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Here and There

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.

Helping Hands Offers Veterinarian Care Assistance Program

Helping Hands for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, has created a Veterinarian Care Assistance Program for all guide dog handlers who qualify. To get a copy of our official guidelines, write to Robert Acosta at [email protected]. Please put Vet Care in the subject line.

Here’s a general overview of our program:

  1. As a part of your application for assistance, we require a letter from your guide dog school confirming the age, breed and verification that your guide is a current working dog.
  2. Our minimum payment is $500, which generally will not include those conditions we list in our official guidelines.
  3. If the handler must pay the doctor for immediate emergency surgery, we will reimburse the handler directly if their request is approved by Helping Hands for the Blind.
  4. We always require a full written report from the veterinarian.

Voya Financial’s Annual Service Project

Voya Financial again partnered with National Braille Press (NBP) to assemble over 150 braille books and over 1,000 alphabet cards for blind children and those with low vision. The books have braille printed on transparent plastic pages that are placed on top of the print pages so that sighted persons can read along with blind readers.

New from National Braille Press

Now available from National Braille Press is “From the Heart: Heart-Healthy Dishes from the Healthy Cook.” It’s available in braille and BRF. If you’re looking for heart-healthy recipes, or following the DASH diet, this will definitely come in handy.

Got a budding comedian at home? Check out “Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids” by M. Prefontaine. It’s available in UEB and BRF. These riddles and puzzles will stretch their minds!

For more information, call toll-free, 1-800-548-7323, or visit www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html.