The Fred's Head blog contains tips, techniques, tutorials, in-depth articles, and resources for and by blind or visually impaired people. Fred's Head is offered by the American Printing House for the Blind. It was voted best blindness-related blog three years in a row by BlindBargains.com.

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Fred's Head is named after the legendary Fred Gissoni of APH's Customer Relations Department, who is now retired. Check out the bottom of this page for: browsing articles by subject; Fred's Head on Twitter; receiving posts by email; subscribing to RSS feeds; APH resources; the archive of this blog; APH on YouTube; contributing articles to Fred's Head; and disclaimers.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Digit-Eyes Converts Your iPhone into a Barcode Reader

Digit-Eyes is a cost-effective and powerful software application (app) that works on the iPhone 3Gs. It is set up so you can use it no matter how much sight you do or do not have. It lets you make text or audio labels you can read with your iPhone. It also lets you point your phone's camera at a can on the pantry shelf, find the Universal Product Code or European Article Number and find out what's in the can by automatically and instantly looking the item up in the Digit-Eyes product code database.

With Digit-Eyes, no special hardware is required! All you'll need is the phone you already have, your Internet-connected computer, a package of labels and a regular inkjet or laser printer.

The system consists of three parts:

  1. The free Digit-Eyes website where you create pdf files of your own Digit-Eyes text and audio labels;
  2. Acrobat, a free product from Adobe Systems, used on your own computer to print the labels;
  3. The app for your iPhone, that allows you to:
    • scan standard UPC or EAN codes;
    • read your own text labels with VoiceOver or
    • create your own audio labels.

Harnessing the power of the iPhone and the world-wide web, Digit-Eyes offers unmatched scanning and labeling tools at a fraction of the cost of conventional special-purpose hardware. With Digit-Eyes, all you need is a package of address labels and the phone you already have.

Click this link to visit http://www.digit-eyes.com.

BLIND, Inc., Goes to the Dogs

by Harry Hogue picture of dogsledders posing for picture in the wilderness

From the Editor: Last spring we received the following article from the staff of BLIND, Incorporated, the Minnesota affiliate’s adult training center for the blind. It seemed appropriate to squirrel it away till cooler weather. Here it is, beginning with an introduction by BLIND, Inc.’s, assistant director, Dick Davis:

Most people think of Minneapolis, where Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc., is located, as way up north. In fact it’s on the edge of the agricultural southern quarter of the state, barely 100 miles from the Iowa border. But stretching 300 miles farther north to the Canadian border is a different land, a land of small towns, great distances, and wilderness areas populated by deer, bear, moose, and timberwolves (who ignore people).

It’s a beautiful land of forests, glacier-sculpted hills and lakes, and low mountains like the Mesabi Iron Range, where a lot of the nation’s iron ore is mined. It was settled by fur trappers, loggers, and miners, who used canoes, horses, and dogsleds to cover the miles between isolated villages. Those forms of transportation have been replaced by powerboats, SUVs, and snowmobiles, but some of the old ways still linger on.

We at BLIND, Inc., are always seeking over-the-top activities for our students to do that uniquely highlight Minnesota--like dogsledding. Dogsledding is still popular in northern Minnesota, although more as a sport than as a form of transportation (snowmobiles have taken its place). The annual John Beargrease Dogsled Race, which ends in Duluth, brings competitors from all over the country. Minnesota mushers travel north to Alaska to compete in the Iditarod, the famous Alaskan dogsled classic. People we know who’ve tried dogsledding have described it as a rush, so it seemed exactly what we were looking for.

After searching the Internet and making some phone calls, we discovered Krystal Kennels in Grand Rapids, 200 miles north of the Twin Cities. Joe and Robin Oberton, the owners, host a number of school, college, and corporate groups each winter. But would they let blind people drive the sleds? Sure! In fact they’d employed a blind dog handler, who now works in Fairbanks, Alaska. Joe said he’d stand on one runner, the student would stand on the other, and he’d describe the country they were passing through, give instructions, and tell when to turn and when to stop.

In fact he wanted our students involved in the complete experience: harnessing the dogs, holding them (they’re strong) until the sled was ready to go, driving the sleds, and riding as passengers. It sounded like a good deal to us, so off we went to Grand Rapids, arriving at the Sawmill Inn about fifteen minutes before our orientation to dogsledding was to begin. We laughed when we saw the sign posted to the left of the door: “No Hockey Sticks Allowed.” Welcome to Northern Minnesota.

Harry Hogue is a BLIND, Inc., student from Arkansas, a warmer place, where dogsledding is not a local phenomenon. We asked him to write an article for the Monitor, giving his impressions of the trip. This is what he wrote:

If someone were to ask me, “What one thing do you think you will do during your training at BLIND, Incorporated, that will surprise you?” I would never have thought to answer “dogsledding.” Before the experience, like many other people, I really had no concept of what it involved. Only 10 percent of people have ever been dogsledding. All of the students, most of the staff, and the director went along for the fun, and everyone rode in and drove the sled. If the guides were nervous about having twenty-two blind people in control, they didn’t show it. The only accommodation needed or provided was that one of the dog handlers stood behind us on the runners to provide directions and ensure that the dogs didn’t lead any of us into trees, potholes, or snow banks.

Everyone had an incredible time; the only complaint was that it could have lasted longer. Because of the size of our group and the stamina of the dogs, we were outside for approximately three hours. This gave everyone at least one opportunity to ride and one opportunity to drive. Some people rode more than once.

I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to drive the sled; the feeling of wind on your face is incredible, particularly considering that I had never before driven a vehicle under my own power. Everyone else expressed similar sentiments. Steve Decker, the computer instructor, said it was “an incredible experience!” Laura Oakgrove, Valerie Williams, Tavita Faasuamalie, and Jonathan McClung all agreed that it was “really nice,” “a lot of fun,” “really cool,” and, in Jonathan’s case, “It reminded me of Alaska.”

So what happened before our sled rides? We started the adventure the day before with the drive to Grand Rapids in northern Minnesota, followed by an orientation to dogsledding immediately upon arrival at the hotel. Joe Oberton, the owner, with his wife Robin, of Krystal Kennels, led the orientation with energy and pride. He was enthusiastic about having blind people participate in riding and driving the sleds and showed clear pride in his dogs and their abilities.

At one point during his orientation, he said he was not unfamiliar with blindness. He remarked, in fact, that he had a legally blind dog handler work for him before she moved to Alaska. In addition he had a blind dog as part of the dog teams that we would meet the next day. After the orientation all of us enjoyed a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant, followed, for most of us, by an enjoyable swim in the indoor pool or a relaxing few minutes in the sauna. This relaxation was important, because, starting at 9:00 a.m. the next morning, we would be on our feet for the majority of the day.

Joe prepared us to meet the dogs by telling us that they would “scream” in eagerness to pull the sleds. It was a cacophony of noise with nearly forty dogs simultaneously vying for our attention. I found the dogs, despite my previous expectations, to be quite friendly.

After meeting the dogs, we followed Joe, Robin, and one of Joe’s assistants to a local snowmobile trail that cut through the woods. While some students helped harness the dogs to prepare the team for the sleds, others discussed who would be first to ride or drive. Though some expressed nervousness initially about driving, once they had ridden, they were eager to try it.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I found driving to be far more enjoyable than riding. It went deeper than a simple sled ride. It was a physical sensation of freedom that represented the fact that, despite blindness, I could do lots of things that I had previously thought impossible. The experience opened possibilities for employment, leisure activities, and so forth that I had never considered possible.

While none of us drove the sleds without a dog handler traveling behind us providing directions, this was the same as it would have been for anyone else. No one, blind or sighted, goes through life without accepting some form of assistance. Sighted people depend on directions in an unfamiliar city; blind people do the same. Sighted people depend on reading print to access materials; blind people depend on Braille.

Attitudes are the overarching determinant of success or failure for any individual in any stage of life. We would have had a different experience in Grand Rapids if Joe and Robin had not expressed their enthusiasm and confidence in blind people and if we had not been willing to find a way to participate in this activity. It is the same at BLIND, Incorporated. When I walk through the door each morning, I expect and receive a feeling of confidence from every instructor here. It is the attitude, “Of course you can. Why wouldn’t you be able to?” This feeling—this attitude—naturally lends itself to success.

If you listen to something long enough, you will start to believe it. BLIND, Incorporated, is a six-to-nine-month adjustment-to-blindness training program for a reason: it takes much less time to acquire the skills of blindness than it does to acquire the positive attitudes that make those skills truly efficient and effective.

If someone hands me a piece of wood and says he or she would like me to make a project, I expect, because of my training, that I can. If someone gives me a recipe and requests that I prepare a meal, I expect, because of my training, that I can do so. If someone gives me directions to a place I have never been and asks me to bring something back, I expect, because of my training, that I can.

I do not worry about my performance; I will not worry about other people’s perceptions of me. These days I worry only whether or not I am challenging myself. It seems to me that challenging yourself should be the goal of everyone, anywhere, regardless of life circumstances. As Harry Emerson Fosdick said, “The man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.”

Article Source:
BLIND, Incorporated - Articles

Monday, June 28, 2010

Visually Impaired People Can Count Drops

Easy-to-use acoustic sensor for droppers helps visually impaired people to count drops of any liquid, with any dropper.

The acoustic sensor for droppers has a rectangular shape. The sensor area is on the top surface and is marked by a rectangular groove mark, for easy tactile perception. On the bottom surface there is the room for a 9V battery and the product plastic label. The headphone output jack is placed on one side.

Put the headphone in your ear and connect the cable to the device, plugging it in the output jack on the side of the device, which will then switch-on automatically.

Put the device on a table or a flat surface, with the sensor area up. Put a plastic glass on the sensor area, within the rectangular groove mark. No precision is required, but ensure that the bottom of the glass is placed within the mark. Keeping the glass steady with one hand, start dropping the liquid into the glass with the other hand. Anytime a drop falls into the glass, its vibration is amplified by the device and you will hear it through the headphone. The device helps you count drops of any liquid!

For more information, contact:

dr. Raul Pietrobon
Cambratech
V. G. Carducci 35/B
28062 Cameri (NO)
Phone: 0321 51 80 18
Fax: 0321 18 50 900
Email: info@cambratech.it

VA Makes Filing Claims Easier and Faster

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reducing the paperwork and expediting the process for Veterans seeking compensation for disabilities related to their military service.

VA has shortened application forms to reduce paperwork for Veterans. The new forms, which are being made available on VA's Website at http://www.va.gov/vaforms, include:

  • A shortened VA Form 21-526 for Veterans applying for the first-time to VA for disability compensation or pension benefits. This form has been cut in half - from 23 to 10 pages. It is immediately available to Veterans via Web download, and will be available through VA's online claim-filing process later this summer at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.
  • VA Form 21-526b for Veterans seeking increased benefits for conditions already determined by VA to be service-connected. This new form more clearly describes the information needed to support claims for increased benefits.

In order to make the claims process faster, VA has also introduced two new forms for Veterans participating in the Department's new fully developed claim (FDC) program, which is one of the fastest means to receive a claims decision.

Gathering the information and evidence needed to support a Veteran's disability claim often takes the largest portion of the processing time. If VA receives all of the available evidence when the claim is submitted, the remaining steps in the claims-decision process can be expedited without compromising quality.

To participate in the FDC program, Veterans should complete and submit an FDC Certification and VA Form 21-526EZ, "Fully Developed Claim (Compensation)," for a compensation claim, or a VA Form 21-527EZ, "Fully Developed Claim (Pension)," for a pension claim.

The forms were designed specifically for the FDC program. These six-page application forms include notification to applicants of all information and evidence necessary to "fully develop" and substantiate their claims. With this notification, Veterans and their representatives can "fully develop" their claims before submission to VA for processing.

Along with the application and certification, Veterans must also submit all relevant and pertinent evidence to "fully develop" their claims. A claim submitted as "fully developed" may still require some additional evidence to be obtained by VA, to include certain federal records and a VA medical examination.

VA provides compensation, pension, education, loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and insurance benefits to Veterans and their families through 57 VA regional offices.

Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a Veteran for disabilities that are a result of -- or made worse by -- injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

For additional information, go to http://www.va.gov or call VA's toll free benefits number at 800-827-1000.

Toy Kitchen for the Blind

una

Intended toward visually impaired kids, the “Una” by Industrial Designer Job Buenazedacruz is an innovative toy kitchen set that lets the blind children express, enjoy and cherish those precious moments of childhood. Featuring an induction cooktop, stove and see-through fridge, the blind-friendly kitchen integrates a sink, faucet, oven and open shelving as well. In addition, there is a magnetic chalkboard menu and secret storage compartment. Made in wood and acrylic, the toy kitchen measuring just 1.8′ x 3.5′ presents a compact and portable design. Available in a variety of colors, the Una Toy Kitchen is now available.

una_01
una_03
una_04
una_02





Article Source:
Job Buenazedacruz

Friday, June 25, 2010

Free App to Help Find Your Lost iDevice

Apple has released a Find My iPhone app to help MobileMe subscribers find their missing iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Find my iPhone is essentially just an application version of the Find My iPhone web interface. Besides helping you determine the physical location of your phone, what’s great about the Find My iPhone feature, the feature that makes MobileMe worth the money, is that you can also remotely lock your device and wipe your device’s data, as well as send a push notification to the device with a sound alert and a message of your choice.

The nice thing about the Find My iPhone app is that it doesn’t store your MobileMe login information, meaning that you could borrow someone else’s iPhone or iPad to help locate your device. Find My iPhone is a free app, but a MobileMe account is required to use the feature.

Losing your phone can be a traumatic experience, make sure it doesn't happen to you by clicking this link and creating a MobileMe account: http://www.apple.com/mobileme. Click here to download the Find My iPhone app from the iTunes Store.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Audio Defibrillator for the Blind

by Jasper Hamill

She’s already shown Scotland that blindness is no barrier to becoming a successful DJ …

But now Jill Daley has proved the visually impaired can become life-savers as well.

The 33-year-old radio presenter has been learning how to use techniques to help resuscitate people who are suffering heart attacks.

Staff at Clydebank’s Golden Jubilee hospital demonstrated that defibrillation units, used to treat heart problems by giving electrical shocks, can be used easily by blind people.

The machines come with written instructions but also have technology which gives audio instructions, meaning a blind person could use one in an emergency.

Jill, who also learned CPR, which is used on heart attack victims, said: “I didn’t have a clue about CPR or defibrillation machines before this.

“Now, if someone collapsed, immediately after complaining of chest pains, I would now know precisely what to do.

“These skills are important not just for blind people, but for everybody.”

She added: “I now know what to do if someone is having a heart attack and I also know that a blind person can use a defibrillation machine in, say, a shopping centre or suchlike.”

Defibrillation machines are kept in public areas in case of heart attacks.

Jill was taught at the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Clydebank by Calum Cassidy, a resuscitation officer, and cardiology nurse Joanne Kelly.

As a visually impaired person, Jill claimed she might notice vital signs in a patient.

She said: “I would notice little things that others might not. So I would be able to check someone’s breathing by the feel of their chest going up and down or by feeling their breath on my face. “It showed me there are no reasons why someone with visual impairment couldn’t do a CPR course and save someone’s life.”

She did the course as part of the Fun Friday section on her radio show on Insight Radio, a charity station staffed by blind and visually impaired people.

Her previous challenges have included driving a tank, fire-breathing and helicopter flying.

Jill lost her sight at 19 as a result of diabetes but has forged a successful career in radio.

Click this link to visit http://www.insightradio.co.uk.

Article Source:
Evening Times

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Personalized Books

Here's a sweet site I just ran into called MeeGenius. The site contains a library with books for kids that can be read on the site itself, over the iPhone, or through the iPad.

The books come with audio playback and word highlighting, and can be personalized just the way you like them. Meaning, your kid's name can be added to the book story in a snap. For example, you can change the character names in Little Red Riding Hood to the original names in your family and make the story your own.

The children's book reader app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad has the same functionality, (audio playback, word highlighting and auto-play). The books are displayed on a digital bookshelf and your child can simply choose his favorite book when the app is launched.

Best of all, you can read all the books at the site for free. Or download the iPhone/iPad apps (for a decent price).

Click this link to visit the MeeGenius Library at http://www.meegenius.com.

Book By You

Now, if you're looking for something for your sweetheart, this site has something you'll find very interesting.

"Enjoy the adventure of starring in your very own personalized novel! You co-author our books by providing the names and features to include in your personalized novel. These  are full-length, 100 to 200-print page books that look and feel just like classic paperback novels."

For two years, I got one of these for my wife for Valentine's Day and she loved them! I highly suggest them to anyone who's looking for something different for that special someone.

Click this link to build your own book at http://www.bookbyyou.com.

On the Way to Literacy: Early Experiences for Visually Impaired Children

This newly revised handbook and series of 18 storybooks contain vital information and activities to enhance the development of literacy in young blind or visually impaired children.

Handbook

Handbook for parents and teachers addresses communication, hand skills/tactual exploration, concepts, and book experiences. Recommended ages: birth to 5 years.

Storybooks

Storybooks introduce large print, tactile illustrations, and braille. Illustrations provide opportunities to use finger and hand skills. Recommended ages for storybooks: 2 1/2 to 5 years, except Gumdrop Tree.

WARNING for Gumdrop Tree: Choking Hazard -- Small Parts. Not intended for children ages 5 and under without adult supervision.

How On the Way Is Sold

The handbook and storybooks can be purchased separately or as sets. The books in the sets are grouped together for your ordering convenience, and are not sequential in terms of level of difficulty.

On the Way Storybooks with Real Objects and Textures

Giggly-Wiggly, Snickety-Snick (Set III)
Giggly-Wiggly, Snickety-Snick

Words capture a range of tactile experiences -- bumpy, smooth, crunchy, etc. Envelopes on the pages can be filled with real objects (not included).
Catalog Number: 6-77502-05 Click this link to purchase Giggly-Wiggly, Snickety-Snick.

Something Special (Set I)
Something Special

A young child searches for a lost possession; features objects fixed to the book pages.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-05
Click this link to purchase Something Special.

That's Not My Bear (Set II)
That's Not My Bear

A well-loved teddy bear is lost and cannot be replaced. The special bear and others offered by the family are represented by furry shapes.
Catalog Number: 6-77501-01
Click this link to purchase That's Not My Bear.

Geraldine's Blanket (Set II)
Geraldine's Blanket

A girl's treasured blanket becomes worn and patched over time, but is never outgrown. Squares of fabric illustrate the fate of the blanket.
Catalog Number: 6-77501-02
Click this link to purchase Geraldine's Blanket.

On the Way Storybooks Illustrated with Thermoforms (molded plastic shapes)

Jennifer's Messes (Set I)
Jennifer's Messes

Thermoforms of familiar objects such as breakfast cereal, pretzels, and crayons illustrate the messes made by Jennifer.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-06
Click this link to purchase Jennifer's Messes.

Jellybean Jungle (Set III)
Jellybean Jungle

A counting rhyme about a magical jungle filled with jellybeans. From one to ten, the jellybeans appear in rows for easier counting. Scented stickers included.
Catalog Number: 6-77502-01
Click this link to purchase Jellybean Jungle.

Gobs of Gum (Set I)
Gobs of Gum

A rhyming story about "big blobs, small gobs, and sticky icky strings of bubblegum."
Catalog Number: 6-77500-08
Click this link to purchase Gobs of Gum.

Roly-Poly Man (Set I)
Roly-Poly Man

A young child creates a "roly-poly" figure from pieces of clay.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-07
Click this link to purchase Roly-Poly Man.

Thingamajig (Set III)
Thingamajig

Jamie is a collector of "thingamajigs" -- coins, marbles, buttons, and other common objects. His treasures introduce the concept of grouping items, and identifying missing items.
Catalog Number: 6-77502-04
Click this link to purchase Thingamajig.

On the Way Storybooks with Raised-Line Drawings

The Longest Noodle (Set I)
Longest Noodle

A child finds the world's longest noodle. Raised lines illustrate a shoelace, a jump rope, etc.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-01
Click this link to purchase the Longest Noodle.

The Blue Balloon (Set II)
Blue Balloon

A special balloon takes on extraordinary shapes and performs amazing feats. Illustrated with brightly colored, raised balloon shapes.
Catalog Number: 6-77501-03
Click this link to purchase Blue Balloon.

The Littlest? Pumpkin
Littlest Pumpkin

When the littlest pumpkin in the patch isn't chosen to become a jack-o'-lantern, things seem very bleak -- until a child discovers his hiding place! Raised lines and die-cut foam pumpkins.
Catalog Number: 6-77504-00
Click this link to purchase the Littlest Pumpkin.

That Terrible, Awful Day (Set I)
That Terrible, Awful Day

A young child's popsicle gets smaller as everyone shares a taste.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-04
Click this link to purchase That Terrible, Awful Day.

The Caterpillar (Set I)
The Caterpillar

A visually impaired child discovers something in her backyard. Has raised line drawings of a hand, foot, steps, and a fuzzy fabric caterpillar.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-02
Click this link to purchase The Caterpillar.

Silly Squiggles (Set I)
Silly Squiggles

A wormlike creature stretches, squeezes, and squirms into various shapes in this rhyming story.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-09 Click this link to purchase Silly Squiggles.

The Gumdrop Tree (Set III)
The Gumdrop Tree

A tree which grows from a gumdrop! The raised-line drawings depict the growth of the tree. The gumdrops are shown in a row, circle, square, etc. Includes scented stickers. For ages 5 years and up.
Catalog Number: 6-77502-03
Click this link to purchase The Gumdrop Tree.

Bumpy Rolls Away (Set I)
Bumpy Rolls Away

Bumpy the Ball rolls down a hill, down steps, onto a sidewalk, along an alley, and into a box.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-03
Click this link to purchase Bumpy Rolls Away.

Special On the Way Book Lets Children Create a Story About Themselves

Book About Me (Set I)
Book About Me

A "Me Book" for children to create, with fill-in-the-blank sentences in braille and print, and space to add illustrations and text.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-10
Click this link to purchase the Book About Me.

On the Way to Literacy Book Sets

On the Way? to Literacy: Complete (Set I)

On the Way to Literacy: Book Set I

One print handbook and one each of: Something Special; Jennifer's Messes; Gobs of Gum; Roly-Poly Man; The Longest Noodle; That Terrible, Awful Day; The Caterpillar; Bumpy Rolls Away; Silly Squiggles; Book About Me. 10 storybooks total.
Catalog Number: 6-77500-00
Click this link to purchase On the Way to Literacy: Book Set I.

On the Way? to Literacy: Complete (Set II)

On the Way to Literacy: Book Set II

One each of: That's Not My Bear, Geraldine's? Blanket, The Blue Balloon. 3 storybooks total.
Catalog Number: 6-77501-00
Click this link to purchase On The Way to Literacy: Book Set II.

On the Way? to Literacy: Complete (Set III)

On the Way to Literacy: Book Set III

One each of: Giggly-Wiggly, Snickety-Snick; Jellybean Jungle; Thingamajig; The Gumdrop Tree. 4 storybooks total. Gumdrop Tree 5 years and up.
Catalog Number: 6-77502-00
Click this link to purchase On the Way to Literacy: Book Set III.

On the Way to Literacy Handbook and Related Video

REVISED! On the Way to Literacy Handbook, 2nd Edition

On the Way to Literacy Handbook

This extensively updated handbook guides teachers and parents in supporting a young child's first steps towards literacy. Each edition includes a CD of accessible files.

Print:
Catalog Number: 8-77520-00

Braille:
Catalog Number: 6-77520-00
Click this link to purchase On the Way to Literacy Handbook, 2nd Edition 2.

On the Way to Literacy: APH SoundPage

APH SoundPage

The APH SoundPage, an OWTL storybook accessory, allows readers to create their own sound effects and recordings. Slotted to hold up to three eight-second digital recording/playback devices (two included in basic set, with additional devices sold separately), the page can be clipped into the 3-ring binder of any OWTL storybook. The User's Guide contains suggestions for use as a part of story reading, as well as suggesting other uses for the recording device.

APH SoundPage:
Catalog Number: 6-77505-00

Replacement Item:

Additional Digital Recording Device:
Catalog Number: 6-77505-01
Click this link to purchase the On the Way to Literacy: APH SoundPage.

Related On the Way Product: Pumpkin Puzzles

Pumpkin Puzzles

APH offers two pumpkin puzzles related to the On the Way to Literacy book The Littlest Pumpkin. These puzzles, sold as a set, depict the Littlest Pumpkin and another jack-o'-lantern face. Orange and black foam puzzle pieces are reversible.
Catalog Number: 1-08835-00
Click this link to purchase the Pumpkin Puzzles set.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

Kiddie Records Weekly

Welcome to Kiddie Records Weekly, Classics from the Golden Age. Their purpose is to share those classic stories with you and your children, or your grandchildren. Come here to listen to these classics with them.

All the past weeks are archived so you can spend quite some time here surfing through this collection. From Roy Rogers to Woody the Woodpecker there are some famous voices to grace your ears with.

I remember listening to these kinds of records on my record player, and going to the grocery store to get a new "Peter Pan" record. Sometimes the records came with "Read Along" books. I used to check the records out of the library every weekend as well. I want for my children and their children to be able to share the experience, even if it is through an mp3 file on the internet.

They are doing us a great service in preserving what was on these records for future generations. To surf this site you can use the side menu or you can click on the record album covers to visit different sections of the archive.

You'll notice that the albums are scheduled ahead too by date. So you have a good idea of when you want to come back for a certain album. This site is a treasure, don't you think it is time to go treasure hunting?

Click here to visit the Kiddie Records Weekly home page: http://www.kiddierecords.com.

Another great site for classic records is the Children's Vinyl Record Series. From the site:

"There were a number of children's record series (vinyl records) sold in the US during the 1950's and 1960's. Among them were Tale Spinners for Children, Golden Records, Mercury Storyteller, Pathways of Sound, Telegeneral Let's Pretend and Riverside Wonderland." MP3 files can be downloaded by visiting this site! Click here to visit the Children's Vinyl Record Series website.

Stories for Kids from the Denver Public Library: Grades 0 to 4

Denver Public Library's Podcasts for Kids is a constantly-growing story resource from a variety of authors including Beatrix Potter. There are also folktales, fairy tales, interviews, songs, news, nursery rhymes, and story time favorites. Teachers First has a review and suggestions on using this site In the Classroom.

Click this link to visit Stories for Kids from the Denver Public Library at http://podcast.denverlibrary.org.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Text-To-Speech Reader For Public Domain Classics on the iPad

As far as iPad ebook readers go, iBooks is probably the most beautiful one, and in terms of design there are far worse looks an aspiring reader app could ape. And that's just what vBookz did: it took iBooks' look, adding a few flourishes like ribbon bookmarks, and gave it the gift of text-to-speech.

For those who didn't follow Kindle text-to-speech saga, here's the jist: authors didn't think that buying the rights to read their ebooks necessarily gave readers the right to listen to those ebooks. It got messy. But vBookz sidesteps that whole business by including books from the Gutenberg Project, which are public domaine.

Now public domain isn't just esoteric old stuff, it's good old stuff. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, all of these are in the public domain and included in the vBookz download, and an in-app store lets you seek out and download the other 20,000 ebooks in the public domain. And then it reads them to you.

You can adjust the rate of speech and choose between a man or woman's voice. Impressively, a magnifying bar rolls over the words as they're read, allowing you to follow along with the speech. The $5 app also allows readers to purchase access other languages, potentially a powerful tool for someone learning a second language.

Click this link to purchase vBookz from the iTunes App Store.

Add Universal Keyboard Shortcuts to Windows Media Player

If you use a standard keyboard without media keys, or want universal access to Windows Media Player when it's in the background, WMP Keys is the perfect plug-in. It sets customized, universal shortcuts for playing and rating WMP tracks.

Close down Media Player, install WMP Keys, then open it back up and head to your Options. In the "Background" category in your Plug-Ins menu, enable WMP Keys, and hit Properties if you want to venture beyond the defaults, which generally involve Ctrl+Alt key combos.

WMP Keys is, best of all, a free download for Windows systems. Click this link to download WMP Keys from Microsoft.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tired of Windows Update Nagging? Tell Windows to Leave You Alone!

If you like the convenience of automatic updates but not the irritation of Windows nagging you to reboot your machine, Leave Me Alone! is a simple workaround that requires no registry editing or disabling of Windows update.

Microsoft likes to “help out” by installing patches in the middle of the night.  That is a good thing.  But whatever goodwill they earn with this convenience is immediately destroyed when first thing in the morning a “reboot computer” message appears.  And appears… and appears… If you choose Restart Later, it waits about 10 minutes and then pops this screen up again.  Argggh!

When you run it and click the "Leave Me Alone" button, it temporarily turns off the source of these restart messages. It is certain to boost your productivity when the constant nagging starts, reminding you that your computer needs to be restarted for the updates to take effect.

Leave Me Alone! is freeware, Windows only. Click this link to download Leave Me Alone!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Microsoft Tool Helps Developers Create Programs Viewable by the Visually Impaired

Microsoft’s Innovation Labs in Israel has made available for download a technical preview of Digital Lens, a tool for developers interested in making their applications viewable by those with certain vision impairments.

Digital Lens emulates conditions like color blindness and blurry vision, enabling designers and developers to identify potential user-interface issues and fix them before they release their applications.

The tool is available for 32-bit Windows 7 only. Digital Lens also requires users to have an Aero Theme enabled in order to work correctly.

Blind Insurance Adjuster Has Seen it All

by John Christie

Mary Jo Seller fills out incident reports for the Schmitt Adjustment Service. She takes general liability, property, and auto reports from insurance companies from as far north as Freeport, Illinois, to parts of southern Illinois/Indiana, and west to Grinnell, Iowa. Whether it involves a minor fender-bender, a fire, storm damage, broken bones and, yes, the neighbor’s dog damaging the pool lining–she has taken the report.

Using a tape recorder, Seller records the initial report and then goes back to fill out the necessary forms later on. By using a tape recorder, she gets all the information that the person is telling her on tape and doesn’t have to worry about having the person repeat the information. If she was writing everything down, the whole process would take much longer. If she decided to utilize current technology for the blind, she could easily record her information on the Victor Reader Stream.  

Seller also handles the run of the mill calls. “If I am not able to answer a question or assist someone, I usually take a message and give it to the adjuster,” she said.

She also said that having no prior experience in the insurance business has been a learning experience for her.

Seller seems to like her job even though she had no prior experience doing it because the job has made her grow. The job has also fulfilled a need for her to work and be self-sufficient. The bottom line is that even though she’s blind, she wants to be like everyone else and work and have a fulfilling life.

Article Source:
Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

Braille on Packaging with the BrailleMaker One

Convertec, a Scandinavian graphic arts technology supplier, has recently introduced the latest version of its digital printing machine, BrailleMaker One. It is designed to print on plain labels, leaflets for cartons, booklets and multi-ply pharmaceutical labels.

Officially launched in 2007, Braillemaker One is a stand-alone unit for the production of digital Braille printing. With flexibility to adapt to different substrates and different profiles (from flat labels to curved booklets) without loss of accuracy, Braillemaker runs at speeds of 35 m/min. The latest Version 4 has a new X-Tend2 software suite and the latest touch screen control. Twelve international Braille languages can be printed with the specially formulated varnish, and to ensure accuracy, the machine can be linked to an Internet based translation facility, which converts text to Braille in minutes. This absolves the operator of all responsibility for “dot error”.

Available in two web widths, 150 and 335 mm, the smaller is for single stream labels, while the wider machine can handle larger layouts. Braillemaker comes as standard with three print heads, each of which is individually controlled, and there is an option for almost unlimited upgrades. It uses the internationally accepted Marburg font for the dots, which Braillemaker can print in three sizes by a simple adjustment.

The X-Tend2 software on Version 4 allows data to be downloaded from the server and up to eight labels across the web to be printed either normal or reverse. There are also options for new Braille print combinations with multiple heads on each bracket or with several brackets. Integrated inspection is provided with the camera linked to the Braille printer. ‘The standard system is provided by HHS, but can also be supplied by Flytec GmbH, part of the AG Graphics Group.

Article Source:
http://www.labelsandlabeling.com/news/convertec_unveils_latest_version_of_brai

Your Shoes Stink! Throw Them in the Freezer!

It's not always possible to keep your shoes smelling like the day you bought them. If your shoes are starting to give your nose a double take, how-to site eHow suggests putting them in the freezer to kill the smell.

We're not suggesting to throw your dirty shoes into the freezer without any kind of barrier, though. Put the shoes in a plastic zip-lock bag, and put the shoes in overnight to kill the smell. Website eHow explains that the freezer temperatures in the fridge kills the odor-causing bacteria.

The article also suggests to sprinkle cat litter or baking powder in your shoes to deodorize them, but those methods require a possible trip to the market (or a cat). The freezer method is another free and easy alternative to get your shoes smelling fresh again.

Click this link to read the eHow article How to Freshen Smelly Shoes.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Marking Your Mail

One of the hardest tasks for a blind or visually impaired person to do is keeping track of their old mail. At least for me it is. I can have somebody read to me my new mail, but if later I want to read the mail that I left for later reading, I would have to find another person to assist me in finding those again.

One way I found to avoid this problem is to open the envelope carefully so that the flap is still in one piece and use this part of the envelope to mark it with a brailler or with the slate and stylus. If for some reason the flap ripped when being opened you can always mark on the envelope itself.

I mark the envelope with the name of the sender and the date I opened it (For example: Telephone Company, June 29, 1999).

I found that this way I can go back on my own to look for what I need to have re-read again and not waste time trying to look through the pile a second or third time.

In addition, once I have prepared my bills to be mailed, but don't want to mail all of them at once, I look for small discrepancies among the envelopes in order to recognize them as to which is which. For example, some of them may have a cellophane window, others may have a window, but without the cellophane, or the texture of the paper some may be rougher than other envelopes may be.

Contributor: Mario Eiland

NoteTabs Let You Write on Books and Return Them Unmarked

Here's a product that's great for the blind or visually impaired college student who uses human notetakers in class.

You have purchased a print book and your classmate is taking notes for you. You are taking this book to another friend later who will read it into a digital recorder and you want them to include the notes. You know you'll never be able to sell this book back to the store and get some of your money back because of all the notes that have been written in it. Wait! Maybe there is a way for both to happen!

NoteTabs are clear Post-It style notes that let sighted folks write on books to their heart's content.

Functioning as a combination book flag and Post-It note, NoteTabs are an offering from Avery, the official Post-It version from several years back has vanished from the market, that make it possible to scribble notes all over a book. When it's time to return the book you simply peel off the tabs and your notes come with them.

Click this link to visit Amazon.com to order some or grab the product number and see if your local retailer has them.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Let's Get Linked In

by Martin Courcelles

Social media never seems to end.  Today, we'll be talking about a service called LinkedIn.  This is sort of like Facebook, but for professionals.   

Subscribing:

As with all social media, you need to sign up for this service as well.  So let's do it. 

Go to the following link:

http://www.LinkedIn.com

If using the JAWS for Windows screen reader, press INSERT+F7 and then the letter F until you hear "Join Today" and press ENTER.

Now, a simple form will show up.  Fill out your first name, last name, email address and password. Tab to the "join Today" button and press ENTER.  

Now, we get to the fun.  Yet another new form. Type in the required information and press ENTER on the "continue" button.  Information in this area is important so you can get matched up with your work colleagues.   

Next, we get to LinkedIn's way of finding your contacts.  I will let you explore this on your own, as each method is different.  Or for those of you who don't want to do this, just tab to the "Skip this step" and press ENTER.  

Confirming your account:

To make sure that you're truly a human, they have sent a message to your email account.  Go there open the message and press ENTER on that link to confirm your LinkedIn account.  A new page will open.  Press ENTER on the confirm button.   

Do you know these people?

We're almost done here.  LinkedIn will now try to generate a list of people you may know.  My fictitious account did not generate anybody I know, so I guess that's a good thing.  Again, you can go through this page to see if you know anyone, or just press ENTER on the "skip this step" link.  

Final Step:

This is more my style.  The final form lets you fill out email addresses of people you know.  They don't even have to be in the system.  Just list all email addresses and separate them with commas.  Tab to the "Save invitations" button and press ENTER.   

Accessing your LinkedIn Account:

So you're done, what now? 

Well, the first thing I would suggest is visiting the settings page, just to make sure that everything, including the privacy settings are set up to your liking.  You can also update your profile and do searches to find more people to add to your list of contacts.  Spend a bit of time exploring.   

Alternate way to access LinkedIn:

Yes, there is indeed a different way to access this service.  Visit:

http://m.linkedin.com

This is a very stripped down version of the main site.  Unlike the minimalist version of Facebook where you have access to pretty much everything this version of LinkedIn is missing the Inbox, hardly has anything under settings and you can't make any changes on your profile.  However, there are good things.  The "updates" page  is very easy to navigate; complete with shortcut keys.  Searching for new people to add is also straightforward.  The "contact" page is also useful to create new messages that utilize your favourite email package instead of the online web mail.   

Summary:

LinkedIn is another way to connect yourself to work colleagues and other professionals.  It's amazing what you can find utilizing such a system.  The mobile version of the webpage is useful for quick access to your updates, new contact searches and finding of email addresses.   

See you on LinkedIn.

Article Source:
AccessContent Blog

Video: How to Quickly Change Accessibility Settings on the iPad

be-B: Braille Education Ball

Danielle Pecora has created the be-B (Braille Education Ball) that allows users (both blind and sighted) to learn Braille letters in a fun and playful way! The ball has 26 magnetically attaching pegs on it (one for each letter of the alphabet). One side of the peg has a Braille letter on it, while the other side shows the corresponding Latin letter. The ball also has 26 indented circles on it, each with a Braille letter. There is a raised line on the side of each peg and underneath each Braille letter on the ball to orient users as to which side is down. The object of the "game" is to match each Braille peg to its corresponding spot on the ball. The toy also has an electronic device in it that "speaks" the letter that is touched on the ball and which emits a chime when a Braille peg is correctly matched with its corresponding letter on the ball. Both fun and educational, be-B is a toy that turns learning into a challenging game that engages multiple senses and encourages cognitive development. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Click this link to learn more about this future product and its designer.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Shape Board from APH

Shape Board

The revised Shape Board has proportional shapes that contrast brightly against the yellow pegboard. Students learn to discriminate, sort, and classify different geometric figures according to size, shape, color, or position on the pegboard. Also aids in understanding up, down, right, and left.

This kit consists of 25 geometric figures and a board with three columns of five pegs. It includes five different shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, and pentagon) in small, medium, and large sizes. Print and braille instructions are also included.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up.

Catalog Number: 1-03710-01
Click this link to purchase the Shape Board from APH.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org

Look Up Amazon Products By Size

Don't you hate when you buy an appliance or piece of furniture that doesn't fit the space you have in your house or apartment? It happened to me with a stove several years ago. I wish I had been able to use this website to help.

From the website:

“Psizey.com lets you search through Amazon.com products by size. Our mission is to make it as easy as possible to find the products that fit your space, be it furniture, home electronics or even large appliances. You can find all the products you need for your new apartment in a size-friendly search environment.”

How cool is that? Now, if you're like me and you're not sure how to measure that new thing you want to purchase, you will be pleased to know that a measuring guide is available.

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

Burn CD Images with ISOBuddy

Ever download a file with a really weird disc image extension (MDF? PDI? B6I?) and no clue how to get at it? ISOBuddy is there for you. It burns or converts nearly any image file, even the Mac-specific DMG.

ISOBuddy is as simple to use as it is wide-ranging in its compatibility. Point it at the file you're sure is a disc, but your system isn't sure how to handle, and tell it where you want the output file to go, or hit Burn to load it onto a disc. It covers all the super-specific formats put out by specialty burning software, and as stated above, can convert and burn Mac DMG files. Once you've got an ISO out of ISOBuddy, you can usually burn it from any burning program you prefer, or use a compress/decompress tool like 7-Zip to view and extract its contents.

ISOBuddy is a free download for Windows systems only. Click this link to visit the DVD-Ranger website to learn more about ISOBuddy.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Ten Famous Blind People Who Changed the World

by Madeline Goldstein

Blindness is the complete lack of form and light perception.  Most people believe that we see with our eyes.  The fact is, however, that it is our brain that “perceives” what we think we see.  These famous blind people have changed and shaped the world in many areas such as music, politics, science, art and sport because they refused to allow their lack of external light perception to quench or stifle their inner light. The world has been illuminated by their courage and talent.  

  • Helen Keller - (June 27, 1880-June 1, 1968) Helen Keller was an American author, activist and lecturer who was the first deaf/blind person to graduate from college. She was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and numerous other causes.
  • Stevie Wonder – (Born May 13, 1950)  Stevie Wonder is an American singer-songwriter-record producer and multi-instrumentalist. A list of famous blind people wouldn't be complete without this composer's name. Wonder penned such hits as "Ebony and Ivory" that aided the civil rights cause in a non-violent way.
  • Ray Charles - (September 23, 1930-June 10, 2004) Ray Charles was an American pianist and musician whose gritty and soulful voice shaped the sound of rhythm and blues.
  • Claude Monet - (November 14, 1840-December 5, 1926) Claude Monet was a founder of French impressionist painting. By 1907, he had become quite famous, but began having serious problems with his eyesight and started to go blind.  Even though his eyes continued to get worse, he never stopped painting.  At the end of his life, when he was almost completely blind, he painted one of his most famous murals of water lilies.
  • Andrea Bocelli - (Born 22 September 1958) Andrea Bocelli became blind at the age of 12 years old following a football accident. He was a multi-instrumentalist and has sung with other great operatic singers such as Pavarotti.
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt - (January 30, 1882 -April 12, 1945) Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States of America. Roosevelt had several disabilities including vision impairment.  He was one of the most popular presidents in history.
  • Thomas Gore - (December 10, 1870-March 16, 1949) Thomas Gore was a Democratic politician. He became blind as a child, but never gave up his dream of becoming a senator. In 1907, he was one of the first two senators from the new state of Oklahoma. He was re-elected twice more. He was famous as a member of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
  • Harriet Tubman - (1820/21-March 1913) Harriet Tubman was a slave throughout her youth who escaped to Canada but returned to the U.S. where she helped bring hundreds of black slaves to safety in what was called the Underground Railroad.  She received a cruel head wound which led to severe vision impairment and seizures.  This did not stop her from fighting for the freedom of her people.
  • Louis Braille - (January 4, 1809-January 6, 1852) Louis Braille accidentally stabbed himself in the eye, becoming blind from this injury.  He was the inventor and designer of Braille writing which enables blind people to read from a series of organized bumps.
  • Marla Runyan - (Born January 4, 1969) Marla Runyan is a marathon runner who is legally blind. She is the three-time national champion in the women's 5.000 meter run. Runyan was the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympics Games.  She placed eighth in the 1,500-meter in the 2000 Sydney Olympics making it the highest finish by an American woman in that event. In 2002 she finished as the top American at the 2002 New York City Marathon to post the second-fastest debut time ever by an American woman.
Article Source:
Disaboom

Free Credit Counseling and Financial Tools

When your debt stress begins to spiral out of your control, credit counseling can sometimes be the answer—if you can find a reputable group. CredAbility provides many free services, and are available 24/7 to help you strengthen your finances.

Formerly known as CCCS Atlanta, CredAbility.org has long provided ways for you to get financial advice, whether via telephone or at one of their locations in the southeastern US. They even offer live chat on their web site, allowing you to talk to someone instantly and get advice on formulating a plan of action to ease your financial stress. Their services include budget and credit counseling, foreclosure prevention, and housing pre-purchase education. They even offer a number of tools on their website, like an auto loan calculator, credit card calculator, and even a financial dictionary.

What further separates CredAbility is that most of their services are free, unlike a lot of the less reputable groups out there that charge upfront fees. They will charge a small fee when helping you work with bankruptcy, and a monthly fee when using a debt management plan, however. They've been around for a long time and have a number of knowledgeable people at the ready, so whether you need just a bit of advice or an all-out planning session, they're a resource worth checking out.

Click this link to visit CredAbility.org.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Peabody's "Great" Educational Experience in Louisville

Dr. Deborah Hatten, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, shares her impressions of a recent visit to APH.

"Thank you for the outstanding hospitality that was extended to me and to my graduate students when we visited on April 27. You certainly have maintained your reputation as premier examples of southern hospitality! The students were particularly impressed with the quality control features used for braille and auditory books. I enjoyed the updates and the museum tour the most–I think! The Patterns resources and the new O&M software are impressive. The discussion of the different large print options was very informative, too. Here is a direct quote from one of the students that expresses how helpful the visit was to us all, 'To have missed this opportunity would have been to have missed one of the greatest educational experiences for anyone in this field.' For the representatives of APH to have taken the time to make the experience so personal and informative is beyond anything that one could imagine. So please know that we are most grateful for the tour, the delicious lunch, and for the many ways you made us feel special. We appreciate the entire staff. Warmest Regards, Deborah"

Want to bring your group to APH? We love to share our products and we benefit from connecting with you! Contact Bob (bbrasher@aph.org) or Janie (jblome@aph.org) to make your arrangements.

World’s First Talking TV Now a Reality

by Andy Sennitt

TVs that can talk to their owners are now a reality thanks to British high-tech company, Ocean Blue Software. Expected in UK stores by the end of the summer, the company’s low cost text-to-speech technology, dubbed “Talk@TV”, is being built into set top boxes from Korean company, Arion Technology, which will be branded and distributed by major retailers in the UK from August.

The new set top boxes are like regular Freeview or satellite boxes, but will be able to talk to their blind or partially-sighted owners – advising, via speech technology, the TV programming schedule, for example what’s on and when. Owners will be able to adjust the speed and verbosity of the voice to suit their needs, choose to enlarge or reduce font sizes and change background and text colours. A re-designed and easy to use remote control will also be included.

The technology has been developed in partnership with digital TV chip giant, STMicroelectronics, whose processors lie at the heart of most TVs and set top boxes. Phase two of the development will introduce voice activation technology to allow owners to talk back to their TV sets – “channel up”, “channel down”, “volume up”.

Ocean Blue’s Talk@TV will be available in different languages and dialects; the UK version supports both the Scottish Gaelic and Welsh language for example. The technology behind Talk@TV is a derivative of the pioneering work and development between the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and Ocean Blue over the last three years. The development won an IABM Award for Excellence in Design and Innovation, was nominated for a Royal Television Society award and shortlisted for an IMS TV Innovation award in the USA.

The Arion Talking set top box will be available in a number of UK retailers.

(Source: Ocean Blue Software/Arion Technology)

After this article was posted, I received the following email:

It is neither the first or, if you believe "open" is better, the best. There is an open source project in Spain that has already released firmware for several decoders with TTS (in Spanish and English) and other accessibility features. You can read about it at http://www.inteco.es/TV_Interactiva_en/Accesibilidad_en_TV_en/Decodificador_accesible_en/ (in English) and download the firmware at http://www.inteco.es/TV_Interactiva_en/Accesibilidad_en_TV_en/Decodificador_accesible_en/software_en/.

(it is in Spanish but you can get Google to translate it).

It will also be sold by a number of set top box makers later this year.

Martin

Storing Ice Cream and Using the Containers

Monica Turner's daughter takes a snowcone break while helping mom at an APH exhibit

In our family, we seem to go through cycles of eating ice cream. We may consume mass quantities every day for weeks and then not touch it again for a month.

As a result, the open containers of ice cream would sometimes look like miniature Mount Everests with the peaks of frost that turned the ice cream to something not so delicious. I have found a trick for preventing that frost that seems to grow and grow. Simply place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of the ice cream. Press it down well. You want to eliminate any possible air pockets. Put the lid back on the container and store the ice cream back in the freezer. If you do this every time you open the ice cream, it will stay fresh until you empty the container.

My family likes to purchase the five-quart plastic buckets and we've learned to recycle them. They're waterproof and seal tight, so they're perfect and have endless possibilities. Here's a few things we do with them.

  1. Use to store dry goods: It takes about five of them to store 25-lbs of flour and sugar. Plus they stack nicely in your pantry and cupboards.
  2. Cooking: Use for making large quantities of Jell-O or pudding (dirt cake). They're great for mixing cake batters, storing bread or cookie dough that needs to be refrigerated and as a makeshift cookie jar with a handle.
  3. Watering Hole: Keep one outside by the faucet for the dog.
  4. Travel: Great for little items like matchbox cars and legos.
  5. In the Shed: Store nuts, bolts, and other miscellaneous pieces and parts inside.
  6. Building: Great for winter time fun when building a snow fort or in the summer for sandcastle building at the beach.
  7. Oil Container: When you have the oil changed in the family car, they make a great way to store old oil until you can have it recycled.
  8. Camping: Use to take small quantities of powder laundry soap, shower items for the shower rooms, for storing fire making supplies like matches and lighters.
  9. At the Beach: Store your collection of seashells or carry your small items like wallet, change and money, suntan lotion, sunglasses, tissues and car keys.
  10. Art Supplies: Store the wide variety of crayons, colored pencils and markers inside and seal for easy transport. Good place to store craft items, yarns and sewing supplies. Works great for storing gift wrapping supplies like tape, scissors, ribbons and bows.
  11. Freeze Water: Great for having ice when you travel and keep some in your freezer to take up empty space, saves on energy costs.
  12. Hold Cleaning Products: As you travel from room to room, use the bucket with a handle instead of those expensive cleaner containers.
  13. Cleaning the Bathroom: Keep the toilet brush contained when not in use. Store nail polish and nail polish remover bottles in along with your cotton balls, nail files and all your manicure needs. They're a great place to organize and store all your combs and brushes. Store with handle down so you can see each brush.
  14. Small Garbage Can: Great for kids' rooms, the bathroom, the laundry room or garage with plastic bag inside.
  15. Laundry: Drill a small hole in the bottom and you can hang from the clothesline to store your clothespins and still allow rain and water to drain out.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

More Video Games Needed for Persons with Special Needs

by Donna J. Jodhan

As an avid computer games player, I'm constantly seeking ways to scream the message to video game developers that they should be focusing some well needed attention on developing video games to meet the demands and needs of consumers with special needs. When I was growing up it was difficult for me to find mainstream games that I could play let alone enjoy. I remember having to find ways to either invent my own games or ask a sighted friend or family member to help me play.

Things have improved a lot since then but I do believe that things could be much better. Before anyone goes off on a tangent, let me define what I mean by making it easier for persons with special needs to play video games. At the present time, almost all of the attention is focused on catering to mainstream players. Those players who can appreciate those glitzy and fancy graphics, those players who have the ability to carry out quick hand-eye movements, players who are blessed with super hand-eye coordination, and players who can use their hands, eyes, and ears to enjoy video games. However, what about those players who do not possess eyesight? Those players who are unable to use their hands? Those players who can't hear very well? Those players who have difficulty seeing the screens? In short, blind persons and disabled persons.

More and more aging baby boomers are getting into the video game trend and it would be wise for video game developers to keep this in mind because much sooner than later aging baby boomers are going to become your main customers and then what? With an aging population comes the fact that more and more persons are going to be suffering from disabling diseases, vision and hearing loss, plus much more.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

Unable to Spot Leaks

by Donna J. Jodhan

Spotting leaks for me is probably one of the most trying things in my life. A few weeks ago as I was sitting on my bath tub, I was alerted to the fact that there was a leak in my bathroom. You see, my meditation was interrupted by a big fat drop of water that fell onto my head. So, up I got and climbed onto the side of my bath tub to investigate. I moved my hands cautiously around on the ceiling and soon and sure enough, I was right! Two of the tiles on my ceiling were completely water logged and had begun their final journey downward.

Now, had I not been assaulted by that bold and presumptuous drop of water, I probably would never have known that such a leak existed and what could have happened is anyone's guess. Probably, the tiles would have fallen either on me or in my bathroom making a real mess. If I were able to see, chances are that I would have spotted this leak long before the big fat drop of water warned me but that's life for me. The same thing would apply if the leak had come from down below. That is, from my own toilet. I probably would have felt the water first before knowing about it.

In the world of a blind person, we are often warned by touch after the leak has started whereas for the sighted world leaks are often spotted visually. Or, we are treated to the sensation of wetness or powdery stuff that tells us that a leak has indeed made its way into our world. So, how do I deal with spotting leaks? Not easy for me but I do need to take precautions. I am always listening for running water if I have not myself initiated it. In the kitchen, my hands are constantly roaming along the bottoms of mugs, cups, plates, saucers, pots and pans, shopping bags, plus more. I am constantly feeling my way along my counters and dressers to ensure that nothing has leaked out of rice, pasta, salt, and sugar canisters and I am constantly checking bottles and jars.

I check my fridge regularly for spills and leaks. I check my bathroom regularly for leaks from various jars, bottles, and various containers. My hands are constantly checking makeup cases for leaking powders and liquids. Painful you ask? Not really when you think of what could happen if you do not check on a constant basis. Just a part of my life.

If you would like to learn more about how blind persons cope on a daily basis then visit http://www.afb.org.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day. If you'd like to learn more about me, then you can visit some of my blog spots at:
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all: http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly Saturday postings on issues of accessibility: http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog/blog.html
blogs on various issues and answers to consumers concerns: http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm

Accessibility News Service

by Tom Babinszki

One of the best resources on accessibility news on the net is http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com. I've been reading it for quite a while now, I thought I would share it with you.

The site is maintained by Geof Collis, who is in search for all kinds of top quality accessibility news around the clock. Geof compiles and maintains news items on this site, and also publishes a weekly newsletter with the updates, it comes out every Saturday morning, without an exception.

This newsletter has saved me valuable time, as I know that everything that's important and happens in the industry I will hear about it in a week, or even sooner if I check back on the site.

I find this service very valuable, and I would highly recommend subscribing to it. To receive the weekly updates, just send an e-mail to: editor@accessibilitynewsinternational.com and ask to be subscribed.

Article Source:
Accessibility Tips and Tricks

Myths about the Blind at Work

by Bob Branco

As we all know, it is quite difficult for a blind person to find gainful and productive employment, not necessarily through his own fault, but mostly because of society. There are many employers who not only feel that the blind can’t compete on equal terms with the sighted on the job, but are also at risk on that job. We know that neither one of these assumptions are true, and thankfully there are people who know what the blind are capable of.

Since College, I was employed eight times, and for the most part my bosses weren’t worried about how I conducted myself, because they saw how I handled things on a day to day basis. Having said that, I ran into a problem while working as a receptionist for a construction company. I worked there, without incident, for nearly a year, but then, for whatever reason, the company had to relocate to another building. Suddenly, my job was on the second floor, not the first. Despite how confident I am about new surroundings no matter where I go, my boss had a different idea once I started my job on the second floor. I wasn’t at my desk for no more than a few minutes when he approached me with an affidavit to sign. He wanted me to agree not to sue the company for any liability if I happen to fall down the stairs. In his mind, being the sue happy society that we are, it wouldn’t take much for my family and I to sue him if I fell, especially if I was injured. At the same time, one of my sighted co workers slipped on a banana peal in the office and fell. Do you think my boss asked him to sign such an agreement? No, because the other guy was sighted, and I suppose my boss felt that the sighted employee had no reason to fall down the stairs like I allegedly do.

Needless to say, I refused to sign the agreement, using the logic that anyone can fall down his stairs for any reason, whether the person is blind or sighted, so why should I release the company from any liability just because I’m blind? What if my boss, or one of his other workers, left an obstacle in my way? According to my boss, I’m blind, so it wouldn’t be his fault. He didn’t say that, but what else would you think if he purposely asked me to agree to release his company from liability while he never approached his sighted workers in this fashion?

For several days, my boss insisted that I sign the agreement, but I continued to refuse. Finally, his lawyer must have told him to stop insisting that I sign the agreement, because it was never mentioned again, and I know that he approached his lawyer to find out what legal leg he had to stand on, where I kept refusing to sign.

Have any of you had similar experiences on the job? It wouldn’t surprise me if you had, because it’s as I said, lots of employers are worried about how their blind workers conduct themselves. These employers don’t know that the blind are at no more risk for injury on the job than the sighted. Any insurance agent can testify to that.

Article Source:

Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Tactile Paving

Tactile paving (also called truncated domes, detectable warnings, Tactile Ground Surface Indicators, detectable warning surfaces) is a system of textured ground surface indicators found on many footpaths, stairs and train station platforms to assist blind and vision impaired pedestrians.

Tactile warnings provide a distinctive surface pattern of "truncated domes" or cones (which are small domes or cones that have had their tops cut off, or truncated) or "truncated bars" detectable by long cane or underfoot which are used to alert people with vision impairments of their approach to streets and hazardous drop-offs. People who are blind or visually impaired are alerted of impending danger from vehicle impact or a grade change. There is a disagreement in the design community and the community of users if the interior use of these bars represents a tripping hazard.

Originally instituted at crosswalks and other hazardous vehicular ways by countries like Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia, among others, the United States picked up the standard in the early 1990s, after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Canada started incorporating the use in transportation first in the 1990s then added them to the built environment in the early 2000s.

Click this link to read more about Tactile Paving from Wikipedia.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Fixing Wobbly Knobs on Furniture

So you have a chest of drawers that has a wobbly knob. Doesn't that get on your last nerve? Don't let it bother you because the fix is an easy one.

  1. Grab a screw driver and remove the screw from the inside of the cabinet.
  2. Now using nail polish, white glue or wood glue, place a drop in the hole of the knob.
  3. Before the polish or glue dries, replace the screw.

Now when the polish or glue dries, it will securely hold the screw into the knob, without the wobble.

APH News: June 2010

APH Logo

APH News

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

June 2010

Exciting New APH Products Announced!

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



"Teaching Tools for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired"
An Educational Program on Capitol Hill

Representative John Boozman (R-Ark.) and APH's Gary Mudd

On June 16th, APH will host a product showcase in our nation's capitol to help members of Congress and staff working in the field of education more clearly understand the unique educational needs of students with vision loss. One of the primary goals of this effort is to help federal elected officials become more aware of the core and expanded core curriculum that students are expected to master. A wide variety of products will be on display in these subject areas. APH staff will be on hand to explain how products are used and to give visitors a hands-on experience.

In addition to Members of Congress, staff of the Executive Branch and the U.S. Department of Education are invited to attend. The event will be held in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A box lunch will be provided for visitors with invitations. Following the product showcase, a reception for elected officials and special guests will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with a brief program starting at 5:45. Chase Crispin, a 13-year-old student who is blind, will speak to the group about his educational experience and the APH tools and materials he uses.

If you will be in the Washington, DC, area in mid-June and would like to attend, we would love to see you. Please contact Rebecca Snider at APH (rsnider@aph.org, or 800-223-1839 ext. 356) to reserve a box lunch or to attend the afternoon reception. The general public is welcome to attend from 1:00-4:00 p.m. without reservations.

This rare and exciting opportunity to showcase educational products on Capitol Hill will serve as a visual and tactile report to Congress on how APH appropriation funds are used. We encourage each of you to contact your Congressional Members and ask that they attend. We will have information on each state to give them, and we hope that this experience will provide Members with a much better insight into the different learning styles of blind and visually impaired students.



ESAC Visit Helps APH to Grow this Spring

The Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) met at APH May 24 - 26, 2010 for their annual spring meeting. The Ex Officio Trustee advisory committee, led by Chair Frank Simpson (NY), includes Marje Kaiser (SD), Sally Giitinger (NE), Barbara McCarthy (VA), and Jonn Paris-Salb (CA).

After reviewing APH's progress towards meeting last years committee recommendations, ESAC met with various departments to discuss the services that support products. Committee members heard primarily from the staff members of Field Services, Resource Services, Communications, and Accessible Textbooks as they discussed product training, the future of webcast instruction, user upgrades to the website, the future of product catalogs, upgrades to the Louis Database and Tactile Graphics Image Library, topping it off with a field trip to "the cage" where APH products are kept for shipment to approximately 100 events across the country annually. The group also visited the Migel and Barr Research Libraries and learned how they support the company and field research.

Like EPAC last month, this dynamic team worked very hard and presented APH with their final report of commendations and recommendations before their Wednesday departure!

We are very grateful to the ESAC members for their time and talents, which includes their impressive expertise, insights and heart. We laughed, we reported, we listened, and we learned. These two guiding committees continue to make APH a better company, equipped to meet the evolving challenges and needs of our shared students.

Their report, along with the EPAC's, will soon appear on the website.

Jonn Paris-Salb (CA), Barbara McCarthy (VA), Sally Giittinger (NE), Marje Kaiser (SD), Chair Frank Simpson, (NY)


ALL-IN-ONE Board: APH Customer Survey

APH would like to hear about your creative uses of the ALL-IN-ONE Board for educational and recreational purposes. We invite you to complete this 5-question survey.



June brings Second Webcast Training on Book Port Plus

In June, APH will host another Book Port Plus webcast. This session will cover, in detail, Book Port's Digital Recorder and Voice Memos feature. The presentation will take place on June 23rd at noon ET, 11:00 Central, 10:00 Mountain and 9:00 Pacific Time. Please send an e-mail to Maria Delgado at mdelgado@aph.org to sign up and receive your password to enter the conference room.

For those of you who are unable to attend this training, the webcast presentations will be recorded and posted on the webcast archive page in the near future.



Summer Workshop Planned at APH on Making Tests Accessible

This is a reminder that a two-day workshop on "Making Test Items Accessible for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired," led by Dr. Carol Allman (FL) is being offered to you and your assessment teams on July 29-30, 2010. Please visit www.aph.org/tests/makingtests.html for the registration form that can be completed and emailed to czierer@aph.org. You may contact Carolyn Zierer in Accessible Tests for additional details or visit our website at www.aph.org. Click on the Accessible Tests banner and obtain information in the "What's New" column on July 2010 Workshop Announcement or July 2010 Workshop Registration Form. We hope to see you, the test publishers with whom you are working, and members of your assessment staff at the July workshop!



Expert Field Reviewers Needed for Two Books in Development

We are looking for a few individuals to review each of the following books under development at APH. Please read the book descriptions carefully, and decide if you or someone you know might be a good reviewer for us. We want to make sure that our materials are accurate and complete, and we rely on our reviewers to help us do so.

The Labeling Book (working title): This is a self-help book for persons who lose vision in adulthood. It teaches organizational skills, use of other senses to recognize household products, and a variety of labeling and marking options. We hope to find two adult consumers who have lost vision in adulthood, who have completed their rehabilitation, and who can comment on what is and is not helpful in our book. We are also looking for two vision rehabilitation therapists with an interest in organization/labeling/marking to do the same kind of review.

The Parenting Book (working title): We interviewed 62 effective parents with visual impairments about their tips and techniques for being parents with visual impairments. We then wrote a book about raising children up to age five using these parents' advice. Please note that the parents are blind and the children are generally not blind. We hope to have one or two parents with visual impairments who did not participate in the interview process and one or two professionals in the visual impairment or mental health fields to review the book.

We would like those consumers, parents, and professionals interested in reviewing these books to offer one reference, someone who knows them and would be willing to tell us about their skills as parents or professionals.

If you or someone you know meets the qualifications and is interested in field reviewing either of these books, please contact the project leader, Terrie Terlau by email at tterlau@aph.org. We very much appreciate your help.



Webcast Participants Needed: Evaluation and Review of Wilson Reading System Materials

The American Printing House for the Blind in conjunction with California State University, Los Angeles and Perkins School for the Blind will conduct a Field Evaluation and an Expert Review, via webcast, of the adapted/modified Wilson Reading System® materials for braille readers. APH is inviting interested parties to participate in either segment of the webcast evaluation of the materials.

Participants in the Field Evaluation must be Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired, must be proficient in reading and writing braille, commit to completion of the 15 hour Wilson Applied Methods Course (August 30, 31 and September 1), and have a student on their case load that meets the following criteria. The student must be 7- 12 years of age (3rd through 6th grade), have a primary eligibility criteria for special education of visual impairment, have a primary reading medium of braille, and be reading below grade level at a minimum of second grade (potential students include those who are unable to decode accurately, having difficulty identifying sight words, and exhibiting slow, non-fluent reading abilities). Participants will be expected to use the materials with an appropriate student for a semester. Participants in the field evaluation will receive the three day course at no cost to the participant ($500 value) and will receive a complete set of teacher materials and braille student materials.

Participants in the Expert Review must be Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired who have completed the Wilson Applied Methods Course and have used the program with a braille reader. Expert Reviewers will receive a complete set of the adapted Student Materials in a braille format as compensation for their work.

Interested parties should contact Jeanette Wicker at jwicker@aph.org for an application form or for additional information.



Tactile Graphic Readers Speak Out

The Braille Improvement Committee hosted APH's first ever "Tactile Graphic Readers Speak Out" panel on May 11, 2010, facilitated by Jan Carroll, Braille Improvement's Coordinator of Transcription Services, and Jane Thompson, Director, Accessible Textbook Department. Students were invited from the Kentucky School for the Blind to participate in a panel discussion on a variety of APH tactile graphic production methods with the goal of having the students compare a variety of tactile graphics, with different textures, lines, patterns, and materials to give us a better understanding of what students want in their educational materials.

Each student was presented with a bound book of tactile diagrams including the following production methods: thermoformed collage, thermography (Tactile Vision Process), pressed paper graphics (PEARL) and a new production method under development. The subject matters evaluated were science, math and social studies. Students were asked a question about each graphic by facilitator, Jan Carroll. The event was open to over 50 APH staff who attended the panel discussion to ask questions of their own.

The students were very honest regarding their likes and dislikes of each design and production method. Their input will improve our final products in the future. We plan to host future events as we make changes to existing and developing processes.

Shane Lowe, Marissa Chambers, Jay Earls, Cheyenne Harper


"Treasures from the APH Libraries"

The APH Barr Library supports research initiatives at APH. The collection is closed to the public, but arrangements can be made to use the materials on site. Contact Inge Formenti at iformenti@aph.org or (502) 899-2347 for more information. One of many "Treasures from the APH Libraries" is described below.

Cover of the manuscript Factors Involved in Tactile Reading

Factors Involved in Tactile Reading, by Ralph K. Merry (1928), is the earliest manuscript material found so far in the Barr Library. Merry begins with a general history of reading and writing systems for the blind and the "war of the dots." One of his most notable statements is: "It is interesting to note...of all the systems that have been produced, the sole survivors are those invented or perfected by blind men." He moves on to talk about tactual sensitivity and its relationship to tactile systems, noting research does not indicate that blindness automatically confers unusual powers of tactile perception. The author then discusses that his studies lead him to believe that, for the adventitiously blind adult, Moon type is more easily tactually perceived because of its relationship to print letters. Finally, he discusses embossed point height and presents some thoughts on areas in the teaching of braille that need investigation. Ralph Vickers Merry was a Canadian who received his advanced degrees in education in the United States, eventually becoming Professor of Secondary Education at what is now University of Charleston, West Virginia.



FVLMA NIP Event a Big Hit in Syracuse!

Perkins School for the Blind's Training Center and APH partnered to present a Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (FVLMA) National Instructional Partnership (NIP) event in Syracuse, New York on May 20 & 21, to a sold-out crowd of teachers of the visually impaired! Dr. LaRhea Sanford, co-author of APH's FVLMA, wowed attendees with her knowledge, experience, and skills as she led them through the instrument's assessment process using lecture, storytelling, demonstration and activities to make her point.

Teachers of the visually impaired from around the Northeast area were able to learn about critical aspects of the FVLMA, and to view a display of APH products that are valuable tools to use in the assessment process. This includes products such as: the new Lighting Guide Kit, Bright Line Reading Guide, Talking Calculator, various examples of bold line paper, Perkins/APH Brailler and Permabraille paper, Signature Guide, slate and stylus, Braille eraser, occluders and 20/20 pens.

Thanks, LaRhea, for a job very well done–and thanks to the Perkins Training Center for collaborating with APH on this valuable training!



The Future is NOW...in New York!

Monica Turner's daughter takes a snowcone break while helping mom at the exhibit

Field Services Representative Monica Turner recently exhibited at "The Future is Now" family conference in New York City. The event was held at the Lavelle School for the Blind and was co-sponsored by the New York Institute for Special Education and the NYC chapter of the National Association for Parents and Children with Visual Impairments. Over 200 people were in attendance for a beautiful day of inspiration, information, and community. Monica displayed many APH products that the children enjoyed which included Lots of Dots, the 30-Love Tennis Kit, Web Chase, the Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board, and the Sound Adapted Tangle Balls. Monica's focus as a Field Services Representative is increasing the awareness of APH products among families of children who are blind and visually impaired. If you would like APH to have a presence at family-focused workshops or conferences, please contact us (mmturner@aph.org).



APH Receives Coveted Award from CEC/DVI

At the recent Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Nashville, TN, the Division on Visual Impairments (DVI) awarded APH with their Exemplary Advocate Award, never before given to a company. APH's VP Bob Brasher was proud to accept the award from DVI's Phyllis Simmons and then present it to APH President Dr. Tuck Tinsley.



Peabody's "Great" Educational Experience in Louisville

Dr. Deborah Hatten, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, shares her impressions of a recent visit to APH.

"Thank you for the outstanding hospitality that was extended to me and to my graduate students when we visited on April 27. You certainly have maintained your reputation as premier examples of southern hospitality! The students were particularly impressed with the quality control features used for braille and auditory books. I enjoyed the updates and the museum tour the most–I think! The Patterns resources and the new O&M software are impressive. The discussion of the different large print options was very informative, too. Here is a direct quote from one of the students that expresses how helpful the visit was to us all, 'To have missed this opportunity would have been to have missed one of the greatest educational experiences for anyone in this field.' For the representatives of APH to have taken the time to make the experience so personal and informative is beyond anything that one could imagine. So please know that we are most grateful for the tour, the delicious lunch, and for the many ways you made us feel special. We appreciate the entire staff. Warmest Regards, Deborah"

Want to bring your group to APH? We love to share our products and we benefit from connecting with you! Contact Bob (bbrasher@aph.org) or Janie (jblome@aph.org) to make your arrangements.



Morris Frank and M. C. Migel will be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field, founded in 2001, is housed at APH. The Hall, which belongs to the entire field of blindness, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of excellence manifested by specific individuals through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired in North America. The Hall is guided by a nine member Governing Board.

To date, 44 outstanding professionals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Joining those legends are two remarkable icons from our past whose impact is still felt internationally. The ceremony to induct M. C. Migel and Morris Frank will take place Friday evening, October 15, 2010, in conjunction with APH's Annual Meeting of Ex Officio Trustees and Special Guests, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Class of 2010:

  • M. C. Migel

    M. C. Migel

    Working with the American Red Cross during World War I, Major Moses Charles Migel was exposed to countless veterans who lost their sight in combat. These experiences inspired him to dedicate himself to helping people with vision loss lead independent and fulfilling lives. Migel founded the American Foundation for the Blind in 1921 and served as President of the Board of Trustees until 1945. Among his honors was being proclaimed a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his work in France during World War I.

    "The past 20 years of my life's work has been shaped by and dependent upon the work of M.C. Migel. Without his leadership, knowledge of the business world, and willingness to contribute personally, professionally, and monetarily, I honestly believe that the American Foundation for the Blind would not be the organization it is today." Carl Augusto

  • Morris Frank

    Morris Frank

    As the first person in North America to use a guide dog, Morris Frank promised to spread the word about the independence and enhanced mobility that could be experienced. Together with Dorothy Harrison Eustis, Frank founded The Seeing Eye in 1929, basing the organization on the philosophy that limitless possibilities exist within the lives of people who are blind. He was almost single-handedly responsible for the passage of initial legislation relevant to dog guide access in every state and province.

    His famous book, "First Lady of The Seeing Eye," co-written with Blake Clark, was the story of Buddy, his first dog guide. This eventually led to being the subject of the Walt Disney movie, "Love Leads the Way."

    "It was his leadership and role modeling behavior that founded not only the first dog guide school but the entire industry -- an industry that today has over 80 accredited schools around the world." James Kutsch, Jr.

Additional information regarding the 2010 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will soon appear on the APH website, www.aph.org.

Please visit the Hall of Fame website at www.aph.org/hall_fame/ for information on the Hall and those inducted.



In Memoriam: Warren Figueiredo

Warren Figueiredo

Funeral services were Friday, May 21, for Warren Douglas Figueiredo, age 58, who passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010 in Arnaudville, LA.

Warren spent his life in service to the blind community as an educator and a braille producer. From 1973 through 2004 he was a staff member of the Louisiana State School for the Blind where he taught French, braille, and language arts; worked in the recreation program; served as Dean of Boys; and was a school librarian. He founded and oversaw the Outreach and Technical Assistance Project and directed the Louisiana Instructional Materials Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Warren served as an extraordinary Ex Officio Trustee (EOT) of APH for many years. As an EOT, he served as a member of the APH Publications Advisory Committee and represented the company for many years on the Braille Authority on North America Board (BANA). APH often relied upon Warren's expertise in braille in the development of processes and programs. He also served on the boards of the National Braille Association and the Braille Planet.

To read the complete obituary of this dear friend of APH and all of us who had the supreme honor of knowing him, please visit http://www.melanconfuneralhome.net/index.cfm.



APH Welcomes New Human Resources Director

After an extensive search, APH is very pleased to welcome and introduce our new Human Resources Director, Vicki Buns. Ms. Buns, a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, brings HR experience with KFC, McDonalds, and Kindred Healthcare. Her diverse and extensive background in the various processes of human resources, from labor relations to employee counseling and training, will serve the company very well.



APH Helps Make It "Real" for Kentucky School for the Blind Students

Michael McCarty, Communications Dept., was invited to join other local businesses at the Kentucky School for the Blind to participate in a "Reality Fair" for students. The Reality Fair is designed to teach students what it takes to balance careers, families, and finances. This program put KSB students in real-life situations and allowed them to learn from their successes, as well as their failures.

Michael was partnered with technology teacher David Hume to manage the communications and technology center. Students were asked to make simulated purchasing decisions and manage monthly expenses of television service, cell phone and home phone service, internet access, and assistive technology products. They were asked to look at their budgets, determine what services they'd like to have and how they would access each service.

Michael used APH's Book Port Plus, Braille+ with Docking Station, and Refreshabraille 18 to assist the students in making sound choices for their lifestyles and budgets. The event was very successful, giving students a taste of what's to come as they prepare for life after high school.



Tip from APH's Fred's Head Blog:
"How to Label Frozen Food"

Fred's Head, sharing Tips and Techniques

Fred's Head from APH is filled with tips and suggestions written by and for people who are blind and visually impaired. Here's one of the thousands of tips you'll find in this informative blog:

Labeling Frozen Foods:
Braille labels used in the freezer are especially vulnerable due to moisture and temperature changes. Learn how you can use APH's Brailleable Labels and Sheets along with "recycled" plastic bread wrapper closers to solve this problem!

Would you like to submit an article? Email articles or suggestions to Michael McCarty at fredshead@aph.org and add YOUR knowledge to this growing resource.



APH Welcomes New Ex Officio Trustees

Bruce M. Schultz, The Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, replacing Christine L. Boone.

Marie Piquion-Leach, The Division of Services for the Blind, replacing Melaney Stein.

Gary M. Cusick, The Kentucky Department for the Blind, replacing Derrick Cox.

Cheryl Manuel, The Kansas State Board of Education, replacing Jacqueline Denk.

Marty R. McKenzie, The South Carolina School for the Deaf, Blind and Multihandicapped, replacing Elizabeth M. McKown.



APH Travel Calendar

on the road with APH

June

June 2-3, 2010
NIP Event: Administration and Scoring of the WJ III Tests of Achievement-Braille Adaptation;
Dickinson Center, Livonia, MI

June 5, 2010
Kentucky School for the Blind Alumni Event 2010;
Louisville, KY

June 5, 2010
INSIGHT 2010; Morehead State University;
Morehead, KY

June 10-11, 2010
Texas Focus;
Plano, TX

June 10-12, 2010
Research in the Rockies: Research Summit on Reading and Writing Braille;
Denver, CO

June 16, 2010
Washington Product Presentation - Public Affairs Event;
Washington, DC

June 18-19, 2010
NIP Event: Woodcock Johnson III Training;
Vancouver, WA

June 20-23, 2010
2010 Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Conference;
40th National Conference on Student Assessment;
Detroit, MI

June 23, 2010
Webcast: Book Port Plus–The Digital Recorder and Voice Memos;
at APH in Louisville, KY

June 25-26, 2010
Texas Parent to Parent 2010;
San Marcos, TX

June 25-26, 2010
National Braille Challenge 2010;
CA

July

July 1-3, 2010
NEA Expo 2010;
New Orleans, LA

July 3-8, 2010
NFB 2010;
Dallas Texas

July 9-17, 2010
ACB 2010;
Phoenix, AZ

July 12, 2010
Assistive Technology Workshop at Northern Illinois University;
DeKalb, IL

July 13-15, 2010
Gateways;
KSB in Louisville, KY

July 14, 2010
Assistive Technology Workshop at Dominican College;
Orangeburg, NY

July 15, 2010
APH Braille Plus Training;
Hampton, VA

July 19-21, 2010
OSEP Project Directors Conference 2010;
Washington, DC

July 21-25, 2010
AER International 2010;
Little Rock, AR

July 28, 2010
Product Training for TVI Students at Portland State University;
Portland, OR

July 29-30, 2010
APH Workshop;
APH in Louisville, KY

July 31-August 1, 2010
6th Biannual LCA (Leber's Congenital Amaurosis) Family Conference;
Philadelphia, PA

August

August 16-17, 2010
United States Department of Education Expert Panel;
APH in Louisville, KY

August 23-28, 2010
BVA 2010;
Washington, DC

August 29-September 1, 2010
Wilson Reading System Webcast Training;
APH in Louisville, KY

September

September 22-25, 2010
Envision 2010;
San Antonio, TX

September 25, 2010
Indiana Vision Expo 2010;
Indianapolis, IN



Spring Fever Sale

APH Spring Fever Sale

Load up a world of savings on selected APH products with APH's Spring Fever Sale 2010, April 1 - June 30. As always, first come, first served. www.aph.org/products/springfever.html



Additional Manuals Now Available as Free Downloads

The APH product manuals below are additions to our growing list of free-of-charge downloadable manuals. You may print or emboss these manuals as needed. We will continue to package hard copies of these manuals with their products and sell hard copy replacements. We do not keep these manuals in stock, but make them on demand as orders are placed for them; therefore, please allow several weeks for delivery.

Note: Certain APH manuals include CDs and/or tactile graphics. CDs and tactile graphics are available only with the purchased versions of manuals, and not with the free downloadable versions.

Note: Some downloadable manuals may be available from APH in formats that are not shown on the download page; for example, the braille manual for a kit may be available for free download, but the large print manual may only be available for purchase, and will therefore not appear on the download page.

  • Braille: A Different Approach, 5-16750-04
  • Going Places: Braille Worksheet Packet, 5-13091-00
  • Portable Sound Source: Sound Localization Guidebook, Braille, 5-03045-00
  • Quick Draw Paper: Suggested Uses, Braille, 5-04960-00
  • Tangle Toy Guidebook, Braille, 5-08750-00
  • Walk-Run for Fitness: Guidebook, Braille, 5-07520-00


REVISED! Shape Board
1-03710-01 -- $82.00

The revised Shape Board has proportional shapes that contrast brightly against the yellow pegboard. Students learn to discriminate, sort, and classify different geometric figures according to size, shape, color, or position on the pegboard. Also aids in understanding up, down, right, and left.

This kit consists of 25 geometric figures and a board with three columns of five pegs. It includes five different shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, and pentagon) in small, medium, and large sizes. Print and braille instructions are also included.

Recommended ages: 4 years and up.



APH Braille Book Corner

APH offers a number of 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 several weeks for delivery.

Live from the Fifth Grade
by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna: T-N1017-30 -- $24.37
Roger Friday is the class clown at Sacred Heart Elementary School, and the target of most of his jokes is classmate Marsha Cessano, because she's so easy to tease. But having a sense of humor can be a curse, and a dead-snake prank lands Roger in after-school detention helping the kindly janitor. When the school laser printer is stolen, Marsha volunteers to help Roger find the thief to clear the janitor's name. Fiction, Grades 3-6. *(AR Quiz #11475, BL 4.0, Pts 3.0)

Brian's Winter
by Gary Paulsen: TN1211-70 -- $30.00
Thirteen-year-old Brian was rescued from the Canadian wilderness at the end of summer in The Hatchet. But what if, instead, he had faced the harsh winter in the woods? This survival story pits the stranded young outdoorsman against the cold, loneliness, and worst of nature. Fiction, Grades 6-9 (and older readers). *(AR Quiz #11704, BL 5.9, Pts. 5.0)

Of Mice and Men
by John Steinbeck: T-N8851-00 -- $31.50
Lennie, strong but feeble-minded, and George, his responsible friend, are two itinerant laborers during the depression who dream of owning their own farm. Their hopes are shattered when Lennie accidentally kills the boss's daughter-in-law. Strong language. Fiction, Upper Grades. *(AR Quiz #8665, BL 4.5, Pts. 4.0)

You Can Do the Math: Overcome Your Math Phobia and Make Better Financial Decisions
by Ronald L. Lipsman: T-N1628-30 -- $84.50
Professor offers an introduction to the mathematics of personal finance. Covers buying or leasing a car, owning or renting a home, insurance, credit cards, college and retirement funds, taxes and inflation, stock market investments, compound interest, and more. Companion web site link gives calculations. 2004.

The Education of Laura Bridgman: First Deaf and Blind Person to Learn Language
by Ernest Freebert: T-N1335-40 -- $120.50
Chronicles the life of Laura Bridgman, who, born into a New Hampshire farm family in 1829, became deaf and blind at the age of two. Freeberg recounts Laura's transformation into a woman who voraciously absorbed the world around her under the tutelage of Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe of the Perkins Institution for the Blind. Biography.

*Accelerated Reader quiz number, book 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 Website 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
  • Jan Carroll, Transcription Services Coordinator
  • Maria Delgado, Field Services Representative
  • Nancy Lacewell, Director, Government and Community Affairs
  • Stephanie Lancaster, Graphic Designer, Communications
  • Julia Myers, Director, Resource Services
  • Karen Poppe, Tactile Graphics Project Leader, Research
  • Gwynn Stewart, Administrative Assistant, Communications
  • Terrie Terlau, Adult Life Project Leader, Research
  • Monica Turner, Field Services Representative
  • Jeanette Wicker, Core Curriculum Project Leader, Research
  • Debbie Willis, Director, Accessible Tests

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


For additional recent APH News, click the following:
May Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2010adv05.html
April Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2010adv04.html
March Issue - www.aph.org/advisory/2010adv03.html

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


The APH News is a monthly publication from the American Printing House for the Blind:
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
800/223-1839

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