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Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – May 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. Cell Phone Workshop
6. Victor Reader Stream Workshop
7. Job Readiness Training
8. Using the Internet in Your Job Search
9. Support Group for Loved Ones
10. Guild Briefs Audio Version
11. Learning to use Newsline
12. Passionate Focus
13. Affordable Screen-Reading Options
14. Dolphin Guide
MAY 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 May, the Guild is visiting Waukegan, Niles, Bensenville and Oak Park. 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. Fri., May 1, 1:30 - 2:30 pm. Class size limited to 6 couples and is taught by a 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 is hosting its popular annual adaptive technology fair on Sat., Apr. 25, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. 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 demonstrate their products. 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 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. Cell Phone Workshop
The Guild is hosting its popular workshop on adaptive technology for cell phones on Sat., June 6, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The workshop will cover both speech and magnification options, descriptions of programs available, where to get them, the cost, and what service providers are offering. There will be guest speaker(s) to demonstrate the technology. Free. Contact David Flament at 312-236-8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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6. Victor Reader Stream Workshop
The Guild is offering "Welcome to the Victor Reader Stream," our popular introductory workshop teaching the essentials of operating this powerful device on Wed., June 17, 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Free. You may also purchase the Stream for $349 which includes a 4 GB memory card, no sales tax and no shipping if picked up at the Guild. We accept VA purchase orders and DHS vouchers. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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7. Job Readiness Training
Making Your Job Search More Effective in Today’s Job Market offers the latest standards and tips for job searching. Topics focus on networking skills, completing on-line job applications, resume writing, interviewing and organizational skills. Mon., May 4 – Fri. May 22, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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8. Using the Internet in Your Job Search
Join the Guild's Job Club on Thur., May 14 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. We will discuss useful websites and resources that can make the job search more effective. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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9. Support Group for Loved Ones
The Guild is offering a support group to help family and friends feel more confident and less anxious when offering support to their loved ones with vision loss. Beginning July 29, this group will meet for 15 weeks on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Topics include coping strategies, human guide techniques, communication skills and managing stress. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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10. Guild Briefs Audio Version
The Guild is partnering with the National Federation of the Blind, Illinois Chapter to post our Guild Briefs on their Newsline service. This partnership allows 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. You must be a Talking Books subscriber with an active status to use Newsline. If you would like to sign up, contact the Guild for an application, or Harold Washington Library (Chicago residents) at 312-747-4001 or Voices of Vision (suburban residents) at 630-208-0398. You must have a letter from an eye care professional stating you are legally blind to qualify for this program. 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. Learning to use Newsline
The Guild is offering a workshop on using NFB Newsline on Tue., June 9, 1:30 pm. A representative from Newsline will be on hand to sign you up for the service. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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12. Passionate Focus
The Guild is hosting the 7th annual Passionate Focus Art Exhibit for Artists with Vision Loss. The opening is Thur., May 14 at Xchange West, 344 North Ogden. Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased from Cheryl Megurdichian at 312-236-8569 or
cherylm@guildfortheblind.org.
You may also contact Cheryl to participate in our drawing for a wide screen television, Wii Fit system, iPod Touch and digital camera. You do not need to attend the event to participate in the drawing.
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13. Affordable Screen-Reading Options
The March issue of AFB's Access World offers an overview of several lower cost alternatives to JAWS, Window-Eyes and ZoomText. The products reviewed include The Guide by Evas; Narrator, a screen reader built into Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Accessibility Wizard; System Access and System Access To Go by Serotek. Visit www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw100205.
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14. Dolphin Guide
Dolphin Guide's Version 5 is designed for people with vision loss who struggle with computers. Dolphin Guide removes the common fears and frustrations by presenting a simple menu system on Windows computers. A reassuring human-sounding voice confirms every step and offers the option to magnify the screen. Cost: $725. Dolphin Guide is distributed by EVAS. Contact Sara Saint Jean at 800-872-3827 Ext 310 or ssaintjean@evas.com.
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MAY CALENDAR
Fri., May 1, 1:30 pm: More Than Just an Elbow at the Guild
Sat., May 2, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm: Introduction to Adaptive Technology
Mon., May 4 – 22, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Job Readiness Training.
Tue., May 5, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange – PC Security and Maintenance. Contact David Flament or Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569.
Wed., May 6, 1:30 pm: Next Steps Magnifier Madness at Self Help Home, Chicago.
Fri., May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:30 am: New Visions workshop at Bridgeway of Bensenville.
Tue., May 12, 10:00 am: New Visions Introductory Presentation at Waukegan Township Park Place Senior Center, Waukegan.
Wed., May 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 1:30 pm: New Visions workshop at Niles Senior Center.
Thur., May 14, 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Using the Internet in Your Job Search. See page 8.
Tue., May 19, 9:45 am: Next Steps "Independence Without Driving" at Holley Court, Oak Park.
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