Vision WeblettersVision Webletter a potpourri of items of interest to everyone, so feel free to share it with your colleagues or forward it to a friend who can subscribe easily. See the Distribution Note below for details. A full HTML version is also available at: http://www.visionww.org/visionenews.htm In This Issue
1. A Voting Technology Fair for People with Disabilities If you are in New York City, here is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take a first-hand look at new, state-of-the-art voting technology. What: A Voting Technology Fair for People With Disabilities When: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Where: Visions at Selis Manor, 135 West 23rd Street, New York City Who: Presented by C. Virginia Fields, Manhattan Borough President, and the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York City. Call 212.669.4465 for additional information. 2. 2003 Calendars As promised, we have placed on our web site a list of many sources for large print and braille calendars. Just go to http://www.visionww.org/news.htm.
3. Bare Bones 101 Tutorial for Internet Searching The South Carolina Beaufort Library is offering a unique way to learn and/or improve Internet searching techniques. Unlike those confusing "help" screens or those lengthy instruction manuals, the Bare Bones Tutorial at http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/bones.html makes it easy to zip through the lessons in no time, any time. They are very short and succinct; each can be read in a few minutes. Feel free to jump in wherever you like, skip what you don't want to read, and come back whenever you need to. The information contained in the lessons is truly "bare bones," designed to get you started in the right direction with a minimum of time and effort. When you need more comprehensive and detailed help, a recommended list of web sites is provided. 4. Looking for eBooks? There are a number of sources for free ebooks. Three are listed here. 1. The Pierson Collection John C. Pierson maintains a collection of nearly 2,000 books that have been scanned and saved as text files. It's not a Web site; rather, Mr. Pierson sends the files upon request. The collection is eclectic, and particularly strong in fantasy and science fiction. Authors include Stephen King, Terry Brooks, Arthur C. Clarke and Anne McCaffrey. To find out which books are in the collection, send a blank email to trove@sound-computing.com. The list will quickly and automatically be sent to you. The books are listed alphabetically by title. Unfortunately, since "a," "and," and "the" aren't disregarded, the alphabetization might be rather confusing. The variety of books available makes it worth the effort, though. When you find a book you want, send a message to John Pierson at jpierson@gigo.com. Use the subject "ebook request" without the quotes. In the body of the message, type or paste the title or titles you want. Keep in mind that you are sending this message to a real person, not an automated service. Mr. Pierson generally sends the books back quickly, often within hours, but a prompt response may not always be possible. Each book will be sent as a ZIP file attached to an e-mail message. The file can then be decompressed to a text file with WinZip - available at http://www.winzip.com.
2. The On-Line Book Page You can search a variety of eBook collections and group books into interesting categories for browsing at the On-Line Books Page. Edited by John Mark Ockerbloom, a digital library planner and researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, the site's focus is public domain books that are free; are available as complete texts rather than excerpts; are in English (though the page includes links to foreign language archives); and are in commonly used formats, primarily text, HTML, and PDF. The site also includes serialized books and pointers to other eBook search sites, both for free books and those available for a fee. An especially cool feature of this site is its grouping of books into categories such as "A Celebration of Women Writers," "Banned Books On-Line," and "Prize Winners On-Line." If you don't know what you want to read, these groupings give you a chance to explore books you might not find with a traditional subject search. If you prefer to search by title or author, the search engine is straightforward. The site is at http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu. The category links for browsing are self-explanatory. To conduct a search, follow the "Search our 18,000+ Listings" link. The books you find through this site are actually stored on a variety of other sites, each of which arranges things in its own way and offers a different assortment of book formats. This will require a bit of exploring to find what you want. If you use a screen reader, try using its Find command (Window-Eyes Shift + Control-F; JFW Control-F) to locate the title of your chosen book.
3. Educational and Fiction Books for Children The Texas State School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) has a Web site loaded with information and resources for people who work with blind children. One of these resources is a constantly growing collection of braille children's books. These books may be downloaded by blind people or members of organizations of and for the blind who are US citizens or residents. In order to download books from this site, you must obtain a password. To get one, go to http://www.tsbvi.edu/braille/braillebooks.htm and click the Password Form link near the top of the page. This page has hundreds of links so screen reader users will probably want to use the "list of links" command (JFW insert-F7, WE insert-Tab) to locate this link. You can also just send an e-mail to Jim Allan at jimallan@tsbvi.edu to receive a password that allows you to download braille books. Include the following information in the email:
5. Home-Study Courses in Healthcare Fields Scripps Educational Services, a provider of quality home-study courses for Continuing Education credit since 1985, is now offering over 80 courses in five major healthcare fields:
You can browse the extensive selection of CE courses online. To obtain CE credit for any course, you must be a licensed healthcare professional. Some restrictions may apply. You will be asked to provide all necessary licenses before purchasing courses for CE credit. Contact: Scripps Memorial Hospital
6. Luggage Locator Guide The Luggage Locator is an innovative product that travelers or anyone can use to locate items. It has been specifically engineered to help people find their luggage quickly and can also be used around the home or office. A battery operated, two unit system, the Luggage Locator consists of a small transmitter about the size of a key chain and a lightweight receiver that attaches to any luggage handle. With the simple push of a button, the transmitter activates the receiver causing a bright flashing light and loud chirping sound. Locating your luggage after a long trip has never been quicker or easier. The transmitter is rugged, lightweight, water resistant and easily attaches to any keychain. Each transmitter is 1.25 inches wide, 2.5 inches high, 3/4 inches thick and uses a 12V battery (included). The receiver is also rugged, lightweight and water resistant and attaches to any suitcase, garment bag or any item you need to keep track of. It is 2.25 inches wide, 4 inches high, 1 inch thick and uses a 9V battery (included). When you order you receive a receiver and a transmitter preprogrammed to work together. Additional receivers can be programmed to work with the transmitter. The possible applications of this product are limited only by our imagination. Cost: $25.95 USD Contact: Innovation House, 1563 Afton Court, Sarnia, Ontario Canada.N7S 5Y3. Tel: 519.344.4071 or Sales: 877.661.6660 (Toll Free: Canada & USA) Fax: 519.344.7169. Email: info@innovationhouse.com Web: http://www.innovationhouse.com 7. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research Continues As studies continue around the world, it seems that the theory that a combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C, with beta carotene and a small amount of zinc and copper, can significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and associated vision loss. Additionally, research shows that people at risk include women, Caucasians, those with a family history of macular degeneration, smoke, or have high blood pressure. Vision loss from AMD is irreversible and can occur within weeks or months. So far, though, there is no known cure for this eye condition. Home examination with the Amsler grid (provided by your doctor) is highly recommended. Tape the grid to your bathroom mirror and look at it daily. If part of your grid is wavy or missing, you should see your eyecare professional right away.
8. $10,000 in Scholarships Available The Association of Blind Citizens is offering $10,000 in scholarships for eight blind or visually impaired individuals seeking a college degree. The scholarships are for the 2003-2004 school year and can be used for tuition, living expenses, or expenses related to vision impairment. The application is available only online. Go to their web site and click on the "scholarship" link. The application with supporting documents must be received by April 15, 2003. Contact: Association of Blind Citizens, P.O. Box 246, Holbrook, MA 02343. Tel: 781.961.1023. News and Activities Line: 781.654.2000. Fax: 781.961.0004. E-Mail: president@assocofblindcitizens.org. Web: http://www.blindcitizens.org
9. A Unique CD Collection for Dog Lovers Guide Dog Users, Inc. recently announced the availability of "Thirty Years Harness In Hand," a collection of original music and poetry written and performed exclusively by guide dog handlers. These heartfelt tributes to guide dogs and fascinating audio snapshots of the magical bond that exists in working teams will make you laugh and cry, making this one of a kind collection a must have for anyone who loves dogs. This special project features Harness In Hand, a tribute to working teams written and performed by Sheila Styron commemorating GDUI's thirtieth anniversary. To learn more about how you can order GDUI's special CD, "Thirty Years Harness In Hand," online, by phone, fax, e-mail or mail. A donation of $15 is all it takes, and proceeds will help support GDUI's legislative and advocacy activities undertaken on behalf of working teams. Contact: GDUI, 14311 Astrodome Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245. Tel: 888.858.1008 / 301.598.5771. Fax: 301.871.7591. E-Mail: products@gdui.org Web: http://www.gdui.org 10. Blind Student Receives Rhodes Scholarship Cyrus Habib of Kirkland, Washington, a 21-year old totally blind Junior at Columbia University majoring in comparative literature and concentrating in Computer Science and Middle Eastern and Asian Languages and Cultures, will be one of 32 Americans to join the centennial class at Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. Academics, leadership and public service have always been high priorities for Cyrus Habib, In addition to earning an excellent academic record and being fluent in several languages, he is accumulating an impressive array of accomplishments as a gifted martial artist, a talented downhill skier, and a published photographer. He has a desire to study the way blind people function with their sense of visuals versus auditory versus tactile, a theme he explores in his photography. Habib, an amateur computer programmer, is the developer of a Linux program that translates text into speech. Habib is also active in several student organizations, including Class Council and Columbians Organized for Disability Advocacy, which he started at Columbia. Having worked for U.S. Senators in several capacities, he has affirmed an interest in the role of government and public policy in the lives of Americans. Just this year, he was published in a photography collection put out by Princeton Architectural Press. Aside from Disability advocacy, he is also concerned with bringing an end to the Death Penalty and to U.S. support of state-sponsored terrorism. Editor's Note: The Rhodes Scholarship was first awarded in 1902 with a bequest from Cecil J. Rhodes for the purpose of "improving the world through the diffusion of leaders motivated to serve their contemporaries, trained in the contemplative life of the mind, and broadened by their acquaintance with one another and by their exposure to cultures different from their own." Scholars are selected based on scholastic criteria plus personal attainment, a desire to use their talents for the common good, and strong personal qualities of courage, truth and service to others. Among famous Rhodes Scholarship recipients are President Bill Clinton, NBA Hall of Famer and former presidential candidate Bill Bradley, singer/songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson, poet Robert Penn Warren, Sen. William J. Fulbright, Supreme Court Justices David Souter and Byron White, Indian playwright and actor Girish Karnad, Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, South African anthropologist Max Gluckman, and many others.
11. New Resource for VIP Academic Students Braille Institute Press has just released a new resource for visually impaired academic students getting ready for college. Preparing for College and Beyond written by Jamie Dote-Kwan, associate dean of student services at California State University/Los Angeles, and Jeff Senge, coordinator for disabled student services at California State University/Fullerton. The book includes:
Cost: $29.95 in either Grade 2 Braille (2 Volumes) or 18 pt. Large print (1 Volume). Order from: Braille Institute Press. Tel: 323.906.3104. E-Mail: press@brailleinstitute.org. Also available at the Institute's five regional Vistas stores. 12. Accessibility of Social Security Notices Efforts to obtain accessibility improvements for Social Security notices are continuing. This includes notices containing determinations about eligibility for benefits or the amount of benefits, notices pertaining to overpayments, availability of new programs (such as the Ticket to Work), and generally any other kind of notices (including SSI notices) which the Social Security Administration sends to beneficiaries. Response to a previous message concerning this provided some useful information, but more help is needed. Written policies of the Social Security Administration provide blind persons with certain alternatives to choose from in receiving notices. These include use of registered mail as an alert that the communication is important, having a telephone call from a Social Security representative to read a printed notice, and having notices prepared in Braille upon request. Many people are not aware of these options and have never requested specific arrangements for their notices. If you are a beneficiary and are just now learning about this alternate notice option, it is very important that you ask the Social Security Administration to provide your notices with the option you choose. Call 800-772-1213.
13. Two New Positions At WWU Two new positions, a Control Technician (Fire Alarm Tech) and an Office of Field Experiences Program Director, are now available at Western Washington University. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, Vietnam era and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply for these and any other of the University's available positions. Read qualifications and deadlines carefully at http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~wwujobs/. Qustions about the University's Affirmative Action Program may be directed to: Nicole Gant, 360.650.7410 (voice) or 360.650.7696 (TTY). 14. Clearance Sale At Maxi-Aids While supplies last, a number of useful items have been marked down from 30% to 70% at the Maxi-Aids Online Store. These items include watches, clocks, low vision floor lamp, slicing knife, heated massaging back system, and more. Check it out at http://www.maxiaids.com/s-sale01_1.html
15. The Reading Pen II The Reading Pen II is designed for users with reading or learning disabilities or those learning English or Dutch as a second language. The product assists users by providing a definition of the scanned word or line of text. The product's miniaturized text-to-speech technology enables reading both the words and definition aloud. Individual words are enlarged on the display and may be spelled out or broken into syllables. The small size of the Reading Pen makes it completely portable for use wherever and whenever needed. Features & Specifications:
Each unit comes complete with:
Cost: $279 (USD) plus S/H. For information about this and other scanning pens, contact: Steven Heller
16. Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon is offering a one-year post-doctoral research fellowship with the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center: Health and Wellness Consortium (http://www.healthwellness.org). The focus of the fellowship will be on mentored research, grant writing and teaching activities. Up to 20% time/effort can be devoted to independent research projects. The Center provides research opportunities, mentoring and guidance in preparation for academic career advancement. Strong research background required, teaching experience preferred. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to Public Health, Psychology, Nursing, Social Welfare, Education, and Sociology. Persons who experience a disability and who are committed to developing expertise in health and wellness issues are especially encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send C.V. with list of references and a brief statement of professional goals to: Laura Minnich, RRTC-OIDD, P.O. Box 574, Portland, Or. 97207-0574. Tel: 503.494.3534 or 800.452.3563. Fax: 503.494.6868, E-Mail: rrtc@ohsu.edu. Start date is negotiable. 17. Distribution Note You are encouraged to share this Webletter with anyone on your mailing list that you think would find it useful. It is free. Readers wishing to receive future Webletter in their mailboxes should just send an e-mail message to: visionworldwide@yahoo.com, or subscribe directly at http://www.visionww.org/journal.htm. As this is just a mini sampling of the information contained in our comprehensive 72-78 page quarterly journal, Vision Enhancement, you are invited to become a subscriber. More information and prior issues are available for viewing at Http://www.visionww.org/journal.htm
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