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GUILD BRIEFS - September 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
1. Getting Connected – Internet Options
2. Microsoft Outlook Class
3. Upcoming New Visions Workshops
4. Knitting Workshop at Guild
5. Choosing a Career
6. Career Networking Seminar
7. Free CCTV to a Deserving Recipient
8. Passionate Focus 2007
9. iZoom Web Public Beta Test
10. Elder Care Services Locator
11. AFB Announces Internships
12. Touch of Genius Award
13. Accessible Cell Phone Lawsuit
14. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Half- Priced Tickets
15. Walk/Run with APH
16. Zoom Text Tutorial
17. Resources for Parents and Teachers
September Calendar
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1. Getting Connected – Internet Options: On Tues., Sept. 4, 4:00 – 5:30 pm, the Guild’s Tech Exchange will cover all your options for connecting to the Internet. We will discuss price, security and accessibility so you can make the best choice for your needs. Free. Contact Kathy Austin, kathya@guildfortheblind.org or David Flament, davidf@guildfortheblind.org or call (312) 236-8569.
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2. Microsoft Outlook Class: The Guild will offer a one-day class in Outlook on Sat., Oct. 6, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. This class will cover the basic features of Outlook including email, calendar, contacts and the task list. Cost: $50. Contact David Flament at (312) 236-8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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3. Upcoming New Visions Workshops: In September, New Visions will be offered in Glen Ellyn, Maywood and Chicago at Mt. Greenwood Park and at our Michigan Avenue office. If you or someone you know is new to vision loss and would like more information about these interactive workshops, contact Kathy Austin at (312) 236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org. See calendar for details.
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4. 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. Free. Contact Polly Abbott at (312) 236-8569 or polly@guildfortheblind.org.
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5. Choosing a Career: The Guild’s Career Services Department is offering two seminars on choosing the right career. Part I is on Mon., Sept. 24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. In this session, you will learn how to create a list of potential occupations that matches your personal values. Part II is on Mon., Oct. 1, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. You will learn how to best analyze those potential occupations to determine if they are worth pursuing. Contact Lauri Dishman at (312) 236-8569 or lauri@guildfortheblind.org.
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6. Career Networking Seminar: Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job. Join the Guild’s Employment Connection program for “If You Build It, Jobs Will Come” on Wed., Sept. 26 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. This workshop provides information on how to strategically build and nurture a professional network. Contact Lauri Dishman at lauri@guildfortheblind.org or (312) 236-8569.
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7. Free CCTV to a Deserving Recipient: Now in its third year, the Guild’s Joseph T. Prinske Memorial CCTV fund will award to a deserving recipient a closed circuit television (CCTV) of his/her choosing. To be eligible, a person must demonstrate financial need and provide an explanation of how the device will be used. The application deadline is Fri., Dec. 7, 2007. For more information or to receive an application, contact David Tabak at (312) 236-8569 or david@guildfortheblind.org.
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8. Passionate Focus 2007: Passionate Focus, the Guild’s annual art exhibition featuring work by artists with vision loss, will be on display at the River East Art Center, 435 East Illinois in Chicago from Sept. 6 – 20. Tickets for the Sept. 6 Opening Reception are available by calling (312) 236-8569.
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9. iZoom Web Public Beta Test: Issist announces iZoom, a low cost alternative to mainstream screen magnification software. They are testing a new web-based version of their screen magnification program called iZoom Web. You can use this program on any computer with access to the Internet without having to install any software on the computer. To try iZoom Web for free go to: www.issist.com.
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10. Elder Care Services Locator: The US Department of Health and Human Services offers Eldercare Locator to help find local resources for older Americans. Call (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov to learn about services in your area.
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11. AFB Announces Internships: The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Public Policy Center is inviting applications for the 2007-2008 AFB Policy and Research Internship program. Located in Washington, DC, the AFB Public Policy Center strives to expand possibilities for people with vision loss. For more information, contact mrichert@afb.net.
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12. Touch of Genius Award: National Braille Press is pleased to announce the Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation. Louis Braille was an innovator and the award seeks to identify a similar pacesetter and to inspire future innovators. The prize will be awarded to an individual, or group of individuals, who contribute to the field of tactile literacy for blind people. For an application visit www.nbp.org.
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13. Accessible Cell Phone Lawsuit: Visually impaired customers are taking legal action against the cell phone industry in an effort to improve cell phone accessibility. Eleven customers have filed complaints with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces the law requiring phones to be accessible for people with disabilities. The American Foundation for the Blind is helping people understand the legal access requirements and, if necessary, file complaints with the FCC. For more information, contact AFB at (212) 502-7775 or 255action@afb.net.
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14. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Half-Priced Tickets: Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier offers half-priced tickets with advance purchase for those requiring performances offering sign language or audio description services. This season’s shows include Cymbeline, Othello, a short version of Romeo and Juliet, and The Comedy of Errors. For information call (312) 595-5600 (voice) or (312) 595-5699 (TTY).
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15. Walk/Run with APH: The American Printing House for the Blind is offering a Walk/Run fitness kit. The kit includes a personal guide wire system for use with a sighted guide, two talking pedometers, a shoulder sling carrying pack and a guidebook in both large print and braille. Cost: $143. Visit www.aph.org or call (800) 223-1839.
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16. Zoom Text Tutorial: Ai Squared has posted a Zoom Text Tutorial on its web site. Guild testers have found that it works better if it is downloaded to your computer. The tutorial can be found at: www.aisquared.com/tutorial.
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17. Resources for Parents and Teachers: American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has an online resource guide to promote physical education and recreation for children with vision loss. Visit: www.aph.org/pe/index.html.
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September Calendar
Tues., Sept. 4, 3:00 pm: New Visions Introductory Presentation at The Meadows, Glen Ellyn. For all New Visions or Next Steps workshops, contact Kathy Austin at (312) 236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
Tues., Sept. 4, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange at the Guild, Accessing the Internet.
Fri., Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1:30 pm: New Visions workshop at the Guild.
Thurs., Sept. 13, 10:00 am: New Visions Workshop at The Meadows, Glen Ellyn.
Tue., Sept. 18, 9:30 am: New Visions Introductory Presentation at Maywood Public Library, Maywood.
Mon., Sept. 24, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Choosing a Career, part I
Wed., Sept. 26, Oct 3, 10 & 17, 10:30 am: New Visions Workshop at Mt. Greenwood Park, Chicago.
Wed., Sept. 26, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Guild’s Employment Connection program “If You Build It, Jobs Will Come.”.
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