Sign Up for Guild Mailing List | Archives
Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – AUGUST 2008
"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
1. Summer New Visions Programs
2. Victor Reader Stream Training
3. Window-Eyes Class at the Guild
4. Formatting Resumes Using Adaptive Software
5. Taking Charge of Your Career
11. Guild Staff Appreciation Day
12. New Resource for Accessible Phones
14. New Homestead Property Tax Exemption
********
1. Summer New Visions Programs
The Guild’s New Visions program introduces people new to vision loss to a wide variety of tools and resources to help make life easier, safer and more productive. During August and September, we will be in Brookfield, Lake Forest, LaGrange Park and two locations in Chicago. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
********
2. Victor Reader Stream Training
The Aug. 5 training on the Victor Reader Stream is full. However, you can add your name to the waiting list for the next class. You may also purchase a Victor Stream through the Guild for $329, which includes 2 GB SD card and no sales tax. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org
********
3. Window-Eyes Class at the Guild
GW Micro will be offering Window-Eyes training classes at the Guild office on Tues., Sept. 16 and Wed., Sept. 17. The course offers hands-on training with a GW Micro certified trainer, the two-day curriculum on CD, instruction using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with Window-Eyes advanced Office technology features, surfing the Internet and customizing your computer. Cost $250 per day. CEUs are available for an additional fee. To register, visit www.gwmicro.com/trainingand enter code IL0908. Contact Jeremy Curry at 260-489-3671, ext. 210, or atjeremy@gwmicro.com
********
4. Formatting Resumes Using Adaptive Software
The Guild is offering two courses on formatting resumes in MS Word®. You’ll learn how to use appropriate headings and set proper margins, fonts and line spacing. Formatting Resumes using ZoomText® will be held on Wed., Sept. 10, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Formatting Resumes using JAWS® will be held on Wed., Sept. 24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Free. Space is limited. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org
********
5. Taking Charge of Your Career
Is there someone out there telling you that you can’t pursue your dreams? During the next Career Networking Club on Aug. 14 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, we’ll discuss ways to prove these naysayers wrong. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org
********
6. Schmoozapalooza
Knowing how to work a room is essential to career advancement. Learn from the pros during this interactive workshop. Thur., Sept. 18, 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org
********
7. Guild Support Group
Looking Ahead is the Guild’s new support group designed to empower those having difficulty managing the stress and anxiety of vision loss. Led by a licensed clinical professional counselor, Looking Ahead will meet Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm starting September 10. Free. Space is limited. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org
********
8. New Canes at the Guild
The Guild now carries Revolution Advantage folding graphite canes. Even sizes from 48-60 inches. Cost: $35, teardrop tip: $9 or roller tip: $14. Contact Brian Hollandsworth at 312-236-8569 or brian@guildfortheblind.org
********
9. Passionate Focus 2009
Planning is underway for Passionate Focus 2009, the Guild's signature exhibit of works by artists with vision loss. The opening reception is Thur., May 14, 2009. Please encourage any artist with vision loss to submit their work for consideration. Please also consider volunteering or supporting Passionate Focus. Contact Cheryl Megurdichian at 312-236-8569 or cherylm@guildfortheblind.org
********
10. Guild Wish List
Please support the Guild by contributing to our wish list. Donations of goods help us defray the cost of our programs. The Guild needs the following: speakerphone; gift cards to Jewel, Dominick's, Target or other stores to help subsidize the cost of supplies; two 13-gallon garbage cans for our kitchen and lunch room; small space-saving microwave; and AA and AAA batteries for member magnifier purchases. Please contact Cheryl Megurdichian at 312-236-8569 or cherylm@guildfortheblind.org if you would like to donate these items.
*******
11. Guild Staff Appreciation Day
The Guild will be closed on Aug. 6 for Guild Staff Appreciation Day as the board's way to thank the Guild staff for all their hard work and dedication to helping people with vision loss remain independent and productive.
********
12. New Resource for Accessible Phones
A new web site helps you select and compare phones accessible to people with vision loss. You can learn which phones and accessible software each wireless provider offers. You can also access links to purchase the phones, software, manuals and resources. Visit: www.accessiblephones.com
********
13. New Web Site
Access-Ability Solutions, a new web site for adults with vision loss, offers a wide range of information including employment, education and technology. Visit www.accessabilitysolutions.net
********
14. New Homestead Property Tax
Exemption for Persons with Disabilities: You need to complete Form PTAX-343 Application for Disabled Persons’ Homestead Exemption and file no later than June 30. You might still be able to file for 2007 but act quickly as the annual deadline is June 30. Contact your county assessor's office for more information on how to file. For Cook County property the phone number is 312-443-7550
********
15. Slow Cooker Cookbook
National Braille Press is offering "5-Ingredient Favorites: Comforting Slow-Cooker Recipes" by Phyllis Pellman Good. This cookbook includes 359 recipes. Each recipe lists every step so you won't get lost. Cost: $10.95 and is available in braille and on Portabook. Visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/FIXIT.html or call 800-548-7323
********
16. Toy Guide 2008
The Toy Industry Association partnered with the Alliance for Technology Access and the American Foundation for the Blind to develop a guide of the best toys for children with all types of special needs. Visit www.familyconnect.org/toyguide
********
August Calendar
Tues., Aug. 5, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange – Victor Reader Stream training. Click here to read article.
Wed., Aug. 6: Guild office closed for Staff Appreciation Day.
Thur., Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 9:30 am: New Visions workshop at the British Home, Brookfield. For all New Visions programs, contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
Fri., Aug. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:00 am: New Visions workshop, Bethlehem Woods Retirement Center, LaGrange Park.
Tues., Aug. 12, 1:30 pm: New Visions workshop, Lake Forest Place.
Wed., Aug. 13, 20, 27 & Sept. 3, 2:00 pm: New Visions workshop, Park Plaza Retirement Center, Chicago.
Thur., Aug. 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Career Networking Club. Click here to read article.
Wed., Aug. 20, 11:00 am: New Visions introductory presentation, Maple Point Apartments, Chicago.
Sat., Aug. 23, 1:00 – 5:00 pm: ICRE Wood Summer Cookout. Contact Peter Purnell at 773-373-8419
Each month “Guild Briefs” reaches more than 4,000 subscribers. The Guild offers free publicity to non-profit organizations serving people who are blind or visually impaired (space permitting). Please send announcements to briefs@guildfortheblind.org. Deadline: 25th of the month. Please allow 4 weeks for the announcement to run.
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