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 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.
** FREE CANCER INFORMATION BOOKLETS
The ACB Health Issues Task Force has received a generous contribution enabling it to provide two brochures from the American Cancer Society on audio cassette for FREE. To order, “For Women Facing Breast Cancer” or “After Diagnosis: Prostate Cancer: Understanding your Treatment Options,” either e-mail [email protected] or call 1-800-255-1147 and press 0. Be sure to include the name of the publication you wish, your name, and full postal mailing address.
** USABA SPORTS FESTIVAL
The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will host a Sports Festival and Mission Vision program July 27-Aug. 2 in Colorado Springs. Blind and visually impaired athletes, including veterans and active-duty service members, come from around the United States to train, learn, refine their abilities and compete alongside their peers in various sports clinics instructed by USABA national coaches. Participants arrive July 27 and 28; the sports festival will be held July 29-30, and the Rocky Mountain State Games will be held July 30-Aug. 1. The Rocky Mountain State Games is a multi-sport festival; this year's competition offers more than 31 sports. For more information, visit www.usaba.org or contact Rich Cardillo at (719) 630-0422 extension 15, or e-mail [email protected].
** CAMP SILOAM 2010
Camp Siloam 2010 will be held May 22-29 at the Golden Cross Ranch located north of Houston, Tex. This year’s theme is "A Passion for Christ Is a Passion for Life." The week will include morning and evening worship services, swimming, horseback riding, hayrides, horseshoe pitching, and more. Individuals ages 17-68 and in good health are invited to attend. The cost for the week is $220 per person. Assistance with finding sponsors to help with the cost of registration or transportation may be available. To receive the full camp registration packet, mail a $25 non-refundable deposit to: The Gospel Association for the Blind, PO Box 1162, Bunnell, FL 32110, along with a 3 by 5 card that includes your name, address, phone numbers and e-mail address. For more information, call (386) 586-5885. For updates on the camp program, check the recorded message toll-free at 1-866-251-5165 and enter mailbox 7128#. Camp registration closes April 15, 2010.
** SUMMER BRAILLE MUSIC INSTITUTE
The National Resource Center for Blind Musicians is accepting applications for its seminar for blind college-bound musicians, to be held July 11-17, 2010 at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia, Pa. Designed for serious braille-reading music students preparing for or already in college, the program tailors instruction to each person's need to develop braille music and theory skills and to learn to use technology to submit music assignments in print notation. Applicants must have already studied some music theory, have had several years of music lessons, and be able to present a polished and pleasing performance. They must be willing to put effort into braille music study, and demonstrate a commitment to use the braille music and computer skills they will learn at the Institute when they return to school.
Applicants must also show they have begun thinking realistically about reachable goals, and that they have the independence skills, social readiness and maturity to be a contributing part of a close-knit group. Contact the Resource Center regarding the application and audition procedure. All application materials must be received by May 5. Parents and teachers of younger students are invited to discuss coming for an evaluation and guidance. You may also contact the Resource Center about customized distance learning. For more information, visit www.blindmusicstudent.org, contact David Goldstein at (203) 366-3300, extension 229, or send an e-mail message to [email protected].
** ADVANCES IN HADLEY COURSE MATERIALS
Hadley School for the Blind is striving to keep up with advances in information access. They now offer 30 online courses including Introduction to Braille, Internet Basics, Parenting Children with Multiple Disabilities, Blindness Basics, and more. To keep up with the move from audio cassette to digital talking books, Hadley now offers 12 courses in DTB format that can be downloaded from their web site. Some of these courses include Business Writing, Typing and Keyboarding, and Container Gardening. Courses are also being made available on USB flash drives and National Library Service cartridges. For a complete list of Hadley's course offerings and available formats, visit www.hadley.edu or call 1-800-323-4238.
** BRAILLER REPAIR
Bring your brailler back to life! The Selective Doctor, Inc. specializes in the repair of Perkins braillers. Repairs cost $55 for labor, plus the cost of parts. You can mail your brailler to: The Selective Doctor, Inc., P.O. Box 571, Manchester, MD 21102. Free matter shipping is accepted through the U.S. Postal Service. Your brailler will be mailed back to you the same way and will be insured for $400. For more information, call (410) 668-1143, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.selectivedoctor.com.
** BUILD A BUNDLE
Serotek has developed a new on-line program called Build a Bundle. This program allows users to customize their selection of Serotek services. Individuals can then add or drop services based on financial and technological needs. Some services include System Access screen reader, SAMNet content, and SAMNet Remote Training and Support. The package is billed on a monthly basis, like a cable or utility bill. To learn more, read the Build a Bundle FAQ at www.serotek.com/build-a-bundle-faq.
** BRAILLE JEWELRY
Kelly Fehr creates hand made jewelry for people who are blind or visually impaired. Her braille pieces include pendants, pins, necklaces, and rings. She uses pure silver, bronze and copper. To review Kelly's selection, visit www.jewelryinbraille.com. If you have an idea for a custom piece, e-mail her at [email protected] or call her at (540) 221-4548.
** AWAKEN YOUR SENSES
The motto of BlindScents is "Close Your Eyes & Awaken Your Senses." Through BlindScents, Morgan Park, a visually impaired woman, sells Mia-Bella Candles. Her selection includes jar candles, melts, votives, signature candles and even realistic-looking bakery treats. These candles are made from all-natural soy and vegetable waxes which burn clean and at lower temperatures than traditional candles. Morgan also offers soy protein soaps and Monet Minerals -– all-natural cosmetic products. For product descriptions, visit www.blindscents.com. To discuss product selection, contact Morgan at (814) 598-5048 or [email protected].
** FREE TO GOOD HOME
We have to give away a variety of braille cookbooks, all in perfect condition. If you are interested, please call Jean at (508) 295-3621.
** CHAT SYSTEM
Do you remember the days of the party line? Well, something similar is now available: The Party's Own Chat System – everybody's welcome. Call (610) 404-3142. Punch in any room number from 0 to 9, 24 hours a day. You must be at least 18 years old and not use the "N" word. If you give out your personal information, you do so at your own risk.
** NEW TELEPHONE CHAT LINE
TalkShop is a new telephone chat line geared toward people who are blind or visually impaired. This social networking opportunity would be free for anyone with an unlimited long-distance calling plan. The chat line operates 24 hours a day. To reach it, call (724) 444-3592.