[NFBOH-Cleveland] Fwd: [theblindperspective] July 2019 Newsletter

[Cheryl Fields]

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Blind Perspective" <theblindperspective at gmail.com>
> Date: June 30, 2019 at 2:43:54 PM EDT
> To: <theblindperspective at groups.io>
> Subject: [theblindperspective] July 2019 Newsletter
> Reply-To: theblindperspective+owner at groups.io
> 
> Welcome to The Blind Perspective
> 
> 
> July 2019
> Volume 5; Issue 7
> Table of Contents
> 
> Greetings from the Editor
> Movers & Shakers
> Reader's Submissions
> Exercise, does a body good
> Have I Got A Story For You
> The Braille Highway
> The Guide Dog Journey
> Spencer’s Spotlight
> Appetizers: Byte Size Tidbits to Help Master Your iDevice
> A Time to Plant
> The Alternating Duo: Here's to your Health
> Dirty Work
> The Beauty Parlor
> Cooking Concoctions
> Riddle & Brain Buster
> Navigation
> 
> The Blind Perspective Newsletter has been produced in such a manner that makes it easier to stroll through the articles. If you are using JAWS, System Access, NVDA, or Window Eyes, press the letter H to move through the headings. If you are wanting to skip back simply press the shift key + the letter H. For MAC users, press Control Option Command plus the letter H and to go backwards through the articles press Control Option Command shift plus the letter H. If one of the links do not work for you just copy and paste it in to your browser and it should work.
> 
> If you have any trouble reading this copy you can go to Click Here it will take You to the read the current newsletter
> 
> Greetings from the Editor
> 
> By Karen Santiago
> Happy July!
> We are at the midpoint of 2019, my my where does the time go? Well I hope wherever you are, you are taking the time to read the informative and entertaining articles each and every month within the Blind Perspective Newsletter. Remember all the writers appreciate feedback and suggestions from you, the readers. If you have a comment, question, or recommendation email them at their email listed at the beginning of their article.
> Continue reading, and I hope you enjoy our July edition!
> Remember you can also choose to listen to our audio version of the newsletter, link below:
> The Blind Perspective Audio
> At A Glance: Blind Brothers, Oops & Load of Wood, Water Workout, Young Connections & Series, Deaf/ Blind, An Adventure, Power Up, Apps & O&M, Suggestions, Experiments, Dreaded Cleaning, Mascara, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, Riddle & Brain Buster!
> Movers & Shakers
> 
> By Karen Santiago
> Karen at TheBlindPerspective.com
> A few weeks ago, I had an enlightening chat with Bryan Manning, one of the cofounders of Two Blind Brothers. Read on to learn about Bryan, his brother Brad, and their company, Two Blind Brothers.
> Visual Impairment
> Brad and Bryan were diagnosed during childhood, with the condition known as Stargardt’s disease, a juvenile form of macular degeneration. Over time, with this disease, there is a progressive loss of central vision. Tasks such as reading small print, recognizing faces, and doing any type of detailed work are quite challenging. Because there is no determination of how quickly one may lose their sight, Brad and Bryan prepared for vision loss by learning braille when they were young.
> Great Hands Think Alike
> In early 2016 Bryan moved to New York City, where Brad already resided. One day they went shopping at Bloomingdale’s. Like many other blind/ visually impaired people, they “look” at clothes with their hands. If it felt right, then they would investigate the other details: size, price, etc.
> Well, this day they happened to get separated from one another. Once they met each other outside the store, they made a startling discovery. They both had walked out of the store buying the same exact shirt. It was then that they thought about making a clothing company based entirely around the sense of touch. Their idea was to begin making clothing with the thought of fabric first, with feel and fit absolutely paramount, and then focus on the other things.
> In the Beginning
> Both Bryan and Brad had full-time jobs, so, in the beginning this was just their side project. They networked with family and close friends who were in the fashion industry and made a few hundred shirts. Bryan said that initially this was just to be a night and weekend project to try to learn to grow a commerce brand, get a little smarter in the fashion industry, and really just have some fun.
> It’s in the Name
> Bryan and Brad shot off about a dozen or so names for the company to one another. Bryan gives credit to Brad (although reluctantly) for coming up with “Two Blind Brothers.” Brad stated that they shouldn’t be bashful about the name as they are giving to charity, and people have referred to them throughout their lives as the two blind brothers.
> Facebook
> Brad and Bryan posted a video on Facebook telling their story. They explained about being two brothers, growing up visually impaired, and how they were on an adventure to produce the perfect shirt. Their video went viral, getting over several million views within the first few weeks. From this video, they heard from people in the visually impaired community. This was a piece of the business that Brad and Bryan never anticipated prior to starting.
> Snowball Affect
> After seeing Brad and Bryan’s Facebook Video, the Facebook news channel, Now This contacted Brad and Bryan and did a story on them. Then, producers from the Ellen DeGeneres Show saw the Now This coverage, and they contacted the Two Blind Brothers’ customer service line. After five or six interviews, with different producers, Brad and Bryan were invited to appear on the Ellen Show, which they did on January 4, 2017.
> Charity
> Bryan and Brad are in the business to cure blindness. Hmm, you may wonder how these two brothers plan to do that! Well, they wanted to make the company as  charitable as possible. So, neither Bryan nor Brad take a salary, instead they donate 100 percent of the net profits to retinal research. In their first three years of operation, they have been able to donate over $400,000!
> The Clothing
> Brad and Bryan went through thousands of fabric books from around the world to find their “perfect” tri-blend. They still use this tri-blend, however, within the last year they’ve begun producing their own.
> The Two Blind Brothers have a wonderful partner located outside of Los Angeles where the fabric is woven, spun, dyed, cut, and sewn into shirts. The products are then sent to a facility in Kentucky where everything is shipped from.
> Employment for the Blind/ Visually Impaired
> For a couple of years, the Two Blind Brothers partnered with the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind to produce some of their garments. Then DLB merged with another organization and discontinued that portion of the business. Brad and Bryan are trying to find opportunities to work with organizations that employ the blind and visually impaired. Currently, they are working with Industries for the Blind in North Carolina on another new product that they will be releasing in a couple of months.
> Products
> Two Blind Brothers tri-blend consists of bamboo fibers which creates the softness, cotton which provides the strength for holding the fabric together, and the spandex to maintain the fit and shape. Just a day or two after this interview Bryan said that all of the new basics will have the color of the garment embroidered in braille above the bottom hem.
> Some of the clothing products they sell include henley shirts (what they actually started out with), hoodies, polos, short and long sleeve shirts, tanks, graphic tees, joggers, and shorts. These are available for men and women, and some are available for kids, too!
> Their accessories include braille jewelry, backpacks, and candles.
> Editor’s Note
> At the conclusion of our interview, Bryan was kind enough to offer to send me a graphic t shirt to checkout for myself. Bryan picked out a shirt that I did not come across on their website since it was in the Men’s section. Regardless it being a “men’s” shirt, it was so “fitting” for what was on it. This particular shirt is forest green with the word “perspective” on the front. I know, how great is that! Not only that, the word is backwards and upside down, and the letter “I” in perspective is written in simulated braille! This shirt is as they advertise, very very soft to the touch, let alone when you have it on. I have already worn this t shirt a couple of times and I have to say it is a conversation starter. Thank you ‘Two Blind Brothers’ for taking the time for the interview and for the wonderful t shirt!
> Convention
> If you are planning on going to the National Federation of the Blind convention in Las Vegas in July, be sure to stop over at the Two Blind Brothers’ booth to check out their products and to say “Hey” to Bryan, Brad, and the team!
> Contact Information
> p: (917) 722-6284
> e: hello at twoblindbrothers.com
> w: www.TwoBlindBrothers.com
> Follow us
> Facebook: Facebook.com/TwoBlindBros
> Twitter: Twitter.com/TwoBlindBros
> Instagram: Instagram.com/TwoBlindBros
> YouTube: YouTube.com/ Two Blind Brothers
> Reader's Submissions
> 
> Karen at TheBlindPerspective.com
> A funny one, and can be a bit disturbing
> 
> 
> By Daniel semro
> It was my senior year of high school, and I had an older set of eyes in. I’ve gotten new ones since. Anyway, my left eye always had trouble staying in, so I had to wear a patch to keep it in. It didn’t always work as you’ll come to find out. I was leaving my English class, headed for lunch. Before I go to lunch, however, I need to stop by my locker to get my lunch. So, I do.
> As I am leaving my locker, I feel a sneeze come on! Achoo! And out goes my eye, rolling down the hallway. Funny thing is, kids are kicking it, not even realizing it was my eye they were kicking. So there goes my aid running down the hallway to get it.
> As a result of this craziness, I get to come home with the biggest piece of tape on my face. From one side of my face, the left, to the other side of my face, the right.
> Moral of the story…Hold on to my eye when I know I’m about to sneeze!
> I was just getting another load of firewood
> 
> 
> By Michael Nuce from West Virginia
> Even with tunnel vision I could see that the sky was a beautiful October blue and from the corner of my garage, I could easily see the woodshed door where I was headed with the empty wheelbarrow to get a load of wood to put on my front porch. It smelled like someone in the neighborhood already had a wood fire going and the smell of the smoke and the smell of dried leaves in my yard were signs that I needed to get the porch loaded with wood for my wood burner.
> Then “WHACK” on my left shoulder, as I bumped hard into the clothesline pole that I could not see between the garage and the woodshed. My tunnel vision was the result of Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a genetic disorder that runs in my family. It causes gradually more restricted tunnel vision over time, eventually causing total blindness. Visually impaired means “partial sight” and at the same time “partial blindness.” When a person’s vision / blindness is this way, it can fool them into believing that they can see better than they can. I do not think I was being stupid or “not accepting” my disability. I just thought that since I could see some things, I was doing pretty well, even though I banged my shoulder and it hurt a little.
> I always thought it strange when someone would ask me “Just how much can you not see?” I could not really answer that question, because I did not know what I was not seeing, because I couldn’t see it. I realistically did know that my vision was getting worse and that “someday” I would need to use a white cane and need to learn Braille. However, that elusive “someday.” I really wasn’t thinking about it at all on that day when I was pushing loads of wood in the wheelbarrow. I wasn’t thinking about it until I banged into the clothesline post again on the very next trip for another load of wood.
> I had gone from the porch to the corner of the garage; sighted a straight path (or so I thought,) to the woodshed and then “Bang!” again and this time on the left side of my forehead. Not a serious injury, but I did see a few stars and I could feel a goose egg. I hit the clothesline pole, but what else hit me hard was the  intense thought that “this blindness stuff is real and it is real for me,” and I needed to do more to be able to take care of my family. More than loading wood on the porch, maybe I needed to make some calls about learning how to use a white cane and how to read Braille.
> Whatever you call it, A Rude awakening- accepting reality- a reality check- working through denial - I had been aware of the fact that I had been going blind and now I was “Really, Really, Really” aware and I needed to get away from the “someday I will be blind,” thinking.
> I think it is kind of a human tendency. When I worked at Prestera Mental Health Center, some of the substance abuse staff would say things like, “People will get help for addiction only when they have fallen far enough,” referring to detrimental life circumstances that addiction can cause. I have heard some Cabell Association of the Blind (C. W. A. B.) consumers say things like, “I should have done something sooner about this or I should have stopped driving sooner, “I guess It is kind of stupid.” I have had such thoughts and I think we all do things when we are ready and we all want to think of ourselves as “doing OK.” I believe that it is pretty much normal to not want to work on a problem such as gradual vision loss, because we don’t want to have the problem; not because we are too lazy or too stupid.
> I have no idea what I did later that day, but I did not continue to get firewood on the porch. I was angry and disappointed and Yeah, I’ll admit it, I was kind of scared too. Wondering if I could do what it takes to be a successful blind person and be able to support my family. I loaded the porch later and I had to figure out a strategy. Visually impaired and blind people often have to figure out strategies to get things done.
> Instead of aiming my wheel barrow at the wood shed from the upper corner of my garage, I aimed from the lower corner and I could be sure I was below the clothesline post as I went past. It made the trap just a few steps longer, but it worked for me and my family stayed warm that winter and winters to follow.
> That day was about 30 years ago and now my wife tells me the color of the sky and I am glad that I can remember the beautiful shade of October blue. She and I together, kept things going, working as a team; raising 3 children and keeping the household together. Some people are naïve about blindness and they say things to me about blindness, such as “you are lucky; your wife can do everything for you.” Granted, she does help me, but at the same time I help her, because we are a team and she is not my caretaker. We built our lives together and we are both stronger for it. We don’t use the wood burner any more, but if we did, I’m sure we would figure out a way to get the wood from the woodshed to the porch. Maybe we would get a wagon to be pulled by our riding lawn mower. My wife would drive the mower; I would fill the wagon and ride to the porch on the load of wood as we would continue to work together.
> Exercise, does a body good
> 
> By Dan Kiely
> Dan at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Welcome back to Exercise Does A Body Good!
> Although walking is a great option for exercise, some people with achy knees, sore hips, or substantial weight, it can be uncomfortable for them. And, during the winter, harsh weather in many parts of the world can make walking outdoors unpleasant, or even treacherous at times. A water workout in a pool, or a walk along the beach (water knee to thigh high deep) could be an appealing alternative that's also good for your heart.
> A key advantage to water workouts is that water makes you buoyant, which takes the stress off your joints. That can also be especially helpful for people who are carrying excess weight. Water also offers resistance as you move through it, which allows you to work out vigorously (if you're able) with little chance of injury. Water workouts can also be relaxing and meditative, which may offer some stress relief, adding to its cardiovascular benefits.
> The below exercise focuses on a 20-minute workout in water. Do items 1 through 9 for 2 minutes each. You are going to get your heart rate up and muscles going.
> Water Workout:
> 1. Jog in place.
> 2. Hop side to side with feet together.
> 3. Cross right elbow toward left knee at waist., alternating with left elbow and right knee.
> 4. Squat jump: Squat down with arms extended at shoulder height, jump as high as possible while raising arms overhead.
> 5. Jog in place, raising knees high.
> 6. Bicycle: Lean with back against side of pool, arms outstretched on the edge, and raise legs in front to "Pedal" on the surface of the water.
> 7. Flutter kick: Facing the edge, hold onto edge of pool with arms extended, float up to the surface, and kick legs quickly.
> 8. Pendulum swing: From bicycle position, keep legs together, and swing them from side to side, while just underneath the water’s surface.
> 9. Crunch: From bicycle position keep feet together and Pull both knees into chest. Return to starting position and repeat.
> 10. Outer-thigh lift: Stand with left side near wall and hold onto the edge. Keep feet together, lift right leg out to the side. Do 20 lifts, and repeat with right leg.
> Well this 20-minute workout in water should elevate your heart rate, get your blood flowing, and increase your muscle strength.
> Exercise Tip:
> During the summer month, people generally do a lot more walking; pounding the pavement. An alternative to walking the sidewalks is called the river walk. Some communities will have a river walk in waters 3 to 4 feet deep.
> People either choose to walk bare foot, or in water shoes. The “track” is in an oval shape. You can decide to either walk with, or against the current. Generally, 5 laps equal one mile. This is another good way to exercise, and stay cool at the same time!
> Have a good summer and remember exercise does a body good!
> Have I Got A Story For You
> 
> By Carla Jo Bratton
> CarlaJo at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Greetings book lovers,
> This month I review an exciting series and I have a way for you to inspire a young reader.
> Schooled
> written by Gordon Korman
> reading time: 4 hours and 48 minutes
> DB68957
> CELA book number 2382720
> not on RNIB
> Popular author Gordon Korman pens a funny fish-out-of-water tale that even the most reluctant reader will find impossible to resist. Capricorn Anderson has spent his entire life on a farm with his hippie grandmother. After an accident puts Grandma in the hospital, Cap is forced to attend Claverage Middle School and live with his guidance counselor. The tradition at Claverage is for students to nominate the biggest nerd for class president, and Cap is the obvious choice. But with his odd ways and positive outlook, Cap just might turn the joke upside down by becoming the best class president ever.
> My comments: This is the book that my granddaughter, Audrey, is reading for her English class summer reading assignment. I asked her if it would help if I read it along with her and she loved the idea. She said it would make it more fun knowing I was reading it too. We agreed that we would talk about it after we both finished the book.
> Try connecting with a youngster and reading along with them. Or in the case of when my grandkids were really little, we would listen together to short books. Encourage a young reader, its very rewarding to both parties!
> Orphan X
> written by Gregg Hurwitz
> reading time: 11 hours and 15 minutes
> Evan Smoak series, book 1
> DB68957
> CELA bbook number 245007
> RNIB book number tb 23718
> Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He's also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as part of the off-the-books black box Orphan program, designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence assets - i.e. assassins. He was Orphan X. Evan broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear.
> Now, however, someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training. Someone who knows Orphan X. Someone who is getting closer and closer. And will exploit Evan's weakness - his work as The Nowhere Man - to find him and eliminate him.
> My comments; This is the first book in the Orphan X series. There are now 4 books and 2 short stories. These books are filled with thrills, chills and surprises  at every turn of the page. Or in our case, push of a button.
> High energy and full of suspense, Hurwitz has characters you will fall in love with, and some you will despise. Give this series a try.
> Happy reading, Carla jo!
> The Braille Highway
> 
> By Nat Armeni
> Nat at TheBlindPerspective.com
> July is upon us, where has the first half of 2019 gone! I want to send out a happy birthday to all my fellow Canadians for Canada’s birthday on July 1st! Also, happy 4th of July (Independents day) to all the American readers!
> Over the last 5 years of writing the Braille Highway, I tried covering as many subjects I could find, and that I thought would be of interest to the readership. At the end of May I realized to my surprise, that I have left out a significant segment of the blind population by not covering some deaf-blind issues, or at least how important braille can be to them. I reached out to an instructor of braille who teaches both blind and deaf-blind students. Find below a little something she wrote about her experiences. As always, I look forward to receiving readers emails and encourage you to continue sending me them, just use the email address at the top of this article.
> Braille Instructor for the Deaf-blind
> My Name is Colleen Dupuis. I am a Braille Instructor here in Lafayette, Louisiana, at a place called the Deaf Action Center. My students are older individuals who are deaf, and eventually they will lose their sight. Most of the students take my class to learn and keep up there Braille skills to use the many different phone devices that they have.
> I started working at the Deaf Action Center back in 1997. Throughout the years, I had to learn how to work and teach the deaf-blind. I did learn Sign Language, although not the best at it. However, I know enough to teach my students. Nowadays many deaf cultures don't use English Sign Language, instead they use American Sign Language (ASL).
> When you are signing Using ASL, you may leave out words like of, the, is, etc., Shortening the time it takes to sign. So, when I am Explaining Braille to my students I have to break it down. I am totally blind myself, so when the student and I are signing to each other we have to sign in each other’s hands. Most of the time when a deaf-blind person is reading they have to keep one hand on the book and sign with the other.
> Most of the time I just explain the contraction and give them a lesson to braille using that contraction. I Braille out all my lessons. I have use the book Braille Series.
> I have taught individuals that are only Visually Impaired as well. This is a little different, because I can read along with them as they are vocal and do not have to sign.
> Other methods I may use are the famous tennis balls to explain the dots of the Braille patterns. I also may use the Braille peg board. I enjoy working with my students, they are quite amazing! Just like you and me, they have no limits of what they can do. They cook, keep house, and use iPhone and other devices. To me, they really give the example of What God wants all to do (See Through Faith and not by sight).
> I want to thank Colleen for writing a little about her experiences in teaching braille to deaf-blind students. Braille users do it with feelings! Why complicate life with gadgets when you can complement it with braille! Finally, remember to stay on the dotted line of life! Keep safe, and speak with you again in August!
> The Guide Dog Journey
> 
> By Tammy Lynn
> Tammy Lynn at TheBlindPerspective.com
> The Adventure of a Lifetime: Class
> As you read this, we are headed for the middle of summer. An awesome time to get out and work with our dogs and take advantage of nice weather. Be sure to protect those puppy paws if you are in a region with excessive heat and have plenty of water on-hand for both of you.
> Guide dog training class is one of the most exciting and challenging learning experiences you will ever encounter. Here I will share just some basics about what to expect.
> Most schools in the U.S. have very comfortable accommodations, some pretty solid options of things to do in your spare time and often times people on staff to assist with any personal needs. Many schools have their own chefs on staff and produce exceptional meals which can cater to many different dietary needs. Rooms are generally very comfortable and all your dog needs in class is provided as well.
> If you are training away from home at a school, the first day is usually spent orienting to the building, meeting fellow classmates and getting settled in.
> The next day or two will typically be spent doing what is called “Juno training” with your instructor. This is done by the instructor holding onto the chest strap of the harness, attaching a leash and guiding the student. This helps the instructor learn a student’s pace, their tone of voice when speaking to the fictitious dog and a great deal of teaching is done about how to do hand gestures and walk being led with a harness. Although it was seem silly or redundant, it is a very important part of the training process and assists the instructor in making the best match possible.
> Eventually—on day two or three in most cases—the day you’ve been waiting for finally arrives; “dog day). This is the day you learn about your dog’s gender, name, weight and other basic details. Your instructor will ask for your leash and return with your new helpful companion. Although you are happy to meet your new partner, it sometimes takes the dog a while to “turn over” to you; meaning bond with you and relinquish his bond with his instructor. A lot of positive reassurance, connection and praise will make this process easier for both you and your dog.
> Subsequent days in class will be spent bonding with your dog, learning how to function as a team, and working several routes which are often similar to your home environment. Obedience is practiced and lectures often happen on grooming, vet care, play, different working scenarios, your family and your dog, public reactions and interactions and much more.
> Working with your instructor you will be able to address any concerns or difficulties you may have and really have a chance to ask all kinds of questions and get a firm grasp on what it means to work as a guide dog team. Although it may seem like a lot to digest and so much to learn, taking it day by day and remembering that it is a big adjustment for your dog too can really help.
> Class is a time to take everything in. It is important to realize that there will be days when it feels like things are not clicking and also days that are awesome and you know this is the best decision you’ve ever made.
> Until next time, keep cool and enjoy the journey!
> Spencer's Spotlight
> 
> By Cheryl Spencer
> Cheryl at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Here in North America we are sliding into the heart of summer and the outdoors awaits. Whether you are sitting by the pool, on the patio, camping, going to the beach, hiking, or simply taking a walk in the neighborhood, we all can't manage to go tech free. Our cell phones, book readers or similar items are ever accompanying us. So, this presents the common problem of battery power for these devices.
> Portable power banks to the rescue. Power banks are used to provide portable power to charge battery powered items like cell phones, and other similar items that use a USB interface. Power banks work by using sophisticated electronics that manage taking in a charge from a charger and storing it in a battery, and then allowing the charging of other devices. All you really have to know is that it works.
> The power of the bank is what to look at when shopping for a power bank. There are two types of batteries that are used. Lithium-Ion offers a high-power density and does not have what is known as "the memory effect."
> Lithium polymer are generally more robust, flexible and they tend to last longer. They are lightweight, have a low profile and have a lower chance of suffering from an electrolyte leakage. Looks like Mr. polymer is also environmentally friendly.
> Most commonly, a power bank will use a micro USB to charge its bank. The larger USB type A connector is used to enable the power bank to charge other devices. This means that standard charging cables supplied with most phones and other devices can be used. Normal USB have a type A connector.
> Power banks have electronic battery management which includes a safety cut off to prevent overcharging and overheating. It is best to make sure you charge the power bank after you have used it to make sure it is always ready to go when you are.
> Okay, you ask, which one? Yes, that can be quite the dilemma. It really all depends on individual preference. Fortunately, for us, there is a plethora of choices.
> Power banks can range from the very small and slim, offering enough battery power for emergency purposes, to extremely large capacity power banks that are strong enough to jump a car battery. There are ones that are built-in to purses, backpacks, even phone cases. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some can charge anywhere from one device up to 4, and possibly more at the same time.
> My preference falls somewhere in the midrange. I like to have the peace of mind that if I am out and about for the better part of the day, I will have enough  juice to get me back home.
> Power banks are widely available just about any department or electronic store. They can also be found in your favorite on line store. Prices can range from under 10.00 to 50.00 and up depending on your choice and capacity.
> So, with the right power bank in hand, enjoy the peace of mind knowing that while out and about during these long lazy days of summer you are still connected!
> Appetizers: Byte Size Tidbits to Help Master Your iDevice
> 
> By Darrin cheney
> Darrin at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Navigating an iOS app Using O&M Strategies
> Many of you are familiar with the concept of “Route Planning” from your Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction. What if we apply these principles to navigating your iDevice? You may be surprised how this concept helps clarify iOS navigation tools for both newbies and veterans alike.
> Getting Started
> I remember my first O&M lesson very well. I had to enter a room, navigate obstacles with my new cane, and find a box on a desk within a time limit. Without further instructions or any idea of the room layout, I ventured forth to find the box. To my surprise, there were several desks, chairs, and other furniture in my way. Do I turn left or right? Where is the desk? How much time is left? As you can imagine, I became very frustrated and I got lost. In the end, I didn’t find the box within the time limit. In the lengthy discussions that followed many new routes and trips, I learned from my mistakes. Every trip I made enhanced my skills. You can use these O&M strategies for navigating your iDevice.
> Navigating an App in iOS using VO
> Consider you want to send a letter to Darrin. In years past, you would write the letter and take it to your Post Office or nearest mailbox. You would need to identify where the Post Office is located and determine the route you will travel. Navigating an iOS app using VoiceOver (VO) is very similar to a route.
> Now, let’s apply this route metaphor to completing a task on your iDevice. In this case we’ll send an email to Darrin.
> Planning a Route on Your iDevice
> 1. Identify your destination and task. You want to go to the Mail app, write an email, and send it to Darrin.
> 2. Choose your travel tools. You can choose gestures, keyboard commands or braille display commands to navigate, address, compose, and send an email.
> 3. Create your travel plan. Determine the best way to navigate to the Mail app. You can use gestures or ask SIRI to open the Mail app.
> 4. Learn how to navigate. You will need to determine the Mail app layout and decide on your route to send an email. The Mail app consists of screen elements where you move from one element to the next using a gesture or command. You can “Tap” once to select an element and “Double-Tap” to activate that element. A screen element might be a button that will compose an email or an area where you can insert and edit text. You can set the Rotor to help you move through the screen elements or move the VO Cursor to edit text.
> 5. Explore the destination or app layout. Flick-Right or left to explore each screen element, or, Swipe-Down with two fingers to have VO read each screen element to you. Notice what is in the top left and bottom right corner in the Mail app.
> 6. Create your mental map. Your iPhone has a simple audio recorder. Record yourself speaking each step in the route. Writing these steps also helps you reinforce  the process.
> 7. Identify key landmarks to keep you on track or to quickly navigate an app. Each element or button can be a virtual landmark. The compose button, for example, is in the lower right corner for iPhone. You can use the gesture or command to move to the last element to compose your email.
> 8. Use all of your senses. You can identify a landmark by moving your finger across the screen and have VO read the screen elements to you. Companies like AT Guys created a tactile screen overlay for iPhone. Learn the Landmarks and you’ll know the app in no time.
> 9. Gather information if you get lost. VO will tell you where you are by saying the location of the VO Focus. If you are totally lost, close the app and reopen it where you can retrace your steps.
> You can follow this process for any task you want to perform on your iDevice. Keep in mind that the Mail app on iPhone is different from iPad. So, take the time to learn the app and determine where each element is located. Then, create your route and learn from practice and mistakes.
> Final Thoughts
> Now it is your turn to put your iOS O&M skills to work. Start with one task you perform often. Record the steps and revise as necessary. Learning an app will take time and practice and may result in several mistakes and learning opportunities. Remember, as my O&M instructor drilled into me, “You are not lost as long as you can get back to where you started.” You will become more comfortable and confident with lots of practice. Good Luck!
> Resources
> Learn VoiceOver gestures on iPhone
> https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/learn-voiceover-gestures-iph3e2e2281/ios
> Control VoiceOver on iPhone with Magic Keyboard
> https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/control-voiceover-with-magic-keyboard-iph6c494dc6/ios
> Common braille commands for VoiceOver on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202132
> Tactile Screen Overlays
> https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15
> A Time to Plant
> 
> By Sue Brazel
> Sue at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Gardening with no sight or a visual limitation is challenging. I will relate some of my solutions, and hope that you will offer suggestions that have helped you!
> First, let’s cover the basics. Most plants need to live in soil, have water and some amount of sunshine. Containers need to allow for water drainage; a plant can live in a container without drainage, but will do better over a longer period if its roots don’t stay wet.
> Some plants are annuals, meaning that they live for only one season, produce seeds, then die. Other plants are perennials, meaning that they normally come back the next season. They may reproduce by seeds, but often have a bulb or corm as a way of spreading.
> For outdoor plants, there are charts that cover what planting zone you live in. Unless you plan to bring tender plants inside during the cold months, enjoy plants suited for the zone you live in.
> Basic gardening tools include shovels and a device for watering. Gardening gloves keep your hands clean and offer protection from thorny plants when weeding or dealing with plants such as roses or cacti.
> Plant seeds in the wells of an egg carton or in small pots. Be gentle when feeling to see if they have risen above the soil’s surface. Wait until more than 2, preferably at least 3 sets, of leaves appear before moving plants into a larger container or garden. Seeds can be sown directly in or on the soil. To plant seeds in a row, a string strung between two sticks or poles offer a guiding line. Basic rules say that if you need seeds one inch apart, use the distance between the tip of your thumb and the knuckle. A basic 4 inch guide is your hand width. An 8 inch – 9 inch guide is the length of your hand from wrist to the longest fingertip. Whether planting seeds or sprouted plants, these general guides give recommendations so that plants aren’t overcrowded. When your sprouts emerge, if there are many seeds in one spot, use scissors to snip out the small starts. This allows space for the largest plant to grow. If too many sprouted plants compete for growing space, the root systems crowd each other, and none of the plants do well. By pulling the extra seedlings, you may disturb the soil of that whole cluster of plants.
> If you start your seeds in an egg carton or peat pots, cut away a portion of the container. Both of the items will decompose, but maybe not in the time span your plant needs for growth. The egg carton or peat pot can be placed in the soil with the plant, but space for root growth must exist.
> Pick your garden area, keeping in mind the amount of sunlight throughout the day. Some plants need a lot of sun, others do better in the shade.
> When transplanting, or moving plants from one container to another, dig your hole first, making it slightly deeper and bigger around than the container it is coming from. I like to water the soil a plant will be going into. Push the sides of the container to loosen the soil before trying to get the plant out. Gently place the plant between two fingers, and turn the plant upside down, squeezing the container in hopes of releasing the plant. Insert the plant into the hole, then fill with soil just to the base of the plant. Support the plant to keep it upright. Don’t pack the soil; gently tamp soil around the plant.
> If you didn’t put fertilizer into the well you placed your plants in, water the plant with a liquid-based fertilizer to enhance growth possibilities. When dealing with fertilizer, more is not better! Follow the directions for the kind of fertilizer you intend to use.
> Suggestions that might help other gardeners will be passed along in future articles! Now, I have to check out the plants I have recently put in my gardens! Until next “thyme”.
> The Alternating Duo: Here's to your Health
> 
> by Catherine Hall
> Catherine at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Dietary Experiments
> This past month, I broke my years-long fast from gluten to conduct an experiment. I had asked my doctor to test me for Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder in which gluten, the protein that gives wheat-based breads their chew, acts as a poison, damaging the digestive tract and causing all kinds of other symptoms throughout the body.
> In order for the blood test to be effective, the patient needs to have been consuming at least some gluten every day for several weeks. My doctor and I decided to let the experiment run for one month before I took the test.
> When I first decided to try taking gluten out of my diet, it was an attempt to figure out why I was feeling so terrible. I was getting headaches on a regular basis,  my energy was taking a nose-dive, and I was experiencing phantom pains in my muscles, bones, and joints. My doctor had tested me for Lupus, and that came back negative. Without any other ideas, we let the matter rest and I just dealt with the annoying symptoms.
> Then, a friend told me that I could have a form of Celiac Disease that did not manifest in the typical digestive symptoms, but that showed up in every way that I was experiencing. If eliminating gluten from my diet would make me feel better, I was all for it. So, I went completely gluten-free for the entire summer. I felt amazing. I had more energy than I’d had in ages, my headaches all but disappeared, and the phantom aches and pains that had plagued me at only 29 years old, were gone. Of course, to make that experiment meaningful, I had to see how I reacted when I introduced the gluten back into my diet. Well, I was exhausted.
> When I went back for my yearly blood tests, my iron and vitamin D were low despite supplementation and a decent diet, my thyroid was heading towards underactivity, and my metabolic panel was heading toward diabetes. After two months of being gluten free again, I went back to re-test, and all of the numbers were back in their normal ranges. That was enough evidence for me! I felt good being gluten free, and I found the diet easy enough to comply with, though I did miss a few of my favorite foods.
> Then, this year, several people have begun to question my choice to avoid gluten. They ask whether I’m really intolerant to gluten, or if it’s just wheat that’s the problem. They ask if I can’t just have a little gluten once in a while. Can’t I just have a slice of pizza or cake now and then? Why worry about cross contamination? Surely it can’t be that bad. It’s not like I’m rushing to the bathroom every time I have a bite of bread, after all. I found the questions annoying, but also disconcerting. Is it really all in my head? That’s what drove me to get the blood test. Even knowing that the test is not 100% accurate, any result would give me a place to start from. A month of eating gluten would give me a basis for whether I should continue to avoid it or incorporate it back into my diet.
> Well, the test result was negative. While there’s still a chance that I may have Celiac, it’s not showing up in the blood work, which is good to know. This past month has been a clear reminder as to why I do not eat gluten anymore. For the first couple of weeks, my energy was incredibly low. I was so tired all the time! I started to notice that I was not thinking as clearly as I am accustomed to, and I was beginning to lose focus with physical exertion. That can be a problem when your favorite activity involves kicking and dodging! As the month wore on, the extreme exhaustion diminished into a general tiredness, but the brain fog continued to get worse. I began to notice more headaches popping up that should not have been an issue since I have my pollen allergies under control. In the last week, I’ve noticed the phantom muscle, bone, and joint pains return, and I generally feel as though I’m falling apart. It’s not a good feeling. Even though the test was negative, there is an undeniable connection between my mental, emotional, and physical health, and whether or not I am consuming gluten. I no longer care that I’ve not been officially diagnosed with Celiac – I am done eating wheat. Once I am feeling better, I do plan to experiment with other grains to see if gluten itself is the culprit, or if it is merely wheat that is problematic.  
> I’m glad I went through this month’s dietary experiment. It gave me the chance to eat some of my favorite foods that I haven’t had in years, and it gave me the chance to discover that I don’t actually like many of those foods anymore. Most importantly, though, it showed me that I really do have a problem with gluten, or at least wheat. It really does negatively affect my health. Unless you have an anaphylactic reaction to a food that you are avoiding, I would recommend testing your own reaction to that food once in a while. It can be helpful to test your limits and verify assumptions. You may find that you can handle that food. Or, like me, you may confirm that it is not something that works for you. In either case, the chance to learn more about yourself and your body is a great opportunity.
> Happy Eating!
> Dirty Work
> 
> By Manny Morales
> Manny at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Hey readers!
> I don’t know about you, but when it’s summer, I tend to be outside way more than any other time. Yes, even here in California! But, as we all know, the cleaning needs to get done at some point. So, for this month I have three common household products, all of course, homemade!
> Homemade Air Freshener
> Ingredients:
> 12 – 15 drops of essential oil (grapefruit, lemon, orange, and lavender are my favorites)
> ½ cup white vinegar
> 1 1/2 cups water
> Spray bottle
> Directions:
> Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
> To use:
> Spray to freshen the room!
> Note: Shake before each use.
> You can experiment with higher vinegar to water ratios, and increase the essential oil if this is not strong enough for your liking.
> Homemade Dusting Spray
> Ingredients:
> 1 tablespoon castile soap
> 15 drops lemon essential oil
> 2 cups water
> Spray bottle
> Directions:
> Add ingredients to spray bottle, and shake to combine.
> To use:
> Spray onto a clean cloth and then wipe the surface.
> Homemade Wood Polishing Spray
> Ingredients:
> ¾ cup olive oil
> ¼ cup white vinegar
> 30 drops essential oil (Optional; I like lemon, orange, or lavender best)
> Spray bottle
> Directions:
> Combine ingredients in the spray bottle and shake vigorously.
> To use:
> Spray directly on wood furniture and buff with a clean, dry cloth.
> Note: Shake before each use.
> Until next month, remember dirty work is clean fun!
> The Beauty Parlor
> 
> By Christy Ray
> Christy at TheBlindPerspective.com
> There are some of us that like the idea of waring mascara, but are afraid of looking like a racoon. I have really no great tips, just the way that I apply mine.
> Let’s get started! With your eye open and looking up, bring the mascara brush to the base of your upper eyelashes from the inside out. In other words, use your nose as a platform to steady your hand. Take the brush, holding it horizontally and as close to your eyelid as you feel comfortable with, and wiggle it a bit as you pull it out towards the tips of your eyelashes. Wiggling will lift and give curl to the lashes. Try not to lose total contact with your lashes.
> This does take practice. A great idea is to have a damp cloth and under eye corrector nearby to clean up any mishaps. You can either take a picture to quickly send to a friend or use another source of sighted help to get feedback on your application. I always feel my lashes once they have had a chance to dry, to see if I am happy with the way they turned out.
> A lash primer can also make it easier to apply mascara. Primer is like a hair spray for your lashes, it hardens the lashes some.
> Hope this was helpful!
> In a future article I will share a suggestion sent in from a reader. If you have your own suggestion or want a tip about something, send it to my email address located above.
> Cooking Concoctions
> 
> By Maxine
> Maxine at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Here is my recipe for my ultimate favorite pie, which is only available for a short time, if you use the fresh ingredients. And, for this pie, fresh ingredients are the only way to go.
> I have also included a recipe for the flakiest pie crust you will ever eat! However, feel free to use your own favorite recipe, or store-bought pie crust.
> Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
> Flaky Buttery Pie Crust
> Ingredients:
> 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
> 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
> 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
> 3/4 cup vegetable shortening, chilled
> 1/2 cup ice water
> Directions:
> Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the butter and shortening.
> Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter and shortening into the mixture until it resembles pea-sized bits, having a few larger bits of fat is OK.
> Measure 1/2 cup of water. Add ice, and stir it around.
> From that, measure 1/2 cup of water. Drizzle the cold water in, 1 Tablespoon at a time, and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon after every Tablespoon added.
> Do not add any more water than you need to. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps.
> Transfer the pie dough to a floured work surface. Using floured hands, fold the dough into itself until the flour is fully incorporated into the fats.
> Form it into a ball. The dough should come together easily and should not feel overly sticky.
> Cut the dough in half.
> Flatten each half into 1-inch thick discs using your hands. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap.
> Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Or freeze.
> Pie filling:
> 3 cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 inch pieces)
> 2 and 1/2 cups coarsely chopped strawberries
> 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
> 1/3 cup granulated sugar
> 1/4 cup cornstarch
> 1/4 teaspoon salt
> 1 Tablespoon orange juice
> 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
> 1 large egg, lightly beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk
> optional: coarse sugar for garnish
> Directions:
> The crust: Prepare the pie crust as described above.
> Preheat oven to 400°F.
> Stir the rhubarb, strawberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and orange juice together in a large bowl. Set aside for 30 minutes.
> Roll out one of the chilled pie doughs on a floured surface. Turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter.
> Carefully place the dough into a 9X2 inch pie dish. Tuck it in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth.
> Spoon the filling into the crust, leaving all of the excess liquid in the bowl (you don’t want that in the filling).
> Dot the pieces of butter on top of the filling.
> Remove the other disc of chilled pie dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into a circle that is 12 inches diameter. Then gently, and loosely roll it up.
> Using a pastry wheel, sharp knife, or pizza cutter, cut strips 1/2 – 1 inch wide.
> Carefully thread the strips over and under one another, pulling back strips as necessary to weave.
> Press the edges of the strips into the bottom pie crust edges to seal. Use a small knife to trim off excess dough. Crimp the edges with a fork, if desired.
> Alternatively, you can simply cover the filling with the 12-inch pie dough circle. Cut slits in the top to form steam vents. Trim and crimp the edges.
> Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with the egg/milk mixture. Sprinkle the top with a little coarse sugar, if desired.
> Place the pie onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes.
> At the end of the 20 minutes, cover the edges of the pie crust with strips of foil, to prevent burning. Bake for an additional 25 – 30 minutes, until golden brown.
> Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for 3 full hours at room temperature before serving. This time allows the filling to thicken up.
> Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
> Notes
> Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: This is a great pie to make 1 day in advance since it is so juicy, the filling will have time to set overnight. The pie crust dough can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
> Baked pie freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving. Prepared filling can be frozen up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
> Riddle & Brain Buster
> 
> By Alex Smart
> Alex at TheBlindPerspective.com
> Riddle
> 
> I live without a body, hear without ears, speak without a mouth, to which the air alone gives birth. What am I?
> Answer to June’s riddle:
> Which tree is the most difficult to get along with?
> Crabtree
> Brain Buster
> 
> Salty Language
> There are four common words in the English language that contain the consecutive letters n, a,c, and l.
> Name three of them.
> Answers to June’s brain busters:
> Prize, conscious. Award, aware.
> Frightened, winter apparel worn around the neck. Scare, scarf.
> Person who poses for pictures, computer telephone link. Model, modem.
> Very fine, as in a cigar, groom oneself infront of a mirror. Primo, primp.
> Thirty first president of the US, horses feet. Hoover, hooves.
> Sound of a wheel that needs greasing, sound of a pig that’s being greased. Squeak, squeal.
> Extremely ugly, thieves get away spot. Hideous, hideout.
> The Blind Perspective
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