David Walker
The Braille Monitor _______ October 1997
Monitor Miniatures
New Audio-Described Tour:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Opened in late July, 1997, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, an audio-described tour of the permanent marine exhibit--Exploring Marine Ecosystems. This exhibit explores two marine ecosystems, a tropical coral reef and a temperate rocky shore--how you affect them and how they affect you. This is the first time a Smithsonian museum has offered this type of audio tour. The audio described tour has been developed to offer greater visual description, enhanced directions, and access to the exhibit text for a low vision and blind audience. The tour will be available daily to low vision and blind visitors. The tour will also be available to the general public.
Ten units with the audio-described tour and an accessible interface will be available at the iGo Interactive Audio Tour booth in the Museum's main rotunda on the first floor. For information and group tour reservations call 1-888-iGo-Tour.
The Museum welcomes visitors' comments on this new program. They can be forwarded to Jill Johnson, NMNH, MRC 101, 10th & Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560. E-mail address: [email protected]
The Museum is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The closest Metro access stops are at Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, on the orange and blue lines. The Museum is located at 10th and Constitution Ave., NW.
New Jett Enterprises Catalog Now Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Available from September is the 1997, no-frills, free cassette or 3.5 inch diskette catalog. We offer over 300 products for everyday living and a collection of special gifts for all occasions. We have expanded our selection of products to include specific items that many of our customers have requested.
To request your free cassette or 3.5-inch diskette catalog, please call (960) 778-8280, fax (960) 320-4837, or write Jett Enterprises, 3140 Cambridge Court, Palm Springs, California 92264. If you are already on our mailing list, you automatically received our catalog in September. We do not ship outside the U.S. Please let us know if you have a change of address. We look forward to your call.
In Memoriam:
Harvey Heagy recently wrote sadly to say:
I am deeply saddened to report to you the death of longtime Federationist Linda Iverson on June 25, 1997. Some of you may know her as Linda Allumbough. Mrs. Iverson was in New Orleans for surgery and suffered a sudden massive heart attack during her recovery. She was living in Stuart, Florida, and is survived by her mother and her son Jonathan, sixteen. She was forty-nine at the time of her death. I was with her just a few hours before she died, and I can tell you that, even in her post-surgical pain, she carried herself with dignity, unselfishness, and grace. Linda was a very dear friend from elementary school days, and while I feel her loss very deeply, I am proud to have known her and feel myself to be a better person for it. She touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Print/Braille books and cassette tapes for children between the ages of preschool and third grade are now available. I am selling the print and Braille books for $5 each and the cassette tapes for $2 each. Send cash or money orders only, please. To receive a list of available titles of cassettes and print/Braille books or to place orders, contact Mrs. Catherine Harris, 1528 Crawford Ave., Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602.
Happy Ending of an Interesting Beginning:
Both the March and June, 1997, issues of the Braille Monitor included exchanges of correspondence between Curtis Chong, President of the National Federation of the Blind in Computer Science, and Robert Gotwals, whose organization has developed a Web Site designed to teach Braille to would-be Braille teachers and transcribers. Initial indications were that the material would be inaccessible to those unable to look at a computer screen. On June 18 Curtis Chong wrote an e-mail message to Mr. Gotwals communicating his pleasure at what he found when he went to the Web Site. This is what he wrote:
Time has finally permitted me to take a good look at http://www.shodor.org. Now that I have looked at the Braille Remote Learning section, I must compliment you and your colleagues for doing an excellent job making the material readable by and accessible to people with text-only browsers. Also your initial program announcement deserves commendation. I, for one, really appreciate the introductory paragraph, which reads:
. . .the Braille through Remote Learning program is designed to prepare sighted educators and current/future sighted Braille transcribers. All materials are accessible to both sighted and visually-impaired students. Text versions of graphics-based pages are available.
This makes it abundantly clear that the program, while intended for sighted Braille transcribers, is fully accessible to blind or visually impaired persons interested in perusing the material.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Chocolate Braille Greeting Cards:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Just in time for Christmas, Braille greeting cards in chocolate "Happy Birthday," "Thank You," "Season's Greetings," and more. $2.50 each, $3.25 with nuts. To place your order, call (1-800-669-6665).
New Speak to Me Catalog Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Give the gift that says something--Speak to Me will once again premier its Fall/Winter catalog featuring a large selection of Christmas gifts and holiday decorations. In addition to its selection of Christmas items, we will feature a section consisting of collectible products such as historical talking picture frames, Coke memorabilia, Looney Tunes collectibles, fine porcelain figurines, uniquely styled wall clocks, etc. Also, we offer many gift-giving items with a religious theme such as musical angels, talking serenity prayer key chain, musical plush animals, and porcelain figurines. There are plenty of children's items including talking dolls, singing and talking plush bears, singing toothbrushes, comb and brush sets, electronic talking teaching toys for kids of all ages, and kid-sized keyboards. We will always continue to offer those favorite unusual and wacky products such as talking key chains, talking spatulas, musical watches, talking magnets, talking theme mugs, unique music boxes, etc. Call Denise Russell at (800) 248-9965 for your free Fall/Winter 1997 Speak to Me Catalog. Request print, cassette, or disk.
Low-Interest Financing for Reading Machines:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Now available, low-interest financing on selected reading machines and adaptive computer systems with speech or Braille output. For the first time you can get a complete stand-alone reading machine for only $60 per month. Other reading machines are available with similarly comfortable terms. You can finance a complete accessible computer system at only 6 percent APR. Contact ShrinkWrap Computer Products, 11706 Saddle Crescent Circle, Oakton, Virginia 22124-2342, (800) 377-0774, e-mail: [email protected]
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
For sale, TeleSensory Voyager CCTV that is semi-portable and has a sharp black and white image of fourteen inches. It has had little use, and I feel confident about selling it in such good condition.
Also for sale, MacIntosh Centris 610 with top-of-the-line voice and image-enlargement software, which make it fully accessible to blind or low-vision users. It also has a CD-ROM drive, 32-bit addressing, great sound, and Microsoft Word and Excel (among other things). It also has little use and works beautifully.
A twenty-one-inch Radius monitor is also for sale. It delivers a very sharp monochrome image and is compatible with any Mac or IBM or CCTV.
I am willing to sell these items for less than half their original value. Contact C.J. Sampson, 669 E. 800 N., Apt. N106, Provo, Utah 84606, (801) 342-9740.
David Walker
In Memoriam:
At the July 1 meeting of the Board of Directors during this year's annual convention, everyone was deeply saddened to learn of the death the evening before of Federationist David Walker. David Stayer, one of the leaders of the NFB of New York and a close personal friend of David and Betty Walker, wrote the following letter to the Braille Monitor shortly after the convention:
On Monday, June 30, 1997, long-time Federationist David Walker lost his courageous fight against cancer. I first met David Walker in late 1977. We were delegates to the NFB of New York Board of Directors. We immediately became friends, and that friendship flourished. When David met Betty and their love became evident, I was overjoyed. I was honored to sing at their NFB wedding in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 7, 1982. For many NFB conventions the Walker and Stayer families were seen together at evening activities, especially the banquets.
Although the Walkers moved from New York to Michigan and then to Missouri, our relationship continued to grow. David Walker continued to demonstrate through his daily activities and writings his total commitment to our movement. Less than one week before his death I spoke with him at the hospital. David talked about the upcoming NFB convention and wished our movement complete success. He knew his death was imminent. Betty had asked me if possible to attend his funeral and deliver a eulogy but stressed that David would have wanted me to stay at our convention. Lori and I stopped for a few minutes to attend the dance on Wednesday, July 2, 1997, but we found it impossible to stay since the Walkers were not with us. Every time I attend an NFB activity or function in the future, David Walker will be with me. His spirit and total commitment to our movement will help guide me in the years to come. I will miss him deeply, and so will all those who knew and loved him.
New URL for San Antonio Chapter:
Pete Donahue, Secretary of the Greater San Antonio Chapter of the NFB of Texas, reports that the group's World Wide Web Site has changed. Their URL is now http://alamo.digiweb.com/nfb
New Source of Recorded Books:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The Naval Institute Press announces the launch of its audiobooks series "Now Hear This" with the production of two of the press's most popular books on tape: Cross the Line: A Bluejacket's World War II Odyssey by Professor Alvin Kernan and The Bridge at Dong Ha by John Grider Miller. Each includes a new introduction, one by Kernan reflecting on the overwhelming response he has had to the publication of his book, the other by the hero of Dong Ha, John Ripley, a now-retired Marine officer who has become a legend in the Corps. With approximately six hours of listening time, Kernan's Crossing the Line is an unabridged version of his book, recorded to fit on four 90-minute cassettes. The cost is $28.95. The Bridges is unabridged, fits on two 90-minute tapes, and costs $16.95. For further details about this new audio program, contact Susan Artigiani, Publicity Manager, (410) 295-1081, e-mail [email protected] or write to Naval Institute Press, 118 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5035, (410) 268-6110.
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Blazie Type 'n Speak Notetaker, 3.5-inch disk drive, charger and headphones, no manuals included. Will accept best offer. Contact (no Braille please) Bryan Sattler, 131 Clayton Road, Schenectady, New York 12304, (518) 370-1773.
Attention Blind Vendors:
If you purchased a Discover Card talking credit card terminal and are willing to sell, give, or bequeath, please contact Don Morris at (301) 447-2795.
Used Braillers for Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Used Braille writers available. Need minor repair, asking $250 to $300. Contact Debby Smith at the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy Street, Brookline, Massachusetts 02146, (617) 732-0242, e-mail: [email protected]
Three Additional Jewish Magazines Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The library of the Jewish Braille Institute of America announces that three additional recorded magazines are available:
Commentary, an intellectual journal of Jewish concern, monthly;
Near East Report, a political journal, bi-weekly; and Sh'ma, a journal of the American Jewish experience, spanning religious, social, and political philosophy, bi-weekly. We also record Tikkun; Moment; Jewish Currents; Bridges; and, of course, our own publication, the JBI Voice.
If you would like to receive a free subscription to any of the above, call toll-free in the United States, (800) 433-1531. Ask for the library. It is not necessary to request magazines you are already receiving; they will automatically continue unless you instruct us otherwise. Magazines on cassettes need not be returned to us when you are finished reading them. You should begin to receive your first issues approximately four weeks from the time we receive your request.
Used Tandem Bicycles for Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
I am an antique bicycle collector and am running out of storage space. I have ten tandems that I need to sell. I am selling them for my cost in order to make space. If you are interested in purchasing one, please call Neal Garrison at (217) 348-0615 or e-mail him at [email protected]
New Diabetes Publication Available:
We are pleased to make the following announcement:
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State University is disseminating a new publication entitled Serving Individuals with Diabetes Who are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Resource Guide for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. This publication was developed in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind and contains a wide variety of resources on various diabetes publications, medications, and appliances, as well as Internet listservs and Web sites.
The Resource Guide is available in large print, Braille, audiocassette, or computer disk for $25. Orders and inquiries should be directed to Ms. Kelly Schaefer at (610) 325-8693.
Elected:
Sally York, Secretary of the Diabetes Action Network, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, reports the July election results. The new officers are Ed Bryant, President; Janet Lee, First Vice President; Sandie Addy, Second Vice President; Mary Hurt, Treasurer; and Sally York, Secretary. The Board members are Tom Ley and Eric Woods.
Choice Magazine Listening:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
If you miss the joy of reading magazines, You should know about Choice Magazine Listening, a bi-monthly free service providing eight hour audio tapes of magazine articles, literature, and poetry.
The unabridged articles come from more than 100 periodicals such as Smithsonian, The New Yorker, Atlantic, Time, Granta, House and Garden, New York Times, and National Geographic. You need the special National Library Service cassette player to listen to the 4-track tapes.
To obtain a free subscription and for information on how to order the free tape player, write to CML, Box TM, 85 Channel Drive, Port Washington, New York 11050. The e-mail address is [email protected]
Use the header "subscription" and include name, snail mail address, phone number, and whether the new subscriber already has a 4-track cassette player. (Or call [516] 883-8280, fax: [516] 944-6849.)
New Parenting Book Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Enjoy Successful Parenting: Practical Strategies for Parents of Children 2-12 is now available on cassette for busy parents. It is professionally narrated with secondary voices which add sparkle as they perform the brief dialogues illustrating important points throughout the audiobook. The author is Dr. Roger McIntire, father of three, who taught child psychology and principles of family counseling and therapy at the University of Maryland for thirty-two years. He is the author of seven books on parenting and child psychology. The audiobook contains four cassettes with a running time of approximately six hours. It is available through your bookstore or may be ordered directly from the publisher, Summit Crossroads Press, (800) 362-0985. The cost is $24.95. According to the Marketing Director, Federationists can expect a 55 percent discount.
Correspondence Wanted:
In mid-August Mr. Akram Bobokalonov, Chairman of the Society of the Blind and Handicapped in the Republic of Tajikistan, visited the National Center for the Blind to tour the facility and to discuss international matters with President Maurer. While there he expressed deep interest in inviting Americans to correspond with members of his organization and perhaps eventually become partners in joint events or projects of some kind. Those interested may write in either English or Russian. Letters must be in print so that they can be translated. Correspondence should be directed to the Society for the Blind and Handicapped, 71/48 Aini Street, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan 734025.
Yasmin Reyazuddin receives an award from University of Maryland President
Dr. William Kirvan.
Honored:
Sharon Maneki, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland, writes to report that on March 12, 1997, Yasmin Reyazuddin received an award for leadership and academic excellence from the University of Maryland's Commission on Women's Issues. Yasmin is the energetic President of the NFB of Maryland's Student Division. She is a tireless advocate for improving student opportunities. She is also the Vice President of the Sligo Creek Chapter. We are proud that another organization has recognized Yasmin's talents.
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
You can have a list of more than 100 mailing addresses of your favorite country artists for $20. Send your check or money order to Bruce Brooks, 135 Sherri Lane, Boyce, Louisiana 71409.
Also, air purifiers for sale for use in homes and businesses to fight allergies and health disabilities. For more information contact Bruce Brooks at the above address or call (800) 748-3228.
Elected:
Eric Clegg, former President of Sacramento's River City Chapter of the NFB of California, reports the chapter's August 2, 1997, election of new officers. They are Chris Foster, President; Bryan Bashin, Vice President; Raquel Gomez, Second Vice President; Ellen Paxson, Secretary; and Paul Carver, Treasurer. Board members are Doug Langley and Eric Clegg.
Special Issue of the Braille Mail Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Queensland Newspapers Ltd. and the Royal Blind Society of Queensland announce that a special issue of the Braille Mail, dealing exclusively with the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and its aftermath, will be produced in October, 1997.
While the September issue will contain much material about the matter, the special issue will be a larger volume circulated differently. The special issue of the Braille Mail will provide access in alternative formats to a sampling of the material being published about the life and times of the Princess of Wales. The Braille version of this special issue will be properly bound with soft covers as will the large print version. The audiotape version will be read by a professional announcer. Copies of this special issue of the Braille Mail may be ordered from the Royal Blind Society of Queensland Inc., 34 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner 4120 Australia. (In Australia) 07 3397 1234 or 1 800 622 954; international phone 617 3397 1234; fax (Australia): 07 3847 2929; fax (International) 617 3847 2929; e-mail: [email protected]
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Print/Braille books and cassette tapes for children between the ages of preschool and third grade are now available. I am selling the print/Braille books for $5 each and the cassette tapes for $2 each. Send cash or money orders only, please. To receive a list of available titles of cassettes and print/Braille books or to place orders, contact Mrs. Catherine Harris, 1528 Crawford Ave., Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602.
Beginner Guitar Course Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
I have developed a beginner guitar course for the visually impaired that uses cassette tapes and no written literature to teach students the basic chords and rhythm patterns in first position and the names of all the notes on the guitar in first position. Buyers will also receive a free Guitar by Ear cassette which teaches them the actual recorded guitar part to a contemporary song without having to read music or tablature. The cost is $34.95. Contact Bill Brown, Guitar by Ear, 704 Habersham Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31602, (912) 249-0628.
New Cane Bank Begins:
Diane Hostetler writes to report the following:
In observance of White Cane Recognition Week, the Indianapolis Chapter of the NFB of Indiana sponsored a fund-raising drive in order to initiate a cane bank. The purpose of the cane bank will be to ensure that blind individuals are not forced to go without this valuable tool of independence because of financial problems.
From May 17 to 21 our members were on hand at two Indianapolis locations to accept donations for this project, as well as to distribute educational information. To express our appreciation and to symbolize the white cane, all contributors were presented with a peppermint stick tied with a white ribbon.
The project was a huge success, yielding over $500. This amount will give a good start to our cane bank and will help the blind of Indianapolis achieve and maintain independence.
We are not, however, limiting our efforts to the procurement of financial contributions. Our project will also be expanded to include recycling. If you have any canes which are no longer in use or parts of old canes which are salvageable, please contact NFB of Indianapolis, P.O. Box 441868, Indianapolis, Indiana 46244, or call (317) 359-3140.
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
For sale: tandem bike Norco Cape Cod, 5-speed, excellent condition, used one year. Contact Keith Iten, 1534 17th Street, S., Fargo, North Dakota 58103, or call (701) 235-2619.
More Tactile Maps Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Maps of Russia and Its Former Republics, a 16-page booklet containing six maps (including three fold-outs) plus keys showing boundaries, rivers, and major cities as of 1997. Cost is $4.
Tactile Maps of Pennsylvania is a 23-page booklet containing general information about Pennsylvania and nine full-page maps with keys. The maps show major cities, rivers and lakes, major highways, land regions, physical features, county boundaries, agricultural products, and resources of Pennsylvania. Maps showing boundaries and major cities of the northeastern states, including Pennsylvania, are also provided. The cost is $6.
These booklets are bound with cardboard covers and a multi-ring binder. Shipping is Free Matter for the Blind, unless advised otherwise. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Order from the Princeton Braillists, 28-B Portsmouth Street, Whiting, New Jersey 08759, or call (732) 350-3708.
In Memoriam:
Diane Hostetler recently wrote with sadness to report that on April 18, 1997, Mrs. Helen Denniman, a life-time member of the National Federation of the Blind and a pioneer of the Indianapolis Chapter, passed away at the age of eighty-five.
For the past several years Mrs. Denniman's poor health prevented her from participating in NFB activities. However, during her active years her contributions to the organization were many. Throughout her life as a Federationist, she served as President of both the Indianapolis Chapter and the Indiana affiliate, responsibilities which she took very seriously. Though her physical condition deteriorated, forcing her to draw back, she remained a strong proponent and an avid supporter of the NFB. While Mrs. Denniman will be missed by all who knew and worked with her, her spirit will remain in our midst as we perpetuate her legacy, working together to change the lives of countless blind hoosiers.
Braille Books Available:
National Braille Press announces the following new publications:
General Mills (Bisquick, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, and other familiar products) has compiled all package directions into two Braille volumes, $15. Betty Crocker and Gold Medal Product Preparation Directions and Recipes provides you with step-by-step directions for hundreds of food products, as well as some fun recipes.
The 10-Minute Guide to Windows 95 includes keyboard commands and screen descriptions for basic Windows 95 operations. This is not a tutorial; it is a reference guide. You can look up step-by-step instructions for performing basic operations. Three volumes in Braille for $13.99.
Major credit cards accepted. Order from National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, (800) 548-7323.
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
I have a Versa Braille II Plus computer with carrying case, disk drive, Star printer with all cable and cord connections, Versa Braille users' manuals, and interface manual in both print and Braille. Everything is in excellent condition. Make an offer. Contact Vincent Tagliarino at 29 Mona Court, Depew, New York 14043, (716) 681-1645.
News from Xerox:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Xerox Adaptive Products (XAP) announces a price cut and new financing program for The Reading Edge, a reading machine for the blind and visually impaired. It can read books, magazines, printed photocopies, and documents with multiple columns. XAP has lowered The Reading Edge price from $5,495 to $4,995. In addition, Xerox is offering customers a choice of 0% financing on The Reading Edge or an instant rebate if purchased by check or charge. The new 0% financing program for The Reading Edge is $219 down and $199 a month for 24 months. If you purchase by check or charge, you receive an instant rebate of $495, a savings of almost $1,000 of the regular price.
Xerox has also introduced a financing program for the Outlook video magnifier, a magnification system for those with low vision. The unit sells for $1,795 but can be financed for $99 a month for 18 months, with $198 down.
The Reading Edge has a one-year warranty and is available through a network of distributors. Outlook has a five-year warranty. For information, a product demo, or the distributor nearest you call (800) 248-6550, ext 1, Xerox Desktop Document Systems, Contact: Karen E. Sunderland at (508) 977-2097 or e-mail: [email protected]