Share the
Vision!
NYS Resource Center for Visually Impaired (RC)
E-mail Quarterly Newsletter - December 2002
Share the
Vision!
NYS Resource Center for Visually Impaired (RC)
E-mail Quarterly Newsletter - December 2002
(See archived issues at
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/resourcetoolbox.htm)
Greetings to All from the Resource Center!
It has certainly been a busy school year for all of us, and we are looking forward to enjoying quality time with family and friends for the holidays. With budget cutbacks everywhere, we are learning to be more creative about the resources we have and more diligent about investigating others that will meet the needs of our students. Please note that in spite of using an antiquated inventory card system (we are in desperately need of a unified database system for the Resource Center), Shirley is still able to pack and ship textbooks the day she receives your order if we have them in our depository!
Since Lenore has retired, Lisa is handling the circulation of literature books and videos for students and Judi is handling professional materials such as references, assessments and curricula. Library circulation was 324 items in September, 242 in October and 72 items in November.
Lisa has completed the registration of 4,371 New York State (NYS) students as legally blind, our means of determining the amount of federal quota funds to which NYS students are entitled to share for the purchase of textbooks and materials from the American Printing House for the Blind each year. Because these books and materials are returned to us when students no longer need them, we are able to recirculate them to other students. We hope that even though school districts now purchase some braille and large print textbooks for their students, they will still send these books to the Resource Center when their students no longer need them so that other students in the state might be able to use them.
|
TVIs: NOW is the time to ask teachers for lists of textbooks needed for 2003-04! |
For the past 12 years, hundreds of NYS students have unknowingly benefited
from the weekly efforts of Barbara Carson and Rita Housman, our dedicated volunteer
braille transcribers. See the March 2003 issue for more about these wonderful
women!
Braille Transcriber Training
The AFB Textbooks and Instructional Materials Solutions Forum has developed a manual in order to provide training for Braille Transcribers in the use of publishers' electronic files. This training has been piloted in 38 states, and AFB hopes to incorporate the manual into a self-paced, Web-based training program on their Web site. Another major effort of the Forum in this regard is promoting the new technology-based career of braille textbook transcriber. AFB and Verizon have created posters, videos, bookmarks, and briefing papers to this end. Contact the Resource Center for details!
Although the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act (IMAA) did not move out of committee this year, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded funds to establish a voluntary national standard for accessible digital instructional materials for K-12 students with disabilities. Meanwhile, the AFB Solutions Forum will continue to call for national legislation for a mandatory standard file format, a national repository of publisher's files, guidelines to states and grants for capacity building.
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Attention ALL TVIs! Hold this date: April 11, 2003 for our 12th annual meeting in Syracuse! Gather your "Tricks of the Trade" to share with colleagues! |
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 2
Check Out Some Web Sites about Braille:
Braille 2000 Transcription Programs:
Braille Bug
The Braille Forum
Braille transcription services
Braille Authority of North America (BANA):
Braille Book files to download from TSBVI:
The Braille Connection (replaces Read Again) Program for adventitiously blinded
students:
Braille Development Section of the National Library Service (NLS), Certification
as a Braille Transcriber of Proofreader:
Braille FUNdamentals Curriculum:
Braille Institute of America:
Braille Instruction Resources:
Braille Is Beautiful:
Braille Jewelry:
Braille Music Transcription:
Braille Notetaker Repair:
Braille Novel-T's:
January is Braille Awareness Month!
Braille on the IEP and IDEA (PL 105-17) Regulations:
Braille Proofreader's Font for Sighted Persons:
Braille Reading Learning Standards (Washington State):
Braille Reading Speed Measurement:
(International) Braille Research Center:
Braille Review:
Braille Revival League and web sites on braille:
Braille Too! from Grant Wood Area Education Agency):
Braille through Remote Learning (BRL):
Braille Transcribing (Liz Gray):
Braille Transcribers' listserv:
Braille Transcription Resource List from National Federation of the Blind (NFB):
Braillewriters throughout History at APH Callahan Museum:
These are just a few sites that feature braille resources from the Resource Center's "Lots of Links" file. Request your copy today!
|
For Braillewriter Repairs :Please contact the Resource Center to obtain an authorization form before sending braillers to APH! |
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 3
Braille Jail provides
the key to unlock the braille code, in the form of self-paced online
courses in braille. Designed for people who are visually impaired as well as
for those who do not have a visual impairment, the courses facilitate communication
in braille, either for work or for general communication purposes. Braille Jail
was created so that people from all walks of life can learn braille without
cost, and at his or her own pace. Braille Jail is funded mainly by its founder
and through donations generously given by its members.
Visit the Braille Jail site at http://www.braillejail.net/aboutus.html.
Tactile Vision, Inc.
is a developer of a raised printing method that produces tactile graphics and braille for people who are blind or visually impaired. The company offers the services of printing from originals supplied by the customer, designing of new materials specific to the customer's needs, and production of tactile and large print custom maps. Tactile Vision Inc. also distributes its own products and licenses its printing technology.Raised prints are produced by a technique developed at Tactile Vision Inc. that reproduces both tactile graphics and braille. The tactile graphics are described to be of high elevation and good resolution. The braille is easily readable and does not compress with repeated use or storage. The materials used are safe and leave no residue when handled. Learn more at
http://www.tactilevisioninc.com.BookShare.org is an online community that enables book scans to be shared, thereby leveraging the collections of thousands of individuals who regularly scan books, eliminating significant duplication of effort. Bookshare.org takes advantage of an exemption in the U.S. copyright law that permits the reproduction of publications into braille, and other specialized formats. CBVH may sponsor a student membership if all other resources refuse to cover the costs. See
http://www.bookshare.org/web/SupportAboutUs.html for details about BookShare.Get the Braille Bug! 
For all kinds of fun activities to stimulate interest and foster learning about braille, visit the American Foundation for the Blind Braille Bug site at
http://www.afb.org/braillebug! Featured on this site are links describing braille and it's history (including information on Louis Braille and Helen Keller), games and secret messages using braille, a braille reading club and ideas about all kinds of activities for parents and teachers to promote braille with children.For all teachers who are working with braille readers in grades 1-12, Seedlings Braille Books for Children offers free encyclopedia articles in braille to students in grades 1-12 who are working on reports or projects and would like reference material in braille. You may also register your students for "Anna's Book Angel Project", a free program for which braille readers submit wish lists of Seedlings' books they would like to read. Seedlings will randomly pick at least 10 children per week (from those who have registered) who will each receive one free book from his or her "wish list". To order an encyclopedia article or to register for "Anna's Book Angels", contact Seedlings by phone: 800-777-8552, by email:
[email protected] or online: www.seedlings.org and click on "SpecialProjects". The website is totally accessible, enabling students to order articles, browse the catalog and register for special projects independently.
Braille FUNdamentals
is a reading program from www.tsbvi.edu/publications/braille.htm. Combine Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired expertise with the APH Patterns series or Braille Beginnings and the phonics series of 10 books offered by National Braille Press, along with the Mangold Program from Exceptional Teaching Aids for a well-rounded approach to teaching braille reading!
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 4
New Large Print Book Source!
One new resource that some of you may be familiar with is the NYS Large Print Textbook Production Center at Eastern New York Correctional Facility. Under the supervision of Acting Vocational Supervisor John Cosh, seven Eastern inmates who've worked as Braille Transcribers have recently been reassigned to the new task of publishing large print books. As of early August, a total of 10 large print titles were produced, using the new standards suggested by APH in order to eliminate the problems with over-sized books as well as to improve readability, accuracy, quality and convenience for students.
After offering a number of suggestions to Eastern regarding page numbering, proofreading, and other minor format issues, we have found these new books to be among the best large print texts available! And because the State is not allowed to make a monetary profit from this project, the cost of the books to districts is VERY reasonable. So in this case, everyone wins: the students have beautiful color large print books that their schools can afford, and the inmates gain valuable experience in a trade that will benefit them once they are released.
According to Department of Corrections Commissioner Goord, "the inmates also often have expressed the feeling that through their ongoing efforts, they have contributed in a positive way to society."
Hungry Fingers
educational tools are designed to give visually impaired children the confidence that with poor vision, or even without sight, they can be in command of the space around them. They can learn how objects are related to one another and why they look or feel different when we draw them. They can learn that space can be divided and altered in many different ways, and that they are the ones who decide how they want to change it. Visit the Hungry Fingers site at http://www.hungryfingers.com to learn more about these educational tools!For TVI's 
Only
Time for Art
Too frequently it is assumed that since the visually impaired artist cannot view the completed work, he or she cannot gain pleasure from creating it. Art is a process and should not be considered in terms of a finished product. When young artists are given the opportunity and are motivated, they are given the freedom of expression. Time for Art (APH catalog #8-03800-00 $15.00) is a handbook for teachers and parents containing art projects and lessons for students with visual impairments. Information is offered on how to instruct visually impaired students in art, how to handle the media being explored, and points to consider in art program planning. Additionally, companion lessons are offered for each lesson or project. For more information, visit
http://sun1.aph.org/products/timeforart.html or call APH at (800) 223-1839. Early Focus: Working with Young Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired and Their Families, second edition, edited by Rona L. Pogrund and Diane L. Fazzi is a compilation of information on how to work effectively with very young children with visual and other impairments. It provides extensive suggestions for effective service delivery to infants and young children and their families. Early Focus is 526 pages long and is priced at $45.95; it is available in paperback and ASCII disk. To order, call the American Foundation for the Blind at (800) 232-3044 or order online at www.afb.org/store. Teaching Students with Visual Impairment: A Primer for the Mainstream Teacher (APH Catalog # 1-08290-00) is a practical guide for teachers, parents, and others who teach, love, and live with the student with low vision. The mainstream or new teacher need not panic if a student with a visual impairment is assigned to his/her class. Chapters include:
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 5
On
the Road to Independence: Transition Tips for Students
The Summer 2002 issue of
RE:view has a wonderful article about transition written by a Kansas State School for the Blind rehabilitation teacher, Sheila D. Dahm. Sheila encourages collaborations between the students, parents, dorm and educational staff, local community college and other individuals and businesses, etc., as well as the use of many other resources in order to prepare students for independence in adulthood.Sturdy black check guides that fit standard bank checks are available for $5 each. The template has cutouts for date, payee, numeric amount and written amount, memo field and signature. Guides hold check in place while writing! A pocket signature guide that fits in a credit card slot in wallet and will last a lifetime is also available. The template matches the signature line on standard bank checks and the cost is $2 each! Get both signature guide and check guide for $6, sent to:
Rev. George Gray (
[email protected])
| Watching someone do something is not the same as having done it yourself! |
Smithsonian fellowships, internships and other programs are available! Smithsonian Institution fellowships and internships are awarded on the basis of equal opportunity and cultural diversity. Smithsonian interns must be at least 16 years old. Applicants are evaluated on their academic standing, scholarly qualifications, experiences, the quality of the research project or study proposed and its suitability to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and programs. For more information about these programs, visit the Smithsonian web site at
http://www.si.edu/ofg/intern.htm or call their office of fellowships at (202) 275-0655.Transition and futures planning for young children and children with multiple disabilities: a National Instructional Partnerships (NIP) event! Learn how to develop "maps" as a form of functional assessment and use those maps to prioritize skills and plan specifically designed instruction for young children as they transition to preschool and kindergarten. Jennifer Grisham-Brown, University of Kentucky, and Diane Haynes, Kentucky Deafblind Project, authors of the APH product Reach for the Stars, are available to present this workshop to us if enough teachers, parents, CBVH Children's Consultants and others are interested. If you are interested in attending and/or assisting in the development of this event as a cooperative effort of APH and the Resource Center, please contact Judi Piscitello at (585) 343-8100 ext. 427 or e-mail her at
[email protected].Attention: Parents of Students with Visual Impairments!
The readers of Share the Vision! would love to hear your perspectives regarding the ways we can help students to transition from preschool to school and from school to college or other forms of continuing education or work. Your experiences, questions, suggestions and requests to other readers for their experiences can ultimately help not only your child but also possibly hundreds of others statewide. Please consider contributing to Share the Vision! See page 8 for details!Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 6
Technical
Assistance, Please!
TecAccess is looking for Accessibility Testers.
The positions are part time positions with the possibility for full time positions in the future, depending on performance. They are looking for the following categories of testers: Visual Impairment, Blind, Mobility Impairment (Upper Body), Deaf, and Hard of Hearing. These positions require a good working knowledge of PC, Internet, Excel or Word. Additionally, the individual needs to be a user of some type of assistive technology device or tool (for example, a screen reader for a tester that is blind, or a mouth stick for someone with a mobility impairment). Also, HTML would be a real plus, but is not required. It is critical that the individual is a self-starter with a good attitude, independent, eager to learn, and a team player. In order to telecommute or telework (work from home), the candidate must have access to a PC and the Internet. If you know of anyone who may be interested in a position as a Tester with TecAccess, contact Debra at [email protected].TSBVI recently had a tech institute. The handouts can be reached from the home
page. The index page is here:
IFEELPIXEL in France offers pictures you can feel. Using tactile-feedback mice, you now have the ability to feel pixels and the difference between them, such as light and dark pixels. This may have far reaching applications for people who are blind. Sound interesting? Find out more at:
http://www.ifeelpixel.com.New Video Releases with Description For Blind Audiences Available from DVS Home Video® Spider-Man, Scooby-Doo, Innsomnia, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Bridget Jones's Diary and Lilo & Stitch and other described films can now be purchased through the 2003 DVS Home Video catalogue. To request a catalog in the mail, call (888) 818-1181 (LP version) or (888) 818-1999 (braille version).
Digital Talking Book Talk is a new list to discuss Digital Talking Books for the Blind, sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind. Discussions may include, but are not limited to:
The primary focus of this list will be from the viewpoint of the end-consumer, but production tools, techniques, etc. are also valid topics. The list is moderated by David Andrews,
[email protected] who is heading up an effort in Minnesota to introduce DTB's to Minnesota residents in early 2003.To subscribe to the list, you can do one of two things. You can send e-mail to:
[email protected] and type <subscribe> in the subject line, or go to http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/dtb-talk to subscribe and set options from there.The International Children's Digital Library opened its doors this week with a pilot version of the Web site, containing nearly 200 digitized books in 18 languages for children ages 3 to 13. The site plans to offer over 10,000 titles by 2007. More than two-thirds of the material in the library is in the public domain, with expired copyrights. It was designed by kids for kids, makes many sounds when changing functions, and has an interesting search function. However, because it is a JAVA application, there is no keyboard interface, and the pages of the books are images of the pages, not text. So it may be okay for some students with visual impairments but cannot presently be used with a screen reader. We have asked about future access, but meanwhile, you may want to check out the site:
www.icdlbooks.org!
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 7
In "Prunella Sees the Light," premiering Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28 (check local listings), Prunella learns that her worries about protecting Marina, her friend who is blind, are more about her own perceptions than about Marina's actual capabilities. Marina was introduced in last season's "Prunella's Special Edition," an episode that led the American Council of the Blind to award ARTHUR the Vernon Henley Award. This award is presented to a person who has made a positive difference in the media, helping the public recognize the capabilities of people who are blind, rather than focusing on outdated stereotypes and misconceptions.
ARTHUR seeks to create awareness about the many ways people communicate, explores how to make communication accessible and inclusive of all, and promotes positive attitudes about accessibility and universal design. The centerpiece of the initiative is Arthur's Communication Adventure: Exploring Inclusion and Accessibility, a free 16-page teacher guide that targets second grade students in mainstream classrooms. To obtain a copy of the guide, write to: WGBH, Educational Programming and Outreach, 125 Western Avenue, Boston MA 02134; fax 617-300-1040; e-mail
[email protected]; or download a copy from the "Grown-Ups" section of the ARTHUR Web site at http://www.pbskids.org/arthur/grownups/teacherguides.
Tactile Graphics Teleconference MAY be in YOUR Future!
On the afternoon of Thursday, April 3, 2003 the New York State Resource Center for Visually Impaired, in collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind and Dominican College, hopes to offer
our second annual teleconference, this year featuring AFB's Ike Presley and Lucia Hasty. Although this conference has not as yet been confirmed, please save this date on your calendar - these presenters offer cutting edge information and resources on the development and timely provision of educational materials containing quality tactile graphics to students with visual impairments! For more information, watch your e-mail or contact Judi Piscitello at the Resource Center (585) 343-8100 ext. 427 or [email protected].|
Teacher of Visually Impaired Students The Syracuse City School District has a vacancy for a NYS Certified Teacher of the Blind and Partially Sighted to teach students K-12 in regular school settings. Those interested are to contact: Jo-Anne Carmel |
|
Certified Orientation & Mobility and Rehabilitation Teaching Professionals Needed for Courseware Development Qualified persons will be considered for grant-funded positions as contributors to online lessons. Candidates should have skills in communicating their expert knowledge of disability-specific teaching techniques in written form. Flexible hours are offered. This can be a full- or part-time position. Persons need not reside locally to work in this position. Lighthouse International is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information about the position please call Dr. Grace Ambrose 212-821-9476, or write Dr. Grace Ambrose c/o Lighthouse International 111 E. 59th St. New York, NY 10022. |
Share the Vision! December 2002 - Page 8
Calendar
of Upcoming Events
Dec. 18, 2002 > Visual Skills Workshop, New York, NY. (800) 829-0500 or
www.lighthouse.org.Jan. 15-18, 2003 > ATIA 2003 Conference "Showcasing Excellence in Assistive Technology" Orlando, FL. (877) 687-2842 or
www.atia.orgJan. 23, 2003 > Assistive Technology Essentials, New York, NY. (800) 829-0500 or
www.lighthouse.orgFeb. 19-22, 2003 > "Vision Loss in the 21st Century - Everybody's Business" Symposium, Beverly Hills, CA. (800) 232-5463 or
www.visionloss2003.org.Mar. 7-9, 2003 > 2003 California Transcribers and Educators of the Visually Handicapped (CTEVH)
Conference, San Francisco, CA. (206) 417-4945 or [email protected].Mar. 31- April 5, 2003 > 11th International Mobility Conference (IMC11), Stellenbosch, South Africa. Deidre Cloete
[email protected] or on the Web www.guidedog.org.za/imconference/mobility.htmlApril 3, 2003 > Tactile Graphics Teleconference ?
4 BOCES sites. Contact Judi at (585) 343-8100 ext. 427 or
[email protected]April 3-5, 2003 > Still Where it's AT: Assistive Technology for Children and Youth Conference, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. (306) 651-3118 or
[email protected]April 11, 2003 > 12th Annual TVI Meeting, Syracuse, NY. (585) 343-8100 ext. 427 or
[email protected] or [email protected]April 14-16, 2003 > Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision's National Conference, Mesa, Arizona. Stacy Butler (662) 325-3304 or
[email protected] or on the Web www.blind.msstate.edu/conference1.htmlMay 1, 2003 > National Braille Association's 27th National Conference and Workshops, Middleburg Heights, OH. (585) 427-8260
[email protected] or on the Web www.nationalbraille.org/NBA-Events.htm| NYS TVI Roberta Becker says, "Check out this website to read about my friend Sally's invention. It's called SAL: http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_news/current_newsletter.asp#story3" |
Share the Vision! is published quarterly (September, December, March,
and June) by the New York State Resource Center for Visually Impaired. Subscription
is free and articles and suggestions are always welcome.
Archived issues of the newsletter are found at www.vesid.nysed.gov/lsn/resourcetoolbox.htm.
Editor: Judi Piscitello (585) 343-8100 ext. 427
E-mail [email protected].
FAX: (585) 343-3711
NYS Resource Center for Visually Impaired
2A Richmond Avenue
Batavia, New York 14020
In providing Share the Vision! to its readers, the Resource Center does not endorse any products or services to which the newsletter refers. The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services, and activities.
Portions of this publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print, or audiotape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be referred to the Department's Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 530, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234.
| "We'll be in touch, so
you be in touch!" Barbara Walters Do you have a new postal or e-mail address? |
STV Postscripts*:
TVIs
: For a visual tutorial of Chisanbop (finger math), go to http://klingon.cs.iupui.edu/~aharris/chis/chis.html*...good to the last dot!