace fun when she has been testing herself at least five times a day without fail for two weeks or a month.

Dr. Alfred T. Sapse Talks About Retinitis Pigmentosa

The audio interview conducted by TransWorldNews with Dr. Alfred T. Sapse is now available for listeners in the Audio Interviews section of TransWorldNews. Dr. Sapse's interview discusses Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and the treatment offered by StemCell Pharma, Inc.

Dr. Sapse also explains the causes that lead to RP that transcend genetic variables. Through the treatment offered by StemCell Pharma, Inc. individuals suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa can gain improved eyesight.

To listen to the audio interview with Dr. Alfred T. Sapse please go to: http://www.transworldnews.com/Interviews.aspx?id=70
To read more about Dr. Alfred T. Sapse and the treatments offered by StemCell Pharma, Inc. visit his TransWorldNews profile at: http://www.transworldnews.com/ProfileView.aspx?ProfileID=510&cat

Accessible Software at Hofstader.com

By Chris Hofstader

One of the major aspects of the hofstader.com website is to encourage volunteerism among the community of people with disabilities. Another is to promote a community-based mentoring system in which people with disabilities who want to learn a new skill can match up with experts in the field and work on professional quality open source programs that people with disabilities can use without impediment.

The community of people with vision impairment, the group of people with disabilities that I know the best, has authors tremendous amount of energy. Some members of our community focus on applying this energy to constructive purposes; others, grow frustrated and spend a lot of energy yelling about problems but offering no solutions. I hope that our volunteerism project can help channel energy toward solutions rather than just criticism.

The hofstader.com site also hopes to serve as a one-stop shop for people with disabilities to find free, open source programs that they will enjoy using. In the beginning, we will be focusing on Windows and Windows Mobile software as that is what we know best. I expect that scripts for JAWS will dominate the early content on the site as all of the blind people working on this project use JAWS and that is the area with which we are most familiar. Some time in early 2007, when the site will have its Windows section in some reasonable order, we'll start adding software for the GNU/Linux platform and after that software for Macintosh and other platforms.

If you are interested in volunteering on this project in its early stages, we mostly need people to help us research and find as many free and open source projects pertinent to people with disabilities that run in the Windows environment. We need help finding all of these projects, categorizing them in writing a sentence or two describing them for people who visit the website. If you think you're interested in helping, visit the site and click the link to send a mail to volunteers@hofstader.com.

Blind Confidential will announce important changes to the website but it's probably best to check their from time to time to watch it grow.

Click this link to visit http://www.hofstader.com.

Magnify Your Screen with Zoommy

Zoommy is a replacement for the MS Magnifier. The area of the screen is shown in the lens window with customizable magnification up to 20 times. A click on the Zoommy icon in the tray shows the lens, another click hides it.

A right click on the same icon opens a menu with parameters. Each of them can be changed with one more click. Zoommy is a magnifier tool for the visually impaired. Using Zoommy it is possible to adjust contrast, brightness, color mode: normal, inverse, black and white or gray gradations. The size of the lens is also customizable. Its unique mode can slow down the mouse when the specified magnification level is used.

This mode is automatically disabled when you hide the magnifier. The lens window shows the current magnification, proportionally magnified mouse pointer and its current coordinates.

The pointer looks in a special way that will help to precisely determine the actual position of the mouse pointer and also the color of the pixel the pointer is currently pointing to. The color of the pixel is in the RGB format (red, green and blue) and in the hexadecimal format.

The program can run in two modes: the lens follows the mouse pointer or is fixed in a certain position on the screen. It has a simple and comfortable interface. If you want it, Zoommy can be automatically launched at Windows startup.

Click this link to learn more about Zoommy from http://zoommy.mutexdevelopments.com.

A Blind Friendly Toaster

For those of you who burn your fingers trying to get an English Muffin from your toaster, we've come across a toaster that will give you an extra lift in the morning.

There are toasters available with a second lever that allows the item to be raised higher. One variety is the T-Fal Avante Deluxe Toaster With 2 Position Bread Lift. The two slice version runs around $39.00 and the four slice one around $59.00. They're available from the Penney's catalog and I'm sure from Wal-Mart and other sources.

How to RSVP

RSVP stands for the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît" and means "respond, please." It is used when someone issues you a social invitation and wants to be able to plan ahead. Although many people mistakenly believe that you need to reply only if you are coming, it actually means that your potential host wants to know, and soon, whether you intend to come or not. Here's how to give the inviter the proper courtesy when asked to RSVP.

1. Check your calendar. See if you are free on the appointed date and time. If you previously accepted another invitation for that time, you will have to decline the new one.
   
   
2. Do you want to attend this new event?
   
   
3. Make up your mind by the date specified on the invitation; if a "reply by" date was not listed, reply within 24 hours of receiving the invitation. What if something better comes up later? That doesn't matter. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but it is rude not to reply quickly to any invitation and show up as promised.
   
   
4. Don't leave your potential hosts in suspense. If you want to hold your schedule open, the proper response to an invitation is, "Thank you for the invitation, but I'm afraid I will not be able to attend" -- say, "No thanks," instead of, "Please wait until I see what else comes along." True, you might not get a better offer after all, and if you turned down the first invitation, you could end up having nothing else to do that night, but you are abusing the graciousness of your hosts if you keep them on a string as your back-up plan.
   
   
5. Reply in writing or in kind. To be most proper, one would reply in writing, by hand. But one may reply in the same format that one was invited; for example, an email invitation can be answered by email. For an RSVP to a wedding or other formal event, write the reply on a small plain piece of stationery, mirroring the layout of the initial invitation. The lines are centered. Write in the third person. "Ms. (Your name) accepts with pleasure / the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Jones for Tuesday, the thirty-first of October." If unable to attend, change "accepts with pleasure" to "regrets that she is unable to attend." You never need to give a reason for not attending. Just let the host know whether you're currently planning to be there or not.
   
   
6. Communicate last-minute changes. What if the time comes and you can't attend after all? Maybe you're not feeling well, or there was some real emergency. Then, as soon as you know, you must get in touch with the host (by telephone is fine) to let them know you can't come, and apologize. Acceptance of a social invitation did not constitute a legal obligation; your RSVP just communicated your best intentions.

Because exasperated hosts were making a lot of follow-up phone calls to inconsiderate invitees, the "reply card" was invented and is often considered standard and even necessary. However, if a reply card is not included with a formal invitation, you still need to reply in writing and provide the stamp.

If you want to bring extra people, re-read the invitation. It may allow for your guests, in which case you can respond for your party. "Hi, Jane, yes, I would like to come, and my sister is also available; thanks for thinking of us." If not, you can call the hosts and weasel a bit: "I'd love to come to your party on the 31st, but my sister will be visiting me then." The host can either say, "OK, thanks for letting me know, see you next time," or, alternatively, "Well, why don't you just bring your sister along?" Never bring people who were not invited by name, even your own children, unless you clear it with the host first.

If you have special needs (e.g., you're a vegetarian), tell your hosts in advance. When you RSVP, mention that you are, say, a vegetarian, and offer to bring a dish that you can eat. The host may volunteer to make something themselves, and you can accept. But don't just show up and expect that there will be something for you to eat.

People you'd never think care about these things often do, from dates and grandmas to friends and employers. Depending on your crowd, you will get a reputation as either "rude" or "flaky" if you habitually fail to respond to invitations.

Etiquette Police: Free Online Etiquette Training Course

Etiquette 101 is a free online Etiquette Training Course to upgrade your social skills. This training program is designed to improve your etiquette IQ so you can put your best foot forward in varied business and social situations. In today's fast-paced environment, there is a need for an awareness of what is socially acceptable. When people come in contact with highly educated and cultivated men and women our opinions about them are mostly formed by their refined manners. This course is aimed to teach finer etiquette points through concise notes and quizzes. You will then be able to measure this added knowledge by taking an online Final Exam.

An Online Certificate will be awarded after you've passed your Final Exam. This Certificate will give you the confidence and satisfaction to be a sophisticated member of the Etiquette Police alumni.

The Etiquette 101 Certificate Course is divided into the following units.

1. Dine like a Diplomat: Covers the Dining and Table Manners
   
2. Business Etiquette: For Business and Corporate Situations
   
3. Cultural Notes: Provides info on Global Cultural Differences
   
4. Wedding Etiquette: For Dating and Wedding Situations
   
5. Potpourri: Covers Flag, Funeral, Netiquette etc.

The only pre-requisite for taking this training course is a desire to improve your social grace. Once you've registered with the Etiquette Police, you can login anytime at your convenience. This course can be completed at your own pace. You may complete this course in less than a day, or as long as it takes. The idea is to make sure you have grasped all the information in an effective way. After completing the five units, you can take the Final Exam to evaluate yourself on the Etiquette 101 course material.

You will receive a certificate in your email after passing the Final Exam. This certificate will testify that you have successfully completed Etiquette 101 training material. You can then be a proud graduate of the Etiquette Police Certification Program.

Click this link to visit http://www.etiquettepolice.com to get started.

How to Seat Dinner Guests

When you decide to have a dinner party, there are many things that you'll need to consider besides the menu. An important consideration is where the guests should be seated, as this could determine whether or not your guests enjoy themselves or network successfully (depending on what the aim of the dinner event is). This article provides some tips to guide your decision.

1. Decide on the formality of your occasion. Are you having business associates over or friends? Relatives from out of state or your immediate family? The relationship that you have with the people attending your event will determine the formality. As a general guide, a silver service sit-down event should be reserved for professional or very special occasions; a buffet is far more informal and you are less able to control the seating arrangements.
   
   
2. Seat people who have common interests together. This is the most helpful starting point. Consider the following:
   
   
   • Do they have a need to discuss business together?
     
   • Do they have hobbies or interests in common?
     
   • Do they have professions in common?
     
   • Do they have marital/single status in common? (Perhaps you're into matchmaking, although some would be irritated by your attempt if they were to figure it out)
     
   • Do they like one another? Be careful of seating people you know have an animosity towards one another unless you want a dampener on the occasion.
   
   
   
3. Pair people together. Be creative in your pairings. Sometimes it is customary to pair male/females but this can be stifling to the conversation or uncomfortable for some people. If you know someone to be shy, try to pair them with a caring extrovert. If you think two people who would normally not cross paths will end up having a good yarn, then try it. Being the host calls for exercising some people skills in your choices, as well as during the occasion.
   
   
4. Seat guests of honour in order. If you have a guest of honour, for example, a boss, an elderly relative, a visiting superstar (you should be so lucky), there are etiquette rules as to their seating. A female guest of honour usually sits to the right of the host. A male guest of honour usually sits to the left of the hostess.
   
   
5. Try opposite ends of the table for the hosts and/or the guests of honour. With two hosts, you should consider sitting yourselves at opposite ends of the table so that you are "sharing yourselves around" your guests. Alternatively, you could seat the guest of honour at the opposite end of the host, for a female guest of honour, seat her opposite the female host and for a male guest of honour, seat him opposite the male host. The remaining host can sit amidst the rest of the group or alongside the guest of honour. Remember, the hosts should try to remain apart as it is the hosts' duty to make sure the guests are happy.
   
   
6. Have a seating list for large dinner parties. If your dinner party is so large that it encompasses a group of tables, it is helpful to have a seating list at the entrance to the room. Or, personalise it and tell each guest/couple where their table is. That is much friendlier than making them line up like they're at a school cafeteria.
   
   
7. Be a good host. Enjoy yourself but make sure the guests are having fun, too. Make sure that anyone with a disability is seated on a comfortable enough chair; offer to change it or add a cushion etc., if they appear uncomfortable. Let people know quietly where the bathrooms are located, or assist by making it clear with a discreet sign. If a guest looks put out at where you've seated them, do some discreet legwork and re-seat them as quickly as possible; make an excuse like, "Oops, I meant to put you over there." Don't do this if it makes the situation too obvious or you really can't work out a better place for Mr. Snotty to sit.

The number one rule is that you are the host and it's the host's duty to ensure the happiness and comfort of the guests throughout the event. This means foregoing things for yourself if necessary (like less food), keeping an eye on guests' comfort levels and providing swift attention to any problems that might arise.

Don't get too hung up on seating etiquette rules. Many of the rules were established in the courts of kings and queens and were perpetuated by wealthy people for generations to follow. With the rise of the middle class and nowadays much more liberally-minded younger generations, the do's and don'ts are less concerning. This is a very general and liberal guide. It will apply in many middle class, anglophone situations. However, there will be stricter interpretations depending on culture, region, country, religious beliefs etc. that you will likely be aware of if this pertains to you.

How you seat your guests from the start can assist in making the occasion more successful, so put some thoughtful effort into this decision.

Accessible Paint Calculator

When my wife and I moved into our new home, we wanted to paint the walls before moving in the furniture. My wife has some vision, so she measured the rooms and we went to our local hardware store to purchase the paint. We knew what color we wanted, but we had no idea how much paint it would take to paint our house.

While searching the net, I found this paint calculator. I wasn't looking for a paint calculator at the time, but I thought there may be someone out there who is getting ready to move and may have use for it, so here's how it works.

You first take the measurements of the room you want to paint. This means the length, width and height of the walls, as well as, how many doors and windows there are with their measurements too. Then you put that information into the calculator along with how many square feet a gallon of the paint you want to use covers (this information is usually provided on the can). Then click Calculate.

You'll then find out how many gallons you need in the totals area. (Visually impaired folks will notice it is darker gray around this area to attract your eye to the total!) They give you the disclaimer that you should do your own measurements and check with a professional, because this is just a rough measurement. It will help you get an idea of how much money it will cost to get the job done.

Click this link to use the Paint Calculator.