edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins
The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. “The ACB Braille Forum” cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to [email protected], or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering’s mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date.
Lighthouse Guild Awards Scholarships
The Lighthouse Guild awarded 12 college scholarships of $8,500 each to graduating high school students who are legally blind; and 3 graduate school scholarships of $2,500 each to college graduates who are legally blind. Lighthouse Guild scholarships are awarded for strong academic accomplishment and merit.
This year’s recipients are:
Jalen Ballard, Toledo, OH, University of Michigan
Jasmine Cairns, Chester Springs, PA, Stevens Institute of Technology
Kevin Cohen, Hewlett, NY, Binghamton University
Samuel Folsom, Newnan, GA, Georgia Tech
Kash Jian, Shrewsbury, MA, Trinity College
Kelly Jones, Alexandria, VA, Columbia University
Jackson Lamb, Midlothian, VA, George Washington University
Marissa Nissley, Berlin, NJ, Georgetown University
Katherine Steffen, Lewisville, NC, Boston University
Samuel Theoharis, Fayetteville, NY, Brown University
Nola Timmins, New Orleans, LA, Georgia Tech
Sean Zuby, Spring City, PA, University of Pittsburgh
Graduate scholarship winners are:
Melissa Segarra, Doral, FL, UCLA School of Law
Teresita Rios, Simi Valley, CA, University of Notre Dame Law School
William Leibzon, Long Beach, CA, University of California-Irvine, PhD in Mathematical Behavioral Science
Teaching awards went to two teachers for their exemplary service and assistance to students who are blind:
Jon Graetz, math teacher, Miami Valley School, Dayton, Ohio
Scott Secrest, physics teacher, St. Frances de Sales School, Toledo, Ohio
Envision Dallas Names New VP of Development
Envision has named Amy Britton vice president of development for Envision Dallas. In her new role, she will develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan for Envision Dallas. Britton has a master’s in higher, adult, and lifelong learning from Michigan State University, and is a certified fundraising executive. The Dallas native joins Envision from Michigan State University, where she served as director of development for Texas and the Great Plains Region for eight years. Having more than 16 years of experience working in nonprofits, Britton previously held development positions with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas and Camp Summit, Inc., a residential camp in Dallas for children and adults with disabilities.
New Facebook Group
A Facebook Group has been formed for attendees of the Louisiana Center for the Blind or the UNO Computer Program in New Orleans. Others are also welcome. The group is called “The Blind Finding the Blind.” Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2164949466956043/.
New from National Braille Press
Now available from National Braille Press is “Tactile Landmarks” by Tactile Vision Graphics. It comes in uncontracted braille. You can explore and color tactile drawings of five famous buildings and landmarks.
Newly available is “Will Shortz’s Mind Games: 100 Alphabet Riddles.” It is available in braille and as a BRF.
Eileen Curran’s “The Big Book of Braille Puzzles: 50 Searches, Anagrams, and Ladders to Help You Master Braille” is brand-new, and available in braille and large print.
Need to spice up your suppers? Sandwiches lost their luster during the stay-at-home period? Check out the cookbooks at https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/search.html?q=cookbooks.
Under free digital downloads for kids (through Aug. 31), check out “Totally Silly Jokes” by Alison Grambs for some of the silliest, wackiest, and wildest jokes. Looking for adventure? Look no further than “Choose Your Own Adventure: The Abominable Snowman” by R.A. Montgomery. For more information, visit https://info.nbp.org/digitaldownloads.
For more information, call NBP toll-free, 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.