Hawaii Association of the Blind
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We are the State affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
HAB welcomes DONATIONS to support its projects like scholarships, grants and training. Contact Ameila Cetrone for particulars. All donations are tax-deductible.

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Technology    Photos-Audio-Video        Archives

News & Announcements

On This Page
 

* HAB Forum - October 2011
* Ho’opono Job Club
* RNIB Pen Friend
* BookSense XT IVR
* JAWS Version 13
* Social Security 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012
* Letters to HAB

*******

HAB FORUM - October 2011

It's here! The latest issue of HAB Forum for October 2011 is now out.
Highlights of the issue:
* President's Corner
HAB President Warren Toyama gives a complete roundup of the year's events for the organization.
* Technology
Ronald Flormata talks about the technology aspect of the 2011 ACB Annual Convention held in Reno, Nevada in July of 2011. He also talks on the latest development in the accessible US currency.
* Social Committee
One of HAB's newest member, Sharon Ige, also chair of the Social Committee, talks about the past 2011 occasions which brought the members closer through fun, food and fellowship.
* Blind Vending Program
Filo Tu talks about the 2011 RSVA Convention in Reno, Nevada in which he was also Convention Chairman. He proudly reports Hawaii's contribution to the success of the Convention.
* HAPVI
Amy Downard talks about the Hawaii Association of Parents of Visually Impaired busy activities in 2011.
In this column, Amy also shared news on her Eye Movie” special project which received a grant from HAB.

* Views on Today’s Technological Shift
Art Cabanilla shares his thoughts regarding the shift in blindness accessibility in the computer industry today. In the forefront of this blind accessibility advancement is Apple with its numerous offerings like iPod, iPad, iPhone and MacAir notebook. However, blind computer users are faced with a new challenge. Read more.

* A True Randolph-Sheppard Statesman…Highlighting the Life of Warren M. Toyama
Cindy Carruthers of RSVA writes about HAB President, Warren Toyama from his humble beginnings to his countless achievements in pursuit of advocacy work for the blind. Learn more about the man.

* Inspirations
Beth Flormata digs more inspirational stories for us to ponder. In this column, she tells us of the two wolves in people that somehow determines how they respond to life's challenges.

Click here to read the October 2011 issue of the HAB Forum. ---------------
 

Ho’opono Job Club

What is a Job Club?
Job Club is an intensive job search program intended for Ho’opono consumers actively looking for full-time or part-time employment consistent with the consumer’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) goal.

In this program job seekers spend part of every meeting:
o Obtaining job leads
o Contacting employers
o Practicing interviewing skills
o Going on interviews
o Helping each other

You will learn and practice up-to-date job-finding skills from trained vocational rehabilitation specialists, employment specialists, rehabilitation teachers, and a diverse group of guest speakers and experts, all available to assist in making sure members do not face the overwhelming task of finding a job alone.

What will the Job Club provide a member?
o Job search (locally & nationally)
o Using professional social networking mediums to self-market and promote oneself
o Resume writing/honing
o Assistance with interviewing skills
o Completing job applications
o A workspace where you can write letters, develop/edit resumes, & make phone calls
o Accessible computers, photocopier, & a fax machine
o An employment team who help until you find a job
o Continued assistance if you should lose your job
o An environment that is fun but a working atmosphere where everyone can share experiences and knowledge freely with other blind and visually impaired people


What is required to become a Job Club member?

The assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) will discuss the purpose, requirements, and expectations of Ho’opono’s Job Club. Members must abide by and meet the required requirements and expectations itemized below.

#1: Members must be job ready. Although the definition of job readiness is different to many people, job readiness may be better defined by addressing the unique situation of each consumer. Therefore, the job club team (made of ES, assigned VRS, RTs) will work together to determine if each consumer is job ready and make appropriate recommendations if necessary. The list below is not intended to be an exhaustive checklist to determine job readiness, but can be used as a tool to better assist the potential member of appropriateness for the job club.

The consumer has addressed:
o His or her medical, legal, and independent living concerns
o Transportation to get to and from the interview and the job
o Acquired the skills or training that they can apply toward their potential job
o The basic skills to fill out a job application in writing and/or online
o A working resume or has the basic information to create a resume
o Interview clothing/grooming ready
o Work visas
o Substance abuse

#2: Members must have the genuine attitude, behavior, and willingness to actively participate in the Job Club and all its activities in order to prepare for, obtain, secure, maintain, or regain employment.

#3: Members must agree to keep all shared information confidential.

#4: Members must make a promise to each member that they are working together for the success of each other and the success of the whole group.

How does a consumer become an active Job Club member?

Their assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) must refer the consumer.


Lea Grupen, M.Ed.
Branch Administrator
Ho`opono Services for the Blind
1901 Bachelot Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 586-5275
Fax: (808) 586-5288

 

RNIB  Pen Friend

A new voice labeling system by RNIB that allows users to easily record, and re-record, information onto self-adhesive labels. This small pen shaped recorder provides easy recognition sound and just four buttons in a simple identifiable pattern. Instantly play back the recordings - no computer required. Use the PenFriend to label food items, including freezer food and even add cooking instructions, film and music collections, organize household paperwork, record shopping lists or leave audio messages. Clothing that is dry cleaned can even be labeled. The PenFriend can also be used as a portable notetaker. You can record your message and keep track of it by placing the allocated label in a small notebook or in your diary. This device is great for students as well as home use!

Features:
•simply allocate one of the coded self-adhesive labels and record and store your message on the PenFriend; to play back touch the PenFriend tip to the label and it will announce recordings specific to each label
•there is no limit to the record length associated with each label
•over 70 hours of recording time available on 1 GB internal memory
•ability to download MP3 files including books and music - computer required for this function.
•includes 127 labels in a mix of sizes and shapes, currently 2 sheets of square shaped labels and 1 sheet of small circles, built-in speaker, USB cable, neck lanyard and two AAA batteries
•extra labels are available in packs of 380
•labels cannot go into the washing machine

Additional Products
PenFriend Extra Labels 380 count (Pack A)
Easily record, and re-record, information using this versatile, pocket-sized, easy-to-use product and self adhesive labels. Simply touch the label with the PenFriend, hold down the record button to record your label or message. Please purchase Pack A labels before purchasing Pack B labels.
PenFriend Extra Labels 380 count (Pack B)
Please note that only one set of Pack A labels and one set of Pack B labels will work with each PenFriend. Please purchase Pack A labels before purchasing Pack B labels.
PenFriend Extra Labels 418 count (Pack C)
Additional labels to be used with your PenFriend Voice Labeling System for the Blind. Pack C contains 418 encoded self-adhesive labels. This pack contains 364 circle labels (13mm) and 54 square labels (32mm).
PenFriend Extra Labels 418 count (Pack D)
Additional labels to be used with your PenFriend Voice Labeling System for the Blind. Pack D contains 418 encoded self-adhesive labels. This pack contains 364 circle labels (13mm) and 54 square labels (measure 32mm).
 

BookSense xt IVR

http://www.hims-inc.com/Manual/IVR_Getting_Started.txt

BookSense XT Voice Recognition Quick Start Guide and Command List.

With the release of BookSense XT firmware version 2.3, HIMS introduced Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) capability to the BookSense. This means that any user of a BookSense XT running firmware version 2.3 or higher can control the BookSense with his or her voice.

It takes only a moment to get started controlling your BookSense using your voice. Simply turn on voice recognition by holding the Time and Date key for 2 seconds. The BookSense announces, "Turning on voice recognition, please wait." Progress beeps are heard as the voice recognition database is loaded, and after a few seconds, BookSense says, "Voice recognition on." This announcement indicates the BookSense XT is ready to respond to voice commands. Hold the Time and Date key again to turn voice recognition off.

When voice recognition is on, the BookSense XT knows you are talking to it when the internal microphone detects the word "BookSense". Thus, before each voice command you wish to activate, you must speak the word "BookSense" so that the BookSense XT knows to listen and respond to your voice: for example, to play an audio book, you say, "BookSense, Play Audio Book" and to check the remaining charge in the battery, say, "BookSense, check battery". You will find a complete list of available voice commands at the end of this document.

Note: in some cases, more than one command can be used to perform a given function. In such cases, the alternative command is listed in parentheses. The command list is divided in to 2 sections: Basic and Advanced. The Basic command list includes basic navigation commands, commands for switching modes, and playing and exiting content. The Advanced command list includes more advanced navigational commands, and commands for more specific functions such as obtaining book information, checking System Status, setting and deleting marks, and setting the alarm and sleep timer.

To ensure the best recognition of your voice commands, hold the BookSense XT about 9 to 12 inches from your mouth and speak clearly and distinctly. It is also a good idea to use headphones when controlling the BookSense XT with your voice, especially during content playback, as the internal microphone picks up the sound from the internal speaker and cannot clearly detect your voice. You may also find voice control less effective in a noisy environment, such as a crowded conference hall, as the microphone detects the ambient noise around you as well as your voice, and thus, may not accurately distinguish your commands from the other sounds in the room.

Once you speak the word "BookSense" followed by your desired command, the BookSense should respond within 2 or 3 seconds. If your command is recognized, it is acted on. For example, if you say, "BookSense, play music", the BookSense XT begins playing the last file accessed in your MUSIC folder. If the BookSense does not recognize your command, you hear an echoing click sound to alert you that the BookSense has not recognized your command.

If you are in a quiet environment with the BookSense XT positioned correctly and the BookSense still does not recognize your commands, you can configure the BookSense to more accurately recognize your voice. You can access the Voice Command Options Menu from the Advanced Menu of the BookSense XT. Press the Menu key and arrow up 3 times to Advanced Options. Press the RIGHT Arrow to open the Advanced Options Menu. Arrow up twice to Voice Command Options, and press the RIGHT Arrow to open it.

The Voice Command Options Menu consists of 4 items: Turn On/Off Voice Recognition, Speaker Recognition Dialog, Initialize Speaker Recognition Database, and Voice Command Option Setting Dialog. The Voice Command Option Setting Dialog allows you to set the microphone sensitivity in increments from 1 to 5. the Initialize Speaker Recognition Database option restores the default speaker recognition database.

The Speaker recognition Dialog lets you customize the speaker recognition database, allowing you to add versions of the available commands recorded in your own voice to the recognition database so that the BookSense XT can more accurately recognize them when you speak them.

Open the Speaker recognition Dialog by navigating to it using the UP or DOWN Arrow and pressing the RIGHT Arrow to open it. The dialog consists of 2 combo boxes. The first combo box lets you choose between a male or female voice database from which to draw when recognizing commands. Use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow to change the selection.

Press the DOWN Arrow to access the Command combo box. Move among the available voice commands using the LEFT and RIGHT Arrows. To record the command in your own voice, press the RECORD button. BookSense announces, "Begin recording" and starts recording. You have about 5 seconds to speak the command, after which time the BookSense announces, "Recording complete" and plays your recording back to you. When the recording is finished playing, BookSense inquires, "Apply this recording? Press OK for yes and CANCEL for no." If you press OK, the recording is added to the recognition database. If you press CANCEL, it is not.

While you can use your voice to perform almost every function of the BookSense XT, there are some instances where voice control must be limited. You may not use voice control to input data: for example, when prompted for a value, such as in the case of entering a mark number to create or move to, or when setting the time and date. In this case, you can use voice control to bring up the desired dialog, but you must use the number pad to enter the values requested. Also, you may not use voice control to pause or stop a recording as the internal microphone is now being used to record, so can no longer detect voice commands. Finally, you cannot use voice control when the radio is playing. You may mute the radio using the Play/Pause key to, once again, attain voice control access.

For more detailed information on using Interactive Voice Recognition on your BookSense XT, please see the User Manual. You will also find an audio demonstration of this feature in the PODCASTS folder on the SD card that was shipped with your BookSense.

Basic Command list
1) Play Daisy (or Read Daisy) - plays the most recently played DAISY content automatically. If there is no recent history, the first item in the DAISY folder is played
2) Read Document (or Play Document) - plays the most recently accessed document. If there is no recent history, the first document in the Documents folder is played.
3) Play Radio (or Listen to Radio) - plays the radio.
4) Play Media - plays the most recently played media file. If there is no recent history, the first media file in the Music folder is played.
5) Play Music (or Listen to Music) - plays the most recently played music file. If there is no recent history, the first music file in the Music folder is played.
6) Play Audio book (or Listen to Audio book) - plays the most recently played audio book in the Audio Books folder. If there is no recent history, the first audio book file in the Audio Books folder is played.
7) Play (or Open) - plays the folder or file under the cursor. If in pause status, playback resumes.
8) Next/Previous - moves to the next/previous track or book. In radio mode, scans the next/previous channel.
9) Pause - pauses playback of the currently playing file or book.
10) Stop player - returns to the file list after closing the current program.
11) Move Right/Left - functions the same as pressing the right/left arrows.
12) move Up/Down - functions the same as pressing the UP/DOWN arrows.
13) Cancel - functions the same as pressing the CANCEL key.
14) OK - functions the same as pressing the OK key.
15) Volume Up (Increase Volume) - The volume is increased by 1 level.
16) Volume Down (or Decrease Volume) - The volume is decreased by 1 level.
17) Record - starts voice recording
18) Play Recording (or Listen to Recording) - plays the last recorded file in the RECORD folder
19) Play Radio Recording (or Listen to Radio Recording) - plays the last recorded file in the RADIO folder.
20) Date and Time - Announces the date and time.
21) Battery (or Check Battery) - announces the battery status.
22) What are you doing - announces the current status of the BookSense.
23) Open/Close Help Mode - Help mode is enabled/disabled.
24) Turn Off - The BookSense is turned off.

Advanced Command list
1) SD Card - changes the current storage device to SD card.
2) Flashdisk - changes current storage device to Flashdisk.
3) USB Memory - changes the current storage device to USB memory.
4) Document Reader - changes mode to the Document reader.
5) Media Player - changes mode to Media.
6) Daisy Player - changes mode to DAISY.
7) Play NLS - plays the most recently played NLS book in the NLS folder.
8) Play BookShare - plays the most recently played BookShare book in the Bookshare folder.
9) Play RFB&D - plays the most recently played RFB&D book in the RFB&D folder.
10) Play NFB NewsLine (or Play NFB News) - plays the most recently accessed item in the NFB NewsLine folder.
11) Open Menu - opens the menu for the current program.
12) Speed Slower - The playback speed is decreased by 1 level.
13) Speed Faster - The playback speed is increased by 1 level.
14) Speed Normal - returns to the normal playback speed.
15) Insert Mark - prompts you with an edit box to enter the number of mark to insert.
16) Move to Mark - prompts you with an edit box to enter the number. of the mark to move to.
17) Delete Mark - prompts you with an edit box to enter the number of the mark to delete.
18) Current Information (or Current Status) - announces the information for the current file or folder.
19) Voice Mark (or Voice Memo) - switches the mark type to the voice mark (Voice memo).
20) Highlight Mark - switches the mark type to the highlight mark.
21) Default Mark (or Simple Mark) - switches the mark type to the default (simple) mark.
22) Select - selects the current item in a file/folder list.
23) Select All - selects all items in a file/folder list.
24) Delete - prompts you to delete selected item(s).
25) Move to Heading - prompts you with an edit box for entering the number of the heading you want to move to in supported files.
26) Move to Page - prompts you with an edit box for entering the number of the page you want to move to in a book.
27) Move to Percent - prompts you with an edit box for entering the number of the percent you want to move to in a book.
28) Media information - announces information for the currently playing media file.
29) Book information (or Daisy information) - announces information for the currently playing DAISY book.
30) Move Up/Down 5 - moves up/down 5 items in a file/folder list.
31) Move Up/Down 10 - moves up/down 10 items in a file/folder list.
32) Move to top/bottom - moves to the top/bottom of a file list.
33) Jump to File (or Move to file) - prompts you with an edit box for entering the number of the file you want to jump to in the file list.
34) Cancel without Bookmark - deletes the bookmark and then exits the current program.
35) Switch voice - switches between the male and female voice.
36) Delete All Marks - deletes all the saved marks in a file or book.
37) Sleep Timer - prompts you with an edit box for entering the number of minutes to set the sleep timer.
38) Bluetooth On/Off (or Turn On/Off Bluetooth) - turns Bluetooth on/off.
39) Switch Equalizer - cycles through the different equalizer modes.
40) Save Playlist - saves The currently playing list.
41) Repeat On/Off (or Repeat Play On/Off) - turns repeat mode on/off.
42) Shuffle On/Off (or Shuffle Play On/Off) - turns shuffle mode on/off.
43) Change Daisy Type - switches between DAISY text and audio playback.
44) Change Sensitivity (or Change Scanning Sensitivity) - changes the radio channel scanning sensitivity by 1 level.
45) Delete Preset - prompts you with an edit box to enter the number of the preset you want to delete.
46) Set Alarm - opens Set Alarm dialog box.
47) Set Date and Time - opens 'Set date and time' dialog box.
48) Recording Settings - opens Recording Settings dialog box.
49) Set Power Saving Time - opens 'Set power saving time' dialog box.
50) System Status (or Check System Status) - opens System Status dialog box.

User's Thoughts
I bought the BookSense XT when it first came out in 2009. It has gone through a number of firmware updates from 2.0 up to today's 2.3 Updating it from 2.2 to 2.3 is abit tricky. Tech support from HIMS was very helpful and nice to guide me on how to do the process. For some reason, you must update from 2.1 version of the firmware and NOT from 2.2. At any rate, it works!
So, what do I think of the interactive voice recognition? It's cool because you can actually command the device and it responds accordingly. However, i would prefer a faster response by pressing the buttons. One thing I liked about the latest update is the fact that once you turn off the unit while reading or playing a file on the SD card, you will be positioned at that file upon return.

rmf
 

jaws version 13

Freedom Scientific, publisher of JAWS, has released the latest version of the program and is now available to interested individuals. Here are what's new.

JAWS 13 Features
Convenient OCR
Frequently, you will encounter images that contain textual information. These can include a PDF file, the setup screen of an application, or the menu of selections for a DVD movie. While these images contain text that is readable by a sighted person, JAWS is unable to read the text as it is part of the image.

The new Convenient OCR (Optical Character Recognition) feature enables you to access any image on the screen that includes text. With just a few simple keystrokes, JAWS will recognize the image in a matter of seconds and activate the JAWS cursor so you can navigate the resulting text. The recognized text will be in the same location as the actual image on the screen. In order to differentiate the recognized text from other text that may be in the window, JAWS will use a different voice when it encounters the recognized text. When you activate the PC cursor, or switch to another application or dialog box, the text is removed, and you will need to perform the OCR again.

To use Convenient OCR, the following layered keystrokes have been added:

•INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, W. Recognizes the current application window that has focus.
•INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, S. Recognizes the entire screen.
•INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, C. Recognizes the currently selected control, such as a graphical button.
•INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, Q. Cancels recognition while it is in progress.
•INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, H. Speaks a brief help message describing the commands in the OCR layer.
The following examples illustrate just some of the uses of this new feature.

•You insert a DVD movie into your computer which brings up a menu allowing you to select from various DVD features. You press INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, W, and after a few seconds, JAWS will alert you that OCR is complete. At this point, the JAWS cursor will be active, and you can navigate around the screen using the ARROW keys and read the text of the menu. When you hear the option you want, press NUMPAD SLASH to perform a left-mouse-click, or INSERT+NUMPAD PLUS to route PC to JAWS to activate the option. Prior to JAWS 13, this menu would have been completely inaccessible.
Note: Depending on the type of screen the DVD displays and the quality of the text, the Convenient OCR may not always work. Some DVD screens will be recognized better than others.

•You open a PDF in Adobe Reader, which turns out to be inaccessible. Press INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, W to have JAWS recognize the text currently visible on the screen which you can then navigate with the JAWS cursor. Before performing OCR in Acrobat Reader, press CTRL+1 to set the zoom level to Actual Size. While this will cause less of the image to be displayed on the screen, this will result in higher accuracy during recognition.
•You try to install or use an application whose interface is not accessible, such as Acronis® True Image™ Home 2011 or 2012. If no text is readily available when pressing TAB or when using the JAWS Cursor, you can try Convenient OCR. Start with the PC Cursor and press INSERT+SPACEBAR, O, W to recognize the text of the welcome screen graphic. You can then use the JAWS Cursor and NUMPAD SLASH (left mouse button) to move to and choose the possible buttons and links.


For more information, visit the company website at
http://www.freedomscientific.com

 

Social Security 3.6% Benefit Increase for 2012

Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012
Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced today.
The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $110,100 from $106,800. Of the estimated 161 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2012, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at http://www.Medicare.gov . For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola .

# # #
A fact sheet showing the effect of the various automatic adjustments can be read by visiting:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2012.htm



SSA Press Office 440 Altmeyer Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
 

i

Home Delivery For HAB members who have no time or unable to do their grocery shopping, you may dial (808) 590-2048 and look for George or Jackye Peacock - owners of AKAMAI grocery shopping & delivery service, who would be more than glad to be your personal shopper. Just give them a list of the items you need, the store where you want them bought and they will shop for you and deliver them right on your doorstep for a minimal delivery fee! Happy shopping!

	Letters to HAB
	It gives us great joy and a real sense of accomplishment reading letters from those whose lives were touched by HAB. December 16, 2008 Mahalo Warren and HAB for your generous donation to the Santa experience. Your donation paid for lunch and goodie bags for over 20 visually impaired students from Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. May you all have a fantastic Christmas too! Aloha, Christian Yates, HCDB December 24, 2008 Dear Warren and Members of the HAB: On behalf of the Huui o Na Makamaka (Friends of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped), a very belated THANK YOU for the generous donation of $130.89 to help pay for the hot dogs at the “Out-of-Sigh Concert” held at the Waianae Public Library on August 16, 2008. Our objective was to promote the services of LBPH on the west side and we believe that we accomplished this. The concert with the blind performers, the exhibits and the delicious hot dogs, all helped make a very successful program! We are very grateful for the support of the Hawaii Association of the Blind throughout the years…. your continued generosity and commitment to helping LBPH provide quality services are very much appreciated. Happy Holidays and best wishes to all of you in the new year! Sincerely, Deanna Espinas, Chairperson January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama, Thank you for letting me come on the field trip. I had a lot of fun. My favorite part was the scavenger hunt. My mom said that the ornament in the 1st place prize was beautiful. I also liked the train ride and seeing santa. Love, Laurel Cummings, Holomua Elementary, Leeward District P.S. The food was magnificent. January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama, I had fun doing the scavenger hunt at the mall and riding the train and the monorail, and eating pizza there and meeting santa. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you made it. I hope we will see you again. Love forever from: Catherine, Holomua Elementary, Leeward District January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama and Members of HAB, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help in coordinating the DeafBlind Santa Day at Pearlridge Shopping Center. Even though the weather was gloomy outside, the atmosphere inside the mall was bright and cheerful. The students enjoyed seeing Santa, participating in a scavenger hunt, riding the monorail, riding the Toy Land Express train, eating pizza and cookies, and taking home the wonderful goodie bags. I would also like to thank you for the generous check that you send to Leeward District every year. We have been using the money for training materials for inservices with elementary classes, as well as to allow students to practice buying items on O&M lessons. These opportunities provide our students with valuable life experiences that they will remember for many years to come. I appreciate all you have done to make these things possible for our students. Sincerely, Hope Yasuhara, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Leeward District Office Annex February 3, 2009 Dear Warren and Members of the HAB, Louis Braille’s 200th birthday bash at the library was fun and a great way to celebrate him and his contribution to blind people worldwide. There was a display of Braille items. Trivia questions about Louis Braille were asked and then a short background of his life and work was given. The standing-room-only crowd included students, their teachers and parents, and adults. We played the “What’s that smell”, “What’s This” and bingo games with prizes. The HUI O VIP loaned us their Braille and large print bingo boards, which we appreciated. Everyone sang happy birthday and helped blow out the candles and then ate cupcakes. They seemed happy with the balloons and goody bag of treats to take home. Thank you so much for your donation that helped to make this activity so successful. Enclosed are a few pictures of the event. May you all have a happy and prosperous new year! Sincerely, Fusako Miyashiro, Branch Manager, LBPH February 26, 2009 Dear HAB, As the annual HAB conference approaches, we’d like to take a moment to tell you how we on the Big Island have used your generous grant over the past year. Thank you so much for your support. We have continued to use a portion of the money to repair eyeglasses. Many of our students simply can’t afford to get their glasses repaired when they break. Insurance coverage, for those that have it, is woefully limited. Your grant has also enabled us to continue to provide our students with meaningful daily living skills and Orientation and Mobility lessons. In November, we had a Big Island Peer interaction group trip. We took the kids to the Kona branch of Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii. It was the first time that several of the students had ever been on horseback. One or two of them had never even touched a horse before! They packed a picnic lunch of musubi, banana bread and juice. They prepared the lunch themselves, using ingredients purchased with your grant money. In December, some of our students were able to join their peers on Oahu for peer interaction group trip to Pearlridge, where they were able to put their Orientation and Mobility skills to real life use. This year, we are planning a year end trip to Maui at the end of April. Carol and Margy are planning two days of fun and educational activities. The time we the kids spend with their visually impaired friends is sadly limited. This trip will be a highlight of the year for many of them! We are very grateful for your continued support. Thank you. Signed: Liz Martin (Kona); Maryanne Genova (Hilo); Leatrice Ono (Hilo); and Ian Perry (Waimea) February 27, 2009 Dear Waren and HAB, We went to LBPH for Lois Braille’s birthday and then to Rainbow Drive Inn for lunch! It was fun !! Jessica Chandler February 27, 2009 Dear HAB, Thanks for lunch. It was delicious! Love, Emma - end of letters Read previous letters.