A Fresh Look at McDonald's Through Podcasting

Did you know that McDonald's has a podcast? I was browsing through their website and came to a link that said "podcast" and I was really surprised at what I found.

"In order to share the real story of McDonald's, we have created a series of podcasts. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to see and hear first hand what McDonald's is all about".

You can use special software, called a podcatcher, to "subscribe" to individual programs so that new installments are automatically downloaded when they become available. RSS news readers allow you to automatically retrieve updates and stay current with new content soon after it is published. There are many readers available and most are free.

Apple's iTunes automates downloads and syncing with iPod players. Another free podcast program, Juice (formerly iPodder), works with a variety of portable players. Some popular RSS readers which also support podcasting include: My Yahoo!, Feed Demon, FeedReader and NewsGator.

Click this link to check out the McDonald's podcasts.

How to Clean Laminate Floors

No one likes to clean the floors, 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 house clean not only shows that you are a clean person, it shows that you provide a healthy and safe environment for your family.

Laminate floors look great and are way easier to take care of than hardwood floors. They are also a cinch to clean.

A solution of vinegar and water will get the job done in no time. Only a few tablespoons in a fairly large spray bottle will do the trick. Use plain tap water, give the mix a good shake, and you're ready. There's no exact measurement. Don't worry about getting things exact.

One of those Swiffer (or other brand) dry mops will really help - just spray your homemade cleaner on the floors and mop up with the Swiffer Dry Mop or some microfiber cloths.

Underline in MS-Word

Frequent MS-Word users know that Control+U will underline text and spaces. What if you only want the text underlined and not the spaces? There is a keyboard command for this, Control+Shift+W. This command will underline the text, not the spaces between the words. How cool is that!

How to Convert Temperature from Centigrade to Fahrenheit

It's handy to be able to convert a temperature from Centigrade to Fahrenheit. Perhaps you just heard an overseas weather forecast indicating 28C, and you want to know if it's going to be cold or hot. Here's two methods to show you roughly how to do the conversion.

Method One

1. Take the Centigrade figure and multiply it by 9. In our example: 28 * 9 = 252.
   
2. Divide that figure by 5. E.g: 252 / 5 = 50.
   
3. Add 32 to that figure. E.g: 50 + 32 = 82.
   
4. That final figure is the approximate temperature in Fahrenheit. So, it's t-shirt weather!

Method Two

Double the Centigrade figure, and we'll call this new number 'A' . e.g. 28 * 2 = 56, so 'A' is 56.

1. Let's make a new number, 'B', and calculate it as 1/10th of 'A'. We can round it up or down. e.g. If 'A' is 56, then 'B' is 5.6 or approximately 6.
   
2. Subtract 'B' from 'A'. e.g. 56 - 6 = 50.
   
3. Add 32. e.g. 50 + 32 = 82.
   
4. Therefore, 28C = 82F

• Water freezes at 0C or 32F.
  
• Blood temperature is typically 37C or 98F.
  
• Water boils at 100C or 212F.

How to Bake a Potato in a Microwave

Here's a fast and easy way to bake a potato. This is great for a snack at night.

1. Wash and dry the potato.
   
2. Use a fork or knife to poke holes in the potato to vent steam.
   
3. Place the potato on a plate and put it into the microwave.
   
4. When using a twelve hundred Watt microwave, set the timer for three minutes for a very small potato; set it for four and a half minutes for a medium-sized potato; and set it for six minutes for a large potato. Huge potatoes require 7 to 8 minutes.
   
5. The microwave should stop before the potato is soft enough for eating and while it is still slightly firm deep inside.
   
6. LEAVE THE POTATO UNOPENED for five minutes. This allows the inside of the potato to finish cooking with the hot steam that is trapped inside. Letting the potato cook its final minutes with its own trapped steam helps it to become fluffy inside without over-drying the outer portion.
   
7. After waiting for about five minutes, you now have a baked potato ready to eat.

Make sure the potato has the correct softness when it is first taken out. You can use a fork or sharp knife to test the center. If the potato is too hard, you can microwave it a minute or so longer. If it is already soft enough for eating, cut it open immediately and cook for less time on your next try.

If you want to bake more than one potato, don't simply double the time. Using a twelve hundred Watt microwave, each extra small potato takes about two minutes per potato. Each extra medium potato takes about three minutes, while each extra large potato takes about four and a half minutes. Huge potatoes require seven to eight minutes each. Lengthen the time when using microwaves with less power. An eight hundred Watt microwave requires one and a half times the lenth of microwaving time.

Using a rotating carousel for microwaving is the best way to get the potato evenly cooked. If you don't have a rotating carousel, pause your microwave twice during the microwaving time, and manually turn the potato a half turn each time. To decide when to turn the potato, divide the cooking time into three fairly equal units.

Some microwaves have a "baked potato" button, use that when in doubt.

If you are in a rush, you can cut open the potato immediately after the microwave stops, add your toppings (or not), and then do the final cooking in the microwave by microwaving another thirty to sixty seconds.

Remember, do not wrap the potato in metal foil; this could cause sparking that damages the interior surface of your microwave.

15 numbers: An Accessible Audio Puzzle Game for the Blind

In this game, you have 15 numbers, 1 through 15, on two game boards - the task board and the work board. The task board shows the 15 numbers arranged in a specific pattern that you must match by using the work board. The work board has the 15 numbers mixed up with one empty slot. You use the one empty slot on the work board to shuffle the numbers around to match the exact numeric pattern on the task board. Talk about a brain twister!

Click this link to download a demo of 15 Numbers from BSC Games.

Free Tetris Game Online

Here's a game for our low vision readers. You can now play a Tetris-style game online for free. The controls are simple and the resolution can be changed for easier viewing. Click this link to play Tetriss online.

1000 A.D. Strategy Game for the Blind

1000 A.D. is a free turn based strategy game. Vikings, Chinese, Monguls and other empires using Catapults, Spies, Armies, wage war to expand & become top ranked. You must train troops, build defences and buildings, feed your people, run your country wisely. Play at your own pace. Interact with hundreds of other players. If you've been waiting for a turn-based strategic war game, this is it. All that's required to play the game is a web browser, a free account, and possibly a screen reader. All graphics have appropriate descriptions, and the only aspect of the game which may pose a problem is that warning messages show up in red but are otherwise possible to miss if you're not paying attention.

Features of the game include:

• 10 different civilizations to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Choices include Vikings, Mongols, Byzantines, Barbarians, and Franks.
  
• 16 different types of buildings to construct including farms, iron and gold mines, weaponsmiths, markets, and forts.
  
• 18 different types of research that you can conduct in order to improve your military strength, resource production, and much more.
  
• Ability to buy and sell goods within your own empire and on the public market.
  
• Ability to aid, attack,, or ally with other players.
  
• 8 different types of units with which to build your army including swordsmen, horsemen, archers, and trained peasants, plus catapults, thieves, and towers.

Click this link to learn more or play 1000 A.D. online.

Using Scissors

To teach a student with visual impairment how to hold and use scissors:

1. Put the scissors in your own hand and let the student feel the hand position and the cutting movement (hand-over-hand, student's hand on top).
2. Let the student hold the scissors and put your hand around the student's hand to help guide while cutting (hand-over-hand, teacher's hand on top).
3. Let the student practice cutting on raised line paper until the student is able to cut along the line.

Note: Some students' hands are too weak to cut through two thicknesses of fabric. Let these students cut one thickness at a time. Electric scissors are sometimes helpful.

These tips from Carol Woodward were published on the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired website and are made available by special permission of the author.

Laser Guided Scissors

If the student has some vision and can see lasers, consider scissors with a laser attached. Straight cuts every time! Simply follow the straight line projected from the on-board laser for perfect cuts from the stainless steel blades. Perfect for fabrics, signs, and anything requiring a long, straight cut.

Click this link to purchase the Laser Scissors from Amazon.com.

Dog Poop Freeze Spray

Any dog guide handler will tell you, there's nothing quite more disturbing than the feel of a fresh, warm, squishy pile of dog poop in your hand, through the barely-there protection of an inside-out plastic bag. But it doesn't have to be that way.

How about you freeze dry the poop before you pick it up? Who comes up with this stuff?

Anyway, Poop-Freeze is a poop freezer in aerosol form. I'm not sure just what chemical is contained within, but upon a short spray, will turn your dog's (or cat's) feces outer layer rock hard, lowering its temperature to a poop-chilling -62° F and making disposal more convenient. It's a great companion to a pooper scooper for clean, fast dog or cat poop disposal.

Click this link to learn more or to purchase some POOP-FREEZE for your guide: http://www.poop-freeze.com.

Navigate Web Pages with the Keyboard

Save some eye strain, take a break from the mouse and use these keyboard commands to navigate around web pages.

• ALT+Home = Home page
  
• ALT+Left Arrow = Back to the previous page
  
• ALT+Right Arrow = Forward to the next page
  
• ALT+Up Arrow = Scroll page up
  
• ALT+Down Arrow = Scroll page down

Resources for Wounded Service Members and Their Families

Source: Department of Defense (DoD)

Wounded Service Members, Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are returning everyday from deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yet, many of them are not returning to their duty assignments, instead, they are recovering at various Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) because of injuries they sustained in the Global War on Terror.

CAP is committed to providing assistive technology and support to returning wounded service members. Accommodations are available for wounded service members with vision or hearing loss, upper extremity amputees as well as persons with communication and other disabilities to access the computer and telecommunication environment. CAP is available to provide accommodations to service members in the following phases:

Phase 1: Recovery and Rehabilitation

CAP has been working closely with key staff at MTFs to provide information and assistive technology to wounded service members and their families. By working directly with staff in the intensive care units, physical and occupational therapist, audiologist and ophthalmologist, they can begin to introduce service members to assistive technology and accommodation support, reducing frustration and providing encouragement. One example of this technology is an augmentative communication device which enables easy communication between the patient and medical staff as well as family members.

Phase 2: Transition

In their efforts to ensure a smooth transition from patient to independent living, CAP is working to integrate assistive technologies into housing facilities and employment training centers at the MTFs to support the reemployment process. This technology includes alternative pointing devices, assistive listening devices, voice recognition software and Closed Circuit Televisions. The technology is being introduced to wounded services members to use at their living quarters, allowing them to email family and friends, improve their quality of care and begin the process of finding employment opportunities.

Phase 3: Employment

CAP is working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to assist in the "reemployment process." If a service member remains on active duty or becomes a civilian within DoD or another Federal agency, CAP can provide the work related accommodation to the agency free of charge for internship and/or permanent employment.

The CAP staff is dedicated to ensuring all resources and assistive devices are available to assist our nation's service members in their rehabilitation process, successful treatment outcomes and future employment opportunities.

More information on CAP is available at: http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/index.cfm Government workers whose agencies have an agreement with CAP can apply for assistance online.

Source URL:
http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_3523.shtml

Buttering Bread Fast and Easy

If you are having a large get together and you need to make a large amount of bread that needs to be buttered you may not want to spend the whole afternoon buttering each piece.

Instead you can microwave the butter for about 20 seconds, stir it and if necessary microwave again at 10 second incraments until melted.

Now all you have to do is pick up a pastry brush and paint the bread! This idea also works great for folks who are totally blind, it's sure easier than dealing with a hard stick of butter. You may want to try this with corn too!

One Click Butter Cutter

Blind and visually impaired people love technology. We also love to occasionally put butter on things. It's always the simple yet elegant kitchen technology that impresses me the most. Like the One Click Butter Cutter. It's technology that is so simple that I can get the drift just by looking at the name, and what a useful product for those of us who have a little difficulty getting the butter to go where it should. The butter cutter holds a stick of butter or margarine and all you have to do to get exactly one "pat" of butter is click the cutter as if you are about to staple a plastic bag. Out comes a neatly sliced portion of butter that you could readily spread on your toast. 5 such "pats" of butter are equivalent to 1 tablespoon - so you could also portion the amount of butter with ease. Another plus, no more messy butter dish.

Portion control is an important part of staying healthy. 5 pats equal 1 tablespoon. It slices, serves, and stores one stick of butter or margarine. ABS plastic. Dishwasher safe. 2"W x 3"D x 8"H.

Click this link to purchase the One Click Butter Cutter from the Whatever Works website.

The Good Garbage Podcast

In this day of podcasting, I'm always looking for new sources of audio by the blind. A friend of mine wrote me an email to tell me about his podcast and I wanted to share it with you.

Hi Mike,

I'd talked to you several months ago about our intention to get a podcast going. Well, Kathy and I have started one and have posted about a dozen episodes (at the time of this letter). I don't know about anyone else, but I enjoy it immensely!

It's called Good Garbage, and the link is below. Check it out when you can, and if you think it's worth disseminating to any list groups you know of, please spread the message!

Good Garbage is the doings and beings of Fred & Kathy, including sounds of the world, how-to episodes about the house and garden, and conversations with people about esoteric religion. Thanks in advance for tuning in.

Fred

Click this link to listen or subscribe to the Good Garbage podcast feed: http://www.fredkate.libsyn.com.

Making Braille Erasers

Here's a great tip we received from Beth Newman on making your own braille erasers.

I make braille erasers by using a small golf tee and making the end less pointed by smoothing it out with sandpaper or a file.

I then screw in a hook or ring, the kind that is used with wire attached to the back of pictures to hang them.

The hook or ring is attached to the end and I then attach it to a key ring or to the handle of a Perkins braille writer. You could also wear it like a pendant on a leather strap with maybe a bead to make it look nice, or maybe on a plastic coil around the wrist?

Recognize Retinal Problems and Seek Immediate Care

Source: Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com

If you experience sudden vision changes -- many floaters or specks, flashing lights, blurred or wavy vision, a dark spot in the middle of your vision, or a sudden vision loss -- seek emergency medical care.

The symptoms could indicate a potentially serious retinal disorder. Seeking immediate care could save your vision, according to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Symptoms could indicate:

• Age-related macular degeneration: This chronic disease occurs when macular tissue deteriorates with age. The result can be blurred central vision and possibly a blind spot in your central field of view.
  
• Retinal detachment: Although painless, signs of retinal detachment include sudden flashes of light followed by what appear to be spots, specks, hairs or strings -- also called floaters.
  
• Diabetic retinopathy: This serious complication of diabetes is marked by swelling of the retina and damage to the retinal blood vessels. Diabetic retinopathy can cause sudden vision loss, retinal tears or detachment.
  
• Retinal artery occlusion: Blockage of an artery serving the retina may occur due to an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or the autoimmune disorder giant cell arteritis. Lost vision results as retinal tissue dies in the area served by the blocked artery.

If you suspect a retinal problem, contact your eye care provider immediately. Time wasted could be vision lost.

Source URL:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/517422/

Free Legal Music Downloads for Students

While the folks at RIAA continue to do battle with P2P file sharing services, Ruckus Networks, Inc. http://www.ruckusnetworks.com, has a better idea. The legal downloading service announced on January 22, they would provide free, advertising supported media for all college students nationwide.

Through licensing agreements with major international record labels, as well as thousands of independent labels and artists Ruckus users have access to "more than 2.1 million high fidelity, virus-free music tracks," Click this link to read the company press release. Premium features include the ability to download unlimited movies and television shows for a monthly fee, and "Ruckus-To-Go," for transferring to portable devices of Microsoft format, including Creative and SanDisk.

Social networking also plays a large part in the Ruckus experience. Users can browse profiles, leave comments, and send playlist recommendations to friends and neighbors.

With a mostly-slick interface, the Ruckus media player looks impressive, but some users may find aspects of it counter-intuitive and clunky. The built-in search function must launch a separate browser window to download media, and ad displays are not subtle. I also experienced some difficulty with the player failing to recognize the default browser and had to copy and open links manually. The site may not be compatible with all screen readers, but I had no problems browsing the music or attempting a download.

That aside, the service has a lot of potential for starving students that love media but don't have the means or desire to pay for .99 cent downloads through iTunes or similar services.

Ruckus is available to anyone with a valid .edu email account, but is currently only compatible with Windows systems. Check your portible device for compatibility.

Foxit: An Alternative to Adobe for PDF Documents

We're all looking for ways to access PDF documents with assistive technology. Until the process gets figured out, why not use a program that can open PDFs but doesn't take up a lot of room or resources on your computer.

Foxit is a free PDF document viewer and printer. It is available for Windows 98/ME/2000/ XP and the 2003 version. It is mainly compatible with the PDF Standard 1.6 program.

The first thing I like about the Foxit Reader is that it's very small in size. The download is only 1.5 MB. Now, I don't want to downsize the Adobe Reader, but its download size is 20 MB. That's quite a difference! Foxit is also very fast. When you open the program, it launches in a matter of seconds and without any delays. You don't have to deal with a company logo, display names, or anything else that might prevent you from getting to the document.

Another feature is the text converter. This lets you transfer a whole document into a text file.

High security and privacy are also found in the Foxit Reader. It does not have any spyware or adware and it will never automatically connect you to the Internet unless you specify otherwise. How cool is that?! Other features include:

• Interactive form filler
  
• On-demand download of add ons
  
• Self-upgrade options
  
• Javascript support
  
• Improved printing speed

As I said before, the Foxit Reader is a free program. Now, you can view and print your PDF documents, fill out PDF forms and save them, view PDFs as text files and take advantage of critical add ons without using up so much of the space on your hard drive.

Click this link to learn more about the Foxit PDF Reader.

The Last Edit in Word

Ever find yourself editing a large document in MS-Word, jumping from location to location, only to realize that you should have done just one more thing at the last editing spot?

How annoying is that? To have to go back through the document and find that exact position again.

What if we could return with nothing more than a quick key combination, with no searching at all?

The next time you need to go back to your last point of editing, simply use Shift + F5. Actually, Shift + F5 will take you back to the previous three points of editing and then if used again, it will return you to where you started).

I just love a shortcut through those long documents, don't you?!

Lighted Lap Desk

The portable Lighted Lap Desk is meant to use almost anywhere - on a plane, on the train, or in bed. Covered in a soft foam microfiber base, you can rest your notetaker, laptop and mouse on it to work, or you can use it to write on when you don't have a surface near you. The Lap Desk also has a built-in cup holder, a convenient lamp, and it also flips open to reveal a built-in storage area for accessories.

Featuring a bright gooseneck lamp, plush leg rest, smooth desktop surface, and plenty of storage space, it's a great go-anywhere portable desk. The flip-top design latches securely and the powerful cold cathode fluorescent bulb automatically turns on when lifted. The built-in cup holder turns your portable desk into a relaxation center!

Lap writing desk measures 23 1/2" x 5 3/8" x 17 3/8" and the storage Approximately 18 1/2" x 11 1/2". Lamp uses four D batteries (not included).

Click this link to purchase the Lighted Lap Desk from Brookstone.

Smooth Moves: How to Survive Shaving (for Women)

Adapted from the article: Smooth moves: stubbly legs? Never-smooth underarms? Bikini line speed bumps? Not this summer!
by Kelly White
June-July, 2005
Girls' Life Articles

If you've shaved before, you know it's not always an "I'm your Venus!" experience. Rashes, bumps, redness, cuts--it all happens. Whether shaving for the first time or the fiftieth, ya gotta know how to defuzz the right way. Here are all the tips, tools and take-no-stray hairs tricks to super smoothness.

1. Start with a clean razor. Disposables are good in a pinch but reusables (you keep the handled holder, then replace blades with refill cartridges) are more Earth-friendly. Check out the kind with a pivoting head--great for ankles and knees. Toss the blade when it doesn't glide as smoothly or cut hair as closely.
   
   
2. Lather Up: Without a sudsy, creamy, foamy or oily lubricant, you can give yourself razor burn or rash. Shave as soon as you get into the shower or tub. Soaking in warm water swells skin slightly, making it harder to get a "this close" shave, resulting in faster-than-usual stubble.
   
   
3. Step Up: A slippery shave posture can be very unsafe. Prop your foot up on the bathtub ledge. In a shower, be sure to have a bathmat to prevent slippage.
   
   
4. Start with the ankle area, using small delicate strokes. You don't have to put much pressure on the razor. Lightly--and slowly--glide the razor along the skin. Rinse the razor in water every few strokes to shake off hairy lather.
   
   
5. Shave the calf-and-shin area with long strokes from above the ankle straight up to below the knee (careful with the shinbone). Bend the knee and use short strokes on and around the kneecap. Shaving the thighs isn't necessary (thigh hairs are often finer, lighter and shorter). Run your hand over your leg to feel missed patches of hair. Rinse and repeat on the other leg.

When you remove your leg from the water to shave, the exposure to the air can cause goosebumps. Unless you want a red post-shave rash, wait to shave after the goosebumps have disappeared.

You want to keep legs silky, right? Be sure there's no redness, then apply a light moisturizer with no heavy perfumes.

Hate to break it to ya, but even the slickest of shaves only lasts a day or two. To keep those legs hairless, shaving needs to be part of your regular routine.

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Pits and Panty Lines

For underarms, lathering on mild soap and water can be less irritating than gels on the sensitive armpit area. After rinsing, skip the lotion but put on a pat of baby powder or cornstarch. Wait awhile before doing deodorant.

Shave "down-there" hair wherever it's exposed when you wear a swimsuit. Put fragrance-free cream, gel or lotion only on those sections. Use careful strokes, then rinse well. No post-shave lotions or potions (except maybe aloe vera) on this portion of your body.

The Bikini Line Genie

The Bikini Line Genie is made from Hypo-Allergenic, safe for skin contact materials and provides a protective shield that, when properly fitted, blocks off the most sensitive of areas so you can perform the most delicate of tasks. It works by tucking between the labia majora to cover your more sensitive labia minora, clitoris and blocks off the vaginal opening so no foreign materials may enter. Now you may perform your personal grooming more quickly and safely. The Bikini Line Genie has a convenient tab for easy removal and disposal. The printed and illustrated instructions that come in every box will help guide you step by step through its proper use.

The Bikini Line Genie can be used During Tanning, Waxing, Grooming, Or Any Type Of Personal Hygiene Care while sitting or standing.

Click this link to learn more about the Bikini Line Genie: http://www.bikinilinegenie.com.

Water Warning Leak Detection Alarm

Do you have a basement with a pump to keep the rain water away from your valuables? Have you ever had the pump fail because of your electricity being out due to a storm? I have and let me tell you the results are not fun to deal with.

In my first home, my pump had been clogged with some debris and couldn't suck the water from my basement. The water levels continued to rise and it was only after the carpets were soaked that I checked the pump to find out what the problem was. If I had only had something that could have alerted me to the rising water I could have checked it earlier and prevented the water from getting to the carpet.

Now, there is an accessible solution to having to look down into the pump to see if the water is about to flood your home. In fact, you don't have to have any vision at all to use this product. It would be great for sighted folks as well.

Protect your home against costly water damage and dangerous toxic mold by catching water leaks early. The Water Warning Leak Detection Alarms are battery-powered sensors that can be placed almost anywhere. They emit a loud alarm the moment their stainless-steel sensors touch water, alerting you instantly that your home is in danger. This package of five can protect up to five different appliances or areas of your home.

Since each sensor can be placed upright or flat, a Water Warning Leak Detection Alarm can fit easily and discreetly at the base of water heaters, sinks, or toilets, as well as near plumbing connections or hoses, any water-using appliance or device that has the potential to leak and cause damage. Their stainless-steel sensors won't rust or stain your floors.

When a Water Warning Leak Detection Alarm senses water, it sounds its loud, 110-decibel alarm intermittently for up to 3 days, so even if you're not at home when it first senses water, you'll know as soon as you arrive. The Water Warning Leak Detection Alarms are powered by the included 9-volt batteries and are sold individually or in a pack of five. Dimensions: 3 1/8" x 2 5/8" x 7/8"

Click this link to purchase the Water Warning Leak Detection Alarm, single pack from the Smarthome website.
Click this link to purchase the Water Warning Leak Detection Alarm, 5 pack from the Smarthome website.

Canada's Checkered Eye

The Checkered Eye was created by Libby Thaw, a visually impaired wife and mother. Libby was instructed to use a white cane to increase her visibility in traffic. She found if she was still carrying the cane while shopping or in other consumer activities, it was sometimes easier to get the help she needed.

Because Libby is able to see quite well, the cane was just as often misunderstood and ineffective in these face to face situations. Others with low vision say that an "ID cane" makes them feel conspicuous and vulnerable. There are also people with low vision, who have other disabilities which make using an ID cane difficult or impossible; those who use wheelchairs for example.

In response to these and other concerns, the Checkered Eye emblem and lapel pin were created.

The checkered eye itself is a simple eye, the center of which, the iris, is black and white checkers. It bears the Checkered Eye and the text "LOW VISION". The background is white, the outline, emblem and text are black. The symbol is round and is available in one inch, one and a half inch, and two inch sizes.

The mission of the Checkered Eye is simple:

1. Increase awareness of low vision and promote comfort with authenticity, for people with low vision.
   
2. Educate the public about the two options for self identification as a person with low vision, the checkered eye symbol and the ID cane.
   
3. Make wearable checkered eye symbols available in many formats at an affordable price.

Checkered eyes are sold only for people with vision impairment; they are not for showing support of the project. If you'd like to support the Checkered Eye awareness effort, please contact:

The Checkered Eye Project
409 Peirson Ave.
Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada
N0H 2C1
Web: http://www.checkeredeye.com

Click this link to download the Checkered Eye Pamphlet. Please note that this is a PDF document.
Click this link to view the Checkered Eye Television Public Service Announcement. You will need a Flash compatible player installed.

NOTE: The Checkered Eye is not to replace a white cane for safety purposes.

Blindness Information, Causes, Techniques, Tools, Social Attitudes and More

I received the following information by email.

Hi,

My name is Chris Glavin. I run a website devoted to providing resourceful information for a number of topics in education and disorders. I have created a wonderful page on Blindness including causes, adaptive techniques, tools, Social Attitudes towards Blindness, Organizations, Support Services, Books, Videos, Magazines, Products, Software, Mailing Lists & a community discussion list for visual impairment. Please take a moment out of your day to visit the page. If you would like to help in any way please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always looking for individuals interested in providing articles and resources for Blindness.

Thanks,

Chris Glavin
Click this link to visit the Blindness page of K12academics.com.

OcuSource: a Resource Guide to the Blindness and Low Vision Industry

OcuSource provides access to reliable resources to the blindness and low vision industry. It bridges the gap between blind or low vision consumers and medical professionals, agencies, service organizations, resellers and manufacturers. Whether you are a consumer with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, acquired or congenital blindness, OcuSource has something for everyone!

OcuSource was founded by Dr. Lou Lipschultz, a low vision practitioner and a former executive with a leading manufacturer in the blindness and low vision industry. His years of experience provided Lou the opportunity to see the industry from both the medical and the industry perspectives. This allowed him to identify multiple resources lacking in an industry heavily reliant on both.

The OcuSource team is committed to empowering the consumer. The site provides information about eye disorders, disease specific news and research, as well as its most valued tool, the "Product Analyzer Tool." OcuSource is a comprehensive database of vendors, products, and local & national resources domestically and internationally.

The Resource Finder is a massive database of doctors, organizations, agencies, vendors and other professionals worldwide. Visitors can search by zip code or name. Once a resource is found such as a low vision specialist, OcuSource even allows the visitor to request contact, or even demonstrations of products. The goal is to provide a centralized source of information that all webmasters can access for their web sites, eliminating costly researching and calling.

You'll also find up-to date news, statistics, current research, clinical trials, information on vision disorders, a product dictionary and many more resources for family, staff, or professionals.

The Product Analyzer Tool allows visitors to narrow their choices within a category of products by reviewing up to 20 key features on each category of products. OcuSource does not sell products or recommend the purchase of products without professional evaluation and recommendations. Selecting the "buy" option on products connects the consumer to local service providers so that the correct devices are dispensed. If local vendors are not available, manufacturers will then be contacted to provide the product.

OcuTrack is a free online visual acuity monitoring tool. A patent-pending process allows the end user to monitor their visual acuity via any computer. The self assessment tool provides a more controlled environment for tracking which results in a greater chance of identifying small changes in vision. Early detection leads to early intervention. This is critical in disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

OcuSource Auctions provides a centralized location to buy and sell used equipment through a custom designed accessible auction system. Used devices become available when users upgrade to newer technology, the unfortunate passing away of the user, or progression of the vision disorder. Unlike the massive auction sites currently online, OcuSource Auctions is focused on blindness and low vision products, making it convenient to find exactly the product desired. From daily living devices to advanced technology, the Auctions provide worldwide access to used products at amazing prices. For sellers, it's the ideal marketplace to sell through due to its focused viewer ship and extremely low listing and sales fees.

For more information, contact:

OcuSource.com, LLC
2118 Rockridge Court
Fullerton, CA 92831
Toll Free: 888-299-6657
Fax: 240-358-5864
Email: support@ocusource.com
Web: http://www.ocusource.com

Amazon.com's Store for the Visually Impaired

Amazon.com is pleased to present a diverse selection of products for those with vision difficulties, as well as for those who care for or care about them. Here you'll find a wide variety of large-print books, books written in Braille (and about learning to read Braille), audio books on CD and cassette, as well as health and personal care products that can help visually impaired customers more easily navigate through their daily routines. We also feature a carefully chosen selection of books about visual impairment, including ways to keep our eyes (and our vision) healthy and in great shape, as well as a few editorially selected books, music, and DVDs in visually impaired-friendly formats. Check back often for updates as we bring more choices to visually impaired customers who love books--and life.

Will You Read to Me?
Although reading is usually a solitary activity, it's sometimes nice to have company, or even a little help. When you want someone else to read to you, try a selection from our Books on CD or on Books on Cassette stores. Browse through hundreds of titles in every category for listening, learning, or just passing the time.

• Books on CD
• Books on Cassette

Braille Books for the Sighted and Visually Impaired
Browse our selection of books on Braille instruction and books written in Braille for both sighted individuals and those with visual impairments. These books offer a wonderfully diverse entree into the world of this unique language.

  Books in Braille

Voice Recognition Software
Create documents, e-mail, or notes to yourself simply by speaking. Voice recognition software also has the capability of reading documents, e-mail, notes, and other forms of electronic print back to you, and it's highly accurate and compatible with many applications.

  Voice recognition software

Large-Print Books
Our Large-Print Store has hundreds of titles in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, reference, spirituality, health and fitness titles, and much more. Find just what you want, just the way you want it--right here.

  Discover large-print books

Help with Everyday Living
Big-number clocks, reading magnifiers, talking key chains, the Clapper, and more useful household items are all available in our Health & Personal Care Store for those of us who need a little help with the everyday business of life.

  Daily-living aids

Books on Healing and Coping with Visual Impairment
There are many ways to improve your vision, whether through simple exercises, lifestyle changes, or non-invasive treatments that can sometimes restore part of the vision you've lost. Browse our selection of titles that deal with ways of coping with visual impairment, and maybe even making your eyes a little healthier.

  Books on visual impairment

Low-Vision Aids
For people with reduced vision even something as simple as bigger numbers on a clock or a television remote control can be a great help. Browse items from our Health and Personal Care Store for those who need to see things bigger and better.

  Low-vision aids

Article Source: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/14264821/104-3999956-5349515

BlindBargains.com has created a simpler interface to this Amazon store. Click this link to visit the Blind Bargains Amazon store.

A Yahoogroup to Discuss Blindness

Daniel Graessle started this email list in 1998 to help build a community that is interested in blindness related topics. "I believe that this Yahoo! Club builds a great forum to discuss blindness related topics with blind people as well as with people with "normal" vision. Please stick around and have fun with us".

To join this group, send a blank email to blindness-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and reply to the confirmation message that will follow.

Click this link to visit the Blindness list page at Yahoogroups.com.

Blind Friends Email List

This is a list for blind people to make friends and share ideas and problems. It doesn't matter whether the problems are computer related, work related or just something a person is having trouble with or wants to share.

To join the group, send an email to blind-friends-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and reply to the confirmation email that will follow.

Click this link to visit the Blind Friends page at Yahoogroups.com.

Free Music Downloads at Musopen

If you love music or even better, free music, I have a wonderful link for you today. As we know, in recent years, a lot of controversy has been created due to music sharing. Most of the artists are against this and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) has created quite a ruckus by prosecuting people who are downloading music illegally from the Internet and sharing it with others. In such times, it seems impossible to think that someone could be sharing free music online in a legal way, right? Well, today it is possible. Musopen is one Web site to thank for that. The goal of the Web site is to share the music that is available to the public, free of cost.

So, how are these people able to share music for free? It's quite simple really. They share music that has no copyrights or music that is freely available in the public domain. Now, don't expect to find your favorite Garth Brooks song there, because the kind of music they have uploaded on Musopen is mainly in the classical genre. Think more Beethoven than Britney Spears. Since the music is so old and no one holds the copyrights anymore, it's yours for the taking.

The interface is rather simple. You can either browse the entire collection to see if your favorite pieces of music are there or if you are new to classical music, you can click on "Random music" to do some browsing. The music is categorized according to composer, style, period, instrument and performer.

My favorite feature of this site is the Musopen radio. It's just perfect if you don't want to download the music, but just want to listen to it. The speed of the buffering is rather fast and the quality is pleasant. If you are new to classical music, I suggest you go through the learning pages first, which will tell you a lot about classical music and its glorious past.

You can also contribute back to the project by providing them with any copyright free recordings that you might have in your possession. If you have any songs of your own, you can offer them as well, but do remember, once you provide Musopen with your songs, they do become public property.

This should be exciting for many people, especially those of you who just love classical music. The quality of the music is satisfactory and there's no guilt involved in downloading this free music. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to http://www.musopen.com.

Self-Test to Cure Glaucoma

Dr. Bob Welsh, a Rotarian, a world-renowned eye surgeon and a leading medical missionary sees a chance to prevent up to 80,000 cases of new Glaucoma blindness in blacks per year through administering his unique patented invention: The New Welsh "Self-Test" for earlier Glaucoma in 10,000 U.S. black churches, with the simple instructions from their Pastors.

Elderly blacks are 9 times more gene-prone to developing totally blinding Glaucoma than other population groups. According to the World Health Organization, more than 5,000,000 mostly elderly blacks in the world today suffer from total incurable Glaucoma-Blindness. They need white canes because they lacked the opportunity to get tested for earlier Glaucoma before it blinded them. This New Welsh "Self-Test" for earlier Glaucoma involves (awkward but accurate) holding one hand over the opposite eye and then using the free hand for "Finger-Wiggling" testing motion nasally in the staring laterally eye to detect reduced or lost "Nose-Side Side-Vision" called a 95% Glaucoma-Diagnostic "Nasal-Step" loss. Nasal steps are either 80% above 180 degrees or below 15%.

This New Welsh-"Self-Test" should be conducted by Pastors in 10,000 US black churches. Pastors can scan their 350 elderly blacks in five-minutes after church services or special events. Dr. Welsh's new "Self-Test" for "Nose-Side" Side-Vision "Nasal-Step" loss, Above=80% or Below=15%, is up to 95% accurate at detecting earlier "Blinding-Glaucoma." High-risk blacks with High-Pressure Glaucoma are then referred to an area ophthalmologist for proper eye pressure treatment -- drops and Lasers.

Contact: Dr. Robert Welsh, MD-Eye
1135 Campo Sano Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone and Fax: 305-661-4363
Web: www.glaucomaselftest.org

Article Source:
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=111572

Clean Your Windows Registry with RegScrub XP

Junk files, such as fragments left behind like forgotten souls from long uninstalled programs, hinder your system's speed with their unnecessary presence.

RegScrub XP is an accessible registry cleaner that can make even the most novice computer user comfortable cleaning out the registry. You can have RegScrub XP generate a list of all the "junk" entries in your registry, where you the user, can go through and select the ones you would like the program to remove. What I like about this registry cleaner is the fact that it automatically backs up your registry, giving you a "get out of jail" card, so to speak, if you somehow end up crippling some program on your PC that you use regularly by deleting it from the list of unnecessary items.

Here are a couple of the features of RegScrub XP that you may find interesting:

• Safely cleans junk out of the Windows2000/XP system registry, making it smaller and faster to access.
  
• All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to its original condition.
  
• You can make an exclusion list of registry entries that RegScrub XP will not display as problems.
  
• You can sift through a list of file extensions, company names, "run upon startup" programs, Internet Explorer history and uninstall programs to delete what you think is trash.
  
• Tweak the registry with the easy to use Tweaker! There is an additional Help file with dozens of XP tweaks.
• Screen reader friendly navigation with the tab key in most areas.

I also wanted to mention that the RegScrub XP has a tremendous Help file, which I strongly recommend that all of you read before you start any registry cleaning. The manual explains every feature of the program, including why and how it does what it does. For example, the ever important restore feature or the exclusion list.

You can download RegScrub XP by clicking this link.

StartCooking with Videos

I've featured several cooking websites in Fred's Head, this one is for those of you who have enough vision to see your computer monitor and are a visual learner. That's not to say that it is totally useless to those of us who don't have any sight, but it features videos that explain how to make various dishes. If you're a total, give this one a try before completely dismissing it.

Not only is this site great for the beginning cook, but there are some handy tips that you can pick up as a more experienced one as well. Even if all you get out of this site is the recipes, you will still come out a winner.

There are three tabs at the top of the page: Recipes, Tips & Techniques and Food & Living. Along the bottom, there is a row of thumbnails. The ones marked with a "V" have a video attached to them. Each one leads to a tip, a recipe or a video. Screen reading visitors will find these links to be accessible for the most part.

To watch the videos on your computer, you will need the QuickTime player. Some videos are offered in the MPEG format which can be easily burned to a DVD using a program like Nero. Once on a DVD, you could watch them on your television.

Recipes: If you mouse over this tab, you will see a listing of recipes. Click the one you want to check out and you'll be taken to it. Some of these have videos with them.

Tips and Techniques: Mouse over this tab to get the listing for this section. Here you can learn all the tips and techniques you need for cooking. From how to separate eggs to cooking in a microwave to how to chop parsley, you will really find a lot of useful information here. The section is also divided into categories to help you find what you need faster. Those are: around the kitchen, equipment, herbs and spices, fruits and vegetables, eggs, pasta, rice and breads, other and meat. I found that this section had lots of useful things for me. For example, if I wanted to check to make sure I pick out good eggs when I go to the grocery store, I could reference this site and know what I should be looking for.

Food and Living: This is where you will find interesting bits about both food and life. From how the author of the site met her husband to the food you might enjoy in London, you'll read a delightful set of articles.

Click this link to Start Cooking: http://startcooking.com/blog/!

Notetakers Discussion Group at GW Micro

GW Micro's existing email list, gw-info has been a long-running discussion list hosted and maintained by GW Micro. It was never specific to any product but instead, provided a place to discuss all of the products offered by GW Micro. As an alternative to the general nature of the gw-info list, GW Micro has received many requests from customers that currently own or are very interested in the Braille Sense - a request for a list that is completely dedicated to the Braille Sense.

To satisfy this customer-driven need, the gw-notetaker@gwmicro.com list has been created. GW Micro encourages anyone that has an interest in the Braille Sense to subscribe. To subscribe simply go to http://www.gwmicro.com/Support/Email_Lists/ and navigate to the combo box where our lists are shown. Choose the GW-Notetaker list and then go to the edit box where you enter your email address. Finally, navigate and activate the Subscribe button to complete the process. After that, you will receive a confirmation email to which you must reply to complete the process.

Subscribers to GW-Notetaker will discuss technical questions, the latest features and possible future features. If you are ready to learn more about the Braille Sense then we encourage you to subscribe today. If you have trouble subscribing to this list please email support@gwmicro.com.

Accessible Yahtzee

BG Yahtzee is an accessible version of Yahtzee, the popular dice game. The current release features the original classic game for a single player. Future releases may allow play against other humans and even the computer. For those of you who have never played Yahtzee before, here is a brief description of the game:

Yahtzee is a game of 13 rounds where the player rolls five dice and tries to score as many points as possible. Each round consists of as many as three dice rolls. During the first roll of each round you must roll all five dice. You then have two optional rolls in which you only need to roll some of the dice, the others remain fixed as previously rolled. When the five dice show a favorable combination or after the third roll of the round (whichever comes first), the player must score in one of thirteen scoring categories. Each scoring category can be scored against only once. It may happen that during a particular round, the final dice roll reveals a combination which scores no points in any of the available categories. In this case, the player must choose one of the available categories to score against, and score zero points for that round. At the end of thirteen rounds, the game is over and if you have managed to score more than the previous highest score, your new score will be remembered as the current highest score.

To receive the game, send your request for BG Yahtzee to Ian Humphreys, together with your full name and country of residence to irhumph@omninet.net.au.

Click this link to see all the games in the Blind gamers series.

Tips for Cleaning Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to decorate your home but it's very hard to keep clean.

If you notice that yours needs to be freshened up a bit, you can do this quite easily on your own.

As a general rule, walls covered with fabric like velvet, burlap, cloth etc should be vacuumed only.

Many types of wallpaper are washable. Be careful not to get the paper too wet as you clean with a little dish soap mixed into a pail of warm water. As an alternative, you can also mix 2 tablespoons ammonia with 4 cups of warm water.

Marks on wallpaper can be removed with an art gum eraser or a dry sponge. To eliminate grease marks, mix some baking soda with water, let dry and wipe off with a damp cloth. If the source of the grease mark is wax like from a candle or crayon, try melting the wax by holding a folded paper towel over the spot with one hand and a medium-heat iron against the towel with the other. Most of the wax will melt into the paper towel. Rubbing alcohol can be applied to any residual coloring, and that should remove it. Many wallpaper stains and marks can be treated as if the walls were painted, but test on an inconspicuous area first.

One word of warning though, you'll want to have someone with some vision around because once you start, you may not be able to stop until you have a whole wall done or it will be noticeable.

If your goal is to clean the wallpaper completely from the wall, always remember to score the wallpaper surface with a fork or sharp knife. This allows the cleaner to better penetrate. Often wallpaper can be removed by soaking with warm water and dish soap. Scrape the surface with a wallpaper scraper.

Audio Sequencer for the Blind

Ronan Carty has created an audio sequencer which is operated by audio feedback and keyboard shortcuts. It has been tested in windows xp and utilizes the voice synthesizer of windows. Future versions will be created for use on unix based systems.

The system allows a person to play 8 audio files at the same time. While each track is playing, you can press M to mute the selected audio file, you could delay the drum beat or mute the drum beat during playback. As this is a prototype in which he hopes to get feedback, , he has not included extra functionality such as effects, editing audio files or recording audio. You can set the amount of times you wish an audio file to loop and you can also remove an audio file from your song. A link to the full list of key commands can be found on his website. page.

This program has been developed using the Java Environment, you will need to have the JavaRunTime Environment installed on your PC in order for it to run properly. You can download the JAVA software from his website as well. Click this link to learn more or to download the audio sequencer for the blind.

How to Play Top Five

Here's a great family or classroom game that is not only fun, but educational and can be used to start a discussion on a specific topic.

1. Give each person a piece of paper and a marker or braille writer.
   
2. Pick a subject. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
   
   
   • Favorite Animal
     
   • Favorite Food
     
   • Things to do at the ocean
     
   • Things to do at the zoo
     
   • Funniest moments
   
   
   
3. Have everyone write down 5 things about the subject.
   
4. Once everyone has filled out their list you can try to guess what is on each others list, or keep track of who has the most original ideas depending on the kind of list.

Access Watch, Watching Over The Software You Purchase

Do you sometimes wish you knew whether or not that really popular mainstream program worked with speech before you laid down the money for it? Perhaps you'd just like some tips and tricks for making a favorite program work even better? Well, I have a great site designed with you in mind.

AccessWatch Review System is a free, colaborative effort and is not sponsored by any organization. Now you can read software reviews from other blind computer users like yourself who have already blazed the trail for you! After you have read several reviews of a particular program, feel free to submit a review yourself. If you don't see a particular program in the database, you can add it to the list and be the first to write a review.

AccessWatch has launched a magazine-style monthly podcast, to which you can subscribe by visiting http://feeds.feedburner.com/accesswatch or by adding this URL to any podcatching software. You can grab the mp3 files of the podcast or read their blog by clicking this link: http://accesswatch.livejournal.com.

You may also set up e-mail alerts in order to be aware of new programs and reviews as they are added to the site. This is truely the blind helping the blind.

Click Here to visit the Access Watch home page: www.accesswatch.info

Matilda Ziegler Magazine For The Blind

The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind is a free, general-interest monthly magazine that is circulated worldwide. Covering a wide range of subjects of special interest to the blind and visually impaired, it features a news section, along with a letter column where readers can seek or give advice--or express their opinions on any subject.

For subscription information, contact the magazine by e-mail or phone.

Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind
80 Eighth Ave. Room 1304
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-242-0263
Fax: 212-633-1601
Web: http://www.zieglermag.org

The Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind can now be read online. The current issue and a growing number of past issues can be read this way, and the magazine can be received via email as well as the traditional formats.

ReadPlease: a Screen Reader for Windows

ReadPlease is a screen reader for Windows from the ReadPlease Corporation that consists of a commercial and free version. (The download consists of both versions. You can choose to install either the free version, or ReadPlease plus during installation. The Plus trial expires after 30 days but the program continues to run as the free version with limited functions after the trial period is over

Features:

• Microsoft voices: Mike, Mary, Sam
• Customize font and background colour
• Reads text via Windows clipboard from any program (copy/paste)
• Control reading from system tray
• Reads e-mail emoticons such as :) or :(
• Adjustable voice speed (rate)
• Low vision colour option
• ReadPlease Enable your website

Plus version only features:

• Low vision large controls option
• Fast forward and backward
• Highlights text while reading
• Dock Mode - will dock at the top of the screen
• Add your own words and pronunciations
• Play can start anywhere in a document
• Adjustable pause between paragraphs
• Hot-key controls for all functions
• AT&T Natural Voices compatible

Click this link to learn more about ReadPlease at http://www.readplease.com.

Reading Discussion Group for Visually Impaired Readers

Purpose: To discuss reading experiences, both good and bad. Members may direct others to new sources for materials which are accessible.

How to sign up: Send an e-mail to: EnjoyReading-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and reply to the confirmation email.

Please distribute this announcement far and wide so that all interested blind or visually impaired persons who love reading can have the opportunity to join the list.

Nothing but The Fact Check Forum

Welcome to The Fact Check Forum, where you can find unusual factoids that are frequently updated and are always interesting.

On the main page, you will find the most recently added factoids. There is also a side menu where you will find the sections: Fact Check Forums, Latest Updates, Archived Updates, Contact Us and Search.

Fact Check Forums: Here you can chat with other folks about the facts presented here or other theories that people have submitted to be discussed.

Latest Updates: This link will take you to the latest updates or the main page.

Archived Updates: Here you can find all the other factoids that came before. The archive dates back to 2004.

Contact Us: This provides you with the forum to leave them feedback or to ask the site admin questions.

Search: This will allow you to search the site by keyword.

If you really enjoyed these factoids, you can get them delivered straight to your Inbox for free by signing up for the newsletter. Just scroll down the main page and the sign up box is on the side menu, near the bottom of the page.

Click this link to visit The Fact Check Forum website: http://www.gullible.info.

Learn Braille with the Pac Mate

FSBraille Coach is a series of lessons and reading exercises designed to help you learn uncontracted and contracted braille on your PAC Mate BX or QX series, using the PAC Mate's Braille Study Mode feature and a PAC Mate 20- or 40-cell braille display. It's a great resource for students or adults who are beginning to read braille and a comprehensive reference tool for users who read braille, but may not use it on a regular basis. To use FSBraille Coach, you must be running PAC Mate version 4.1 or later, as numerous enhancements have been made to Braille Study Mode.

Please note that FSBraille Coach is not intended to replace a certified braille instructer or curriculum. It is designed as an aid to enhance the braille learning experience.

The PAC Mate's Braille Study Mode is a unique feature that provides audible announcements regarding the meaning of the various braille symbols that appear on the braille display. For example, if you encounter dots 1-2-4-5-6, pressing the cursor router above that cell will cause the PAC Mate to say "er sign." Pressing the navrow button directly above the cursor router will cause the PAC Mate to speak and spell the word that contains this symbol. Braille Study Mode can be activated and used from anywhere in the PAC Mate as well as in both computer braille and contracted braille documents. In each FSBraille Coach lesson and reading exercise, you are instructed to turn on Braille Study Mode to study the various symbols presented in each lesson.

Teachers who use FSBraille Coach with students can easily create their own unique lessons and reading exercises using a word processing application, such as Microsoft Word. Once you have written the text of the lesson, be sure to save the file as a Word (.doc), rich text (.rtf), or plain text (.txt) document. Next, copy the file to the same location where you saved the original FSBraille Coach files. Students use a single keystroke to toggle between computer braille and contracted braille while reading the file.

FSBraille Coach is a free download. There is no charge for this tutorial.

Click this link to download FSBraille coach from http://www.freedomscientific.com/PACMATE-HQ/PACMate-hq.asp.

What to Expect from an Eye Examination

Eye examinations are of central importance to good vision care. They are not just for those with eye trouble and who wear corrective lenses, but also for those people who are not experiencing problems with their vision.

As you should visit a dentist regularly to keep a check on your oral health generally, so you should have routine eye examinations to pick up any abnormality of which you might not be aware. Glaucoma, an eye condition caused by increased pressure within the eyeball and leading to a gradual loss of sight if left untreated, is a good example.

The frequency with which you have your eyes checked depends on several factors including age, overall health and genetic predisposition. As a rule of thumb for adults without eye problems, good vision care practice should include one eye examination during their twenties, two in their thirties, two to four in each of the next two decades and annually after 65.

Children who have no eye problems only require an eye check as part of a routine visit to their paediatrician. Conducted every two years, this vision screening might not be as thorough as an eye examination but it is invaluable in flagging any possible cause for concern.

People wearing corrective lenses should adopt a more frequent vision care regime and have their eyes examined yearly. Those with eye disorders should discuss with their eye care practitioner an examination schedule best suited to their needs.

First, a light source will be shone into the eyes to ascertain whether the eyes appear right or not. You will then follow the doctor's pen with your eyes. This tests muscle function and can be particularly important to assess in stroke patients, for example. Their vision might remain relatively unimpaired but reduced eye muscle function can make any return to driving dangerous owing to a slower reaction time.

When you read the illuminated chart with letters that get progressively smaller as you descend the chart your visual acuity is being checked. A refractive assessment, a test which determines the extent to which light waves bend, will follow if it is felt you need corrective lenses. Your eyes may then be covered with a Photoptor, which resembles a big black mask, in order to get more precise measurements.

Your peripheral vision will also be tested. A microscope that emits a sharp beam of light will be used to evaluate the condition of the cornea, lens and iris. The back of the eye will also be examined for signs of any lesions or other abnormalities.

For more information on vision, click this link to visit http://www.MyVisionInfo.com.

Click this link to watch a video from the Children's Hospital Boston. This short video explains what to expect at a typical low vision medical exam for children.

APH News: January 2007

APH News

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

January 2007

Exciting New APH Products Announced!

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

• Beginning Braille Transcribing: An Introduction To Instruction Manual For Braille Transcribing
• APH Braille Book Corner

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New Product Power Point Presentations

Watch for power point presentations on these three new products coming soon to the APH web site!

• Web Chase
• Setting the Stage for Tactile Understanding
• SQUID

Click on 'Products' on the APH Home Page, and then 'Special Presentations About Selected APH Products', to chose the power point you wish to view.

These power point presentations help the reader learn about the products and their uses. You will see photos, as well as information about what is included with the product, skills students can acquire by using the product, and any unique features it possesses.

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National Instructional Materials Access Center Opens!

At 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2006, the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) began operations!

The mission of the NIMAC is to serve as the national repository of publishers' electronic files of print instructional materials in the National Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) format. The NIMAC is the conduit through which the NIMAS files are made available to authorized users who convert them into accessible textbooks for elementary or secondary school students with qualifying disabilities.

The NIMAC was established through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, and it is funded by the United States Department of Education's Office of Special Education Projects.

More information about NIMAS and NIMAC is available here:

• www.nimac.us/
• nimas.cast.org/
• www.afb.org/nimas.asp

Photo: The opening of the NIMAC was celebrated with cake. From left to right: Bob Brasher, Julia Myers, Nicole Gaines, and Tuck Tinsley

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NIMAC January Update!

In December, NIMAC registered state coordinators, authorized users, and accessible media producers with the NIMAC. Most of the large textbook publishers have also registered and already begun working with the NIMAC.

NIMAC offered seven web casts in December, providing instructions for registering state coordinators and authorized users. In January, NIMAC will ring in the New Year with a series of web casts on how to search for NIMAS files in the NIMAC and how to download the files or assign them to accessible media producers. The first round of web casts will be held on these dates and times:

• Tuesday, January 9 at 3:00 PM ET.
• Wednesday, January 10 at 10 AM ET.

Additional dates and times will be announced soon. To register, check the NIMAC web site for details or email NIMAC@aph.org. The web casts are intended for NIMAC authorized users, or those who expect to be registered as authorized users.

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Field Testers Needed for Brigance® IED-II

We are currently identifying field reviewers and field testing sites for the new braille and large print editions of Brigance® Inventory of Early Development-II (IED-II). Field testing will be carried out in early Spring 2007. The IED-II is a readiness skills assessment for children from birth to age 7. If you are an Early Interventionist, an O & M Specialist, a teacher of students who are visually impaired, a parent volunteer, or an assessment team member, we want your input.

To participate, contact Barbara Henderson, Test and Assessment Project Leader at bhenderson@aph.org or 800/223-1839, ext 328.

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New Product Field Test Opportunity - MathBuilders

APH has a field test opportunity for teachers working with braille using math students grades K-3. MathBuilders-Geometry provides math lesson plans, manipulatives to teach/demonstrate concepts, and worksheets with tactile graphics to reinforce the student's understanding. This unit deals with Geometry concepts only, other MathBuilders units are under development.

If you are interested in participating as a field evaluator, please contact Jeanette Wicker, APH Core Curriculum Project Leader, at jwicker@aph.org or by phone at 800/223-1839, ext 246 by January 19. Evaluators will be asked to use the prototype with as many students who are braille users as possible as well as complete an evaluation regarding the product's design, function, and usefulness. Selection is based upon type of setting, available number of students, and geographical location.

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Missouri to Host NIP Event in January
Cortical Visual Impairment: Pathways to Intervention

The APH National Instructional Partnerships (NIP) event, "Cortical Visual Impairment: Pathways to Intervention" will be held January 22 - 24, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Held in partnership with the Southeast Regional Professional Development Center, the event will feature Dr. Christine Roman, APH Project Leader in Cortical Visual Impairment. Dr. Roman will provide information and strategies for the identification and assessment of students with CVI, along with instructional strategies featuring products from APH.

Cost for the event is $80.00, and graduate credit is available. You may register online at www4.semo.edu/rpdc, or contact Jennifer Coy, Blindness Skills Specialist, at 573/651-5077 for more information.

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Replacement for Portion of PATTERNS

APH announces that PATTERNS:READING:READINESS LEVEL (RED) Catalog # 6-78000-00 is being phased out and will be replaced by BUILDING ON PATTERNS:KINDERGARTEN. When the current back orders are filled and the current stock depleted, the catalog items listed below will no longer be available. These catalog items include the entire kit and the individual items that are included in the kit, with the exception of the Catalog #6-78041-00 swing cell, compact.

Phasing out:
6-78010-00 Pupil's Texts
6-78020-00 Review Worksheets
6-78030-00 Posttest
6-32130-00 Teacher's Edition for Pupil's Texts
6-32140-00 Teacher's Edition for Posttest
6-32150-00 Teacher's Edition for Review Worksheets
8-78010-00 Teacher's Edition for Pupil's Texts
8-78020-00 Teacher's Edition for Review Worksheets
8-78030-00 Teacher's Edition for Posttest

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APH Flea Market of Surplus and Discontinued Inventory: On Sale January - March, 2007

A new listing of overstocked and discontinued APH products is now available at www.aph.org/products/fleamarket.html

This discounted inventory is available on a first come, first served basis. Please order early to take advantage of the extra dollars off.

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PODCASTS Available on APH Web Site

The following exciting podcasts (audio recordings) are available on the APH website: the APH Information and Training Podcast.

Annual Meeting 2006

• Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2006
• Hall of Fame Introduction
• Keynote Speaker Tom Sullivan
• Opening Address Michael Hingson
• ICON Braille + and Other New Technology
• Going Places and Reclaiming Independence
• Having Fun Learning and Teaching
• Finding the World with Maps
• High Stakes Testing And The VI Student

Kentucky School for the Blind Gateways Conference 2006

• Electronic Texts: Overview of Sources, Types, and Usage of Books in Digital Formats Day 2
• Electronic Texts: Overview of Sources, Types, and Usage of Books in Digital Formats Day 1

Annual Meeting 2005

• Teaching Skills and Knowledge to Professionals Working with Students with Deafblindness - Dr. Jan Van Dijk
• Making Test Items Accessible
• CVI Perspectives
• Recreational Approaches to Building Early Tactile Skills
• Power Point Presentation
• Sherlock, LumiTest and Miniguide US, Tiny Tools Do Major Tasks
• Louis Search Tips
• Keynote Address Meeting Student's Needs in a Changing Environment - Dr. J. Elton Moore

2005 National Family Conference

• Blind Athletics: An Inside Look From Two Countries Worlds Apart
• Improving Transition Service Delivery By Partnering With Parents
• Believing You (Your Child) Can Do, Parent-Child Beliefs About Physical Activity-Going In Positive Directions
• The 3 C's To Greater Independence
• Social Skills Development For Children And Youth With Visual Impairments
• Dad's Panel
• Educating Children With Multiple Disabilities
• Partnerships And Advocacy
• What Lies Ahead: On The Way To Literacy
• What Parents Need To Know About IDEIA
• Grandparents Speak Out
• We're In This Together--Preparing For Transition Into The Adult World
• Expanded Core Curriculum: What, Why, And Most Of All, When
• Let's Talk: Conversations With Children Who Have Multiple Disabilities
• Orientation And Mobility For Adolescence
• Preparing Youth For A Guide Dog Lifestyle
• Teen Panel
• Parents Learning Braille=Literacy For A Child
• Early Literacy Development, Laying The Groundwork
• Getting Ready For School, Getting Ready For Life: The Importance Of Including Your Child In Key Activities Of Daily Living
• Maximizing Test Performance Through Awareness And Accommodations
• Taking The Lead For Your Child And Yourself
• Opening Session Keynote National Family Conference 2005 - Dr. Deborah Hatton.
• Introduction to mp3 players and podcasts

More Recordings

The 2006 Annual Meeting video recordings of keynote speakers Tom Sullivan and Michael Hingson, along with the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony of Dr. Arnall Patz and Anne Sullivan Macy, are located at: www.aph.org/anmtg/2006/media.html

Annual Meeting Photos

The Photo Gallery of Annual Meeting 2006 presenters and participants can now be seen at www.aph.org/anmtg/2006/pictures.html

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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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Engraved Stones Added to Hall of Fame's Wall of Tribute

Three new engraved stones were added to the Wall of Tribute in December, bringing the total to 116.

• Bob Walling: I Buy BR
• APH: Annual Meeting 2006 Honoring Patz, Hingson, Sullivan
• Lions District 22 (Maryland) Honoring Arnall Patz

How can you honor a friend, mentor, organization, or family member and support the Hall of Fame? It's easy, visit: www.aph.org/hall_fame/wall_tribute.html

Photo: The Seeing Eye stone is another recent addition to the Wall of Tribute.

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HELP WANTED: APH Employment Opportunities

For details, click on the positions of interest.

• Textbook Coordinator - Large Print (Accessible Textbooks)
• Systems Librarian (Resource Services)

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APH Welcomes New Ex Officio Trustees

Vielka I. Scott, the District of Columbia Public Schools, replacing John Schmidt.

Tracie Bullock Dickson, the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, replacing Ellen Yung-Fatah.

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APH Travel Calendar

January

January 5, 2007
Texas Education Service Center VIII ISAVE Training;
Mount Pleasant, TX

January 9, 2007
NIMAC Webcast;
APH in Louisville, KY

January 10, 2007
NIMAC Webcast;
APH in Louisville, KY

January 11, 2007
NIMAC Webcast;
APH in Louisville, KY

January 12, 2007
NIMAC Webcast;
APH in Louisville, KY

January 23-24, 2007
NIMAS-NIMAC Development Committee Meeting;
Orlando, FL

January 23-28, 2007
ATIA;
Orlando, FL

February

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

February 4-7, 2007
Association of Test Publishers 2007 Conference on Innovations in Testing;
Rancho Mirage, CA

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;
Nashville, TN

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

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

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Beginning Braille Transcribing: An Introduction To Instruction Manual For Braille Transcribing: 7-59881-00 -- $10.00

This publication introduces potential braille transcribers to the first three lessons of the twenty lesson course offered by the National Library Services (NLS), Washington, DC. This enables users to "sample" the course before signing up. It can also be used to teach the basic tools for uncontracted braille.

Contents include:
Lesson 1-The Braille Alphabet
Lesson 2-Capitalization, Paragraphing, Punctuation
Lesson 3-Cardinal Numbers
Appendix A-Reading Practice reproduced in Simbraille
Appendix B-Chart of braille signs for use with Lessons 1-3
Appendix C-Drills for Lessons 1-3 reproduction in Simbraille

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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.

Girl, 15, Charming but Insane
by Sue Limb: T-N1617-30 -- $50.00 Jess Jordan deals with having an imperfect body, a beautiful best friend, and a crush on an unattainable boy. Senior high readers. (*AR #81218, RL 5.1, Pts. 8.0) RI Teen Book Award Nominees, NY Publishers Library Best books for Teen Age.

The Mermaid Chair
by Sue Monk Kidd: T-N1595-80 -- $73.50
In an abbey on Egret Island resides a mysterious chair ornately carved with mermaids and dedicated to a saint who, legend claims, was a mermaid before her conversion. Some descriptions of sex. (AR #86815, RL 6.2, Pts. 15.0) Quill Book Awards.

Kid's Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
by Naomi Drew: T-N1577-20 -- $54.50
Details strategies for dealing with conflict in a variety of settings including school, home, and in the community without resorting to physical contact. Includes anger management and handling bullies. For grades 6-9. (AR#84816, RL5.9, Pts. 6.0) Nappa Gold/Honor Book.

Suspect
by Michael Robotham: T-N1589-30 -- $98.50
Psychologist is accused of murdering a patient and must attempt to clear his name. Strong language and violence. Adult.

*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
• Ralph Bartley, Director, Research
• Sandi Baker, Field Services Representative
• Janie Blome, Director, Field Services
• Scott Blome, Director, Communications
• Brian Dougherty, Graphic Designer, Communications
• Tony Grantz, Business Manager, Finance
• Barbara Henderson, Tests and Assessments Project Leader, Accessible Tests
• Mike Hudson, Director, APH Museum
• Becki Moody, Support Specialist, Communications
• Artina Paris-Jones, Assistant, Field Services
• Julia Myers, Director, Resource Services and NIMAC
• Jeanette Wicker, Core Curriculum Project Leader, Research

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

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For additional recent APH News, click the following:
December Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv12.html
November Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv11.html
October Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2006adv10.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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