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Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – April 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. More than Just an Elbow
3. Guild Solutions 2009
4. Introduction to Adaptive Technology
5. Tech Exchange - CSUN Wrap Up
6. Working a Job Fair
7. More Effective Job Searches
8. Social Security Benefits Program
9. New at the Guild Product Center
10. Guild Briefs Audio Version
11. Consumer Phone Line
12. New Version of Mobile Geo
13. NFB Parent Seminar
14. Top 25 Gaming Sites
15. Braille Camera
APRIL 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 April, the Guild will visit Schaumburg, St. Charles, Niles and Bensenville. See calendar for details. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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2. More than Just an Elbow
Learn techniques for guiding or being guided using body cues. Topics covered include stairs, doorways and tight situations. Free. May 1, 1:30 - 2:30 pm. Class size limited to 6 couples and is taught by qualified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Registration is required. Contact Polly Abbott at 312-236-8569 or
polly@guildfortheblind.org.
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3. Guild Solutions 2009
The Guild will be hosting its popular annual adaptive technology fair. Topics include: The Newest Portable Technology, Getting the Most for Your Money and Low Vision Devices to Go. Representatives and local vendors from leading adaptive technology companies will be on site to demonstrate their products. Sat., Apr. 25, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Free, but registration is required. Contact David Flament or Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569, davidf@guildfortheblind.org
or
kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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4. Introduction to Adaptive Technology
The Guild is offering an introduction to adaptive technology workshop. This workshop is designed for anyone who works with or knows someone with a visual impairment including teachers, parents and support people. You will gain a basic understanding of what adaptive technology is and how it can help people with vision loss. Sat., May 2, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Free. Contact David Flament at 312-236-8569 or email davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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5. Tech Exchange - CSUN Wrap Up
David Flament will present his annual wrap up from the California State University at Northridge (CSUN) Adaptive Technology conference. This is always an exciting meeting with information on the newest adaptive technology. Tue., Apr. 7, 4:00 pm. Free. Contact David Flament, davidf@guildfortheblind.org
or Kathy Austin,
kathya@guildfortheblind.org
or at 312-236-8569.
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6. Working a Job Fair
This workshop offers ways to plan ahead so you can maximize your effectiveness at job fairs. Tips will focus on preparation, presence and taking the conversation to the next level. Free. Thur., April 9, 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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7. More Effective Job Searches
The Guild’s 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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8. Social Security Benefits Program
Jocelyn Romasanta of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities will discuss how to adequately plan ahead once you start combining income from your job with your Social Security benefits. She will also provide information about the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities program. Free. Thurs, May 14, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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9. New at the Guild Product Center
The Consumer Product Center is now carrying the Moshi, a voice controlled talking alarm clock, calendar, thermometer and nightlight. $50.00. Contact Brian Hollandsworth at 312-236-8569 or
brian@guildfortheblind.org.
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10. 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. Please note you must be registered with Talking Books to be eligible for Newsline. 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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11. Consumer Phone Line
The Consumer Phone Line provides ads for grocery store sales and more via the telephone. The Phone Line is also seeking volunteers to read ads. Call 773-597-4300 or (Spanish) 773-597-4308.
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12. New Version of Mobile Geo
The newest version of Mobile Geo for Windows Mobile-enabled cell phones is now available. Version 1.5 now includes support for Microsoft Voice Command, new setting to define the maximum speed to announce approaching intersections, pedometer function to keep track of the traveled distance, new map and points of interest. Mobil Geo also supports Symbian phones. For more information, visit www.codefactory.es/en/purchase.asp?id=52.
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13. NFB Parent Seminar
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois is hosting a day-long seminar for parents of blind children. Topics include individualized education plans (IEP's), socialization and other important issues in the lives of blind children. Blind adults will share their experiences, explaining what worked for them when they were growing up and what could be improved. Sat., April 4 at the O'Hare Holiday Inn, Chicago. Contact Carmen Dennis at 773-631-1093 or carmen88@comcast.net.
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14. Top 25 Gaming Sites
7128 Software has updated its list of 25 best gaming sites for people with vision loss. Visit www.7128.com/top25/topsiteslists.html
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15. Braille Camera
Time magazine included the Touch Sight camera number 50 on the best inventions list for 2008. The device makes it possible for individuals with vision loss to record a digital photograph of their surroundings using senses other than vision. The camera uses a braille-like screen to make a raised image of whatever the lens sees. It records sound for three seconds after pressing the shutter so the user can use the sound as a reference when reviewing and managing the photos. The camera has a lightweight, flexible braille display sheet and the image can be saved on the camera or uploaded to share with others. Visit
www.image-acquire.com/samsung-touch-sight-camera/.
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APRIL CALENDAR
Wed., Apr. 1, 8, 15 & 29, 10:00 am: New Visions workshop at Friendship Village, Schaumburg. For all New Visions and Next Steps programs, contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or
kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
Thur., Apr. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 10:00 am: New Visions workshops at The Park at Golf Mill, Niles.
Sat., Apr. 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Harry Osterman Senior Fair, Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, Chicago.
Sat., Apr. 4, 9:00 am: NFB Parents Conference.
Tue., Apr. 7, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange: CSUN Wrap Up.
Thur., April 9, 1:30 - 3:30: Working a Job Fair.
Tue., Apr. 14, 10:30 am: New Visions introductory presentation at St. Charles Public Library.
Thur., Apr 16, 2:30 pm: Next Steps “Out and About” at North Shore Senior Center, Evanston.
Fri., Apr 17, 10:30 am: New Visions introductory presentation at Bridgeway of Bensenville.
Tue., Apr 21, 1:30 pm: Next Steps, Magnifier Madness, at The Moorings of Arlington Heights.
Fri., Apr 24, 10:00 am: Maine Township Swing into Spring Senior Expo, Niles.
Sat., Apr. 25, 9:30 am: Guild Solutions at Guild Office.
Wed., Apr 29, 1:30 pm: New Visions introductory presentation at Niles Senior Center.
Thur., Apr 30, May 7, 14 & 21, 10:30 am: New Visions workshops at St. Charles Public Library.
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Each month “Guild Briefs” reaches more than 4,000 subscribers. The Guild offers free publicity to non-profit organizations serving people vision loss (space permitting). Please send announcements to briefs@guildfortheblind.org. Deadline: 25th of the month. Please allow 4 weeks for the announcement to run.
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