Monitor Miniatures
News from the Federation Family
The Federation Loses a Jewel:
We of the Kansas affiliate regret to announce the loss of a good man and a long time Federation leader. Tom Anderson passed on Tuesday (August 29, 2023) of this week in the late afternoon hours at Advent Health in Overland Park, Kansas, where he was hospitalized to treat very severe COVID symptoms.
Many Federationists will fondly remember Tom's eloquently delivered invocations at NFB national conventions over many years. Those involved with the Communities of Faith Division will miss his leadership in the devotional services which take place every morning at convention.
As a Braille and communications instructor at Colorado Center for the Blind, Tom touched untold hundreds of lives over many years before retiring and returning to Kansas.
Back in Kansas, Tom went immediately to work, serving on several state advisory committees pertaining to blind Kansans, while serving as a member of the Kansas affiliate board of directors.
Above all, Tom was a wonderful husband to his wife Linda, also a long time Federationist. Tom will definitely be missed by all and forgotten by none.
Sincerely,
Rob Tabor
First Vice President
National Federation of the Blind of Kansas
In Brief
Notices and information in this section may be of interest to Monitor readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have edited only for space and clarity.
Update: Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Blind and Low-Vision People:
At-home COVID-19 tests are again available at no cost through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service. These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended for use through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.
Blind and low-vision people can order more accessible at-home tests from USPS.com (while supplies last). Order online through https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible or by calling 1-800-232-0233. Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests and will ship free, while supplies last.
Because of limited supply, we are asked that you only order the more accessible tests if you do not have other testing options. To use the tests, you must have a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and download and install a free app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). The test works with the app to provide audio step-by-step instructions for administering the test and audio test results.
Additional Resource
The Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) https://acl.gov/DIAL is an additional resource, connecting people with disabilities to COVID-19 vaccination and testing in their communities. DIAL can also provide testing instructions and other assistance with the at-home tests that can be ordered from the government. The National Federation of the Blind encourages contacting DIAL to inquire about accessible testing options. DIAL support can be reached by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing [email protected].
Monitor Mart
The notices in this section have been edited for clarity, but we can pass along only the information we were given. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the statements made or the quality of the products for sale.
Piano Lessons for Those Wanting to Learn Virtually:
Hi, music lovers, I’m Elizabeth Sprecher, and I’m a pianist. I am looking for students interested in learning Braille music and/or piano virtually. I’m open to teaching at all levels. I recently graduated from Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts, with a bachelor’s in piano performance and a minor in creative writing. I have been a part of Scene Change, The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division’s podcast, where I discuss with other pianists, all things piano related. Feel free to hear our discussion on the two-part episode called, “A Scene Change Recital.” My passion is to provide guidance for musicians who are passionate in their love of music, help blind musicians find equal access in music reading, and improve musical expression in my students.
My rate is a dollar a minute, starting with a minimum of thirty minutes. It follows that forty-five minutes is $45, and an hour is $60.
I look forward to hearing from you and joining you on your musical journey. Call me, Elizabeth Sprecher, by phone at 773-431-2627 or write to me at [email protected].