Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends

Future Reflections Winter 2015
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Odds and Ends
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
<https://nfb.org/national-federation-blind-reaches-agreement-department-…;
The NFB and three individuals have reached an agreement with the US Department of Education that will make student loan information accessible to blind Americans. The agreement commits the Department of Education and the student loan servicers with which it contracts to make websites, forms, and documents related to the department's direct loan program equally accessible to blind applicants and borrowers. The requirements include providing documents in alternative formats such as Braille and large print and allowing blind people to fill out and electronically sign and submit accessible versions of student loan applications and forms. For more information, visit the website listed above.
TECHNOLOGY
TechVision
<www.yourtechvision.com>
Contact: Denise M. Robinson, (423) 573-6413
TechVision offers hundreds of informational articles and lessons on PC, Mac, iPad, and more, all done with keystrokes. The most recent additions include lessons on the use of Google Docs/Drive and the creation of Venn diagrams with talking software.
RESOURCE GUIDES
Insightful Publications
Contact: Christine Chaikin, (808) 747-1006
Email: [email protected]
Insightful Publications has created two screenreader-friendly handbooks of resources pertaining to the blind and visually impaired, one covering Alabama and the other Hawaii. The guides are designed for use by consumers and professionals. They include organizations of and for the blind as well as areas such as employment, housing, and transportation.
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
DVDs and Blu-ray Discs with Audio Description
The Audio Description Project
<http://acb.org/adp/dvds.html>
This webpage is a complete listing of DVDs and Blu-ray discs with audio description released for US audiences. DVDs listed here may not have description outside the United States. A link to children's described DVDs (movies with G or PG ratings) is provided.
RELIGIOUS MATERIALS
Audio Bible
MegaVoice
<www.megavoice.com>
With centers throughout the world, MegaVoice produces an ever-expanding line of solar-powered digital audio players for Christian and humanitarian use. A Scripture audio library contains 8,400 Scripture titles in 4,600 languages and dialects. An interactive map allows users to locate their nearest MegaVoice center.
Unity Message of Hope
<www.unity.org/resources/message-hope/document-library>
Contact: (866) 421-3066
Email: [email protected]
Unity Message of Hope, a nondenominational ministry serving people who are blind or visually impaired, has a virtual library of downloadable Braille (BRF) Unity publications. Publications are available free of charge to anyone with access to a computer, Braille notetaker, or digital Talking Book player.
BOOKS
Snizzly Snouts
For information: <www.snizzlysnouts.com>
To order: <www.ncbi.ie/shop/books/snizzly-snouts-(in002)>
As described on the website, Snizzly Snouts is a picture and poetry book "to read with your ears, see with your fingers, and feel with your eyes." The book is designed to be enjoyed by children with or without visual impairments. Children with autism spectrum disorders enjoy the book as well. The book contains a combination of large pictures, good contrasts, and a medium-sized font; transparent relief on the pictures; Braille and audio. An audio CD (DAISY and MP3) is included, with the poems, audio description of the pictures, and animal sounds. English, French, and Dutch versions of the book are available.
Full Vision Books
Christian Record Services for the Blind
P.O. Box 6097
Lincoln, NE 68506
Contact: Linda Martin, (402) 488-0981
Email: [email protected]
Full Vision Books are children's books with character-building themes that combine Braille and print, as well as picture descriptions. An audio CD of the text and a parents' guide in print and Braille are included. Max Moves In, the latest book in the series, highlights the theme of obeying.
TOYS
Top Ten Accessible Toys for Blind Kids
<http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/top-10-toys-for-blind-kids>
The folks at WonderBaby.org recently ran a survey, asking families to list their favorite toys for their kids who are blind or have other special needs. Listed at the link above are the top ten accessible toys chosen by WonderBaby.org readers. Most are available commercially, and most are priced under $100.
Talking Piñatas
<www.talkingpinatasrus.com>
Contact: (805) 479-9463
Talking piñatas are handmade piñatas in vibrant colors. Within each piñata is an electronic device that responds to a hit. Each time the device is activated, it shouts out phrases that change with each hit. Voices are themed to come with each piñata, and there are piñatas for every occasion.

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