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.
2024 NBP Touch of Genius Prize
The Touch of Genius Prize was developed to inspire entrepreneurs, educators, or inventors to continue the promotion of braille and tactile literacy for blind and deaf-blind people worldwide. This prize can be granted for innovative and accessible computer software applications, tactile hardware, or curriculum that promotes braille and/or tactile literacy. The winner will receive up to $10,000, which will help them to continue to innovate in the fields of technology and education for the blind community.
Applications are due on January 12, 2024. For more information, or to apply, visit www.touchofgeniusprize.org. If you have questions, send an email to [email protected].
Books & More at National Braille Press
Now available is “Sunday Morning Quotations: Vol. 2.” It contains 52 all new, memorable quotes in a spiral-bound, pocket-sized booklet. The booklet is available in braille.
Other quotation books available include (in limited quantities): Monday: Volume 2; Tuesday: Volume 2; Wednesday: Volume 2; Friday: Volume 2; and Saturday: Volume 2.
NBP also offers a variety of print/braille magnets with quotations on them, including:
“I am never not thinking of you.” — Virginia Woolf
“I’d like to be the sort of friend you’ve been to me.” — Edgar A. Guest
“One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” — Euripedes
“Friendship is when people know all about you but like you anyway.” — Anonymous
“When I count my blessings, I count you twice!” — Irish blessing
“Friends are the family you choose for yourself.” — Unknown
New in the children’s section is Dr. Seuss’ unforgettable story, “Horton Hears a Who!” It’s available in UEB for ages 4 to 7. Also available are My Braille Blocks, an educational kit that includes eight braille blocks and an instructional pamphlet in large print/braille with activities for practicing braille. The plastic blocks are 2.75 inches tall, 1.50 inches wide, with six adjustable pins representing the six dots of a braille cell.
For more information, call toll-free (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext. 520, or visit https://shop.nbp.org/.
Overbrook Elects Lyle Sine President of Board of Trustees
ACB member Lyle Sine was recently elected president of Overbrook School for the Blind’s Board of Trustees. This historic appointment makes Sine the first alumnus and visually impaired individual to hold this position, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history. Sine, a distinguished advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the school. As an alumnus, Sine has a profound understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and possesses an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student receives a quality education and support system. He has also been the Alumni Representative on the Board of Trustees for the past five years.
As President of the Board of Trustees, Sine will be responsible for providing strategic guidance, fostering partnerships, and championing the interests of the school and its community. His invaluable perspective and deep understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals will play a crucial role in shaping the school’s policies and initiatives, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of providing exceptional education and support services.
New Commissioner in Massachusetts
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh announced that John Oliveira, who has served as Acting Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) since April, has been appointed to the role of Commissioner, effective immediately. Oliveira has held numerous roles at MCB since joining in 1987, including 10 years as Deputy Commissioner before his appointment as Acting Commissioner.