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Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – February 2009
"Guild Briefs" is made possible in part by grants from the Dr. Scholl Foundation and donations by Guild members.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. If the hours listed above do not meet your needs, please contact us to discuss other arrangements.
The following articles do not constitute an endorsement by the Guild for the Blind's editorial staff. --Editor, Edwin Hill
CONTENTS
1. Vision Loss Workshops
2. Independence without Driving
3. Gardening with Vision Loss
4. February Guild Technology Programs
5. Jobs to Do from Home
6. Looking Ahead Support Group
7. Individual Counseling
8. Datetopia
9. New Group for Loved Ones
10. Free CCTV to Deserving Recipient
11. Upcoming Guild Programs
12. K-NFB Reader Clarification
13. Facts about AMD
14. TV Digital Converters
15. NFBI Scholarships and Internships
FEBRUARY CALENDAR
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1. Vision Loss Workshops
If you or someone you know is coping with vision loss, the Guild’s New Visions workshops can help. In February, the Guild will travel to Vernon Hills and Orland Park. We will also offer programs on Dining Skills in Skokie, Stress Management in Hometown and Medication Management in Evanston. These free workshops introduce people to resources, tools and strategies for coping with vision loss. See calendar for dates and locations. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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2. Independence without Driving
Join Polly Abbott at the Guild for a DVD presentation and group discussion on strategies to remain independent after giving up driving. Tues., March 10, 1:30 pm. Free. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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3. Gardening with Vision Loss
The Guild is once again offering its popular gardening workshop. We will discuss strategies for gardening in containers or beds, safety concerns and plants that enhance the experience for those with vision loss. All levels are welcome. Sat., March 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Free. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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4. February Guild Technology Programs
The Guild is offering two opportunities to learn about new technologies. Tech Exchange will feature Humanware’s Trekker Breeze, an easy-to-operate talking GPS system. Feb. 3, 4:00 pm. Getting the Music on My Stream will show you how to use CDEX software to transfer music from your PC to your Victor Reader Stream. Feb. 18, 1:30 pm. Both are free but registration is required for the Stream program. Contact David Flament or Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or email
davidf@guildfortheblind.org
or
kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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5. Jobs to Do from Home
The Guild is hosting a panel of professionals with vision loss discussing the keys to managing a career from home and how they got started. Thur., Feb. 12, 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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6. Looking Ahead Support Group
The Guild’s new support group, Looking Ahead, just successfully completed its first 15-week session and is ready to begin a new group. Lauri Dishman, our licensed clinical professional counselor, facilitates this program to help members adjust to vision loss. Our next series begins Feb. 25, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Contact Lauri for details at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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7. Individual Counseling
The Guild now offers free counseling services. If you or someone you know is having difficulty coping with vision loss, please contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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8. Datetopia
The Guild is offering its popular dating workshop just in time for Valentine’s Day. Be a part of our fun and interactive workshop. Learn the best places to meet people and strategies for handling the “blindness conversation.” Fri., Feb. 13, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Guild. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or email
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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9. New Group for Loved Ones
The Guild will offer a monthly forum for family and friends of people with vision loss. The forum will allow support people to gather and talk about the pressures that can emerge when assisting loved ones with vision loss. Topics will focus on coping strategies, communication skills and resources available. This group will meet once per month starting in July 2009. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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10. Free CCTV to Deserving Recipient
The Guild’s Joseph T. Prinske Memorial CCTV fund will award to a deserving recipient a closed circuit television (CCTV) of his/her choosing. To be eligible, a person must demonstrate financial need and provide an explanation of how the device will be used. The application deadline is Fri., March 6. For more information or to receive an application, contact David Tabak at 312-236-8569 or david@guildfortheblind.org.
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11. Upcoming Guild Programs
If you would like a list of all upcoming Guild programs through June 2009, please call us at 312-236-8569 or send an email to
info@guildfortheblind.org.
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12. K-NFB Reader Clarification
In the January issue we reported the price for the K-NFB Reader had dropped to $995. However, that price is for the software only. The complete package including the device, software, installation, activation and support is $1,495. Contact E. M. VITU, the Illinois distributor for the K-NFB Reader, at 888-367-4004. We apologize for any confusion.
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13. Facts about AMD
The National Eye Institute has an online resource on Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The site has information on the difference between wet and dry forms, causes and risk factors, symptoms and detection, treatment and research. Visit: www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts.asp.
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14. TV Digital Converters
At midnight on Feb. 17, all full-power television stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital broadcasting. If your TV is connected to a cable, satellite or other pay TV service, you won't be affected by this change. If you're using an antenna, such as “rabbit ears,” you'll need a converter. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has an article on the accessible features of converters. Visit: www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw090602.
If you do not have web access, contact David Tabak at the Guild, 312-236-8569, for a large print version.
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15. NFBI Scholarships and Internships
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) has scholarship opportunities for qualified students. To be eligible an applicant must be a legally blind resident of, or student in, Illinois who is enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program. Scholarships range from $1,250 – $2,000. NFBI is also offering 4 – 6 week summer internships. Electronic application forms for the scholarships or internships can be downloaded from www.nfbofillinois.org or contact Deborah Kent Stein at 773-631-1093. Deadline: March 31.
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FEBRUARY CALENDAR
Tues., Feb. 3, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange - Trekker Breeze.
(Click here to read article)
Mon., Feb. 9 at 12:45: Next Steps - Stress Management at Sights Unlimited, Hometown. For all New Visions and Next Step programs, contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guidfortheblind.org.
Tues., Feb. 10, 10:00 am: Next Steps - Dining With Confidence at Village of Skokie, Low Vision Support Group.
Wed., Feb. 11, Mar. 11, June 10 & July 8, 2:00 pm: New Visions Workshops at Hawthorne Lakes, Vernon Hills.
Thur., Feb. 12, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Jobs to Do from Home.
(Click here to read article)
Fri., Feb 13, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Datetopia. (Click here to read article)
Tues., Feb. 17 at 10:00: New Visions Introductory Presentation at Orland Township, Orland Park.
Wed., Feb. 18, 1:30 pm: Getting the Music on My Stream.
(Click here to read article)
Thur., Feb. 19, 3:00: Next Steps –Medication Management at Presbyterian Homes, Evanston.
Wed., Feb. 25 – Wed., June 3, 6:00 – 7:30 pm: Looking Ahead Support Group. (Click here to read article)
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Programs & Services - For Those With New Vision Loss - Low Vision Devices & Tools for Daily Living - Guild Briefs - Scholarships - Passionate Focus Art Exhibit - Program Partners - Donor Opportunities - Calendar of Events