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.
And This Year’s MMS Winners Are …
The winners of the MMS drawing are Allison Fallin from Tulsa, Okla., and Randee Boerboom from Minneapolis, Minn. Allison will receive a $500 Visa card, and Randee will get a Sonos Roam portable smart speaker.
Congratulations Allison and Randee, and thanks to all of you who are contributing to ACB with your monthly donations. Stay tuned to see what we come up with in 2022!
Research Project Needs You!
The Illinois Institute of Technology and The Chicago Lighthouse are in the first phase of a clinical trial that will investigate the visual perceptions via an implant for people with profound blindness. Individuals who lost their vision as an adult, but who had normal or near normal vision for at least the first ten years of life may be eligible to participate. To learn more, visit https://chicagolighthouse.org/icvp/ or call (312) 567-5304.
SSA Expands Compassionate Allowances Program
Twelve conditions have been added to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances Program (CAP). The CAP accelerates the applications of people with certain conditions. To date, more than 700,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this accelerated process, which includes 254 conditions. For more information, visit: www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
First Tech Cohort for Startups
2gether International will gather cohorts of 12-15 entrepreneurs virtually, where they will learn about key areas of business, including product market fit, management, sales, marketing, financial projections and negotiations. This accelerator cohort will focus exclusively on elevating founders working in the early-stage, technology-based startups. Google for Start-Ups is funding this project. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit https://www.2gether-international.org/pages/tech-cohort.
Heumann Receives NEA’s Friend of Education Award
Judith Heumann — a lifelong disability rights activist, former teacher, Presidential appointee to the Department of Education and State Department (among other accolades) — was awarded the NEA Friend of Education Award. The NEA’s highest award recognizes a person or organization whose leadership, acts or support have significantly contributed to the improvement of American public education.
Request for Research Assistance
Dr. Ron Milliman, a retired university professor, is currently researching the accessibility of online meal kit or meal plan services such as HelloFresh and Blue Apron. If you currently use, or have ever used, any meal kit/plan service, Dr. Milliman would like your feedback. Contact him at [email protected].
Holiday Stocking Stuffers
Available now is a two-album set featuring Ray Starr: “It’s Christmas Time Again” (21 selections) and “’Til The Season Comes Round Again” (12 selections). For more information, contact Ray via email, [email protected].