**********
Monitor Miniatures
**********
Travel Magazine Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The Travel Magazine is a quarterly publication available in
Braille and standard two-track cassette which brings the world of
travel available in print travel periodicals to those unable to
access ordinary printed material. Subscriptions are $32.95
annually. For a sample copy send $1 for cassette and $5 for
Braille to The Travel Magazine, P.O. Box 24236, Cincinnati, Ohio
45224.
**********
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Completely reconditioned Perkins Braille Writer for sale.
Cost is $300, payment plan is negotiable. Call evenings or
weekends, (313) 885-7330 or e-mail:
<[email protected]>.
**********
Wanted:
Interpoint full-page slate. Call evenings or weekends, (313)
885-7330 or email: <[email protected]>.
**********
Al Sanchez
[
Gerrie Burke
Wedding Bells:
Gerrie Burke of the NFB of Virginia and Albert Sanchez of
the NFB of Washington were married Saturday, June 26, 1999, at
Saint George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia. Al, a
longtime leader in the Washington affiliate, has relocated to
Virginia. The couple honeymooned in Atlanta at our convention. We
wish the newlyweds much joy.
**********
Poetry Book Available:
Toby Longface, President of the Tucson Chapter of the NFB of
Arizona, has asked us to carry the following announcement:
My poetry book, Smelling the Roses, is ready for sale. It is
like a Twin Vision(R) book, eight-and-a-half-by-eleven-inch pages
with large print and graphics on the left page and Braille on the
right. It will sell for $11.95 plus $1.50 shipping. It is also
available with large print and graphics only for $9.95 plus $1.50
shipping. This edition measures five and a half inches by eight
and a half. My greeting cards for all occasions are also
available in large print and Braille. I'm using my own
photography and poetry in them. They will sell six for $9.95 plus
$1.50 shipping. For more information or to place an order, call
Toby Longface Enterprises, 1914 West Anklam Road, Tucson, Arizona
85745, phone (520) 623-7044, e-mail: <[email protected]>.
**********
Fred's Head Database:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The American Printing House for the Blind is building the
Fred's Head Database, a collection of tips, tricks, and
alternative techniques by and for people who are blind or
visually impaired. Fred's Head is an expert database that
captures and makes available the knowledge and experience of many
different people from all walks of life. Fred's Head will be
available on the APH Web site with a user-friendly search
interface. You'll be able to use Fred's Head to find how-to
information on a large number of subjects with topics growing
continuously.
The experience of APH's Fred Gissoni is the core of the
database, but we are building a community of ideas. We invite you
to share your ideas for solving problems you meet every day. We
welcome everything from a simple solution to a detailed
discussion of a complex process. Some topics already included are
how to make a writing guide, marking hotel keys, how to do audio
tone indexing, how to make an audio tape address book, note
taking, sewing tips, how to make a Braille calendar, personal
uses of Braille, where to find information on scholarships, and
job search tips.
Please send your idea to APH on computer disk, cassette
tape, in Braille, print, or via e-mail to Fay Leach, Expert
Database Coordinator, <[email protected]>; (800) 223-1839, (502)
899-2378, fax: (502) 899-2363, American Printing House for the
Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky
40206-0085.
**********
Putting it All Together:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
EVAS is a reliable source for the design, manufacture,
integration, prompt delivery, support, and service of accessible
turn-key computer solutions. We offer a wide range of
technologies, including speech synthesizers, screen readers,
refreshable Braille displays, Braille printers, large-print
software, CCTVs, optical character recognition (OCR) reading
systems, and more. Our AbilityPro Systems feature productivity-
enhancing software such as a talking calculator, a text and
keystroke macro utility, a clipboard extender, and a powerful
address and personal information manager. Each AbilityPro
Computer comes with a FirstAid Disk to enable the recovery of
lost CMOS settings and corrupted master boot records on the hard
drive. This disk includes digitized voice output and a large-
print menu system, making it usable even when adaptive aids or
the computer's hard drive are not functioning. Our AbilityPro
Disaster Recovery Disks allow system engineers to restore the
original setup and configuration of an AbilityPro Computer during
a tech support call. Remote Access System Support is now a part
of all EVAS Computers. Connecting through the modem, this
specialized software turns EVAS' in-house support computer into a
duplicate of the end-user's system, allowing the EVAS engineer to
see first-hand the difficulty the user is experiencing.
Diagnostics can be run and hardware and software reconfigurations
performed to restore the system and minimize downtime. With their
in-depth knowledge of computer systems, access technology, and
application software and their relationships, EVAS's experienced
staff stands ready to respond to questions and support customers'
needs.
To learn more, visit EVAS on the Web at <www.evas.com> or
call (800) 872-3827.
**********
Elected:
The NFB of South Dakota recently held elections with the
following results: Karen Mayry, President; Minni Erickson, Vice
President; Irene Sears, Secretary; Peggy Klimisch, Treasurer; and
Tina Blatter, Denise Jones, and Mike Klimisch, Board Members.
**********
Arizona Perkins Brailler Repair Service Back in Full Swing:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
We are happy to report that, after incurring considerable
staffing shortages in the past year, the Arizona Brailler Repair
Service (ABRS), which is a cooperative enterprise between the
Arizona Instructional Resource Center of the Foundation for Blind
Children and an Arizona state prison, is up and running again.
The cost for labor is $30 with a six-month warranty on labor.
Parts are extra. Usual turn-around time is under four weeks,
somewhat longer if unusual parts need to be ordered from Howe
Press. Special care should be given to safe packing, preferably
the original box and packing material. Any insurance is to be
paid by the machine owner. For more information or to send your
Brailler for repair or maintenance service, please contact the
AIRC, the Foundation for Blind Children, 1235 E. Harmont Drive,
Phoenix, Arizona 85020, (602) 678-5810, or visit the Web site
<www.the-fbc.org>.
**********
Garment Labels Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
We provide washable Braille and large-print garment labels
available in packages of twenty-five or fifty. These labels
withstand washing and drying, so you can attach the label to your
garment by either sewing or safety-pinning the label to the
fabric. With your first order you will receive an index of colors
so you can learn our color abbreviations and color saturation
guide, which distinguishes between light and dark colors.
Currently we have blue, black, purple, white, yellow, red, green,
gray, tan, pink, and orange available. The cost for twenty-five
labels is $12.95, and for fifty labels the cost is $24.95. For
more information contact Denise at (610) 642-4442.
**********
New Catalog Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Give the gift that says something--Speak to Me's new catalog
features a large variety of holiday gift ideas. Some of the
newest products include Zenith VCR with confirmation; voice-
recognition phone with answering machine; a large variety of
digital recorders; lots of new talking magnets, key chains,
novelty clocks; graduation and wedding gift ideas; many new
talking toys and games for children; plus many more practical and
fun items for the whole family. Call (800) 248-9965 to request
your free catalog, which is available in print, on cassette, or
on IBM-compatible disk.
**********
Joe Ruffalo
Appointed:
We recently learned that on March 17, 1999, the State of New
Jersey Department of Human Services appointed Joseph Ruffalo,
Jr., President of the NFB of New Jersey, to the Board of Trustees
of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
for the term expiring June 30, 2000. Congratulations to Joe.
**********
Attention Amateur Radio Enthusiasts:
We recently received a letter from Muhammad Ameen, who lives
in Kerala Province in India. He has a bachelor's degree in
English and teaches in a private institution. In 1994 he achieved
his long-held dream of qualifying as an amateur radio operator.
His call sign is vu3 vuc. But because he does not have a
transceiver (which he says is an important piece of equipment,
particularly for blind radio operators) he fears that he will
never be able to use his hobby. Purchasing a transceiver is
beyond his financial means. He hopes that someone reading this
notice might be able and willing to help him. If so, his address
is Muhammad S. Ameen, Darul Huda, Peringala Post Office,
Kumarapuram via, Aluva, Kerala, India 683565.
**********
Refreshable Braille at 25 Percent Savings:
Blazie Engineering announces a 25 percent price cut on
PowerBraille 40, its popular forty-cell refreshable Braille
display. PowerBraille 40 now costs $4,495. This special price
still includes all of Blazie's standard warranties, guarantees,
and product support after the sale.
PowerBraille 40, an enduring and proven performer, instantly
transforms screen information into 6- or 8-dot refreshable
Braille. ScreenPower software is included, allowing users to
receive Braille, speech, or both types of output simultaneously.
Users get forty cells of refreshable Braille, full
compatibility with four computer operating systems including
Microsoft Windows, and battery-powered portability. PowerBraille
40, complete with thirty-month warranty, is fully featured for
maximum user convenience and control.
For more information contact Blazie Engineering, 105 East
Jarrettsville Road, Forest Hill, Maryland 21050. Phone (410) 893-
9333, or visit the Web site <www.blazie.com>.
**********
In Memoriam:
We recently learned that James McGinnis, who served as
President of the California affiliate in the late sixties and
early seventies, died at home in San Francisco, February 24,
1999. He was a native of Topeka, Kansas, and lived in California
for thirty-five years. He is survived by his wife Leslie; his
children Marilyn, Stephen, Bonnie, Gay, and Randy; and numerous
grandchildren. Jim was a professional jazz musician (guitar), a
piano technician, and director of Broadcast Services for the
Blind. His love for life, people, music, and baseball was
infectious. As an advocate for the rights of the blind, he fought
a good fight. A truly remarkable and memorable man, he will be
deeply missed.
**********
Specialty Items:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
My name is Scott Bush, and I live in the Chicago area. I am
legally blind and have my own company called LTT Sales, which
specializes in advertising and specialty items such as hats, T-
shirts, coffee mugs, pens, or anything to put a company's name or
event on. I am dedicated to giving the highest quality and lowest
cost to meet any customer's needs. I can be reached at (815) 254-
6680 or by fax (815) 254-6681. Please call with your text inquiry
or for a catalog.
**********
No Longer Doing Business:
Marie Caputo has asked us to carry the following
announcement:
Due to the significant decrease in computer prices,
Transcription Technologies, Inc., is no longer in business. Thank
you for your patronage.
**********
Elected:
The Denver Chapter of the NFB of Colorado held elections at
its May meeting. Elected were Scott LaBarre, President; Julie
Deden, First Vice President; Doug Trimble, Second Vice President;
Tom Anderson, Secretary; and John Deden, Treasurer. Jennifer
Wenzel, Eric Woods, and Jeremiah Beasley were elected to the
Board.
**********
Melody Lindsey
Appointed:
Family Independence Agency (FIA) director Douglas Howard
announced the appointment of Melody Lindsey as the director of
the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center in
Kalamazoo, effective May 16, 1999. The MCB Training Center is a
residential training facility, which has been in Kalamazoo for
nearly thirty years. Melody is a 1986 NFB Scholarship winner and
Past President of the NFB of Alaska. She has worked in
rehabilitation in several states, most recently in New Mexico.
"We know the leadership, experience, and talent which Ms.
Lindsey brings to the center will benefit Michigan citizens for
many years," said Howard. "Her fervent belief in the capacity of
people to fulfill their dreams and achieve independence is
contagious."
**********
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Accent SA speech synthesizer, $200. Jumbo Brailler,
excellent condition, $400. Office 97, $140 includes shipping.
TeleBraille, slow coming on, but operational, asking $1,500. All
prices are negotiable. Contact Isaac Obie at 755 Tremont Street,
Apt. 205, Boston, Massachusetts 02118; (617) 247-0026; e-mail:
<[email protected]>.
**********
Elected:
The Bix Beiderbecke Chapter of the National Federation of
the Blind of Iowa held elections on April 5 with the following
results: John TeBockhorst, President; Mary Hartle-Smith, Vice
President; Tom TeBockhorst, Secretary; Mike Smith, Treasurer; and
Kallie Smith, Board Member.
**********
World Conference:
A world conference showcasing excellence in assistive
technology is scheduled October 6 to 9, 1999, at the Radisson
Twin Towers Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The Assistive Technology
Industry Association (ATIA), the Alliance for Technology Access
(ATA), and the United States Society for Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (USSAAC) collaborate to bring you
comprehensive opportunities to learn, to meet personally a wide
range of peers and experts, and to contribute your experiences to
the continued improvement of our field.
With the ATIA World Conference '99 as the centerpiece of
this experience, ATA and USSAAC add their national meetings to
form an unrivaled event with a week of in-depth training
sessions, presentations by leading professionals, an extensive
Exhibit Hall, a Hands-on Lab, and much more. Conference fee for
early registrants is $235, regular, $285, and on-site, $325. For
a list of companies exhibiting at the conference, contact ATA at
(415) 455-4575 or visit the ATA Web site at <www.ATAccess.org>.
e-mail: <[email protected]> or phone (847) 869-1282.
**********
World Series Baseball Game:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
You can play baseball on your computer using all the great
teams of the past on Version 13 of the World Series Baseball Game
and Information System. You can also review the history of
baseball, find out who is in the Hall of Fame, check out all the
baseball records, and try out your knowledge of the game on a
1,000-question quiz.
In the game, you are the manager, changing pitchers, pinch
hitting, sacrificing, purposely passing batters, moving the
infield in, etc.
The game comes with 262 teams. The game is being played by
sight-impaired baseball fans of all ages in forty-eight states on
IBM-compatible computers with screen readers and synthesizers.
The price is still the same as when the game was first introduced
in 1986--only $15 to new users, $5 for updates. Send your check
to Harry Hollingsworth, 692 S. Sheraton Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319
or call (330) 644-2421 or e-mail <[email protected]>.
**********
Affordable Talking Scientific Calculator:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Orbit Research has introduced ORION TI-34, the world's first
affordable talking scientific calculator for blind and visually
impaired students and professionals. Priced at $199, the 11-
ounce, pocket-sized calculator is a breakthrough in math and
science education for special-needs students. At close to a third
of the cost of other talking scientific calculators, ORION
provides unrivalled features and ease of use.
The calculator vocalizes each key pressed and reads out
displayed answers in a clear, natural voice, while maintaining
the functionality and ease of use of the TI-34. The calculator
has over ninety-five scientific functions including statistics,
trigonometry, and Boolean logic. Visually impaired users will
find ORION's unique learning mode particularly useful because it
enables them effortlessly to locate and identify any key even in
the middle of a calculation without interrupting it.
The unit comes with built-in, rechargeable batteries that
provide over seven hours of continuous operation, as well as a
mains adapter which doubles as a battery charger. Included with
the unit are an impact-resistant plastic cover, a high-quality
earphone for private use, and instruction manuals in large print
and on cassette tape. Orbit Research provides a one-year warranty
and toll-free technical support and customer service.
Further information on ORION is available at
<www.orbitresearch.com> or by contacting Orbit Research at 3422
Old Capitol Trail, Suite 585, Wilmington, Delaware 19808, (888)
606-7248 or fax (888) 606-7248.
**********
For Sale:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
I have for sale a DecTalk Express with headphones, AC
adapter, and connector cable. I will take the best offer. For
more information contact Kerry Stein at (205) 425-0800, weekdays
and (205) 967-4901, evenings and weekends.
**********
High Holiday Machzor Available Free to Blind:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announces the availability
of the High Holiday Machzor Hebrew/English large print or Braille
edition for the visually impaired. To receive your free copy
while supplies last, mail or fax your request accompanied by a
note from your medical doctor or eye care specialist confirming
that you have a vision problem. Send to the Jewish Heritage for
the Blind, 1655 East 24th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11229, fax:
(718) 338-0653.
**********
Extra-Large-Print Books with Enhanced Pictures:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The artists at Harvard Ranch Publishing introduce a new book
series that combines digitally enhanced imagery with very large
print. The books are designed for older adults and those with
visual impairments but appeal to nearly everyone. Harvard Ranch
worked closely with professionals and the visually impaired
themselves to create books that convey beauty and warmth. The
books also spark memories and imagination, which in turn promote
conversation. The books are easy to read but intellectually
engaging and visually intriguing. The first three books focus on
timeless poetry, Biblical passages, and familiar hymns. They are
illustrated with colorful drawings and photographs and are
spiral-bound so they lie flat when open.
The series includes A Walk in the Garden, Verses from the
Bible, and Favorite Hymns and cost $24.95 each. Add $2.50 for
shipping and handling. You may call 1-800-815-9533 or contact
Harvard Ranch Publishing, Box 842, Kalispell, Montana 59903, fax
(406) 752-9678, e-mail <[email protected]>, or visit the Web
site at <www.harvardranch.com>. Methods of payment include major
credit cards.
**********
Sports and Recreational Videos Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
The Michigan Blind Athletic Association, MBAA, has three
videos available to assist and enhance physical education
programs. They include the following:
ACCESS Sports video, eighteen minutes, discusses the ACCESS
sports model, which suggests ways to assess and adapt most sports
to include visually impaired students in a physical education
program. Costs $35.
MBAA Sports Camp video, eighteen minutes, discusses the
annual MBAA Sports Camp for visually impaired youth. Founded more
than ten years ago, this camp assists visually impaired students
and their instructors in adapting physical education and sports
programs to include visually impaired youth. Costs $35.
Introduction to Goal Ball, eight minutes, discusses the game
of goal ball, including rules and regulations. This is a very
fast-paced video. Costs $30.
To order, send a check or money order or purchase order to
Michigan Blind Athletic Association, c/o Sherry Gordon,
Secretary, 4423 Sunnydale Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006,
(616) 337-3276.
**********
Spanish Edition of Diabetes Publication Available:
We have been asked to carry the following announcement:
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and
Low Vision, RRTC, announces the availability of a Spanish version
of its 1997 publication, Serving Individuals with Diabetes Who
Are Blind or Visually Impaired. This publication was produced in
collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind and is
available in large print and on audio cassette for $30.
Interested individuals should contact Ms. Kelly Schaefer at (662)
325-1363 for more information.
**********
NFB PLEDGE
**********
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the
National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality,
opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies
and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its Constitution.