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Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – March 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. KNFB Reader Demonstration
5. Free SD Card Reader with Stream Purchase
6. More Effective Job Searches
7. Interview Workshop
8. Guild Magnifier Sale
9. Guild Briefs Audio Version
10. Guild Staff Changes
11. Reform Illinois Now
12. New Seika Braille Display
13. Listen Out Loud Recordings
14. Revised Macular Degeneration Website
15. Braille Spelling Bee and Instruction
16. Braille Music Institute
MARCH 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 March, the Guild will travel to Orland Park, Highland Park and Schaumburg. We will also offer programs on magnifiers in Niles and dining with confidence in Lake Forest. 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's popular gardening workshop discusses 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. KNFB Reader Demonstration
The new KNFB Reader will be demonstrated at our March Tech Exchange meeting. This is a great opportunity to try this multifunction cell phone that allows you to read mail, receipts, labels and many other documents. Free. Tues., March 3 at 4:00 pm. Contact Kathy Austin or David Flament at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org
or
davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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5. Free SD Card Reader with Stream Purchase
For a limited time, we are offering a free SD card reader with a purchase of a Victor Reader Stream. Your purchase will also include a 4 GB memory card, all for the low price of $329. The Stream is a very versatile device that enables you to read talking books from NLS, music, text files and much more. We accept DHS and VA vouchers. Workshops are offered throughout the year to help you use the Stream. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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6. More Effective Job Searches
Making Your Job Search More Effective in Today’s Job Market is a comprehensive three-week course designed to take you step-by-step through the process of looking for a job. Topics include effective networking, outcomes-based resume writing, disclosure during the interviewing process, SSA benefits planning and more. Class begins Mon., May 4 and runs through Fri., May 22, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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7. Interview Workshop
This two-hour workshop offers tips on reducing stress, preparing for a job interview and evaluating your performance. Thurs, Mar. 12, 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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8. Guild Magnifier Sale
In March the Guild is offering 10% off all magnifiers we carry. We are also offering 20% off all stand and pocket magnifiers, limited to current stock. Video magnifiers are not included. Contact Brian Hollandsworth at 312-236-8569 or
brian@guildfortheblind.org.
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9. Guild Briefs Audio Version
The Guild has partnered with the National Federation of the Blind, Illinois Chapter to post our Guild Briefs on their Newsline service. This partnership will allow us to offer you current and past issues of Guild Briefs through the convenience of your phone. Newsline also provides free access to over 250 local and national newspapers from any phone. For more information on Newsline call 866-504-7300. This enhanced audio version will replace Guild Briefs on audio tape, which we will cease offering with our June 2009 issue.
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10. Guild Staff Changes
Kerry Obrist is no longer with the Guild for the Blind. We thank Kerry for her years of service to the Guild and our members, especially her work in the development of our current programs. Polly Abbott has been promoted to Director of Rehabilitation Services. Please join us in congratulating Polly and wishing Kerry all the best in her future endeavors.
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11. Reform Illinois Now
The newly established Reform Illinois Now commission has provided us with a rare opportunity to give suggestions on how to improve our state government. Visit
www.reformillinoisnow.org
or call 312-324-8486 to share your opinion. The commission has 100 days to complete their task so get your comments and opinions in soon.
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12. New Seika Braille Display
Perkins Products has introduced this new 40-cell refreshable braille display. The screen reader software interface works with the most popular screen readers available. Contact Gayle Yarnall at
Gayle.Yarnall@Perkins.org
or call 978-462-3817.
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13. Listen Out Loud Recordings
Listen and Learn Recordings is a web-based resource offering introduction and tutorials on using hardware and software. Recent additions include a look at the Windows 7 beta with JAWS and a demonstration of using the Talks web browser for Symbian phones. Visit:
www.lalrecordings.com.
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14. Revised Macular Degeneration Website
AMD.org revised its website to improve accessibility, provide more information and offer the ability to email or print every article. There is a section for family and caregivers that includes a video demonstrating what it's like to have AMD. Visit
www.amd.org.
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15. Braille Spelling Bee and Instruction
Blind Service Association will host its first annual spelling bee on Sat., May 2 for students with vision loss. There will be two competitions: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12. The winner of each competition receives a $200 cash prize. Blind Services also offers individual braille instruction. Call 312-236-0808 for more information.
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16. Braille Music Institute
The National Resource Center for Blind Musicians is accepting applications for its seminar for blind college-bound musicians, July 19-25 at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia. Designed for serious braille-reading music students preparing for or already in college, the program focuses on developing braille music and theory skills and learning to use technology to produce print notation. Contact David Goldstein at 203-366-3300, ext. 229, or info@blindmusicstudent.org.
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March Calendar
Tues., March 3 at 4:00 pm, KNFB Reader Demonstration. Click here to read article.
Tues., Mar. 3, 2:30 pm: Next Steps Magnifier Madness at St. Andrew’s Life Center, Niles. For all New Visions and Next Step programs, contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
Tues., Mar. 3, 4:00 pm: KNFB Reader Demonstration. Click here to read article.
Thur., Mar. 5, 10:00 am: New Visions at Orland Township, Orland Park.
Fri., Mar. 6, 13, 20 & Apr. 3, 10:00 am: New Visions at Highland Park Senior Center, Highland Park.
Tues., Mar. 10, 1:30 pm: Next Steps Independence without Driving at Guild Office.
Thurs, Mar. 12, 1:30 - 3:30: Interviewing Workshop. Click here to read article.
Tues., Mar. 17, 10:00 am: New Visions introductory presentation at The Park at Golf Mill, Niles.
Wed., Mar. 18, 10:00 am: New Visions introductory presentation at Friendship Village, Schaumburg.
Sat., Mar. 21, 10:00: Next Steps Gardening at the Guild Office. Click here to read article.
Fri., Mar. 27, 10:30: Next Steps Independence without Driving at Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge.
Tues., Mar 31, 10:00 am: Next Steps Dining with Confidence at Lake Forest Place, Lake Forest.
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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