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.
ACB Member’s Book Available
“I Did It Without Looking: A Blind Man’s Recovery from Addiction” by Michael Moran is now available as an e-book, as well as in paperback and hardcover formats. It is available from Amazon (all three formats), Smashwords (e-book only), Barnes and Noble (online orders only, not in stores), and the Apple iStore.
Journey with Your Ears
Through live-streamed, professionally guided, audio-described tours, you can explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks in real-time. The company “Discover Live” brings together people from around the world to virtually experience over 200 fascinating destinations across six continents. For more information, go to https://www.discover.live/audiodescribedtours.
Be My Eyes App for Windows
Be My Eyes recently launched its groundbreaking Be My Eyes App on Windows desktop, with immediate availability in the Microsoft Store. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in Be My Eyes’ mission to make the world more accessible for the 340 million people who are blind or have low vision.
The Be My Eyes App offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to provide rich visual descriptions to users who are blind or have low vision. From photos and graphs to screenshots and web pages, the app delivers detailed descriptions in real-time, enhancing the way individuals interact with their personal computers.
Key features of the Be My Eyes for Windows App include:
- Describe Your Screen: Gain detailed descriptions of application interfaces and web page layouts with ease.
- Describe Local Images: Receive comprehensive descriptions of family photos, documents, and more by simply uploading images to the Be My Eyes app.
- Describe Online Images: Seamlessly access descriptions of images encountered while browsing the web, ensuring no visual content goes unnoticed.
- Help Get Ready for Video Calls: Prepare for video calls with detailed descriptions of visual aspects, enhancing communication experiences.
The Be My Eyes App also includes an interactive chatbot feature, allowing users to ask follow-up questions and delve deeper into the content being described. This interactive feature enhances engagement and fosters a more enriching user experience for people who are blind or have low vision.
The app is available for free on the Microsoft Store. For more information, visit https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9msw46ltdwgf?rtc=1&hl=en-us&gl=US.
Introducing the BT Speak Pocket Computer
The BT Speak from Blazie Technologies is a compact computer with an eight-dot Braille keyboard and speech output. The BT Speak has numerous features, including pre-installed PC-style apps. For more information, call (772) 214-1616, or visit www.blazietech.com.
Lighthouse Guild President Wins Award
Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, has been named the distinguished lecturer and recipient of The John Milton McLean Medal for 2024. The prize is given by the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Ophthalmology in honor of Dr. McLean, chairman of the department from 1939 to 1968.
DryEye Rescue Sole Distributor for InflammaDry
DryEye Rescue was recently selected as the sole distributor for InflammaDry in the United States. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the distribution and accessibility of InflammaDry, a leading diagnostic tool for dry eye disease.
InflammaDry is the only rapid, in-office CLIA-waived test that detects elevated levels of MMP-9, an inflammatory marker consistently found in the tears of patients with dry eye disease. This test allows eye care professionals to accurately identify ocular surface disease, leading to optimal treatment pathways.
New from National Braille Press
Brand-new from National Braille Press is the Braille Word Builder Game. It comes with 25 regular boards for uncontracted braille and 5 challenge boards containing contractions. Each game board has 5 copies (4 cards in simbraille and embossed braille, and 1 card in simbraille & large print), so up to 5 people can play at once. Supply is limited!
Does your preteen love science? Check out “The Big Book of Braille Science Puzzles: Fun Science-Themed Puzzles to Help You Master Braille.” It comes in braille as well as large print, for ages 10 and up.
Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Also new is “The Big Book of Braille Puzzles: 50 Searches, Anagrams, and Ladders To Help You Master Braille.” It, too, is available in braille and large print, for ages 10 and up.
Now available is “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family,” by Ibtihaj Muhammad. It comes in contracted braille (UEB), for ages 3 to 8. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand-new year, and it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day wearing a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. Faizah finds new ways to be strong in the face of hurtful words.
Another new book is “Sometimes I Am Furious,” by Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger. It comes in UEB, and is for ages 3 to 5. If you have a toddler or preschooler who has big feelings, you definitely want to check out this book!
Also available is “Play Ball! My First Baseball Game,” by Tanner Ryan. Take me out to the ball game! This print-and-braille board book for ages 3 and up features a full nine-inning ball game between the cows and the bears. Who wins? You’ll have to read and find out!
For more information, visit shop.nbp.org, or call (617) 266-6160 ext. 520.