Sign Up for Guild Mailing List | Archives
GUILD BRIEFS - AUGUST 2007"
Guild Briefs" is made possible in part by grants from the Amicus Foundation, Dr. Scholl Foundation and donations by Guild members.
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Open computer lab available on Saturday by appointment only. 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 Guild for the Blind Phone: (312) 236-8569 Fax: (312) 236-8128 http://www.guildfortheblind.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Guild Briefs New Format
2. Peapod Workshop
3. August Tech Exchange
4. Braille in Oak Park
5. Learn to Read & Write Braille
6. Knitting Workshop
7. Guild Offers New Career Courses
8. Guild Board News
9. RadioShack Improves Services to People with Vision Loss
10. New Products by Ai Squared
11. Smoking and Macular Degeneration
12. Global Explorers Programs
13. Movie Reviews for People with Vision Loss
14. Christian Circulating Library
15. Music Instruction Tapes
August Calendar
********
1. Guild Briefs New Format: In an effort to make the large print version of Guild Briefs more user friendly, we are pleased to introduce a new format with the August edition. You are welcome to make comments about the format or the contents of Guild Briefs to David Tabak at (312) 236-8569 or david@guildfortheblind.org********Return to top
2. Peapod Workshop: Learn how to shop for groceries on the Internet using Peapod. David Flament is offering this popular one-day workshop at the Guild. At the end of the day you will be able to place an order using Peapod. Sat., Aug. 4, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm at the Guild. Cost: $50. Contact David Flament at (312) 236-8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org Return to top
********
3. August Tech Exchange - DAISY, Digital Audio & More: The Guild’s Tech Exchange will answer your questions on the DAISY format, digital audio devices and much more. George Abbott, Dean at the Hadley School, will be joining us to talk about the Bookport. Tue., Aug. 7, 4:00 pm. Free. Contact Kathy Austin at (312) 236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org Return to top
********
4. Braille in Oak Park: The Guild for the Blind will be offering its Next Steps Program: In Touch With Braille at Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park on Tuesday August 14th at 11 am. Did you know that knowing just a little bit of braille can help you to be more independent? Braille is easy to learn and fun. Come learn about braille and how it can help you. Please call Kathy Austin to register at (312) 236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org. Please consult the calendar for additional New Vision sites. Return to top
********
5. Learn to Read and Write Braille: Learn to read and write the braille alphabet and numbers in a relaxed small group setting. Learn to read the braille on elevator panels, learn to read and write phone numbers, make lists and labels and keep track of expenses. Next class starts Mon. Aug. 20. Classes meet at the Guild 1:30 to 3:30 pm for 12 weeks. Free. Students must have slate and stylus. Contact Polly at (312) 236 8569 or polly@guildfortheblind.org Return to top
********
6. Knitting Workshop at Guild: Get a head start on holiday gift-making! The Guild is offering two sessions on knitting on Sat., Oct. 6 and 13 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Attend one or both sessions. All ages and levels of experience (or inexperience) welcome. Contact Polly Abbott (312) 236-8569 ext. 15 or polly@guildfortheblind.org Return to top
*********
7. Guild Offers New Career Courses: The Guild is proud to offer “Finding Your Own Job,” a series of how-to courses to help those looking for employment independently. Courses include Resume Writing, Completing Job Applications, Interviewing 101, Dress for Success and more. Courses run Mon. Aug 6 through Fri., Aug. 24 and meet four days a week from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at (312) 236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org Return to top
********
8. Guild Board News: The Guild thanks the following people for their service on its board of directors: Edwin Hill, Lois Hobart, Jack Hudgens, Sylvia Lynch, Maribeth Nesbitt and Carolyn Quinn. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of thousands of Guild members. We welcome Dr. Ronald Carr to the Board of Directors as well as our new officers, Anthony Fiore, President, Patricia Kilgore, Vice President, John Budzynski, Treasurer and John Erickson, Secretary. Return to top
********
9. RadioShack Improves Services to People with Vision Loss: RadioShack has undertaken a nationwide initiative to improve services for their customers. As part of the program, RadioShack will install new point-of-sale equipment with tactile keypads to protect the privacy and security of visually impaired shoppers and will make improvements to its web site that will benefit customers with disabilities. It is anticipated that by the end of September, every RadioShack store will have the new device. Return to top
********
10. New Products by Ai Squared: Ai Squared added two new devices to its product line – the Nemo and the Max. The Nemo ($795) is an ultra portable, pocket-sized electronic magnifier. The Max is a portable, handheld reading aid that resembles a computer mouse. It connects directly to any TV and enlarges print on any surface – curved or straight. The Max Color Display is $449 and the Max Black & White Display is $349. Contact Brian Hollandsworth at the Guild to test these products. Return to top
********
11. Smoking and Macular Degeneration: Smoking doubles the risk of vision loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The increased risk includes passive smokers, who almost double their risk. Stopping to smoke can help save eyesight according to these studies. For those with AMD - and the millions more who have pre-symptomatic signs - smoking is the only established modifiable risk. Return to top
********
12. Global Explorers Programs: In 2008, Global Explorers will offer the following programs for blind, visually impaired and sighted student partners: Peruvian Andes, Sounds of the Amazon and Kilimanjaro. Programs cover the core Global Explorers educational components including science, culture, leadership and service. E-mail adam@globalexplorers.org or visit www.globalexplorers.org/site/leadingtheway/more/future_trips/ . Return to top
*********
13. Movie Reviews for People with Vision Loss: Blindspots is a web site that rates movies for accessibility. Every movie that Blindspots reviews receives a rating on a scale of 1 to 10. A movie earns a 10 if a visually impaired person can follow without any assistance from a sighted companion. A score of 1 indicates a film that is next to impossible to follow, even with assistance. The reviewers do not judge films for content, violence, sexuality or profanity. Visit www.vashti.net/blind/ . Return to top
********
14. Christian Circulating Library: The Braille Circulating Library is a Christian resource for free religious materials including missionary biographies, devotionals, Bible studies, doctrinal materials, and music in braille, large print and on cassette for six-week loan periods. Contact: (804) 359-3743 or Bjbarton77@aol.com . Return to top
********
15. Music Instruction Tapes: Bill Brown has created beginner courses for a dozen instruments including piano, guitar, bass, violin, banjo, and flute. These courses are taught in all-audio format, so there is nothing to read. Visit www.MusicForTheBlind.com or call (888) 778-1828. Return to top
Sat., Aug. 4, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm: Introduction to Online Shopping with Peapod. See article on page 3. Contact David Flament at (312) 236 8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org
Mon., Aug. 6 – Fri. Aug. 24: Finding Your Own Job courses. See article page 6. Contact Lauri Dishman at (312) 236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org
Mon., Aug. 6, 9:30am: Next Steps at Presbyterian Home in Evanston.
Tues., Aug. 7, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange: DAISY, Digital Audio & More. See article on page 4. Contact Kathy Austin at (312) 236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org
Sat. Aug. 11, 12:00 - 4:30 pm: The American Council for the Blind of Metropolitan Chicago annual summer picnic at the Chicago Lighthouse. Cost: $5 for non-members. Contact Maureen Heneghan at (773) 775-3595 by Aug. 6.
Tues., Aug. 14, 11:00 am: Next Steps-Braille at Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park.
Mon., Aug. 20, 1:30 – 2:30 pm: Learn to Read and Write Braille.
Contact Polly Abbott at (312) 236-8569 or polly@guildfortheblind.org
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