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 E-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.
Envision Events for Middle, High School Students
Middle- and high-school students with vision loss across the United States are invited to attend the six-day event packed with more than 50 hours of sessions ranging from assistive technology training, financial literacy and college prep, cyber security, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), interpersonal and self-advocacy skills, career planning and more. The Level Up High School Conference will take place June 19-25. The Middle School Program will be held July 18-23. For more information, visit envisionus.com/youth-programs/level-up or contact [email protected].
Congratulations to the New England Regional Braille Challenge Winners!
This competition, a national program of the Braille Institute, encourages blind and visually impaired children to hone their braille skills.
- Founders: Devin Fedorchuk
- Apprentice: Zoey Powell
- Freshman: Sean Plumer
- Sophomore: Hannah Gevers
- Junior Varsity: Darby Lalumiere
- Varsity: Alan Quan
Accessible Medication Labels
WayTag Audio Labels can now be added to prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements filled through Accessible Pharmacy. Labels will include the medication name, directions, important dates, and more. All accessible packaging, accessible labeling and delivery are FREE. For more information, contact [email protected].
Introducing ReVision Fitness – The Audio Fitness App
ReVision Fitness is a brand-new audio fitness app that includes over 100 different exercise and position lessons, dozens of audio workouts, and a few fitness plans. It’s available at the Google play store, the Apple App store, and on the website: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.revision.fitness
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/revision-fitness/id1561742182
Website: https://www.revisionfitnessapp.com
For more information, contact [email protected].
Introducing the BrailleSense 6 mini
With the BrailleSense 6 mini you can read books, write reports, complete assignments, send emails, share documents, and so much more with incredible speed. This is a 20-cell braille display with 6 GB memory; WiFi; Bluetooth; and weighs less than 1 pound. For more information, visit https://hims-inc.com/product/braillesense-6-mini/.
UEB Reference Books
Structured Discovery is selling 3- x 5-inch UEB pocket reference books. The books are available in interpoint braille and ink with simulated braille. For more information, visit https://www.structureddiscovery.org.
Look at It This Way
Sammy Sweetspirit has recently published a book, “Look At It This Way: The Blind Leading the Sighted.” This book creates a conversation about blindness. The goals are to answer questions we all may be reluctant to ask and to provide a glimpse into what blind people experience living in a sighted world. For more information, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/1954968612/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_i_SS83Z2PJH7AJ9RT72QC2.
Talking Online Crossword Puzzles
If you’re a crossword puzzle fan, and frustrated by the lack of accessibility, you may want to check out https://bgspeaking.com/word-speaking-vocal-crossword. Also available in the Apple App Store and Google Play as Word Speaking Vocal Crossword, these crosswords speak to you! In the app, you get two free puzzles to try. The letters are large, with a tactile option, too. For more details, visit the blog at tinyurl.com/mwavb7b2.
Braille Circulating Library Adds New Books
Whether you prefer audio books or the feel of a book on your lap, the Braille Circulating Library is ready to help you!
The library also carries many books in standard braille. There is no membership fee; all loans are free of charge. Recent additions to the braille collection include a fiction series and two non-fiction books.
The series, “Forever Faithful,” by the popular Christian fiction writer Karen Kingsbury, consists of three books and is available for loan in UEB. Titles include “Waiting for Morning,” “A Moment of Weakness” and “Halfway to Forever.”
“Love and Respect,” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, presents a refreshing view of these basic elements of the marriage relationship. It, too, is available in UEB.
“Mission at Nuremburg” by Tim Townsend describes experiences of American Army Chaplain Henry Gerecke. This biographical work is also in UEB.
The library’s web site, https://braillecirculatinglibrary.org/, was designed for better navigation for those who use screen-reader software. There, you’ll find the catalog listings and useful links, and you’ll also be able to view the many inspirational items available for loan in braille and audio formats. By registering on the site, you’ll be able to access the online audio library.
There are several ways to contact the library. You can send a message through the contact page on the website, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. If you prefer not to use a computer, give the library a call at (804) 359-3743.
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
NFRRS was founded in 1987 to help people who are blind, have low vision, or have other sight-related disabilities. Volunteers read books, magazines, newspapers and other print materials on-air and online 24/7. These readings are broadcast online as a live feed and are available as podcasts. Tune in at https://nfradioreading.org/ or join via Amazon Echo or Google Home Assistant. For more information, contact Mark Robinson at (716) 821-5555, or via email, [email protected].
Galanos Consulting
Galanos Consulting offers custom audio creation and editing using the popular multi-track recording software, Audacity. We also offer custom tutoring services either live or recorded through the Zoom meeting platform. This month only, we are offering a pre-recorded 81-minute tutorial session so that you can get a taste of Ted’s teaching style. If you wish to schedule a consultation or tutorial session, email [email protected] or call (713) 396-3495.
New Children’s Book
Newly available from National Braille Press is “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away,” by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez. It’s available in UEB for ages 5 to 7. This is a story about friendship and change set in a vibrant neighborhood.
Also new is “Jabari Jumps,” by Gaia Cornwall. It’s available in UEB for ages 4-8. This appealing story about overcoming your fears features a patient, encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but cheer for.
It’s nearly summer! Get your youngest sports fans ready for baseball season with “Little Baseball” by Brad Herzog and Doug Bowles. This is a print/braille board book for preschoolers and up.
Over in the tech section, take a look at “Getting Started with Android: Android and TalkBack for the Beginning User” (Android S, 12), by Kim and Chris Nova. It’s available in braille, BRF, Word, and DAISY. This book covers: Android basics; choosing a device; security and customization; setting up and configuring your phone; navigational gestures; essential Android functions and screens; important apps for staying connected and organized; editing and manipulating text; Bluetooth, external keyboards, and keyboard commands; and much more.
For more information, call toll-free 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.
Use Alexa to Talk with a Doctor
If you have an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Show device, you can now summon medical care with a simple voice command.
Echo users can say, “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor” to be connected with the Teledoc call center, and then a Teledoc health provider will call back through the device. This fully remote service will be available 24/7 for non-emergency needs — like allergies or colds — and will initially be audio-only. For people with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on coverage.
Disability Information and Access Line
The DIAL service is available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated and access COVID-19 tests. DIAL staff can connect callers to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.
Call 1-888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email [email protected]. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers using relay services may dial 1-800-677-1199. (People who use TTY relay can first dial 7-1-1, and then relay the 1-800-677-1199 number.)
Introducing the Wayband®
WearWorks is a haptic platform company that builds products and experiences that communicate information through touch. The WAYBAND® is a haptic navigation app and optional smartband that gently navigates a person to a destination using vibrations, without the need for visual or audio feedback. For more information, send an email to [email protected].