[NFBV-Announce] News you can use

Mon Apr 24 00:49:19 UTC 2023

Hey NFB Family and Friends,

Please be aware of the new section, Career Opportunities, DBVI and other
organizations will be sharing career opportunities with our NFB Family each
week. 

Thanks and enjoy.

Things To Do.

Dear VIP Friends, (by BCC)

We hope that you will join us for our monthly meeting IN PERSON with a
HYBRID ZOOM (LISTEN ONLY) OPTION this coming Monday at 2 PM at the Patrick
Henry Library. 

VIENNA VIP RESOURCE GROUP

MONTHLY MEETING

DATE:  Monday, April 24, 2023

TIME:  2PM - 4 PM

LOCATION;  Patrick Henry Library Conference Room

                     101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna VA 22180

                AND by Zoom (Invitation at the end of this email)

TOPIC:  A Preview and Explanation of what to expect from the Low
Vision/Blind Assistive Technology Fair (on May 22, 2023) that Vienna VIP is
hosting.

HOSTS & CO-CHAIRS; Rachel Schreiman and Ann Koch will give a list and
explanation of the different types of Visual and Non-Visual Assistive
Devices and Resources, from low tech to high tech, many of which will be
demonstrated at the Tech Fair next month. They will also show some examples.
All members in attendance this Monday will have the opportunity to ask
questions and participate in discussion about assistive technology and begin
to think about accommodations that might enhance their own independence and
quality of life.

We have 4 Low Vision Tech Vendors participating in our first ever VIP Tech
Fair, so plenty for everyone to see, learn and touch. And you will be given
the opportunity to meet with any of the vendors at a later date if you are
interested in taking a closer look.  We will be sending several reminders
about this event with more specific information about each vendor and what
they are demonstrating in the next couple of weeks in preparation for this
Fair.

RSVP & SIGN-UPS: Unlike most meetings, we are asking for RSVPs for the TECH
FAIR. We really need to know if you plan to come and at what time! We will
have 2 slotted sessions (at 2PM - 3PM, and at 3PM - 4PM) in order to keep
some structure and reduce crowding, chaos and confusion. We will have a
spreadsheet Sign-Up at our meeting this Monday for those in attendance to
reserve their spot... INCENTIVE TO COME ON MONDAY! We are hoping for great
interest and attendance for this Fair in May!

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US THIS MONDAY, APRIL 24, AND ON MONDAY, MAY 22 FOR
THE VENDOR FAIR!

(SEE THE ZOOM INVITATION BELOW)

#########

Rachel Schreiman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Vienna VIP Zoom Meeting

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

<https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82471264970?pwd=TURKM3g3WWNxUEZ3T3JQMG5WWmFjdz09>
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82471264970?pwd=TURKM3g3WWNxUEZ3T3JQMG5WWmFjdz09

Meeting ID: 824 7126 4970

Passcode: 54321

One tap mobile

+16468769923,,82471264970# US (New York)

+16469313860,,82471264970# US

Dial by your location

        +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

        +1 646 931 3860 US

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Meeting ID: 824 7126 4970

Find your local number:  <https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbAvmTnOaA>
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbAvmTnOaA

########

We look forward to seeing you all on Monday! 

All our best wishes for 2023, 

Ann Koch

John Cox

Rachel Schreiman

Vienna VIP

Come one come all and get your work-out on!!!  The National Federation of
the Blind of New York State is inviting everyone to join us for a fun-filled
hour of physical fitness.  Jahron Black, the chair of the NYS Sports &
Recreation Group, will be taking us on an exciting journey through health
and wellness.  All are welcomed!    !

Topic:  Spring Cleaning For Your Mind, Body & Spirit

Date: April, 24 2023

Time: 7PM-8PM EST

Where: Everywhere with a WIFI connection

Rasheta Bunting: One Heart One Vision She/Her is inviting you to a scheduled
Zoom meeting.

Topic: The National Federation of the Blind of New York sport's & recreation
group

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83616576023

Meeting ID: 836 1657 6023

One tap mobile

+16469313860,,83616576023# US

Career Opportunities.

Find info regarding open positions at DBVI. 

Having trouble viewing this email?
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
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158380662-l> View it as a Web page.

<https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/VADBVI/2020/07/350
5674/dbvispot-corrected-blue_original.png> 

DBVI Career Opportunities - 4/21/23

Listed below are the DBVI Career Opportunities currently posted.  Each
position may be accessed directly in the state PageUp system by clicking on
the applicable Quicklink.  Since vacancies are posted frequently, check
PageUp for the most up to date listing at
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3NlYXJjaD9kcm9wZG93bl9maWVsZF8y
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PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6aEwmtxyvivzZoFpG
KfYO2mbxiElksbOpKHZEm-frbc/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l>
jobs.virginia.gov.

Here are some helpful tips to remember when applying:

*	Review the position's Job Description.
*	Complete PageUp application accurately to reflect relevant work
history as it relates to the position for which you are applying.
*	Contact HR, prior to the position closing, if you have any issues
accessing PageUp or submitting an application.   
*	PageUp closes all positions at 11:55 pm on the Closing Date.
*	Screening is based upon information relevant to the position for
which you are applying. HR determines candidates for interview by comparing
the information disclosed in the application, resume, cover letter and
transcripts to the screening criteria for the particular position.

Be sure to like DBVI on Facebook at
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vVkRCVkk_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNl
PWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.jifzuBdXjfPtGlc1sJUt6DGmyCeCvQSujrxNzXy_cms/s/2990991032
/br/161158380662-l> https://www.facebook.com/VDBVI and visit us on the web
at
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5kYnZpLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9
Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.XPjRef-7I83Beg8pZGCWkhwpuvMtmEQ8FQGKCe3ipNE/s/2990991032/
br/161158380662-l> https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov.

Job Title:               Rehabilitation Teacher
Location:               Richmond
Position #:             504068
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlaGFiaWxpdGF0aW9uLXRlYWNoZXIt
YnZpMDAxMDYtYnZpMDAyMTktcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVk
aXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.um86pN2spYTyPkwtAAF52gO90PhmR
TtbDFV4KpUD3Cc/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Location:               Norfolk
Position #:             501814
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
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bWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.4vWdDCn5GNGIgmJT3ewre8z-p
tdeXD5jjcyJf1lX16I/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Braille Transcriber
Location:               Henrico
Position #:             497960
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2JyYWlsbGUtdHJhbnNjcmliZXItYnZp
MDAxODItaGVucmljby12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRt
X3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.2LVdY1wqnSWcjk0Ldnsyg9jO3-_6e1XL-W2xUj6UQDA/s/2
990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Access Technology Instructor
Location:               Henrico
Position #:             499165
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2FjY2Vzcy10ZWNobm9sb2d5LWluc3Ry
dWN0b3ItcmNiMDAwMTEtaGVucmljby12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09
ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.5Q7-YU_MNEdW_yQ2RjXmq-Uk4nw5SD18FYU
lk7JWgOM/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Braille Instructor
Location:               Henrico
Position #:             501412
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2JyYWlsbGUtaW5zdHJ1Y3Rvci1yY2Iw
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c291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.LBL2MpWRfC-9rirC7Pu8B377Pf8ETPWj1Ks8oSBxdow/s/29
90991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Location:               Fairfax
Position #:             503089
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZvY2F0aW9uYWwtcmVoYWJpbGl0YXRp
b24tY291bnNlbG9yLWJ2aTAwMTY5LWZhaXJmYXgtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1f
bWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6DIsFH6cBaDwPc9iGkKCnOxwl
ZOPyacdHAZHezJ2KNY/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Orientation & Mobility Specialist (Sign on Bonus)
Location:               Staunton
Position #:             499667
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL29yaWVudGF0aW9uLW1vYmlsaXR5LXNw
ZWNpYWxpc3Qtc2lnbi1vbi1ib251cy1idmkwMDEyNy1zdGF1bnRvbi12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQt
c3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.eomIeqBDNLe
owXbRgDOmIPERc4HYbHVmQUbCH-yt44I/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Production Associate III
Location:               Charlottesville
Position #:             501758
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
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BqjyEfzeuqcBJ4/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Shipping/ Receiving Associate IV
Location:               Richmond
Position #:             499261
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3NoaXBwaW5nLXJlY2VpdmluZy1hc3Nv
Y2lhdGUtaXYtYnZpaXIwMjAtcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVk
aXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.0xls-5qGeob_1hb5oh-uUpPnkN2ik
SQSKnhNY_Ir9A8/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               VIB-Associate - Fire Extinguisher Dept./
Driver/Shipping/Receiving
Location:               Richmond
Position #:             498425
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZpYi1hc3NvY2lhdGUtZmlyZS1leHRp
bmd1aXNoZXItZGVwdC1kcml2ZXItc2hpcHBpbmctcmVjZWl2aW5nLWJ2aWlyMDAyLXJpY2htb25k
LXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRl
bGl2ZXJ5In0.dz6rgaG9IRpj0WOFA-MvDccGg4L4P7dJNbjSbxRF-u4/s/2990991032/br/1611
58380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Supply Store Associate - Ft. Belvoir
Location:               Fairfax County
Position #:             498215
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTQsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
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P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.4cKsUKLXHJwJmkmWnpI
blsqZdNoZP9PuRhdayh-dKCQ/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Receiver/Delivery Driver - Ft. Belvoir VIB Base
Supply Store
Location:               Fairfax County
Position #:             498128
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTUsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlY2VpdmVyLWRlbGl2ZXJ5LWRyaXZl
ci1mdC1iZWx2b2lyLXZpYi1iYXNlLXN1cHBseS1zdG9yZS1idmlpczE3NS1mYWlyZmF4LWNvdW50
eS12aXJnaW5pYS11bml0ZWQtc3RhdGVzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3Zk
ZWxpdmVyeSJ9.tTmbfhPZn3xJERjfcPePdoRwytqozG-Cvnve2hQdzks/s/2990991032/br/161
158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               VIB Kitting Warehouse Associate I (Wage) 
Location:               Virginia Beach
Position #:             495466
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3ZpYi1raXR0aW5nLXdhcmVob3VzZS1h
c3NvY2lhdGUtaS13YWdlLXdlczAyLXJpY2htb25kLXZpcmdpbmlhLXVuaXRlZC1zdGF0ZXM_dXRt
X21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.tllNx43rLKjKZQ94temchMng
aJRD37tr0HU_Wsku-QQ/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now

Job Title:               Contract Closeout Specialist CMS /Chester
Location:               Chesterfield
Position #:             494352
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTcsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL2NvbnRyYWN0LWNsb3Nlb3V0LXNwZWNp
YWxpc3QtY21zLWNoZXN0ZXItYnZpaXMwOTktcmljaG1vbmQtdmlyZ2luaWEtdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRl
cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.G-D_9nE6Twz3FiFiu
KqtBmPKDOTosPgjmEb31YJPkQ4/s/2990991032/br/161158380662-l> Apply Now 

Job Title:               Rehabilitation Technology Specialist (Wage)
Location:               Norfolk
Position #:             494780
Closing Date:        Open until filled
Quicklink:
<https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTgsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjEuNzU1NzQyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
dHRwczovL3d3dy5qb2JzLnZpcmdpbmlhLmdvdi9qb2JzL3JlaGFiaWxpdGF0aW9uLXRlY2hub2xv
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Articles.

The Hearing Review - Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 10:53 AM

Scientists Create Drug-like Cocktail to Regenerate Hair Cells

Researchers make breakthrough with drug-like cocktail to regenerate hair
cells using a mouse model

Experts say that effective hearing loss treatments have eluded medicine due
to sensory cells in the inner ear-called hair cells-becoming damaged or
destroyed, of which cannot be regenerated. This loss of hair cells, which
can be caused by aging, noise exposure, and other factors, renders an
individual's hearing loss permanent.-

Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil 

Scientists at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, share that
they may have developed a solution to address this limitation. A research
team led by Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil
<https://researchers.masseyeandear.org/details/289> , an associate scientist
in the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories
<https://www.masseyeandear.org/research/otolaryngology/eaton-peabody-laborat
ories>  at Mass Eye and Ear, reports that they have created a drug-like
cocktail of different molecules that successfully regenerated hair cells in
a mouse model by reprogramming a series of genetic pathways within the inner
ear.

The researchers published their findings April 17 in
<https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2215253120>  Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), stating that they could one day pave
the way for clinical trials for a gene therapy that can be administered to
people with hearing loss.

"These findings are extremely exciting because throughout the history of the
hearing loss field, the ability to regenerate hair cells in an inner ear has
been the holy grail," commented Chen, who is also an associate professor of
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School. "We now have
a drug-like cocktail that shows the feasibility of an approach that we can
explore for future clinical applications."

Past research notes that hearing loss impacts about 48 million Americans and
430 million people worldwide, with the numbers expected to grow with the
aging population. More than 90% of these individuals have sensorineural
hearing loss, which is reportedly caused by damage to the inner ear and the
destruction of hair cells responsible for relaying sounds to the brain.
Preceding research states that hair cells cannot be regenerated in mammals,
including humans, because unlike other cells in the body, any remaining hair
cells in the inner ear cannot divide and other inner ear cells cannot
convert themselves into new hair cells. Other species like fish, birds and
reptiles, however, possess this ability.

Previously, it has been reported that Chen's research team studied zebrafish
and chickens to uncover which pathways were responsible for inducing the
cell division required to regenerate new hair cells. They discovered two
molecular signaling pathways-Myc and Notch-were crucial to this process. In
a study published in 2019
<https://www.masseyeandear.org/news/press-releases/2019/12/reprogramming-the
-inner-ear-to-regrow-hair-cells-shows-promise-to-be-an-effective-target-for-
hearing-loss-treatments> , they demonstrated that when these pathways were
activated in adult transgenic mice, remaining inner ear cells could divide
and develop characteristics of hair cells. According to the team, the new
cells contained transduction channels that relay sound signals and the
ability to form connections with auditory neurons-processes essential to
hearing.

According to Chen, while an exciting discovery at the time, such an approach
was not directly translatable to people. Unlike transgenic mice, humans
cannot have Myc and Notch pathways turned on like a light switch. A drug
therapy, he explained, would have to be introduced to the inner ear to
activate the Myc and Notch pathways.

Previous studies have shown that a chemical compound called valproic acid
(VPA), can activate Notch, however, as of now no molecule exists to
effectively activate Myc. That led the researchers to instead look for drug
molecules that can alter the downstream pathways that turn on and off when
Myc is activated. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, they discovered that
activating Myc and Notch led to a downstream effect in which two other
pathways, Wnt and cAMP, became activated. The researchers noted they found
chemical compounds that can directly activate Wnt and cAMP, which were said
to be of utmost importance. They then used small biological molecules called
small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to remove genes downstream that suppressed
the activation of the Myc pathway.

"Think about a brake when driving a car," explained Chen. "If the brake is
always engaged, you can't drive. We found an siRNA that could remove the
brake in this genetic pathway."

The researchers then combined the chemical compounds and siRNA molecules
into a drug-like cocktail. They delivered it to the inner ear of a normal
adult mouse with damaged hair cells-an important distinction, as wildtype,
non-transgenic mice would be more translatable to humans. They further
delivered the gene Atoh1 by a gene therapy approach that utilizes a harmless
adenovirus into the cocktail-treated inner ear. Remarkably, they found this
drug-like cocktail combined with adenovirus turned on Myc and Notch, which
led to the regeneration of new hair cells. They verified that the hair cells
were functional through advanced imaging and other techniques.

Last year, this research project was selected as one of the
<https://worldmedicalinnovation.org/2022-disruptive-dozen/> "Disruptive
Dozen" gene and cell therapy technologies most likely to have a significant
impact on health care over the next several years at the Mass General
Brigham World Medical Innovation Forum. Mass General Brigham recently
launched its Gene and Cell Therapy Institute
<https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/research-and-innovation/centers-and-p
rograms/gene-cell-therapy>  to help translate scientific discoveries made by
researchers like Chen into first-in-human clinical trials.

It has been reported that the researchers are conducting ongoing studies and
refinements to this treatment approach in larger animal models, which they
say are necessary before applying to initiate clinical trials. They note
that more research is needed to address limitations and challenges for
delivering a treatment to the inner ear. They are examining different gene
therapy and surgical methods, including an approach previously honed at Mass
Eye and Ear
<https://masseyeandear.org/news/press-releases/2022/03/synthetic-viral-vecto
r-and-surgical-technique-effectively-deliver-genetic-cargo-to-inner-ear-in-p
reclinical-study> , in which a different viral vector called an
adeno-associated virus (AAV) was able to precisely and safely deliver gene
therapy to the inner ear through a novel surgery. Similar AAV-surgical
approaches are currently used at Mass Eye and Ear in approved and
experimental drug therapies for patients with blinding inherited retinal
disorders.

"My colleagues and I frequently are contacted by people with hearing loss
who are desperate for effective treatments," commented Chen. "If we can
combine a surgical procedure with a refined gene therapy delivery method, we
hope we can achieve our number one goal of bringing a new treatment into the
clinic."

Source: Mass Eye and Ear

Expanding the reach of accessible books

Millions of people with disabilities face what is known as a "book famine",
preventing them from reading books in a format that meets their
accessibility needs. 

Furthermore, there is a global divide in people's access to technology.
While 75 percent of people in developed countries own a smartphone, only 25
percent of people in the top 10 low- and middle-income do, and people with
disabilities often earning less than those without disabilities.  

The number of accessible digital books is growing. However, they are often
in formats that cannot be accessed on basic phones, MP3 players or less
powerful refreshable braille displays, let alone account for lack of
internet connectivity or electricity.  

DAISY <https://daisy.org/> 's vision is to create a world where books and
learning are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability. Together with
their members they have developed a software suite which can produce,
validate and convert accessible books. While the solution, known as
"Pipeline", has proven benefits and capability, it also holds a high degree
of complexity that often requires an IT department for installation and
configuration. Through a Microsoft Accessibility Innovation grant
<https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility> , DAISY took on
the challenge of leveraging the existing technology and making it more
efficient for lower power computers, while also simplifying installation and
configuration.  

Additionally, DAISY recognized that in many low- and middle-income
countries, local languages do not exist for the mor affordable digital
braille displays. DAISY analysed the areas of biggest need (number of
speakers, whether books are published in that particular language, potential
impact) and as a result prioritized two new languages, Swahili and Chichewa.
DAISY then collaborated with braille experts in these languages to create
and integrate new braille tables into Liblouis, the open-source software
that powers devices and products. The latest version of Liblouis, released
earlier this year, now supports Swahili and Chichewa braille. 

The outputs of the new conversion tool were validated with local communities
and people with disabilities. Even within these trials the impact has been
considerable, with many of the users being able to read for themselves for
the first time in their lives. As Masho Kidanemariam, Executive Director for
SENEthiopia, shares: "The Blind and visually impaired students in Ethiopia
have very limited access to accessible book formats and their chances of
owning smart phones or DAISY player to read books have reduced further due
to the war. DAISY Consortium has developed the software to convert DAISY
books to a format compatible with simple MP3 player. This has unimaginable
benefit to our situation as we now have access to several thousands of books
that can be provided to persons with print disabilities even in our country.
This will enable the Blind and visually impaired persons in low-income
countries, including Ethiopia, to not only have access to school textbooks
but also university reference works, fiction and nonfictional works in
accessible formats." 

A student at the Mekele Blind School using Talking Textbook (photo credit
SENEthiopia) 

https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/expanding-the-reach-of-accessible-
books/

Peace,

Jacki Bruce

Corresponding Secretary, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia

RISE/Silver Bells Outreach Coordinator

 <mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com> mailto:jackibruce6 at gmail.com
 <tel:(757)291-1789> tel:(757)291-1789
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 <http://www.nfbv.org/> www.nfbv.org

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