Independence Market Corner
by Ellen Ringlein
As a service to our members and the general public, the National Federation of the Blind operates a blindness products store known as the Independence Market, which sells mostly low-tech items, designed to enhance the every-day independence of blind individuals. We will be offering products for sale along with our Product of the Month on a monthly basis.
Product of the Month
Kenneth Jernigan Map of the United States:
This colorful take-apart topographical puzzle map makes it fun and interesting to learn about various geographical features of the United States. Each state is a puzzle piece. The major rivers, mountain chains, state capitals, and latitude and longitude lines are all indicated tactilely. Underneath the puzzle pieces the map shows the boundaries of all fifty states with Braille state abbreviations. The map measures 32-1/2 × 18 inches and includes a Braille and a print reference guide which give facts about each state. This is a great teaching tool for kids, and those of you who appreciate tactile maps will enjoy exploring the United States. The map costs $250.00 plus shipping and handling. (Our map is significantly less expensive than a similar one from another source.)
The following items are on close-out specials:
Writing guides offer a low-tech solution to keeping your lines straight when writing on paper.
Plastic Letter Writing Guide: $1.00
Use this template to write on 8-1/2 × 11-inch paper. The guide features cutouts to write on thirteen lines. For best results secure the guide to your sheet with paper clips at each corner to prevent slippage. You can also keep track of the line you are writing on by marking it with a paper clip.
Plastic Envelope Writing Guide: $1.00
Use this template to address your envelopes. It features three cutouts in the top left corner for the "from" address and three cutouts toward the bottom right for the "to" address. The guide measures 4-1/4 × 7-3/4 inches. When using the guide with a business-size envelope, line it up with the top left corner of the envelope for the “from” address and with the bottom right corner for the “to” address.
2x Illuminated Magnifier With 6x Insert and Folding Handle: $5.00
This magnifier offers two levels of magnification. The rectangular 2x lens measures 2 × 4 inches, while the round 6x insert is 7/8 inch in diameter. The sliding light switch is at the top of the 4-inch-long folding handle, where it attaches to the magnifier. When folded up the magnifier measures 3 × 5 inches. It uses two AAA batteries (included).
More Products:
Our NFB rigid carbon fiber long white cane is still on sale for $15.00. Originally this cane was available in sizes ranging from 49 to 69 inches. Please call for availability of specific sizes and styles.
We also still have the SOLITAIRE AND FOX & GEESE two-game combo for $10.00. Solitaire begins with thirty-two orange (ten-sided) pegs, occupying the holes in the cross-shaped play area. The object is to have one game piece left in the middle, after having borne off the other pieces by hopping over them. Fox and Geese (for two players) is played with fifteen orange pegs as the geese and one brown (six-sided) peg as the fox. The geese try to corner the fox, while the fox must capture the geese. Braille and print directions are included.
For more information about the products available from the Independence Market, contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2216, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Our staff will be happy to assist.