[Nfb-editors] NFB-Wisconsin Spring 2011 Newsletter
Watson, Katherine M
WatsonKM05 at uww.edu
Wed Apr 20 15:14:25 UTC 2011
Hello Fellow Editors:
Here is the spring 2011 issue of "Spotlight," the newsletter of the NFB of Wisconsin. It is 19 pages, and 7587 words. Enjoy.
--Katie Watson
Newsletter Editor
Spotlight, NFB-Wisconsin
>From the Editor:
Welcome to this issue of Spotlight, the quarterly newsletter of The National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin. We have a lot of exciting information in this issue:
General Announcements:
* Have Skills Will Travel: This article provides information about our State Convention, to be held April 8-10.
National News of Importance:
* Blind Man Drives Car Independently: Former Wisconsinite Mark Riccobono was the first blind person to drive a car!
State Affiliate News:
* This section provides articles about the happenings in the Dane County, LaCrosse, Milwaukee and Rock County chapters of the NFB of Wisconsin, as well as the Parents of Blind Children, Wisconsin Association of Blind Students and Wisconsin Association of Guide Dog Users Divisions.
Other Noteworthy Topics:
* What is New in Adaptive Technology: Provides information on the latest updates in blindness technology.
* Parenting by The Dots: Cheryl Orgas and William Meeker share how Braille helped them be successful blind parents.
* The Four-Year University Versus the Two-Year Technical College: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Angie Castro talks about the differences between a four-year university and a two-year technical school.
* The Significance of the Slate and Stylus: Spotlight editor and college junior Katie Watson describes her experience using the slate and stylus as a note-taking method, as well as some of the myths surrounding the portable, Braille-writing device.
* Readings for All Seasons: Veteran NFB member Dave Hyde shares some of his favorite NFB literature to read regardless of the time of year. This article appeared in previous issues of Spotlight.
* It's the Nudists Stupid: Milwaukee chapter president William (Bill) Meeker provides insights on the perceptions of blindness while aboard an NFB cruise.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Spotlight. If you have any questions about the newsletter or want to submit an article for publication, e-mail me (Katie Watson, Spotlight Editor) at:
Watsonkm05 at uww.edu<mailto:Watsonkm05 at uww.edu>
General Announcements
Have Skills Will Travel!
By John Fritz
NFB-Wisconsin President
I want to welcome you to attend the 36th annual National Federation of the Blind State convention during April 8th, 9th and 10th, 2011 in Milwaukee at Comfort Suites Milwaukee Airport, 6362 S. 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154. To make your reservation please call (414) 570-1111. Room rates are $76 plus tax across the board for a suite; which will include a continental breakfast. Please make your reservations as soon as possible. Come and join us and help to make this the biggest and best National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin Convention ever!
Scott LaBarre, President of the Colorado affiliate, will be our National Representative and he will be sharing his wisdom, knowledge and experience with us. We will have 3 days with seminars and sessions addressing issues related to blindness and directed towards blind students, parents of blind children and adults, blind adults and those who work or know a blind person. We look forward to meeting you and talking with you. Below is a brief schedule of what will be going on.
Friday, April 8th
· 8:00am - 4:00pm: Seminar for Parents of Blind Children
· 8:00am - 4:00pm: Seminar for Seniors who are blind
· 8:00am - 12:00pm: Seminar for Blind Students
· 12:00am - 6:30pm: Tech Time Seminar
· 4:00pm to 6:00pm: Convention Registration
· 6:00pm to 10:00pm: Hospitality
· 7:00pm - 8:00pm: Leadership Seminar
· 8:00pm to end: Resolutions
· 9:00pm - 11:00pm: Showcase of Talent/dance sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of Blind Students
Saturday, April 9th
· 7:00am: Continental Breakfast
· 8:00am: Registration
· 9:00am to 12:00pm: General Session
· 12:00pm: Lunch Meetings for Blind Students, Parents of Blind Children and Blind Merchants division.
· 2:00pm: General Session
· 5:00pm: Adjournment
· 5:30pm - 6:30pm: Hospitality
· 7:00pm: Banquet, Convention highlight
· 9:00pm: Annual NFBW Auction
Sunday, April 10th
· 7:00am: Continental Breakfast
· 8:00am: NFBW Business Meeting
· 11:00am: Goal ball
Childcare:
Childcare will be available during the convention sessions, division lunches, and the banquet. Parents are asked to pick up their children no later than 15 minutes after convention sessions and banquet. Snacks will be provided for the children during the sessions. Parents need to provide breakfast and dinner for their children. Parents need to provide money for lunch to be purchased or pack a lunch for their children who are going to stay in child care during lunch on Saturday.
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NFB of Wisconsin's Local Chapters & Divisions:
Wisconsin Affiliate
John Fritz (608) 758-4800
www.nfbwis.org
Dane County Chapter
Meghan Whalen (262) 844-7938 www.danecounty.nfbwis.org
La Crosse Chapter
Stacy Fuehrer (715) 781-5918 www.lacrosse.nfbwis.org
Milwaukee Chapter
Bill Meeker (414) 964-7995 www.milwaukee.nfbwis.org
Rock County Chapter
Jeremiah Beasley (608) 563-4708
www.nfbrock.org
WI Assoc. of Blind Merchants
Roger Behm (608) 758-0933 www.merchants.nfbwis.org
WI Assoc. of Blind Students
Chelsea Reilly (608) 290-5573 www.students.nfbwis.org
WI Assoc. of Dog Guide Users
Meghan Whalen (262) 844-7938 www.dogguideusers.nfbwis.org
WI Parents of Blind Children
Andrea Beasley (608) 563-4708 www.parents.nfbwis.org
WI Outdoors Group
Steve Johnson (608) 799-5666 blinddog3 at charter.net
National News of Importance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
John G. Paré Jr.
Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2218
(410) 917-1965 (Cell)
jpare at nfb.org
Blind Man Drives Car Independently
Avoids Dynamic Obstacles
Baltimore, Maryland (January 29, 2011): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the nation, announced today that for the first time a blind individual has driven a street vehicle in public without the assistance of a sighted person. Mark Anthony Riccobono, a blind executive who directs technology, research, and education programs for the organization, was behind the wheel of a Ford Escape hybrid equipped with non-visual technology and successfully navigated 1.5 miles of the road course section of the famed track at the Daytona International Speedway.
The historic demonstration was part of pre-race activities leading up to the Rolex 24 At Daytona this morning. Mr. Riccobono not only successfully navigated the several turns of the road course but also avoided obstacles, some of which were stationary and some of which were thrown into his path at random from a van driving in front of him. Later he successfully passed the van without collision. The Ford Escape was equipped with laser range-finding censors that conveyed information to a computer inside the vehicle, allowing it to create and constantly update a three-dimensional map of the road environment. The computer sent directions to vibrating gloves on the driver's hands, indicating which way to steer, and to a vibrating strip on which he was seated, indicating when to speed up, slow down, or stop.
Mr. Riccobono said: "The NFB's leadership in the Blind Driver Challenge(tm) has taken something almost everyone believed was an impossible dream and turned it into reality. It was thrilling for me to be behind the wheel, but even more thrilling to hear the cheers from my blind brothers and sisters in the grandstands*-today all of the members of the NFB helped drive us forward*. It is for them and for all blind Americans that the National Federation of the Blind undertook this project to show that blind people can do anything that our sighted friends and colleagues can do as long as we have access to information through non-visual means. Today we have demonstrated that truth to the nation and the world."
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "Just as our colleague Mark Riccobono successfully surmounted many obstacles on the Daytona course today, blind people routinely surmount barriers by using alternative techniques and technologies. When there is not a solution available, we muster our resources and combine them with those of the partners who make common cause with us to produce the innovations necessary to create such a solution. That is how the NFB Blind Driver Challenge(tm) came to happen, and that is how we will make all of our dreams come true."
The NFB Blind Driver Challenge(tm) is a research project of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute-the only research and training facility on blindness operated by the blind. The Jernigan Institute challenged universities, technology developers, and other interested innovators to establish NFB Blind Driver Challenge(tm) (BDC) teams, in collaboration with the NFB, to build interface technologies that will empower blind people to drive a car independently. The purpose of the NFB Blind Driver Challenge(tm) is to stimulate the development of non-visual interface technology. The Virginia Tech/TORC NFB BDC team, under the direction of Dr. Dennis Hong, director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech., is the only team that has accepted the challenge. The team uses the ByWire XGV(tm) developed by TORC technologies as the research platform for the development and testing of the non-visual interface technologies that allow a blind person to drive.
For more information about the NFB, please visit www.nfb.org<Dropbox/Katie%20Watson/Newsletter/Current%20Newsletter%20in%20progress/www.nfb.org>. For our digital news release about the Blind Driver Challenge(tm) and the debut of the BDC car at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, including audio and video clips for television and radio, please visit www.DigitalNewsRelease.com/?q=NFB_CarKit<Dropbox/Katie%20Watson/Newsletter/Current%20Newsletter%20in%20progress/www.DigitalNewsRelease.com/>.
State Affiliate News
Dane County Chapter
By Meghan Whalen
Dane County Chapter former Vice President
The Dane County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin meets the first Saturday of each month at the central branch of the Madison Public Library on Mifflin street by the Capitol. We are hungry for your ideas and would love to see you at our next meeting. If you are interested, please contact our vice president, Meghan Whalen at: 262-844-7938.
LaCrosse Chapter
By Stacy Fuehrer
LaCrosse Chapter President
Hello from the La Crosse Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin. We are a chapter consisting of 12 active members, and are proud to call La Crosse and the surrounding area home.
Over the past year, we have been quite busy. In May 2010, we had our Walk For Independence, which raised a total of $320. Throughout the summer, several of us assisted with access concerns as the city of La Crosse made preparations to open a city bus transit center. The center would be complete with housing above it, commercial space, and some restaurants. We assisted with appropriate and correct Braille signage, the testing of the talking ATM machine, and getting a vendor from the BEP program to have vending machines in the facility. Jeannie Nylander, one of our members, even did a pottery exhibit during the grand opening ceremonies on August 25. The summer season also brought with it a day at the Campbell fire station. At the event, young and old alike got to play with fire, shoot water from a fire hose, and use fire extinguishers. After all our fun, the day concluded with a business meeting and pizza.
The entry into Fall brought up another fund-raising idea. The Mississippi Mayhem, one of 2 roller derby teams in the area, donates proceeds from each of its matches throughout the season to a different nonprofit in the community. The chapter was notified that we have been selected to receive $300 from the January match. We are planning to attend the match, to be held Sunday, Jan. 23, and we will have a table with NFB literature. As we look to the warmer days ahead, we are planning a picnic for August 2011. It will be used as a recruiting tool, and it is also meant for all of us to have a good time.
If anyone is interested in attending our meetings, we meet the third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are held at The Arterial Bar and Restaurant, 1003 S. 16th St., La Crosse, Wis. The meeting is complete with food, for those who wish to eat while we conduct business.
We look forward to continuing to grow in the upcoming year and help in the effort to change what it means to be blind throughout our community and beyond.
Milwaukee Chapter 2010 Activities
By William Meeker
Milwaukee Chapter President
President: William Meeker
Vice-President: Steve Heesen
Secretary: Laurie Heesen
Treasurer: Cheryl Orgas
Board Members: Cindy Freeman; Joanne Braun
We spent 2010 building our chapter. The chapter began 2010 with 4 members and we ended the year with just over a dozen members. Over the year, we spent many meetings discussing philosophy through playing "Straight Talk" episodes, reviewing chapter and NFBW history, and just talking.
We held chapter meetings at different locations last year to encourage attendance. Steve and Laurie Heesen hosted a number of meetings at their home, sharing food and creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Bill and Cheryl hosted the annual chapter barbecue.
Also, Ramona Wallhoff visited one of our chapter meetings while she was in town for a Lion's leadership conference and discussed NFB philosophy.
We engaged groups and persons outside NFB, including O&M and TVIS to build awareness of the NFB.
We held a successful cheesecake fund-raiser in conjunction with the state convention and have explored other fund-raising possibilities. We closed 2010 with plans about what we could do to make the 2011 NFBW state convention a truly memorable experience for everyone.
At this writing, we hold chapter meetings at the East-side branch of the Milwaukee Public Library, 1910 E. North Ave., at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month. We are still seeking a cost-free, centrally-located meeting venue, so call 414-964-7995 to confirm the location if you are planning to visit one of our meetings.
Parents of Blind Children (POBC)
By Andrea Beasley
POBC President
Hi everyone! My name is Andrea Beasley, and I am the president of the Wisconsin Parents of Blind Children division. We are parents, friends and teachers of blind and visually impaired children. We support, cry, laugh, and yell for one another. We are affiliated with the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, (NOPBC), whose president is Laura Weber. We advertise for, fund and award the Readers are Leaders program, the Braille Pals program, and a very long week of programs and meetings in July for parents and teachers. Along with all of these we also have a Parent Leadership Program and co-sponsor many other activities throughout the year.
On a state level, we promote the Readers are Leaders, Braille Pals, and our annual national meeting and seminars. We also hold our own annual seminar in conjunction with the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin, as well as a luncheon for planning and annual meeting purposes. We are a growing group.
This year, we are co-sponsoring a family's conference for blind and visually impaired school-aged children. This will be held in late April in the Dells. We are sponsoring this with the state and NAPVI. We look forward to working with these two groups and reach out to as many families as we can. Without support we can all feel very lost and helpless sometimes.
Our annual convention this year is going to be in Milwaukee. We will have lots of activities for the kids to do and very informative meetings for parents and teachers. This year we are planning to focus on mobility--the ins and outs of the way blind people travel. Attendees will also get good techniques of how to teach children how to travel independently. Questions will be answered like: "When is it appropriate to give my child a cane?" and "How long is the cane supposed to be?" Many other questions you may have stashed away and have been too afraid to ask, we will answer.
Our group is going to start having monthly conference call meetings. We will discuss new programs we want to have, fund-raising ideas (because sadly like everything else in life we need money to put on our programs), and many other get-to-know-each-other activities.
We are working with the Badger Association and the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children. We are working on ways to reach every family and give them the most resources they can get so they have the most knowledge to help their children grow up to be successful adults. We are hoping to have some meetings in Milwaukee to include parents whose children attend this center. It is never too early to give your child a great blind role model
If you have any questions about our group, want to join us in our monthly meetings, or just need a friend to talk or cry with, just give me a call and I will do my best to help. My contact information is abeasley at jb11.net<mailto:abeasley at jb11.net> and my phone number is 608-563-4708
Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions you might have. I look forward to hearing from some of you and hope to see you at our events!
Rock County--where the Blind really know how to Rock!
By Jeremiah Beasley
Rock County Chapter President
The NFB Rock County Chapter has been busy making plans for this new year. We will be hosting a White Cane Banquet and Silent Auction on May 17, 2011, at the Janesville Armory. We have met with the Armory staff and are working out all of the final details for this fun event. We will keep all of you posted. We also worked to maintain our local bus service in Janesville, and we will be focusing on membership over the next year.
Hop on the Bus Gus!
The Janesville City Council had planned on cutting the budget for our local bus system. This would have resulted in cutting two routes from half hour routes to hourly routes. The routes in question service the School for the Blind, the hospital, and one of our high schools. This would have made using the public bus system much more complicated and time consuming. Our chapter members turned out for the public hearings and stated our case for keeping service levels the same or better. Here is what the Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 Janesville Gazette had to say on the matter:
City council approves 2011 budget
" JANESVILLE - A group of passionate bus riders convinced the Janesville City Council to restore reduced bus service along West Court Street and Kellogg Avenue during non-peak hours."
The story goes on to say "Councilman George Brunner said the cuts in transit funding bothered him the most of any discussed during budget study sessions. That's because they affected people who have no choice but to ride the bus because they either don't drive or have disabilities, he said.
Brunner suggested diverting $25,000 in savings that City Manager Eric Levitt renegotiated with the Rock County Humane Society for animal control. Levitt had suggested the money be put into cash reserves.
Brunner suggested that $15,000 go to restoring the routes and that $10,000 go into cash reserves. He said the transit department could find the other $125 from its own budget.
Brunner did warn, though, that the council couldn't continue draining its reserve year after year.
Councilman Russ Steeber agreed that the bus service is a lifeline to the rest of the city for those people living along that corridor.
McDonald noted that Milton Avenue is the only other street in the city that is served by bus every half-hour. Still, the vote to restore the service was unanimous and was greeted with claps and hugs in the audience.
Jeremiah Beasley, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Wisconsin, Rock County Chapter, said the reductions would have been a hardship.
"Once they start cutting services, we find that they continue to get cut," he said."
Focus on Members:
We are going to really focus on building membership this next year. We plan to have philosophy group get-togethers where we can talk about the NFB philosophy. I feel the better we understand the truths about blindness, the better we can educate the public about blindness. This will also help our members grow in understanding the organization and understanding why the Federation is the true leader for the blind in the U.S.
We would love to have you at our next meeting. We are working to change our meeting date to the second Saturday of the month. We meet at 9:30 a.m., and hope to continue to meet at the First Congregational Church located at 54 S. Jackson St. in Janesville, Wis. For more information about the NFBW Rock County Chapter, please contact Jeremiah at 608-563-4708, or e-mail jbeasley at nfbrock.org<mailto:jbeasley at nfbrock.org>, or visit our website at www.nfbrock.org.
The Wisconsin Association of Blind Students(WABS): Achieving Success Outside the Classroom
by Chelsea Reilly
WABS President
Throughout the past several years, the Wisconsin Association of Blind Students (WABS) has been a very active and involved division. Our members consist of students who are eager to learn, and are open to new ideas and possibilities. Our goal is to challenge and encourage students, and to present opportunities that are meant to promote independence and assist students in leading successful lives as blind people. We strive to recognize potential and encourage students to work towards achieving their goals.
In the past, the Wisconsin Association of Blind Students has planned and organized a number of events and activities. The purpose of these events and activities is to provide students with opportunities and challenges that will encourage them to reach their full potential. The events and activities are meant to include as many students as possible throughout the state of Wisconsin. Our hope is that people realize blindness does not need to be a factor that prevents people from being successful, and as a Student division, we are working towards changing the frequent misconceptions about blindness.
One of the most popular events has been our Student Seminars, which have usually taken place in the spring. We invite speakers to address topics involving blindness, as well as issues that meet the needs of students. For example, we discuss DVR, how to obtain textbooks, how to work with DSS offices, and how to get involved on campus. In addition, we address topics surrounding employment, discussions about the NFB training centers, traveling independently, and even how to obtain Life Insurance and choose a power of attorney, which are topics that everyone should know about.
In addition to the seminar, we also hold a rock climbing event, as well as a goalball event. These activities are a lot of fun for all who participate. These activities are also challenging, and students realize they can do more than they thought possible.
WABS has also been involved in a number of festivals. One summer we rode a float in the "Suzy the Duck Days" parade in Lodi, Wis. We obtained a number of books about the NFB, and we handed them out during the parade. One of our students provided us with some upbeat patriotic music on the violin. We also sold candy bars and distributed brochures before and after the parade.
Another festival WABS has participated in is the Lodi fair. One year immediately following Convention, we spent four days selling pizza and soda at the fair. Students took turns preparing the pizzas, handing out pizzas and sodas and making change. This was a wonderful opportunity for all who were involved.
The Student division has also participated in a variety of fund-raisers. The purpose of these fund-raisers is to make it possible for students to attend WABS events and NFB conventions, both on the state and national levels. We also raise money to help students attend Washington Seminar. This event is held every year at the end of January in Washington D.C. During this event, we meet with our state Senators and Representatives to discuss blindness related issues and lobby for Blind rights. For example, some of the issues that have been discussed in past years include: making textbooks accessible, creating accessible voting machines, and coming up with solutions to help solve the problems caused by quiet cars.
WABS recently held our second annual Bowl-A-Thon, which took place at Dream Lanes Bowling Alley in Madison, Wis. Participants asked people to pledge a certain amount per pin or make a donation. This is one of our best fund-raisers. We had fun knocking down pins and cheering on our teammates. We hope to have another Bowl-A-Thon this year to raise money to help students attend NATIONAL Convention.
WABS members are currently in the process of selling cookie dough. There is a delicious assortment of flavors, and we always find people who cannot resist buying cookie dough. In the upcoming months, we will be selling candy bars. We are also in the process of planning events that will take place during State Convention in April.
WABS is currently working to recruit new members. We are always looking for new students who are ready to carry on our purpose as a Student division. We are thankful for the ongoing help and support of our efforts, and we will continue to work hard to provide students with new opportunities and challenges that will help them achieve their future endeavors, and open doors to success.
The Wisconsin Association of Guide Dog Users (WAGDU)
By Meghan Whalen
WAGDU President
The Wisconsin Association of Guide Dog Users (WAGDU) was founded in November of 2007. We provide a means by which guide dog users and the supporters of the movement can network and support one and other.
We meet in person once a year at the NFB-Wisconsin's state convention, hold conference calls throughout the year and put on our Service Dog Symposium in the fall. To have any questions answered, please call president, Meghan Whalen at: 262-844-7938.
Other Noteworthy Topics
What is knew in adaptive technology
By Roger Behm
Wisconsin Association of Blind Merchants President
Hi NFBW family,
Here are some helpful tips and recent updates for adaptive technology you might own or be interested in.
1. UPS offers a very easy and accessible way of tracking your UPS package.
>From your PC's email program you can send an email to UPS with your UPS tracking number and find out in seconds or so the status of the package you are expecting or that you have shipped.
Just send an email message to UPS at totaltrack at ups.com<mailto:totaltrack at ups.com> and in the subject line put the UPS tracking number. That is it. Send the email and if the information is available you will receive a reply in a minute or too.
You can also call UPS at their toll free number: 800-457-4022 and use their automated service, the tell me lady.
2. There is an easy way of doing text messaging from your pc's email program too.
Verizon offers a very easy way to send and receive text messaging from your computer's email programs.
To send an email message to a friend or family member who is on the Verizon network, just put in their complete phone number at vtext.com
Example: 4143214040 at vtext.com<mailto:4143214040 at vtext.com>
They will receive it on their cell phone and when or if they reply it will come back to the computer and email program you sent it from.
Here are some free updates to a number of adaptive devices.
3. The ClassMate Reader released version 1.4.6, a free upgrade, January 13, 2011. It has a number of enhancements to the device.
Below are 2 direct download links to the upgrade and documents and tutorials that will assist you.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Manuals/classmate%20reader%201.4.6%20docs%20and%20tutorials%20january%2013%202011.zip
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/classmate%20upgrade%201.4.zip
4. The Trekker Breeze released version 2.0 of the software and version 2.16 of the map manager. You can now enter addresses into the Trekker breeze and saved them as landmarks which you can bring up as either walking or driving routes. All updates so far have been free. April 2010 saw the release of an extended search feature and greatly improved synthetic voices. All new maps were released in July 2010.
Below are the direct download links to the free Trekker Breeze updates and a tech talk interview with are own Greg Stilson from HumanWare, going over the new features in Trekker Breeze 2.0.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/trekker%20breeze%202.0%20US%20or%20UK%20and%20map%20manager.zip
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Manuals/tech%20talk%20%20Trekker%20Breeze%202.0%20jan%2010%202011.zip
5. Free update to the Victor Reader Stream and the companion software version 3.3 which came out last year.
Below is a direct download link for this update.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/victor%20stream%2033%20stream%20softpak%2033%20and%20documentation.zip
6. A free upgrade Version 4.0 to the Plextalk pocket ptp1 was release June 2010, which turns on the internal wireless feature for transferring files to your Plextalk pocket.
Below is a direct download link to this free upgrade.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/plextalk%20pocket%20ptp1%204.0%20update%20june%202010.zip
7. A free upgrade, version 2.2, was released December 28, 2010 to the BookSense standard and XT models by Hims. The upgrade contains many improvements and bug fixes.
Below is a direct download link to this free upgrade.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/BookSense%20standard%20and%20xt%20upgrade%202.2%20december%2028%202010.zip
8. Duxbury Systems released version 11.1 of Duxbury for Windows Braille translation software. It is free for those who bought Duxbury in the year 2010. Upgrade prices are available for those who bought earlier.
Below is the direct download link to the Duxbury for Windows version 11.1.
http://adaptiveinformation.org/downloads/Updates/duxbury%2011.1%20and%20docs%20january%2024%202011.zip
Roger A. Behm, President
Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
How Braille has Helped us as Blind Parents
Parenting by the Dots
By Cheryl Orgas and William Meeker
Seventeen years ago on October 8, 1993, my husband, Bill, and I brought into the world a 7 pound 13 ounce baby boy we named Christopher William Meeker. We both have been blind all our lives but we had never been parents. As most parents we were scared to death of being responsible for this precious little one; dependent on us for his every need.
As blind parents we used many alternative techniques. But the one tried and true technique we called upon on a daily basis was reading and writing Braille.
Even before Christopher was born, we spent much time either Brailling children's books or ordering books from places such as National Braille Press, Seedlings, and Volunteer Services for the Visually Handicapped, now Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement, the agency I currently direct. We read Christopher books in Braille almost every night. By the time he was 15 months old he was filling in words from Goodnight Moon. When Christopher was 18 months, Bill became very ill and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Christopher ran to get his Pat the Bunny book and put it in my lap to read. It's a book that I brailled for him before his birth and it is a book that also is tactile. Christopher kept going to the page where daddy's rough face is shown, and he would put my hand on that spot.
Well, his dad came home from the hospital and continued to share in the reading of the many Braille books in our house. We were able to get him, Christopher that is, to go to sleep with the lights off by reading Braille books in the dark--a feat not easily accomplished using ink-print books.
When Christopher was two we began to play cards and dice with him using brailled adapted games. Later we moved on to Monopoly and Candy Land. He learned about winning, losing, and the rules of the game. When Christopher was four years old, he learned to his delight that he could sometimes win more easily by disregarding the rules of the game. That's when we began teaching him that the end does not justify the means.
As Christopher entered Kindergarten we became apart of his classroom by reading out loud to him and his peers and answering all kinds of questions about what it is like to be blind; children are refreshing, they ask the most amazing, honest, and direct questions. We continued going into his classroom until middle school, when Christopher said enough of that; not because we're blind, but because he had become an adolescent and we're his parents.
Braille has been essential throughout our parenting for labeling medicines, labeling homework sheets, taking notes on his assignments and using Braille to keep up with all the material that we receive because of the sports and recreational activities Christopher is involved in.
Using Braille in our parenting has served many practical purposes, helped us deal with the many responsibilities of parenting and has given us so much joy and pleasure! We love parenting by the dots.
The Four-year University Versus the Two-Year Technical College
By Angie Castro
Have you ever wondered how different a University is from a technical college? Well, I can certainly be the one to tell you about them, because I've been to both schools already and I've seen the differences myself. This year (fall 2010), I transferred to The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, which is a four-year college in Whitewater, Wisconsin. I had previously gone to Madison Area Technical College (MATC-Madison), a technical college in Madison. How different are the two? Several things make them both different.
The first difference is when you attend a technical college, you must commute. I had to wake up very early in the morning to go to the bus stop to catch my bus to MATC, and then I'd have to commute back home after class. Now that I go to a University, I don't have to worry about that since I live on campus and can just walk to class. That's one thing I like now; I don't have to wake up very early to go catch a bus. It feels nice just to wake up, take my time getting ready, and eat breakfast in my suite without having to rush too much.
The second difference is when it comes to getting to and from class, at a technical college, the classes are all in the same building. This wasn't much of a problem for me at all; everything was right there: the cafeteria, the book store, the library, the center for students with disabilities, etc. In a university setting, everything is in different buildings. Every department has its own building, and there are also different dining halls. When I went to get oriented to the school, I knew I would have to get used to going from one place to another. Even though whitewater is a small school, it took some time for me to get used to the setting. I'll admit I got lost a couple of times. I remember the first 2 weeks at Whitewater, I would ask people directions on how to get to a particular building, but, by the third week, I was able to get from place to place myself, and Now, traveling around campus is a piece of cake.
If you ask me about the way professors tend to handle things, I don't really see any difference in that aspect. To me, it's all the same. The same goes for services. I'm getting the same accommodations in Whitewater that I did at MATC.
One particular thing I've had to adjust to is staying in the dorms rather
than living at home and commuting. I actually like it a lot. The first night was kind of awkward, since it was a new room and a whole new environment. I didn't really get the chance to feel homesick, because I'm relatively close to home. At times I do miss home, but I don't mind being on my own and I have 3 roomies I share my suite with.
This college experience has been a good one so far, and I hope it gets even better over time. Again, I've been in both schools, seen differences, and learned how to deal with them.
The Significance of the Slate and Stylus
By Katie Watson
Spotlight Newsletter Editor
It is an unfortunate misconception that the slate and stylus is slow, out-of-date, or unnecessary due to technological advances. As a successful blind college student, I would like to argue that the slate and stylus is not only necessary, but is vital to being a successful, independent blind person in the world today for several reasons.
First, the slate and stylus is portable. When I take notes in class, I always use my slate and stylus. I have found that I study best using Braille, so I like using the slate and stylus to take my notes because I can read the notes in Braille afterward. It is easy to carry a slate and stylus anywhere I go, from classroom to club meeting, or to an interview I might do for "The Royal Purple," UW-Whitewater's student newspaper. I don't have to worry about carrying around a laptop, or looking for an outlet to plug in said laptop if it were to die in the middle of class.
Second, contrary to common misconception, writing with a slate and stylus is fast. When I was in high school, I took the time to learn Grade 3 Braille. This is a step above Grade 2, and is the short-hand that comprises Grade 3 Braille. Over the years of practicing it, I developed my own short-hand to supplement for words I often write, such as abbreviations for the names of buildings on campus.
Third, the slate and stylus is easy to practice. I attended the Independence Training program at The Colorado Center for the Blind in 2008. While there, I increased my speed from 14 words per minute to 18 words. I used my slate and stylus to take notes extensively in and out of classes once I got to college. I went back to Colorado to visit friends, and happened to stop by the Center. I asked my former Braille instructor to test my writing speed. I was initially worried that I had somehow decreased my speed, but found that I was writing faster than the 18 words per minute I had attained when I left the Independence Training Program.
I recommend the slate and stylus to anyone who wants to take notes independently. It is so liberating to not have to rely on the notes of others, since everyone interprets things differently, and chooses different pieces of information as the more important ones that get written down. I can write when I want, what I want, and how I want. What's the secret to getting faster? Practice, practice, practice.
Things to Read in Winter, or by the Pool
By Dave Hyde
Whether you read curled up by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa, or lying by the pool with a cold drink; if you are new to the NFB, there are some things which you should pick up, read, think about, and discuss. There is a mountain of literature out there--as those of you who have gone to our national conventions know--so please Don't try to read it all in one sitting. There are a few basic pieces that I come back to time and time again and, at least for me, are the real meat of what we think, who we are, and why we do what we do. They are all available through our national office, or for downloading from the web.
Blindness, a left-handed dissertation: This short article was written in the late 1960's, and talks about the role blindness plays, or should play, in our lives. It won't take much time to read, but has generated a lot of discussion over the years. It has served us as the basis of who is blind, and who is not and why.
Blindness, Handicap or Characteristic: The article discusses the importance of blindness, and how we view it. It talks about attitudes, and how they effect what we can do. Again, it talks about how important blindness is, and whether it is, or should be, a defining characteristic.
Blindness, Of Visions and Vultures: This has always been my favorite speech of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, not only because of its content but because I was there when it was given. The speech set the tone for Federation activities for the next twenty years, and was given at the apex of Dr. Jernigan's presidency. He discusses attitudes, but in such a way as to get you involved, and make you feel. If you can, listen to the speech as well as read it. As he does in many of his speeches, Dr. Jernigan quotes from letters he has received. He quotes them directly, and I remember feeling the poignancy, hope, despair and love of their authors. This speech I've always thought of as the, "something for all of us" one, and gave me an understanding of our reasons for being.
That's How it is at the Top of the Stairs: Another banquet speech by Dr. Jernigan, delivered in 1979. It discusses hope, both realized and deferred. The letter by Edgar Salmons is one of the most poignant ones I have ever read. For me, this one explained the responsibility one has both as a leader, and as a member. This is another one to read, and listen to the speech.
The Nature of Independence: A speech delivered by Dr. Jernigan in 1993 talking about choices one makes about the level and nature of one's own independence. This was always a favorite at the Colorado Center for the Blind, since it discusses the difference between learning and doing. It talks about making choices, deciding how to use one's independence, and why Dr. Jernigan made the choices he did.
For those who want most of these in one place, the book, "Walking Alone and Marching Together" has them. It will keep you reading all winter. This book, published in 1990, reviews the activities of the Federation over a 50-year period. Anything you want to know about us is somewhere in this book.
If you want something short, poignant and frequently autobiographical, there are the Kernel Books. If you've been around the organization for a while, you'll see some familiar names. Some of your friends and colleagues have had articles published there, and they serve as a good starting point for adults and children about blindness. Sometimes, they're just fun to read.
Finally, on a more seasonal note, there are the Christmas recordings. Dr. Jernigan liked to read aloud, and he was good at it. He read such things as O'Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," and many other stories which embody the Christmas spirit. Dr. Maurer has done the same with others, and one of my own Christmas traditions is to dust off these recordings and play them during the season.
"The Braille Monitor" has, since I started reading it in 1974, run articles on every aspect of blindness, some of them dry and serious, some humorous, and some that ask more questions than they answer. "Future Reflections," our magazine for parents of blind children, has chronicled teaching and learning for over twenty years. There is no part of being blind that we haven't addressed, so feel free to browse.
There is something in our literature for everyone. So, get the hot cocoa, curl up with your pet, turn down the television, and learn about who we are. You'll enjoy it, and it will certainly give you something to discuss over those long, cold Wisconsin nights.
It's the Nudists Stupid
or
So You Think Blindness Makes People Nervous
By William Meeker
All things, including sighted people's perceptions of the blind, ar relative.
Anointed with oil and massaged with hot stomes, my wife Cheryl and I lay in separate rooms last year, traveling at 24 knots per hour through the Gulf of Mexico enjoying the gentle rock of the cruise ship and the conversations with our masseuses. May, from an island in the Phillipines attended to me, and Ralucca, from Rumania massaged my wife. Our respective conversations were as interesting as the massages were relaxing; as they afforded us a glimpse of life below the water line.
We learned that the ship was crewed by about 1,000 people who hailed from different parts of the world,that they lived in close quarters far below passenger decks, and that there was a national origin hierarchy. The officers and managers were italian; the cabin stewards and cocktail/bar staff were mostly Phillipino; and security was comprised solely of East Indians. A sprinkling of Americans, Brits, and other nationalities served in a variety of miscellaneous capacities. We learned that the crew worked under eight month contracts with no days off and 11 to 14 hour days. When their contracts were up, they had six months off before spending another eight months at sea, if they chose to re-up.
A very favorable exchange rate allowed Phillipinos to earn enough money in eight months to buy a house or a car. But the less favorable exchange rate in Rumania did not. Husbands and wives were separated for long periods from their families unless both husband and wife worked on the same ship. Theirs was a very different life from the lives we Americans are used to.
Talk with our masseuses inevitably led to the subject of blindness. May said that she had a blind friend back home who had received some training, but was under employed. We talked about the opportunities for blind phillipinos. They were limited.
But the surprise came when Cheryl asked Ralucca the question, "Were the crew freaked-out by the hundred blind people on the ship?"
"No. We're all freaked-out by the nudists who are coming on board next month. When they come to a formal night all they wear is a bow! The Cruise Director told us that we would have to dress like that. But then he told us he was only kidding."
Perhaps it should be comforting to know that blindness is not as scary as nudism. All things are indeed relative. And no, Cheryl did not ask if the crew would be even more freaked-out by blind nudists. Not all questions that can be asked, should be asked.
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