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ACBI News:
Greetings & FOCUS: January - April 2003/FONT>
Special Funds Available for ACBI Convention
Happenings At South Central
North Central Activities
Have You Paid Your ACBI Dues?
ACBI Officers & Directors
New / Renewal Membership Application
Names in the News:
Rev. Maurice Brockman: 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year
Donald Koors: A Top Ten NFL Community Quarterback
Michael Sowder Receives Hank Hofstetter Award
Bashir Masoodi Receives Patricia L. Price Award
Governor Appoints Donald Koors To IS BBoard
In Memoriam: Dr. Herman Hudson, Pioneer & Trailblazer
News to Use:
Free Online Computer Courses
Free Monthly Webletter
BANA Establishes New Braille Terminology
Food for the Needy
Smallpox Vaccinations
A Historical Benchmark
Office Depot Now Offers Large Print Books
CD Collection for Dog Lovers
VISION: A Support Group Worth Noting
Shop Online At ACB Website
Ziegler Magazine Has New Editor
Advocacy Needed for Louis Braille Postage Stamp
Olympia: New Handheld Electronic Magnifier
Bare Bones 101 Internet Searching Tutorial
Libraries in the News:
Illinois Library Providing Digital Talking Books to Patrons
NLS Developing Internet Audio Magazine Delivery
Cleveland Library Lending eBooks Online
Fun & Games:
Music Audio Quizzes Online
Join the ACB Radio Chat Room on Audio-tips.com
ZForm Poker - Try It Free!
Join the ZForm-Community E-List
Blind-Siide Discussion List
Chess, Anyone?
Greetings & Convention News
by Dolly Sowder
I am writing this in the middle of February 2003. What happened to 2002? This month I will be in Pittsburgh for the ACB mid-year Presidents meeting. I find networking with other ACB states very helpful and informative. The National convention will be July 5 through 12 in Pittsburgh this year. Watch your Braille Forum for details.
Many ACBI members and friends have been calling and sending letters to stop the appointment of Jeffrey Sutton to the 6th circuit court of Appeals. We need someone in this position that cares about all people. Thanks to all who shared in this.
Hats off to Tippecanoe County. They did it and they did it right. Blind and visually impaired voters can use their new machines. Be sure to let your county commissioners know that when your county is buying new machines to buy the ones that are accessible for blind and visually impaired voters. A good Web site to check out would be www.aapd.com.
Plans are being made for the 2003 ACBI convention. The convention will be held at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center In Goshen, Indiana on Friday evening September 12 and Saturday September 13 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Room rates are $59.00 a night plus 11% tax. Jay Stitley from the American Foundation for the Blind, Dawn Turco from the Hadley School and Dr. Philip Gabriele, MD will be three of our speakers. This promises to be a convention of fun and education. A block of rooms has been set aside. The number to call for reservations is 574.533.9551 or 888.246.7436. Room reservations must be made by August 29, 2003.
What about audio description on TV? I manage to catch a few programs in the evening with audio description and enjoy the programs more now that I know what is going on. Two shows I usually never miss are JAG and CSI. Remember, you need to have your TV or VCR on SAP (Second Audio Programming) in order to get the audio description.
For those of you with computers, if you have questions or want to share opinions, join the Indiana discussion list. To join, 1) get online and go to ACB.org, 2) tab down to: Join our e-mail discussion and information lists, 3) tab down to: Subscribe or unsubscribe to Indiana-l, the general discussion list for Indiana and follow the instructions.
I hope this weather hasn't been too hard on anyone. Remember those hot summer days are on their way!
Special Funds Available for ACBI Convention
The American Council of the Blind of Indiana at its Board meeting on January 25, 2003 decided that money from the Hank Hofstetter Opportunity Grant Fund could be used to assist individuals to attend the state meeting on September 12 and 13, 2003 in Goshen, IN. To be eligible to submit an application, the individual must be a first time attendee at the state meeting. Individuals submitting an application should follow all the guidelines outlined in the "Hank Hofstetter Opportunity Grant Fund" guidelines except a letter of reference is not required. Winning recipients will receive one night's lodging plus the registration fee which includes the cost of the one planned meal. If you should have any questions, contact Donald Koors, Chairperson, 5885 North Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Tel: 317.251.2562.
Happenings At South Central
The South Central Association of the Visually Impaired has been very busy purchasing low vision aids to fill a beautiful glass and oak cabinet which is on display at the Independent Living Center at the Stone City Mall in Bedford. The cabinet was purchased by the Independent Living Center.
We found there is a need for locator dots, bold line paper, canes and all kinds of talking devices. It makes it easier for people to buy it off our shelves than through the catalog. We do not make a profit. It is only a convenience for those in need of low vision aids.
Three of our members are on an advisory board for a Chapter 2 grant. This grant is to help find and serve people in 9 counties with visual impairments and are over the age of 55. The counties are Lawrence, Monroe, Jackson, Washington, Crawford, Orange, Green, Martin and Brown.
Two SCAVI members serve on the board for The Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living.
Low Vision specialist Dr. Jarrod Long from Bloomington will be speaking at our March meeting. Rehabilitation Teacher Oren Stoll from Evansville will speak at our April meeting.
We are always looking for new people to join our support group. For more information call Ada Bailey at 812.834.6419 or Dolly Sowder at 812.279.1669.
North Central Activities
It is difficult to realize that our chapter has been in existence for 25 years. At one of our meetings, a special presentation was made that focused on interesting historical facts about our chapter since its beginning in 1977.
Other chapter activities are still keeping all of us busy.
We are always pleased to have interested people in the community join us. For meeting information, please contact Sandy Lingofelter. Tel: 574.848.4010. E-Mail: sanken3@juno.com.
Have You Paid Your ACBI Dues?
Treasurer Don Koors is busy collecting ACBI dues for the current year. So, if you are not a member of an ACBI Chapter, please complete the application in this newsletter and send it with your check for $7 payable to ACBI to: Don Koors, 5885 North Central, Indianapolis, IN 46220-2509. Chapter members should pay their dues directly to their Chapter representative. He/she will then forward the state's portion to Don Koors.
Rev. Maurice Brockman: 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year
For those of us who know the outstanding contributions Maurice Brockman has made for many years to the lives of thousands with whom he has come in contact, it was not surprising to learn that the Area 10 Council on Aging of Monroe and Owen Counties, Inc. (Indiana) selected him as their 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year
When presenting the award, it was noted that "Brock" had not only devoted his professional life first to his church and parishioners as its pastor, but he has also been one of the community's and the State's longest advocates for people with disabilities. After retiring, Brock became a driver for the Area 10's Rural Transit and was always particularly helpful to those passengers with disabilities.
Brock has a very deep understanding of the needs of those who are visually impaired. When the Area 10 Agency on Aging decided to consider supporting a group for older adults with low vision, Brock volunteered to lead this group and helped to outline a successful format to make this group experience useful to each attendee. Now in its fourth year, the Area 10 Low Vision Support Group has developed into an exceptionally useful gathering for those with vision loss. Not only does it provide opportunities for those with low vision to talk together about their experiences and how to successfully cope with low vision, but it also provides a place where information is shared about the availability of the most current technology and future research that will be useful to those experiencing visual impairments. Programming includes regular guest speakers, discussions that emphasize specific concerns of participants, and sometimes plain fun times where the group can just socialize and enjoy refreshments. As a volunteer driver, Brock provides transportation for many of the group. It is, therefore, certainly understandable why the group participants look forward to each scheduled event.
A spokesman for the Area 10 Council on Aging commented, "It is only when you see this group in action that you realize how important such an opportunity is for those facing the challenge of blindness. His contribution to this group, in addition to his generosity to others, and his positive influence in the community and entire State of Indiana eminently qualify him to receive the 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year Award.
Editor's Note:
ACB of Indiana extends heartfelt congratulations to Brock, our colleague and friend, who for many years has given of himself to ensure opportunities for humanity.
Donald Koors: A Top Ten NFL Community Quarterback
Congratulations are extended to Donald J. Koors, our ACBI Treasurer, who took his place among the top ten finalists in the Indianapolis Colts competition for the NFL Community Quarterback Award, a program that recognizes outstanding community volunteers. Don was nominated for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to bettering his Indianapolis community. His voluntarism was honored by a gala Community Quarterback Reception and a donation of $1,000 to the Bosma Industries for the Blind, on whose board Don has served since 1993.
Michael Sowder Receives Hank Hofstetter Award
Michael R. Sowder, of Bedford, Indiana, a long-time ACBI volunteer, was presented with the Henry W. Hofstetter Award, an honor given to a sighted person who has made worthwhile contributions to the organization.
Mike is a member of the South Central Association of the Visually Impaired, the Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living, and the local Lions Club. He is a former ACBI board member and currently serves as the Chair of the ACBI Vehicle Donation Program.
As an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, he assists in collecting money for the mentally and physically disabled in his community and also volunteers for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also assists with driving and taping of print materials for the blind.
Since his retirement from the Finance Department of General Motors, he has devoted many hours to helping wherever there is a need.
Bashir Masoodi Receives Patricia L. Price Award
The 2002 recipient of the Patricia L. Price Award, established to honor a blind or visually impaired individual who has contributed significantly to the improvement of life for all blind individuals nationally and internationally, was presented to Bashir A. Masoodi of Crown Point, Indiana, a longtime educator, counselor, legislative professional, recreational specialist, lawyer, and advocate for the blind and disabled.
Bashir received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Kashmir, India, a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Delhi, India, his Master of Science Degree from Hunter College of New York, and has completed more than sixty hours toward a doctoral degree in Administration and Supervision of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the disabled at Hunter College and Indiana University Northwest.
Vocationally Bashir has served as a Magistrate 1st Class at Kashmir Judicial Services in India, Instructor of Visually Impaired and Multi-disabled students in New York, Resource Teacher for Visually Impaired in the Gary School System, Director of Highbrook Lodge, a summer outdoor and camping facility in Chardon, Ohio, Chair of the Special Education Department of Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana, Special Education Coordinator with the Gary Public Schools Corporation, and currently serves as Special Education Teacher Consultant with the Gary Community Schools Corporation.
In his spare time, Bashir devotes his energies and talents to a number of organizations, including the Council for Exceptional Children, the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Handicapped, the American Association for Workers for the Blind, and has served more than 30 years as a member of the Gary Teachers Union Local #4, the Lake County Federation of Labor, the American Federation of Labor, and the Council of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Additionally, he has served the community through his positions as Vice Chair, Indiana Rehabilitation Services Board, Vice-President of Gary Community Mental Health Board, Regional Chair of the Society to Prevent Blindness, Chair of the Advisory Board Services for the Blind of the Indiana State Human Services Department, and the Advisory Committee for Teacher Quality and Professional Improvement Program of the Indiana State Department of Education.
As would be expected, Bashir holds a large number of prestigious awards that include the Indiana Governor's Sagamore of the Wabash for outstanding community service, the Fuller & Dees of New York Outstanding Leader in Elementary and Secondary Education Award, Indiana University's Outstanding Citizens Award, and the Lions Club Distinguished Service Award - just to name a few.
Bashir is also a published author with articles appearing in such scholarly publications as the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Journal of Education Leadership, the American Camping Magazine, Blind Welfare, and The Braille Forum.
Governor Appoints Donald Koors To ISB Board
Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon has appointed Donald Koos as a member of the board of the Indiana School for the Blind. His term will expire July 1, 2005. As a graduate of ISB and one of its strong supporters through the years, there is no doubt that Don is an excellent choice for this position.
In Memoriam: Dr. Herman Hudson, Pioneer & Trailblazer
How saddened we were to learn of Dr. Herman Hudson's death on February 17, 2003, the day following his 80th birthday. He died in his sleep at his Southfield, Michigan home where he and his wife had moved following his retirement from Indiana University in 2000.
Dr. Hudson's impact upon the world is exceedingly significant in spite of his legal blindness at age 5 which led to total blindness at the time of his death. ACBI will remember him as a quiet-spoken caring gentlemen who served as a member of the Board of Directors. The world, however, will remember him in other ways.
Dr. Hudson was born in Birmingham, Alabama but received his bachelor's and master's degrees and doctorate from the University of Michigan. Before coming to Indiana in 1968, he taught at Florida A&M University, the University of Puerto Rico and Kabul University in Afghanistan.
In 1971, Dr. Hudson became the founding chairman of the Afro-American Studies Department at Indiana University (IU). From that beginning, the department charted its own course and destiny. Its course included pursuit of excellence in the arts, with experts in African-American music, dance, film, literature, folklore and other fields. Dr. Hudson initiated and directed the Afro-American Arts Institute, a research and performing arts unit which includes a choral ensemble, dance company, and the IU Soul Revue. Additionally, he pushed to increase the presence of minority faculty, graduate students and undergraduates at IU. He also developed other significant programs, including, the Ph.D. minor in Afro-American Studies, year-round internships for graduate assistants in the Afro-American Arts Institute, Minority Achievers Program, Recruitment and Retention of Minority and Women Faculty Program, and summer fellowships to aid in recruiting minority faculty.
He was a dignified, determined, and scholarly man. His strong and creative ideas for the university and for young people generally changed the university for the better. He was a pioneer and a trailblazer and left a considerable impact on the university's cultural and intellectual landscape. He truly endeared himself to all who knew him.
Few people can leave a legacy of the magnitude Dr. Hudson has given us. While we mourn his passing, we feel so fortunate to have had him in our midst.
Sincere sympathy is expressed to his surviving wife, Yvonne, and their three daughters - Brendon Hudson of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Marie Hudson Collins and Karen Hudson Samuels, both of Detroit, Michigan.
Free Online Computer Courses
Cathy Anne Murtha, Online Access Technology Trainer, has placed two more online courses on her website that can be downloaded via e-mail to your computer free of charge.
The first course teaches the use of the Eudora e-mail program. This course gives you an exploration of the fundamentals of Eudora. From sending and receiving e-mail to adding nicknames to your address book, managing mailboxes, creating signatures and filters, and more, this on-line course will give you a solid foundation in the use of this powerful e-mail program.
The second course teaches many of the fundamentals of Microsoft Word and is a sample of the full independent study course that she sells.
Other free online courses include:
To take advantage of these free courses at ATI, please visit www.accesstechnologyinstitute.com/mainmenu/
Note: No technical support or additional instructions are available for any of these free online courses.
Free Monthly Webletter
If you would like to receive a monthly newsletter by e-mail that contains valuable information to address concerns of vision loss, you will want to sign up for the Vision Webletter. Just send your e-mail request to visionworldwide@yahoo.com. Be certain to put "Vision Webletter" in the subject and provide the e-mail address you wish used.
BANA Establishes New Braille Terminology
To more accurately describe how braille is learned, read, written and transcribed, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) has announced a terminology change. Instead of Grade 1 and Grade 2, these categories will now be referred to as "uncontracted" and "contracted" braille respectively. For many years people have confused grades of braille with first and second grades in elementary school.
BANA urges all organizations, agencies, teacher training programs, braille production facilities, software developers, professionals in the field of blindness and braille readers to incorporate this terminology into writing, publications, presentations and general practice.
Food for the Needy
Many communities have "food pantries" that provide free food products on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to eligible individuals. If you feel that you or some friend could benefit from these programs and do not know where your "food pantry" is located, you may call Second Harvest at 800.771.2303 and you will be referred to a local telephone number for assistance based upon your zip code.
Smallpox Vaccinations
The federal government's interest in reviving the smallpox vaccination program which hasn't been active since 1972 has raised the question with many whether a person who was vaccinated decades ago needs to be revaccinated. According to recent studies as reported in USA Today, most people who have had a vaccination before, even years ago, have less to worry about than the experts thought. Clinical trials will end this spring on the value and need to consider revaccination.
A Historical Benchmark
July 27, 2003 will mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the military armistice ending the fighting in Korea. This agreement took 2 years to negotiate and the conflict cost the U.S approximately 34,000 lost lives.
Office Depot Now Offers Large Print Books
Until now, the Virginia M. Woolf Foundation, a non-profit that provides books on CDs through its Text-Key website, has emphasized the availability of their 28- and 48-point type books for reading on a computer screen without scrolling. To print these large type sizes on paper can require from 500 to 30,000 pages, depending upon the length of the book and the point size selected. Therefore, it isn't practical to use home computer printers for this purpose.
However, now through a special partnership with Office Depot, anyone with a Virginia M. Woolf Foundation CD will be able to take it to a local Office Depot location and order a hard copy printout of the entire book or just a part of it for four cents per page - a special discount price of almost 50%. To reduce the number of pages, double sided printing is available for eight cents per page. Binding is also available with a ten percent discount. The book will then be ready for pickup in 48 hours. Schools and libraries should find this service of special value to their students and patrons.
The CDs can be purchased for $11.50 from Vision World Wide, the Braille Institute, the Center for the Partially Sighted, and through the Foundation's website at www.text-key.com. Each CD contains 5 versions of a book. There are versions in 28- and 48-point type suitable for reading on a computer screen without scrolling. Two additional versions are provided in those type sizes suitable for printing. Another version is used by screen readers for the blind.
For a complete listing of available titles, visit the Foundation's website.
Contact: Virginia M. Woolf Foundation: Mike Gold at 310.379.8321. E-Mail: mgold@text-key.com. Web: www.text-key.com.
CD Collection For Dog Lovers
Guide Dog Users, Inc. recently announced the availability of "Thirty Years Harness In Hand," a collection of original music and poetry written and performed exclusively by guide dog handlers. These heartfelt tributes to guide dogs and fascinating audio snapshots of the magical bond that exists in working teams will make you laugh and cry. This is a one of a kind collection that is a must have for anyone who loves dogs. This special project features Harness In Hand, a tribute to working teams written and performed by Sheila Styron commemorating GDUI's thirtieth anniversary.
Cost: A $15 donation. The proceeds will help support GDUI's legislative and advocacy activities undertaken on behalf of working teams.
Contact: GDUI, 14311 Astrodome Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245. Tel: 888.858.1008 / 301.598.5771. Fax: 301.871.7591. E-Mail: products@gdui.org Web: www.gdui.org
VISION: A Support Group Worth Noting
If you live in or near Muncie, Indiana, you will want to join members and friends of Visually Impaired Support in Our Neighborhood (VISION) the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
VISION is a self-help / support group for people who have any type of vision loss either partial or total. Friends and family members are encouraged and welcome to attend.
VISION will provide support, information and referral, peer counseling, guidance in self-advocacy, and advice on adaptations for daily living.
For meeting time and place, contact: Dena Polston, Program Chair. Tel: 765.286.8888 - Ext. 644. E-Mail: DPolston@eyecentergroup.com or Dee Ann Hart, Secretary/Treasurer. Tel: 765.282.7257. E-Mail: deehartwal@juno.com
Shop Online At ACB Website
It is now possible to purchase some ACB items online. These include the ACB Pin, ACB Luggage Tags, ACB Convention Tapes, and even an ACB Lifetime Membership. It is anticipated that more items will soon be added.
To access the ACB Store, go to: www.acb.org and click on "ACB Store" at the end of the 2nd row of links at the top.
Ziegler Magazine Has New Editor
The E. Matilda Ziegler Foundation, Inc. recently announced the appointment of Gregory Evanina as Editor of the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind beginning January 2, 2003. He is replacing Michael Mellor who is retiring after 19 years in the position.
Mr. Evanina has been the associate editor of the Ziegler since 1991. He brings to the editorship a diverse background in the communications field. He has worked as a reporter, a publicist and an editor for a variety of organizations, including the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, PRNewswire, Inc., In Pittsburgh newsweekly, the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival, the University of Pittsburgh Office of Sports Information, and the Greensburg (PA) Tribune-Review. He holds academic degrees in journalism, communications, and rhetoric.
The Ziegler magazine is a free general-interest monthly that features articles. It is distributed in contracted braille, four-track/half-speed cassette, diskette and by e-mail to blind people everywhere. To be placed on the mailing list, contact: Matilda Ziegler Magazine, 80 Eighth Avenue - Room 1304, New York, NY 10011. Tel: 212.242.0263. Fax 212.633.1601. Web: www.zieglermag.org
Advocacy Needed for Louis Braille Postage Stamp
In 2009, the world will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. In preparation of this great commemoration, plans are underway to coordinate appropriate recognition. Norma Schecter, a recognized transcriber and leader in the field of braille for many years, has spearheaded an effort to have the U.S. Postal Service issue a stamp in honor of Louis Braille.
Currently, commemorative stamps for 2004 and subsequent years are being considered by the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee. Therefore, your help is needed now, and the support of any other organizations you are active in (such as your local ACB chapter or Lions clubs) to write letters supporting the issuance of a Louis Braille postage stamp in 2009. Send your letters to Mr. Terrence McCaffrey, Manager, Stamp Development, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Room 5670, Washington, DC 20260-2437.
Please send copies of your letters to BRL Memorandum editor Kim Charlson, 57 Grandview Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472, so that a file of support letters can be acquired to document our efforts.
This initiative is a first step in what will represent many commemorative activities to celebrate the birth of Louis Braille. Do what you can to help us take this great idea from Norma Schecter and turn it into reality.
Editor's Note:
Although the general policy that U.S. postage stamps and stationery
primarily will feature American or American-related subjects, Ms.
Schecter has been advised that the selection committee bases its
commendations on the national interest, historical perspective and
other criteria. Considering the tremendous impact Louis Braille has
had on millions of lives in the U.S. and the world, it seems a stamp
should be issued in his honor even though he was not an
American.
Olympia: New Handheld Electronic Magnifier
Telesensory Corporation has just introduced a powerful, portable, lightweight magnification system, the Olympia, that allows people with macular degeneration or other visual impairments to read, write and live more independently.
The Olympia magnifies reading material, checks, letters, prescriptions, food labels and pictures up to 26 times. It features a tilted screen for comfortable viewing, glare reduction and adjustable brightness capabilities to meet the needs of specific vision conditions. Its wide-screen viewing is available in three modes - full color, negative mode with white letters on black background for high contrast and positive mode with black letters on white background for maximum clarity. These options make reading easy and enjoyable.
The versatile system connects to a television for people who prefer a large screen, increasing the magnification range up to 76 times. A folding writing stand provides 4.75 inches of clearance, allowing the user to set the system over the base and then write letters and checks or do other paperwork with ease. The carrying case, battery pack and optional car adapter provide additional portability.
Olympia and other Telesensory products are available through dealers and distributors worldwide. The extensive sales and service network provides in-home product demonstrations and personalized customer support to ensure the magnification system meets the needs of the individual.
Olympia is priced at $2,495 with an introductory offer of $2,295 good through April 30, 2003. Telesensory products are backed by a 30-day money back guarantee and a two-year warranty. Call 800.804.8004 for details.
Bare Bones 101 Internet Searching Tutorial
The South Carolina Beaufort Library is offering a unique way to learn and/or improve Internet searching techniques. Unlike those confusing "help" screens or those lengthy instruction manuals, the Bare Bones Tutorial at www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/bones.html makes it easy to zip through the lessons in no time, any time. They are very short and succinct; each can be read in a few minutes. Feel free to jump in wherever you like, skip what you don't want to read, and come back whenever you need to.
The information contained in the lessons is truly "bare bones," designed to get you started in the right direction with a minimum of time and effort. When you need more comprehensive and detailed help, a recommended list of web sites is provided.
Illinois Library Providing Digital Talking Books to Patrons
Not wanting to make their patrons wait another 5 to 8 years to enjoy current popular titles in copyright secure audio formats in CD audio quality, the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center (MITBC) in Pekin, Illinois has launched an innovative pilot program to distribute eAudio digital talking books to its patrons. The technology is already here and is being enjoyed by thousands of sighted readers so Librarian Lori Bell says "Why make our blind and visually impaired patrons wait for more testing and evaluation to enjoy it?" With the launch of this service in January 2003, MITBC became one of the first talking book centers in the country to offer digital audiobooks to its readers through Audible.com.
The eAudio project, established in honor and memory of its former director, Eileen Sheppard Meyer, involves the loan of a very tiny MP3-like player, the Audible Otis, that has been loaded with two to three full length unabridged, premium spoken audiobooks (not read by a speech synthesizer) selected by the patron from the library's special collection of audiobooks. The player has 64 MB of built-in memory which allows for approximately 20 hours of reading time. There are no cassettes or CDs. The package provided each reader includes just the small player, headphones, batteries and instructions for its use. The library patron will use the digital player for 2 weeks and will then return it by mail to the library for use by another patron. Project participants need not be computer literate to participate.
At the close of the pilot program in June 2003, Tom Peters, a national eBook expert will write an evaluation report on the project and the experiences of the readers who participated. The MITBC staff will then decide if or how the project and service will be continued.
The source of the audiobooks is Audible.com, a private company and the Internet's leading provider of digital, downloadable audiobooks. Its services are available to individuals, public and private libraries and K-12 school libraries on a fee-paying basis. The books can be downloaded and read from one's hard drive, copied to a CD, or transferred to the Audible Otis MP3 player. There are a number of plans to fit individual budgets.
Audible.com has experienced a significant increase in the adoption of its program by sighted and vision impaired "listeners" who appreciate having access to new releases and bestselling audiobooks as soon as they are commercially available. As a growing number of blind and vision impaired people are subscribing to the commercial service, Audible.com is doing everything possible to enhance the accessibility of its service, including the posting of ACB Radio Director Jonathan Mosen's excellent tutorial he broadcast last year on ACBRadio.org's Main Menu.
As a rapidly growing number of visually impaired readers are using and enjoying the Audible.com service, an electronic user group has been established. You can join by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlindAudibleListeners/.
How very fortunate readers are if they live in the area served by the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center. But for those whose libraries have not yet caught the vision, just go to www.audible.com. There you will find more than 18,000 well narrated talking books waiting for you!
Contact: Lori Bell, MITBC, 845 Brenkman Drive, Pekin, IL 61554. Tel: 800.426.0709 or 800.537.1274. E-Mail: lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com. Web: www.mitbc.org.
NLS Developing Internet Audio Magazine Delivery
NLS is preparing to launch a pilot program this year to test the delivery over the Internet of digital audio magazines presented in real human speech. A small group of eligible readers will be selected to participate in the program, working closely with the NLS engineering group to develop a successful system.
NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke summarized the undertaking: "As our engineering group began to demonstrate the capability of digital audio technology, NLS realized that it might be able to make use of these features to deliver digital versions of magazines to program users. The magazine program offers the right combination of relatively small audio files, the need for direct, timely delivery to users, and an existing delivery system - the web."
While intended to lead one day to a fulltime, full-scale Internet delivery system, the project's more immediate function is to serve as a tool for experiment and exploration in NLS's massive decade-long transition to digital technology. John Bryant, head of NLS's Production Control Section, who will direct the effort, has said "We plan to use web delivery of human-voice audio magazines to test the use of the ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002 standard to learn more about digital audio delivery in preparation for the more challenging audio books, with significantly larger files, that we will be producing in the future." The standard in question, recently adopted by the National Information Standards Organization and the American National Standards Institute, defines the format and content of the electronic file set by which a digital talking book is organized.
At present, forty-four magazines are produced and issued on audio cassettes; they reach subscribers by mail. The range of interests represented is broad, including such titles as Analog Science Fiction, Ebony, Smart Computing, National Review, Sports Illustrated, Cricket, the New York Times Book Review, and magazines in Spanish, French, and German.
Cleveland Library Lending eBooks Online
The Cleveland Public Library (CPL) is launching an eBook lending library that will allow patrons to download publications onto their PCs and personal digital assistants. It is believed to be the first program of its kind in a public library.
The new eBook collection, to go online in March, will operate much the same as a traditional library loan. Patrons will need to have a CPL card to download books. Only a limited number of each eBook will be available and after a preset loan period, the eBook will lock out the current reader so that another patron can check it out.
About a thousand titles, including the latest bestsellers, will be available as eBooks. CPL Director Andrew Venable said the system would allow people to borrow books of all types "from the comfort of their home or office."
Libraries across North America, including the Richmond (B.C.) Library, have experimented with various approaches to lending e-books and reading devices. However, such projects have been slow to take off so far due to a lack of demand and publishers' fears that works will be copied and distributed for free.
For more information, go to: www.cpl.org/Locations.asp?FormModeëbooks
Music Audio Quizzes Online
Have you checked out the 7 musical quizzes that the UK Audio Network has on its website? All quizzes contain music clips, with questions relating to them, and all have their own rolls of honor for you if you complete them. Hopefully, you will find a category that suits your musical taste:
- General Knowledge
- 60's Music
- 70's Music
- Country Music
- Glam Rock
- Elvis - The Early Years
- Heavy Metal
Just go to www.yrguk.com/entertainment/music_split.htm>www.yrguk.com/entertainment/music_split.htm and Enjoy!
Join The ACB Radio Chat Room on Audio-tips.com
Jonathan Mosen, Director of ACB Radio, recently announced that an ACB Radio Chat Room had been established on Audio-Tips.com. This service allows you to speak with people in real time using your PC - thus, making it easier for you to get closer to your favorite ACB Radio hosts.
The ACB Radio Chat Room can be found in the Special Events section of the members only area. This means that to access the room, you need to be registered with Audio-Tips. Just visit http://www.audio-tips.com and complete the simple registration process. There is no charge.
The room will be used in a number of ways. ACB Radio Interactive hosts may choose to stop by after their shows, so you can talk with them personally. Special seminars will be held on hosting your own show, and some broadcasters will even use the room on the air.
Register now and begin enjoying the fun.
ZForm Poker - Try It Free!
ZForm Poker was released in April 2002 and has people around the world playing around the clock. It's an online version of five-card draw poker that has an audible as well as a graphical interface. Intuitive keyboard commands and sound effects compliment slick graphics to make the game easy to learn and equally playable by everyone, whether you're totally blind or fully sighted. No money is exchanged. The game is played with fake poker chips.
The newly released Version 1.2 incorporates the new features in Version 1.1 - an expanded review mode, away-from-keyboard mode, and statistical features - and adds new support for low vision users of magnification software and Enotes, a special command to perform actions while in chat mode.
To get started, visit the ZForm website and give the game a try - you can play free for the first fifteen days. ZForm Poker has something for everyone, whether you\'re a card shark or you know next to nothing about poker. All levels of play are offered - from social tables where people just hang out and chat over a hand of cards, to the crazy-roller table where the betting is fast and furious. Remember, ZForm Poker is played with fake poker chips - there is no real money involved.
The new version takes full advantage of Window-Eyes' powerful features and integrates so seamlessly that users will think they were designed from square one to work together. The game comes complete with set files to optimize performance even further.
Cost: $59.95 for first-time buyers. Version 1.2 is a free upgrade.
Contact: ZForm - Games with Vision. Web: www.zform.com
Join the ZForm-Community E-List
When the dust settles for the moment and the chips stop flying, discussion continues on the ZForm-Community E-List. It is the place to go to chat with the friends you've made online, ask any questions you might have, and to give feedback directly to ZForm. To sign up just send a blank e-mail to:
Zform-community-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Blind-Side Discussion List
If you enjoy discussing a wide variety of news, opinions and general chat beyond blindness matters, you are invited to join Blind-Side. Just send a blank e-mail to:
blind-side-subscribe@smartgroups.com
The moderator, Will Smith, has advised that this list has just moved from Topica to Smart Groups. If you have questions, contact him at wilsmith@iglou.com
Chess, Anyone?
Ever wanted to learn chess but feared the game was over your head? Actually, the game can be played by anyone at any level. For some, chess is simply a pleasant pastime; for others, it's an intense competition of the mind. The Hadley School for the Blind's new course, "Chess for Beginners," introduces you to this wonderful game. Available in braille as well as on audiocassette, this tuition-free course teaches you the basics of chess in the comfort of your home at a pace that's right for you.
The goal of "Chess for Beginners" is to familiarize you with the basic rules of the game. To do so, the textbook, Play Winning Chess, by Yasser Seirawan, has been adapted to meet the needs of visually impaired, distance education students. It not only describes the evolution and appeal of chess, but also identifies the necessary equipment for the game.
After learning to read and write chess moves in print and braille, you'll be able to describe the chessmen and how each one moves. The course also includes a discussion of Forsyth diagrams, which describe the positions of chessmen on the board at a particular point in the game. Additional rules that can help you win the game are covered as well. A quick reference guide is included, which lists all braille chess notation abbreviations.
You don't have to be a whiz to enjoy this ancient game. Once you've mastered the basic rules, you'll be fascinated by this game of strategy. This course is open to students in the Adult Continuing Education and High School Programs.
To enroll, contact: Student Services, Hadley School for the Blind. Tel: 800.526.9909. Tel: 847.446.8111. Fax: 847.446.0855. E-mail: student_services@hadley-school.org. Web: www.hadley-school.org
Character - the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life - is the source from which self-respect springs.
Joan Didion, Writer
All things at first appear difficult.
Chinese Proverb
Dolly Sowder 812.279.1669
sowder@kiva.net
Vice President:
Gerry Koors 317.251.2562
Secretary:
John Huffman 317.228.0496
j.huffman@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Don Koors 317.251.2562
Deanna Austin 317.634. 5511 dlaustin01@juno.com
Maurice Brockman 812.334.8141 brockman@bloomington.in.us
Anne Elliott aelliott@ameritech.net
Edie Huffman 317.228.0496 johnediehuffman@hotmail.com
Debbie Morgan 765-448-6731 res06aot@gte.net
Don Osburn 317.780.8649
Josephine Price 317.259.9778
Byron Smith 812.339.5400 byron@indiana.edu
Julie Wetzel - 812.825.7761 Julie.Wetzel@ssa.gov
Pat Price 317.254.1185
pprice@indy.rr.com
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Updated: March 1, 2003