by Billie Jean Keith
The announcement of products and services in this column is not an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its staff, or elected officials. Products and services are listed free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The Braille Forum" cannot be responsible for the reliability of products and services mentioned.
To submit an item for "Here and There," send an e-mail message to [email protected]. You may call the ACB toll-free number (800) 424-8666, and leave a message in mailbox 26. Please bear in mind that we need information two months ahead of actual publication dates.
Important Notice from NLS
The National Library Service facility at 1291 Taylor Street NW, Washington, DC 20542, has not received regular mail service from the United States Postal Service since mid-October 2001. It is not known when full service will resume to this location. In the meantime, anyone wishing to contact the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped should use the telephone, facsimile, or e-mail numbers listed here: telephone (202) 707-5100; fax (202) 707-0712; e-mail [email protected]. If it is necessary to send physical items, parcel or expedited delivery services should be used.
Audio Yellow Pages Update
The Audio Yellow Pages has been undergoing improvements and testing, to be fully operational on May 15, 2002. ACB members may call toll-free (888) 654-1236 and use passcode 1222. For further details, call (800) 214-4842.
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
We've all heard stories about identity fraud used by thieves to take over a victim's name, address, Social Security number, etc. The source of this warning is an attorney with firsthand knowledge. His wallet was stolen a few months ago, and within a week the thief/thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a Visa credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a computer, and received a PIN number from DMV to go online and change his driving record information.
Here are some suggestions to protect your identity. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, and copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. This contains all the account numbers and numbers to call, if you lose them, or someone tries to take over your accounts. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Keep a braille record too, if appropriate. Other critical information should be gathered to limit damage in case of identity theft. Cancel your credit cards immediately, using the toll-free phone numbers and card numbers you keep in that safe place. File a police report in the jurisdiction where belongings were stolen. And, most importantly, call the national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. Otherwise, thieves can go on the Internet using your information to order thousands of dollars worth of merchandise, and you won't know for weeks. The numbers are: Equifax, (800) 525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW), (888) 397-3742; Trans Union, (800) 680-7289; and the Social Security Administration (fraud line), (800) 269-0271.
Candle in the Window
People who are blind and visually impaired are invited to attend the 16th annual conference of Candle in the Window, sponsored by a small national non-profit organization that strives to build individual skills and a sense of community among persons with visual impairments. This year's theme is "The Way We Play: Recreation and Social Interaction of Blind People." Questions will be addressed, such as: "What encourages/discourages us from being playful?" and "How can we better interact with sighted people in social situations?" Besides provocative discussions, there will be plenty of time for swimming, hiking, eating, singing, quiet reflection, and just plain "hanging out."
Dates are July 24 through July 28, 2002, at the Kavanaugh Life Enrichment Center outside Louisville, Ky. The cost to attend is $230, with a $15 discount if the $35 non-refundable deposit is received by June 15. Limited scholarships and payment plans are available.
For more information, please contact Peter Altschul at (202) 234-5234, e-mail [email protected], or Kathy Szinnyey at (502) 895-0866, or e-mail [email protected].
More Camping
Oral Hull Summer Camp
Oral Hull Foundation for the Blind sponsors summer camping at the Sandy River Valley, east of Portland, Ore. Enjoy sport games, swimming, jogging, nature walks, fishing, and a day at the Oregon coast. Adult Camp (ages 21 and above) meets July 20-27, 2002. Youth Camp (ages 10 to 20) meets Aug. 17-24. For more information, please contact Ria Ehrheart, 12900 SW 9th St., #106, Beaverton, OR 97005; phone (503) 520-9384.
Bartimaeus Alliance of the Blind, Inc.
This group will sponsor the Bartimaeus Bible Conference 2002 from July 29 to August 2, 2002. The theme for the Bible study portion will be "The Holy Spirit and His Ministries." Afternoon outings will include the Nature Trail in San Mateo County Memorial Park, and a trip to the Old Country Bakery in Pescadero. The cost is $300 per person for double occupancy. Stipends or camperships to attend are available, with an emphasis on welcoming newcomers.
For more information, contact Grant Metcalf, Bartimaeus Alliance of the Blind, Inc., P.O. Box 572, South San Francisco, CA 94083, phone (650) 589-6890, e-mail [email protected].
Pa. Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
The Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge Camp offers several sessions of camping experiences for people who are blind or visually impaired, from preschool age to golden elders. The Lions Club will sponsor residents of Pennsylvania who cannot afford to attend. People outside the state are also welcome. Many activities are offered, such as: bowling, swimming, mini-golf, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboating, fishing, arts and crafts, music, drama, ropes course, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, games, dances, hayrides -- you name it! Session dates are July 6-17; July 20-31; and August 3-14. Costs range from $275 to $550. Apply right away, as sessions are for specific ages.
For more information, please contact Melanie McAleer, camp director, at (814) 542-2511, fax (814) 542-7437, e-mail [email protected], web site http://www.beaconcamp.homestead.com.
Publications from NBP: Some Free
A "Braille Forum" reader from Massachusetts left a voice message describing free publications from the National Braille Press. As braille readers know, NBP produces many books in braille for the same price as print editions.
Among NBP free publications are a listing of braille transcription services; the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence; area code listings for the USA; braille code reference cards; and a two-volume book on menopause. However, NBP will not prosper if we all order free publications. Customers have highly recommended "Wordwise," a book written by Sharon Monthei, who teaches Word for a living. The book is available in braille (three volumes), large print, PortaBook, and ASCII (one disk) for $22. Visit the NBP web site at http://www.nbp.org, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. The snail mail contact is 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA 02115-4302, toll-free phone (800) 548-7323, or outside the U.S. and Canada, call (617) 266-6160, ext. 20, fax (617) 437-0456.
Computer Training Opportunity
Lions World Services for the Blind, Little Rock, Ark. announces the next Service Center Collection Representative training course beginning July 8, 2002. This four-month course trains individuals to work as tax examining assistants at one of the 10 IRS centers located nationwide. The entry level is GS 4 or 5, with promotion potential to GS 7. People interested in this position must have a high energy and vitality level and possess good independent living and travel skills. Strong logical reasoning ability and emotional maturity are necessary for the job. Two years of college or equivalent work experience are required, along with a 12th grade spelling level, good knowledge of business math, ability to type 30 wpm, and a reading speed of 100 wpm with good comprehension. Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
For referrals and more information, contact Lions World Services Center for the Blind, Sherrill Wilson, Director of Vocational Services, address 2811 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72204, phone (501) 664-7100, fax (501) 664-2743, e-mail [email protected].
Attention Blind Vendors
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision has created a new business enterprise program web site, http://www.blind.msstate.edu/bep/bep.html. Located at Mississippi State University, the web site includes information about business resources, state program contacts, membership organizations and associations, legislative links, and a marketing video highlighting different types of facilities located throughout the country.