edited by Sharon Strzalkowski
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.
Ski for Light Celebrates 40
The 2015 Ski For Light International week will be held in Granby, Colo. from Sunday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. Join over 200 active blind and sighted adults from across the U.S. and around the world.
Participants will stay at The Inn at Silver Creek and ski at nearby Snow Mountain Ranch. The Inn at Silver Creek has more than 200 rooms, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, both indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and plenty of convention and meeting space. Snow Mountain Ranch, near Winter Park and part of the YMCA of the Rockies, has 100 kilometers of wonderfully groomed trails.
The total cost of the week per person is $850 for triple occupancy, $900 for double occupancy or $1,225 for single occupancy. This includes room and all meals for the entire week, round-trip transportation between the Denver airport and the Inn at Silver Creek, all trail fees, and all afternoon and evening activities. Skis, boots, and poles will be provided free of charge to first-time blind/visually impaired participants. Partial stipends based on financial need are available for guides and first-time and second-time participants.
Applications are due Nov. 1, 2014. Those who apply after Nov. 1 will be accepted only if space permits, with priority given to first-time applicants. For more information, and to submit your application, visit www.sfl.org. If you do not have web access, or need more information, contact Bob Hartt at (703) 845-3436 or via e-mail, [email protected].
Ramah, Ruderman Holding Video Contest
The Ramah Camping Movement and the Ruderman Family Foundation are happy to announce "TIPTOE (The Inclusion Project: Through Our Eyes)," an inclusion-themed video contest for participants from all Jewish camps. The goal of TIPTOE is to increase awareness of the inclusion work happening at Jewish camps across North America.
Campers and college-aged staff members who participated in a North American Jewish summer camp program in 2014 are eligible to submit 30- to 90-second videos that show their view of inclusion of children with disabilities in their camp. The first place prize includes $1,000 to the participant and a $1,750 donation to the winner's camp's inclusion program.
Submissions are due by Nov. 14. Additional details about the TIPTOE contest are available on www.tiptoe2014.org and on Twitter at #TIPTOE2014.
Attention Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Members!
ACB is trying to spread the word about its agreement with WellPoint, a company that owns Anthem, Blue Cross and Blue Shield operations across the United States. All WellPoint companies are now providing insurance information in alternative formats, including braille, large print, audio and electronic formats. They've also designed their web sites and mobile applications to be accessible. WellPoint worked with blind members in structured negotiations with Linda Dardarian and Lainey Feingold on this initiative, and we really encourage people who are blind and visually impaired to take advantage of this new program. You can learn whether your state is covered at www.lflegal.com/2014/07/wellpoint-blue/.
We also need feedback to help make the program as strong as it can be. The best way to give feedback is to e-mail Lainey at [email protected], or call her at (510) 548-5062.
Members can request the alternative formats by calling the number on the back of their health insurance cards, or any other number they use to reach a WellPoint company.
WellPoint is now the industry leader in providing insurance information in alternative formats. Please help us spread the word, and please let us know of your experiences with the new program.