[Iabs-talk] {Disarmed} Fwd: Horizons Happenings for March 2016

Mon Mar 7 22:09:23 UTC 2016

Denise R. Avant
President, National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois
Live the life you want

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: Horizons Happenings <mail at horizons-blind.org>
> Subject: Horizons Happenings for March 2016
> Date: March 3, 2016 at 1:35:39 PM CST
> To: <davant1958 at gmail.com>
> Reply-To: Horizons Happenings <mail at horizons-blind.org>
> 
> Horizons for the Blind - Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.
> View this email in your browser <http://us12.campaign-archive2.com/?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=32f9d49209&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> 
> Horizons Happenings
>  
> In this newsletter: 
> Greetings from Horizons <x-msg://7/#greetings>
> Accessible Prescriptions <x-msg://7/#perscriptions>
> Non-24 <x-msg://7/#non-24>
> Tax Time <x-msg://7/#tax>
> Unified English Braille <x-msg://7/#UEB>
> Available from the GADGET GALLERY <x-msg://7/#gadget>
> Horizons’ Calendar <x-msg://7/#calendar>
> About Horizons for the Blind <x-msg://7/#about>
> Connect with Horizons  <x-msg://7/#connect>
> 
> Greetings from Horizons –  <>
>  
> It’s been warm of late in northern Illinois and the groundhog did not see his shadow, so we may have an early spring. But March and even April snowstorms are not uncommon so I’ll believe it when I see it.
>  
> Here’s a few things you might find interesting as we all wait for spring.
>  
> Camille Caffarelli
> Executive Director
> Horizons for the Blind
>  
> Accessible Prescriptions <>
> Camp Hill, Pa. (February 18, 2016) - Rite Aid announced the nationwide availability of talking prescription devices to assist customers with visual impairments. The device will be provided at no cost to customers who are blind or visually impaired.
>  
> "It's important that all of our customers, including those who are blind or visually impaired, are able to access and understand information on their prescriptions," said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. "By offering these devices, we're helping customers who have difficulty or who are unable to read a standard prescription label understand and safely take their medications as prescribed by their physician."
>  
> Visually impaired customers can request a talking prescription device at any of the nearly 4,600 Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide.
>  
> "The American Council of the Blind and the California Council of the Blind congratulate Rite Aid on taking this step to better serve the needs of its blind and visually impaired customers," said Kim Charlson, American Council of the Blind president. "This action clearly illustrates their motto, 'With Us, It's Personal,' and we are proud to have collaborated with Rite Aid to bring this valuable resource to their customers."
>  
> Rite Aid is also able to provide customers with large print prescription information sheets.
>  
> Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid is available through the company's website at riteaid.com <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=3179ca2850&e=eb20eb0eb4>.  
>  
> Non-24 <>
> Horizons hosted Vanda Pharmaceuticals  February 18 for an information session about Non-24 Sleep-Wake Disorder. The group from Vanda included Rodger Sykes, Randy Meyer, Dr. Ahmad Ali, and Tammy Meyer. 
>  
> Randy shared his experiences as a sufferer of Non-24.  He described how the condition has adversely affected parts of his life, beginning in early childhood.  Despite suffering from Non-24, Randy went on to become a champion wrestler and the mayor of Sheboygan Falls Wisconsin.
>  
> Dr. Ali told us about the biological causes of Non-24.  He described how many blind individuals are unable to regulate their circadian rhythms.  Most people have the cycle regulated through input from their visual processes, which means that the totally blind are particularly susceptible to disruptions in the regulation process. Normally, humans have a “daily” cycle that lasts a little longer than 24 hours.  Without regulation, this cycle gets longer and causes the body to get out of phase with normal routines. The body then craves sleep during daylight hours and wants to be active at night.  Eventually, the phases line up again, but only temporarily, and the cycle begins to repeat. 
>  
> Rodger explained that anyone who wanted more information on how they might assess their own situation regarding Non-24 should contact their physician.  They can also contact Vanda at 844-804-2424 to learn more and to work in conjunction with their healthcare provider. 
>  
> Vanda is an important client of Horizons, and we are pleased to help them spread awareness of Non-24 Sleep-Wake Disorder.
>  
> Tax Time <>
> April 15 is quickly approaching. Here’s an online post from Intuit’s Ted Drake, on applevis.com <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=62b2f11cc3&e=eb20eb0eb4>, about the accessibility of their TurboTax program.
>  
> Hello everyone,
> I manage product accessibility at Intuit <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=9dafae9936&e=eb20eb0eb4> and have been working with the TurboTax team to make the web site and apps accessible. I wanted to give you some tips for this year's taxes.
>  
> TurboTax Online and TurboTax iOS should give you a great, accessible experience. I haven't found any serious bugs in the past few releases. That being said, I always appreciate feedback: ted_drake at intuit.com <mailto:ted_drake at intuit.com?subject=TurboTax%20via%20AppleVis>.
>  
> On iOS, you may find it easier to use touch navigation than swiping across the app. Most of the screens are pretty simple and I've found touch navigation is much quicker. 
>  
> TurboTax synchronizes your tax flow between the web and mobile experience. You can use whichever device is most convenient at any time. 
>  
> TurboTax mobile allows you to photograph your W2 form and it will automatically enter your details into the tax form. This does require some vision to center the the tax form within the camera's viewport. We are working on methods to announce framing and focus via VoiceOver. 
>  
> If you have a simple return, such as a single W2 and plan on taking the basic deduction, try to apply while we are still offering Absolute Zero. This means your federal and state taxes are completely free. Start as a free filer and it will suggest an upgrade when your return becomes complex. 
>  
> The TurboTax application uses a swipe gesture to move back and forth between the screens. For VoiceOver users, there are continue and back buttons at the bottom of each screen. In the rare occurrence that you come across a screen without navigation buttons, you may need to use the iOS drag gesture to swipe left or right (single finger tap 2 times and hold - drag left for continue, right for going back).
>  
> The TurboTax blog has several articles about tax deductions and adjustments for people vision and other disabilities:
> Tax Tips for the Blind <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=f725c85e2f&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> Video: How to Get IRS Tax Relief for the Disabled <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=5922c1e605&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> Tax tips for the legally disabled <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=789f851d5e&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> The ins and outs of child and dependent care tax credit <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=1e7f477ca9&e=eb20eb0eb4> 
> Keep track of your donations throughout the year with ItsDeductible <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=4db58c6b18&e=eb20eb0eb4> . This app is very accessible and makes it super easy to track your donations. It then seamlessly downloads your deductions into TurboTax.
>  
> Mint <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=6a8959044d&e=eb20eb0eb4> helps you manage your personal finances. It also makes it easy to import your bank and investment documents into TurboTax.
>  
> We've also been working hard this year to make Benefits Assist <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=461ecafe80&e=eb20eb0eb4> accessible. Check it out during your TurboTax filing. It checks to see if you are eligible for additional benefits from the government, such as food, heat, and health subsidies.
>  
> I have also tested the desktop applications, but I find the navigation is easier with the online and mobile experience. 
>  
> The TurboTax team has been working very hard this year and I'm proud of what they've done to make it accessible for all users.  I also want to thank the AppleVis team for their advice on posting these suggestions.
>  
> Unified English Braille <>
> Here’s a tip about UEB from Horizons’ certified braille transcriptionist, Greta Koch. 
>  
> UEB eliminated the use of nine contractions: o'clock, dd, to, into, by, ble, com, ation, ally. This has caused some remarkable changes in many common words, such as communication, nation, bubble, officially, and, for the Friday Fish Fry crowd, haddock. Even some names are written differently now, such as Wally, Addison, and "Anne of Green Gables." 
>  
> Available from the GADGET GALLERY <>
> Here’s a handy gadget that will make looking up information on our Directions for Me website even easier.  
>  
> METROLOGIC QUANTUM BAR CODE SCANNER: MS3580; $159.00 
> http://www.horizons-blind.org/horizons-catalog/ <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=c3cd27a5f2&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> A suggestion for those who need help with reading directions, organizing the pantry, preparing dinner and for many other reasons is the Bar Code Scanner.
>  
> The Metrologic Quantum bar code scanner is customized for use with the Directions for Me Service, which allows you to identify over 450,000 items and obtain directions, ingredients, warnings and other packaging information in an accessible format. You can use this scanner without having to ask a sighted person to read the labels.
>  
> This is compatible with any USB enabled device such as Windows and Macintosh computers as well as popular note takers like BrailleNote, BrailleSense and PAC-Mate.
>  
> Horizons’ Calendar <>
> April 16 – Horizons’ Weekenders will attend The History of Rock and Soulpresented by Chicago a cappella with WXRT personality and Radio Hall of Famer Terri Hemmert. 
>  
> Hemmert has taught a college course called “The History of Rock and Soul,” and now Chicago a cappella brings it to musical life.  From Louis Jordan and Elvis to Motown, gospel, and R&B, they’ll trace the path of the 20th century’s popular music in a fun-filled concert.
>  
> The concert will be at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, IL.
>  
> Prior to the concert, the group will eat at Giordano’s, located at 1527 Chicago Avenue in Evanston.
>  
> We are planning to arrive at the concert hall at 7:30 p.m. This will allow time to look at the cd’s that are offered.
>  
> The price of the concert tickets is $23. Dinner is off the menu. The concert is expected to last about 2 hours. People using para transit can schedule rides for about 10:15 p.m. We will not have van service in Chicago.
>  
> The van will leave Horizons at 3:30 p.m. and should arrive back around 11:30 p.m. The cost is $12.
>  
> The cut off for reservations is March 30. Tickets sell out very quickly for this show so if you want to go, get your reservations in quickly.
>  
> Check the group out online at Chicagoacappella.org <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=a2bb7a5062&e=eb20eb0eb4>.
>  
> For information about Weekenders and becoming a member, contact Frank Cosatino at frank.cosatino at horizons-blind.org <mailto:frank.cosatino at horizons-blind.org> or call 815-444-8800 Ext. 227.
>  
> April 23 – Spectrios Institute for Low Vision and the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services present Growing Up and Letting Go, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 219 E. Cole Avenue in Wheaton, IL.
>  
> Come learn strategies to help shift the roles and responsibilities as your child with vision loss reaches adulthood.
>  
> The workshop is designed for teens and their parents. Topics include:
> Budgeting
> Self-advocacy
> SSI/SSDI – Does it apply to my child? How do I start the process?
> Staying safe
> Transportation solutions
> Completing independent living tasks (shopping, laundry, etc.)
> The changing roles and responsibilities of parents
>  
> The seminar is free and includes lunch.
>  
> For more information or to register for this event, contact Leah Gerlach at 630-6980-7115 Ext. 122 or by email at LAG324 at spectrios.org <mailto:LAG324 at spectrios.org>.
>  
> About Horizons for the Blind <>
> Horizons mission is to improve the quality of life and to empower people who are blind or visually impaired, by increasing accessibility to consumer information, education, recreation and employment.
>  
> Horizons was started as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in 1977 by Founder and
>  
> Executive Director Camille Caffarelli, who has been blind since birth. From two volunteers working out of Caffarelli’s basement in Chicago, Horizons has grown to a staff of 50+ employees, over half of whom are blind, visually impaired or have other disabilities.
>  
> Horizons believes that it is a fundamental right to be able to read billing and financial statements, as well as other documents, in an accessible format. People who are blind or visually impaired should have the same right to get this information, without assistance, as sighted consumers. This not only speaks to the issue of accessibility but also of privacy and independence.
>  
> Connect with Horizons  <>
> For more information about Horizons and its programs:
> Website: www.horizons-blind.org <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=d6ae41739a&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> Directions for me website: www.directionsforme.org <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=37a60635af&e=eb20eb0eb4>
> Follow us on Twitter at
> twitter.com/horizons4blind <x-msg://7/twitter.com/horizons4blind>
> Friend us on Facebook at
> facebook.com/horizonsfortheblind <x-msg://7/facebook.com/horizonsfortheblind>
> Donate: To make a secure, online donation to Horizons, follow this link – Donate <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=cd79b8f533&e=eb20eb0eb4>.
>  
> Were you forwarded this email? Sign up to receive the Horizons Newsletter here <http://horizons-blind.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=35e3619eb549139f292fd49f4&id=83284766e0&e=eb20eb0eb4>.
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> 
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> Horizons for the Blind
> 125 Erick St.
> A103
> Crystal Lake, IL  60014
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