 |
1093 South Broadway |
|
1093 South Broadway |
|
News To Use |
News to UseTalking Money IdentifierPaper money is all the same size in the United States, so without vision, there is no way to tell the difference between the different denominations. However, there is a new device on the market that announces the value of your paper money with the press of a button. It is called the iBill®, and it is touted as being inexpensive, of small size, and easy to use. Inexpensive: The iBill® costs $99.00. This is less expensive than previous money identifiers that cost over $300.00 Small Size: The iBill® measures 3.0 by 1.6 by 0.7 inches. This can easily fit into a pocket or purse. Easy to Use: You can place paper money in any direction on the iBill®, and it will announce the value of most bills in less than one second. There are only two buttons to operate. For more information, or to purchase the iBill®, go to orbilresearch.com, or phone 1-888-60-ORBIT (1-888-606-7248) Maxi-Aids also has a new money identifier (the Money Talks Money Identifier®) that sells for $99.95. For more info visit Maxi-Aids online at www.maxiaids.com or call 1-800-522-6294.
Technology Tools: Natural ReaderNatural Reader is an affordable text to speech program. It converts any text into speech. Text can also be converted into mp3 files, which can be saved on a Victor Reader Stream, an mp3 player, or burned onto a CD. The software is available in three versions:
Submitted by Keisha Browning
Download NLS Talking Books from the Internet!Introducing BARD: Braille and Audio Reading DownloadThe new Digital Talking Book Machine will play digital books downloaded from the NLS BARD website. Read the books you want, when you want them; no more waiting for your turn or for books to come in the mail. Over 20,000 books and 40 magazines are available for download 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! You will need:
Digital Talking Book Machine Features:
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CASSETTE PLAYER – at this time we have a small number of digital books to offer. Most of our current cassette books will not be available as digital books. Magazines will remain on cassette for several years. YOU WILL BE LIMITED TO 1 DIGITAL BOOK AT A TIME – it will take several years to build up a large collection of digital books, so please be patient and return books promptly. YOU WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE YOUR REGULAR NUMBER OF CASSETTE BOOKS – call us if you want to change this. You may want to reduce your cassette books, or get only those titles you specifically ask for. You may apply for the BARD download at: https://nlsbard.loc.gov/Application/Instructions.html For more information call the Kentucky Talking Book Library at 1-800-372-2968 or 502-564-8300, ext. 276
Assistive Technology Alternative Financing Programs and Access to Telework Loan Programs Administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC) offers low interest loans for qualified applicants with disabilities who need assistive technology. Working with its lending partner, Fifth Third Bank of Kentucky, KATLC can provide loans for modified vehicles, hearing aids, adapted computers, mobility devices, augmentative communication devices or any other type of equipment or home modification that will improve the quality of life or increase the independence of Kentuckians with disabilities. Established by state statute in 1996, KATLC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, four of whom must have disabilities, that reviews all applications. KATLC made its first loan in the summer of 2000 and now has provided more than $4 million in loans to Kentuckians with disabilities to enable them to get the assistive technology they need, making it one of the most active assistive technology alternative financing programs in the nation. The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation currently provides the staff support to the Board and KATLC. For more information contact:
Sarah Richardson
Open Source (FREE!) SoftwareThanks to Gary Knack for sending us an email about a word processing program that you can download for free! The program is called AbiWord and can be found at www.abisource.com. It’s compatible with Open Office, Microsoft Word, Rich Text, and even HTML documents. It also works on multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. Open source software is an excellent alternative to expensive packages such as Microsoft Office. It is developed by the (mainly) Linux community, but made available for all operating platforms. One of the most popular and useful choices is Open Office from Oracle, Inc. It has modules for word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, and graphics, and is available for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. Open Office can be found at www.openoffice.org. If your budget is tight, or if you’re just tired of making Uncle Bill (Gates) a little richer, give open source software a shot.
Living with Low Vision TipConsider using brightly patterned file folders to organize your important papers. They are easy to find on a desk. You can use the different patterns to organize different subjects, making it easier to pick up the correct file when you head off to that important meeting. Talk about being practical and fashionable at the same time! They are available at Staples for 99 cents each, or buy in bulk for less. Submitted by Susan Ament
Prodigy Count-A-Dose is now availableProdigy has announced the up-coming release of the Count-A- Dose. Count-A-Dose is a medical device that allows a blind or vision impaired person with diabetes, to fill an insulin syringe independently without assistance. lnsulin therapy will cost a lot less with Count-A-Dose versus using insulin pens and prefilled reservoirs! In addition to the release of the Count-A-Dose, Prodigy announced a new Low Vision Center on their website. This center contains information about the Prodigy Count-A-Dose, and the Prodigy Voice Meter.
For additional information on the Count-A-Dose please call: (866) 908-9201.
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky Introduces Technology Bill of Rights for the BlindWashington, DC (January 27, 2010): Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today introduced the Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind (H.R. 4533), which will mandate that all consumer electronics, home appliances, kiosks, and electronic office technology provide user interfaces that are accessible to the blind. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind appreciates the wise and decisive action taken today by Representative Schakowsky. In recent years, advances in microchip and digital technology have led to the proliferation of everyday products - such as dishwashers or copy machines - that have visual displays and other user interfaces that are inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Inaccessibility of these devices is a major barrier to a blind person's independence and productivity. The Technology Bill of Rights will ensure that manufacturers make their products accessible to all consumers, and that blind people will not be left behind as technology continues to advance." "The importance of access to technology in today's society cannot be overstated. In many cases, a person's livelihood depends upon the ability to use technology," said Representative Schakowsky. "This bill will allow people who are blind or have low vision to compete on a level playing field with their sighted peers and remain productive members of society."
CKRE Program: BGCB BulletinBGCB has partnered with the Central Kentucky Radio Eye (CKRE) to produce a monthly radio program. The program will air the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 10:30 AM and again on the following Friday from 5:30 – 6:00 AM. The program will include potions of our quarterly newsletter, interviews and other information important to BGCB members and other listeners. The first program aired on Thursday March 11. The staff from CKRE interviewed Sara Grant from the US Census Bureau. They discussed relevant information to assist people in completing the Census form. BGCB members will be eligible for a free CKRE receiver, worth $25. We hope to have future programs uploaded onto the BGCB website and hopefully Sound Prints and ACB radio. If you are interested in receiving a CKRE receiver, please call the BGCB office at 859-259-1834. The next program will air on Thursday April 8th at 10:00 AM. That program will be composed of readings from the 2nd quarter newsletter. If you have suggestions for future content, please call the office or send an email to bgcb@qx.net.
Office for the Blind seeks public inputFrankfort, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2010) — The Kentucky Office for the Blind (OFB) in the Department of Workforce Investment is seeking public input on the services, programs, and activities the agency provides for Kentuckians with visual disabilities. The deadline for comments is March 31, 2010. Comments can be made in writing, Braille, cassette tape, computer disk, telephone, Internet or e-mail. To make comments, follow one of the methods listed below. Internet — To complete an on-line survey, you can access the agency’s Web site at http://blind.ky.gov and click the link to the survey; E-mail — Send comments to cora.mcnabb@ky.gov Telephone — Call Cora McNabb toll-free at 1-800-321-6668 extension 23402; Writing, cassette tape, Braille or computer disk — mail to Cora McNabb, Office for the Blind, 275 E. Main St., Mail Stop EJ-2, Frankfort, KY 40621. To receive this information in an alternate format or for more information, please contact Cora McNabb. OFB provides job counseling, education, job training and assistive technology services to Kentuckians who are visually impaired so that they can have opportunities for employment and independence. Input from Kentuckians will be used to develop a state OFB plan. The Department of Workforce Investment is in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The Education and Workforce Development Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department of Workforce Investment. For more information about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or www.workforce.ky.gov or call 502-564-0372.
Changes & Reminders to your LexTran Para transit ServiceEffective April 1, 2009
The Kentucky Office for the Blind SurveyThe Kentucky Office for the Blind (OFB) is seeking public input on the service needs of Kentuckians with visual disabilities. OFB is required to conduct a statewide comprehensive needs assessment every three years for the Rehabilitation Services Administration in Washington, D.C. You can complete the survey online by going to the agency’s website: http://blind.ky.gov and click the “Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment” link. If you don’t have computer access, you may contact Cora McNabb toll-free at 1 800 321-6668 to complete the survey by phone or request one by mail. BGCB and NFB with Pamela Glisson will host one of the four statewide survey groups in Jan. 2009. Location and details will be forthcoming. Morry La Tour will be the facilitator for the survey. We do promise food will be involved! Beth Cross, Exec. Dir. for OFB says, “ The more responses we receive to this survey, the more likely we will gain an accurate understanding of the greatest service needs in our state. It’s important to get the perspectives of people across the state that are blind/visually impaired.” Please contact BGCB (259-1834) for more information and/or assistance.
WebAnywhereHere's some good news for blind and visually impaired computer users! Internet access just got easier (and cheaper) thanks to University of Washington grad student Jeffrey Bigham. Jeffrey has developed a web-based screen reader that can be used on virtually any computer with access to the internet - and it's an open source project, so it's free! To learn more about WebAnywhere, here is the link to the WebAnywhere site: http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/
Read This To MeThanks to Carol Porter for tipping us off to this service. Read This To Me is a free reading service for blind and low-vision people, powered by volunteers and Internet collaboration. It allows blind and low-vision people (clients) to have printed documents read to them over the phone. All a person needs is a phone line and a fax machine (no computer is required.) Here's how it works:
The service is available throughout the U.S. and Canada and is absolutely free (though donations are gladly accepted). Because the reading is done by people, this service can handle documents that electronic reading hardware and software cannot, such as handwritten documents, documents with complex graphics, etc. The cost of entry is just a phone line and a cheap fax machine. (A flatbed fax machine is slightly more expensive but can be more versatile, allowing clients to fax pages from books, food containers, and other thicker items.) BGCB has a FAX machine available if any of you would find a need for this service.
The Consumer Involvement FundThe Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities has a limited pool of funds we make available as financial assistance for advocates in the developmental disabilities field to participate in conferences and short‑term educational programs. The Council provides this support as a method of capacity building for Kentucky. Through participation in regional and national conferences, Kentucky advocates can share information about local initiatives, and learn from their counterparts in other communities. We believe this exchange helps us grow and work smarter on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. If you attend a conference or educational program with Council support, we expect two things in return. First, that you'll provide a report to the Council describing what you've learned and shared during the program and how the information applies to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in Kentucky. Second, that you'll be a resource person to whom we can refer other citizens who contact the Council seeking information about the topic of the program you attended. You may apply for assistance to attend conferences or educational programs or advocacy by making a written request. Include the conference brochure, dates, and location, along with the amount you are paying and the amount of your request. Enclose a copy of the conference brochure. Council travel policy complies with Kentucky State Travel Regulations. If you need assistance developing a request, or if you would like further information, please call (502) 564-7842 or toll free at 1 877 367-5332. Who Can Apply to the Consumer Involvement Fund? The Consumer Involvement Fund is designed to assist persons with disabilities, their family members, and their guardians. In order to receive money from the Consumer Involvement Fund, an applicant must be,
Ignore the Guide Dog!By Paula Wiese Life with a guide dog in the house is not easy. Paul's guide dog, Axel, is not a pet in our household. He's Paul's companion and his eyes. Axel must make snap decisions and possess the intelligence, strength and capacity to respond to hundreds of different circumstances. We have 7 children and 9 grandchildren who all love Axel but have very defined, rigid rules related to everyone's interaction with him. Axel's devotion must be totally focused on Paul. So you see, I can understand how difficult it is for the general public to restrain from feeding, petting and/or interacting with this beautiful, friendly animal while he is harnessed as a working guide dog. I am always amazed that parents of small children do not perceive a harnessed Axel as a threat and will permit the child to approach and pet the dog without Paul's consent. What's the harm in acknowledging and petting the dog? We do not pet, feed or interact with dogs while in harness and attached to their partner because this means they are genuinely engaged in their work. They must remain focused since their primary job is to keep the person they are with safe, secure and independent. By the same token, a guide dog user has a serious responsibility to this canine companion. Guiding Eyes for the Blind values Axel at $30,000. From the breeding kennel to the puppy raisers, onto the trainers and final placement with the blind individual, many hours of dedicated training are expended on shaping the guide dog. Axel is a guide dog by virtue of all this training and a hound dog by nature. Believe me, instinct will trump training every time! In permitting a person to feed, pet and/or interact with Axel "just this one time" sends the message to Axel it's ok to divert from his job. The next time this same person encounters the pair, Axel will initiate the interaction, maybe to the detriment of Paul's safety. Kim Charleson, Vice President of ACB, shared this funny experience: She was boarding a plane with first class folks when a gentleman approached her and said, " Hi, I love dogs. May I pet yours? I'm Alex Trebek (host of Jeopardy)." What a dilemma! Guide dog users are not offended if you ignore their working companions. For the safety and security of blind individuals, there can be no exceptions by family, friends, and the general public to, what seem like, rigid rules governing the use of guide dogs. Most guide dog users will take the dog out of harness and permit people/kids to pet the animal. Paul does this for Axel anytime the situation/time will permit. I love to watch Axel's metamorphosis into a playful, romping, face licking, yellow lab when the harness comes off then return to his working mode as he steps back into the harness. I hope I have been able to give you a little insight into why we must "ignore the guide dog"!
Social Security Administration - Legal Blindness Updated Standards/Qualifications.The Social Security Administration published new rules for visual disorders in the Federal Register (71 FR 67037) on November 20, 2006. These rules became effective on February 20, 2007. As in the past, statutory/legal blindness continues to be defined as best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye; or a visual field limitation such that the widest diameter of the visual field, in the better eye, subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees, as measured with a Goldmann III4e or equivalent size stimulus. Under the new rules, how visual acuity and visual field can be tested to meet this definition has changed. For visual field testing, the following measurements can be used:
1. Automated static threshold perimetry (Humphrey 30-2 and 24-2)
2. Kinetic perimetry, such as the Humphrey "SSA Test Kinetic"
3. Goldmann perimetry SSA will not use the results of visual field screening tests, such as confrontation tests, tangent screen tests, or automated static screening tests, to determine legal blindness. For visual acuity testing, the criteria changed because most test charts that use Snellen methodology do not have lines that measure visual acuity between 20/100 and 20/200. Newer test charts, such as the Bailey-Lovie or the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), do have lines that measure visual acuity between 20/100 and 20/200. Under the new criteria, if a person's visual acuity is measured with one of the newer charts, and they cannot read any of the letters on the 20/100 line, they will qualify as legally blind, based on a visual acuity of 20/200 or less. For example, if the person's best-corrected visual acuity for distance in the better eye was determined to be 20/160 using an ETDRS chart, they would now be classified as legally blind. Regardless of the type of test chart used, the person will not be classified as legally blind if they can read at least one letter on the 20/100 line. For example, if a person's best-corrected visual acuity for distance in the better eye was determined to be 20/125+1 using an ETDRS chart, they would not be classified as legally blind because they were able to read one letter on the 20/100 line. To view the new rules please use the following link: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/2.00-SpecialSensesandSpeech-Adult.htm#2.04%20Loss%20of%20Visual%20Efficiency
GUIDE Software from EVASGUIDE is for people with low vision or who are blind. It has been specifically designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn. Here are a few highlights of what can be done using some of the GUIDE programs and utilities:
GUIDE requires very little training, so most people can easily teach themselves how to use it. This is because GUIDE uses an easy-to-follow menu structure for each task. The menus are controlled using the keyboard and are spoken and displayed in large print on uncluttered screens, overlaying the Windows desktop. If assistance is needed, a task specific Help Page can be easily accessed, to provide information and support. Guide is the ideal solution for those who:
To experience GUIDE for yourself, there is a link below to a narrated presentation that shows the features of GUIDE. A thirty day trial version is available, and you can receive it by emailing jswerdlick@evas.com with your request and mailing address. Guide Narrated Presentation: http://www.evas.com/present/Guide/GuidePresentation.wmv
EVAS
39 Canal Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Money4All PetitionIn November 2006, a Federal Judge in the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the American Council of the Blind in a lawsuit that would require the Treasury Department to begin printing paper currency which is accessible by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Treasury Department has appealed the decision. Of the more than 180 nations that issue paper currency, the United States is the only nation which makes no effort to make its paper currency accessible by blind and visually impaired individuals. The Money for All: Accessible Currency Petition to U.S. Congress was created by and written by Michael Malver (mmalver@visi.com). This is not an ACB or BGCB petition. It's a petition that allows all people who care about this issue, blind or sighted, politically and organizationally aligned or not, to have their say. It allows all blind people and our friends and supporters to have a voice in making our nation's currency accessible. We have before us an opportunity to stand up for the independence of those who are blind or visually impaired. By signing this online petition, you will be urging Congress to act favorably on legislation that will make our currency accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals. Read it and do consider adding your name to thousands of others already on the petition. It's just this kind of grassroots activity that really changes the world. Here is the link: http://www.money4all.info.
|