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January 29, 2008

Blindsight: Exclusive NYC Engagement Starts Friday, March 7, 2008

BLINDSIGHT

Opens March 7 at the IFC Center in New York City!

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas, Blindsight follows the gripping adventure of six Tibetan teenagers who set out to climb the 23,000-foot Lhakpa Ri on the north side of Mount Everest. The dangerous journey soon becomes a seemingly impossible challenge -- made all the more remarkable by the fact that the teenagers are blind.

Believed by many Tibetans to be possessed by demons, the children are shunned by their parents, scorned by their villages and rejected by society. Rescued by Sabriye Tenberken, a blind educator and adventurer who established the first school for the blind in Tibet, the students invite the famous blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer to visit their school after learning about his conquest of Everest. Erik arrives in Lhasa and inspires Sabriye and her students Kyila, Sonam Bhumtso, Tashi, Gyenshen, Dachung and Tenzin to let him lead them higher than they have ever been before. The resulting 3-week journey is beyond anything any of them could have predicted.

Directed by Lucy Walker/Produced by Sybil Robson Orr
Released by Spark Entertainment/104 minutes/35mm/MPAA Rated PG

For the trailer and more information please visit: www.blindsightthemovie.com

EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT Starts Friday, March 7:
IFC Center
323 Sixth Ave. at West 3rd St., New York City
[Phone] 212-924-7771
Tickets: $11.00 General Admission/$7.50 Seniors and Children/Group Rates Available.
Showtimes will be available closer to opening.

Theater engagement is for two weeks and if film does well it will be held over. Please share this notice with your list servs, colleagues, friends, families, etc. If you are interested in helping us promote Blindsight or need information about group sales please contact Karen O’Hara at 520-326-0813 or karenoh@aol.com.

Posted by Nancy at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)

The 2008 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute -- April 4-5: San Francisco

Stay Healthy and Wealthy in 2008!

Each of the conference sessions has been designed to help you learn how to use technology to improve your life and the lives of people to whom you provide services. Here's an inside look at two of our exciting sessions.

Join Dr. David Klonoff, President of the Diabetes Technology Society, for Using Technology to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle, a session focused on the state of the art in diabetes technology with respect to blood glucose monitoring, insulin delivery, data management, and the artificial pancreas. Throughout his career as an endocrinologist, educator, and consultant, Dr. Klonoff has become a front-runner in the diabetes field. You’ll be sure to learn about the best technology that is available for people who are visually impaired and living with diabetes. And that’s not all. You’ll also learn about accessible exercise equipment, get updates on AFB’s health-related campaigns, and more!

Who doesn’t want more time to relax or spend with family and friends? Learn how to save time during the Managing Financial Transactions Online session. You’ll explore easy and effective ways to shop online, pay bills, and manage bank statements and discuss ways to cope with inaccessible sites.

Posted by Nancy at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2008

OcuSource Announces Virtual Conference for Vision Impairment Industry: Brings Presentations, Services & Products to Blind Consumers Desktops

Fullerton, CA - January 16, 2008

Low vision and blindness portal, OcuSource.com, announces the OcuSource EXPO 2008, a year-long virtual conference for the visual impairment industry. Through the integration of accessible web-conferencing, visitors to this online event can participate in interactive online presentations, visit exhibit "booths," and even attend online entertainment events, all from any sound-enabled computer with access to the internet. Hosted by the virtual tradeshow system from LetsGoExpo.com, the resource will offer a series of monthly events throughout the coming 12 months, kicking off March 26, 2008, and can also be found via the LetsGoExpo calendar of events.

"The OcuSource EXPO fulfils many needs of the vision impairment industry" states Dr. Lou Lipschultz, founder of OcuSource.com. "The key here is that there are around 14 million individuals in the United States with some form of vision loss. Yet, we estimate that less than a total of 10,000 visually impaired persons attend the five major vision impairment tradeshows in U.S. There is obviously a significant access issue here," stated Lipschultz, a low vision specialist and former executive of one of the manufacturers of technology for the visually impaired. "Lack of awareness, transportation, and financial constraints contribute to poor attendance by both consumers and professionals. OcuSource is now bringing the conference to attendees around the world, and we're doing it all through an interactive online venue designed specifically for low vision and blind users."

The "virtual conference center" is provided by sister company, LetsGoExpo, and is constructed to seamlessly work with software called a screenreader such as Jaws or WindowEyes. Users easily navigate through "presentation halls" and "exhibit halls" allowing the visitor to find his or her way to the topic of interest. Presentation halls are organized by topic including macular degeneration, education and employment resources. Exhibit halls are filled with "booths" staffed by manufacturers, vendors, agencies, organizations, and other entities eager to share information about their services and products. Attendees can also speak directly to booth representatives over the internet via the integrated web conferencing tool from venture partner Talking Communities, which allows the exhibitor to show PowerPoint and video presentations from within their booth.

Visitors who are unable to attend the live portion of the conference can still experience all the benefits around the clock through archived streamed videos of the presentations which will be available for 12 months after the live presentation.

"Our greatest challenge is getting the word out around the world of this valuable resource. We're hoping that as the year progresses, a network of low vision, blindness and senior oriented sites will share the availability of this valuable resource with their visitors" describes Lipschultz. The management team is now accepting applications for exhibitors, presentations, and sponsors.

About OcuSource
California based OcuSource.com, LLC, an internet portal dedicated to assisting the low vision and blindness industry with essential search tools and resources for consumers and professionals. OcuSource provides multiple databases of products, vendors, doctors and therapists, along with a customized auction system. The privately held company was founded in 2003, and is headquartered in Fullerton, California.

About Talking Communities
Michigan based Talking Communities creates interactive synchronous web conferencing tools which provide customers numerous capabilities at a very affordable rate. Live voice-over-internet conference rooms are suitable for public or private business meetings, employee training and support, family get-togethers, educational purposes, public and private interactive events, live broadcasts, and web presentations.

About LetsGoExpo
California based LetsGoExpo, Inc. is a web development firm, and is owner of a web content management (live or recorded audio and video), and meeting management resource. The service creates countless opportunities for entrepreneurs who may create business opportunities through the integrated e-commerce abilities of the service. After creating their free account, users can assume the role of attendee, exhibitor, advertiser, or even host events. Events or "venues" can be configured by hosts to achieve various objectives: Capture information and opinions through surveys, create online meeting and webcasts, provide online training, hold online "virtual" tradeshows or conferences, provide e-learning services, and most recently, to manage on-site tradeshows and conferences. LetsGoExpo is committed to affordable pricing so that businesses of all size may use the system, and to accessible web design for those with various disabilities.

Contact information:
Louis Lipschultz
Founder & President- OcuSource.com, LLC Email: loul@ocusource.com
Website: www.ocusource.com
Phone: 888-299-6657 ext 701

Contact information:
Louis Lipschultz
Founder & President- LetsGoExpo, inc.
Email: loul@letsgoexpo.com
Website: www.letsgoexpo.com
Phone: 888-299-6657 ext 701

Contact information:
George Buys
President & CEO - Talking Communities
Email: buys@audio-tips.com
Website: www.talkingcommunities.com
Phone: 810-667-3043

Posted by Nancy at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2008

IC3 Certification Available Through Assistive Technology Instructor Training

Lions World Services for the Blind (LWSB) now accepting applications for Assistive Technology Instructor Program (ATI).

The ATI program prepares persons who are blind or visually impaired to work in a variety of positions within the assistive technology field. A graduate could be an instructor of assistive technology at a rehabilitation facility, a sales representative for an assistive technology vendor, or work in technical support, technical writing, or consulting.

The ATI program also offers IC3 Certification.. Through a hands-on training program, trainees will become certified in Computer Fundamentals, learning the major components of a computer; Key Applications including Microsoft Word and Excel; and Living Online, which includes Internet and Microsoft Outlook.

Individuals in the ATI course receive instruction in the use of adaptive equipment, installation of hardware and software, professional teaching skills, and trouble-shooting skills.

Qualifications

Clients must report to LWSB for the required one-month evaluation period prior to entering training in the vocational program.

For referrals or more information contact:

Kristin Dow, Vice President for Recruitment and Admissions
(501) 664-7100
(800) 248-0734
training_AT_lwsb.org
[Please replace the word _AT_ in the above e-mail address with the appropriate symbol.]

Posted by Nancy at 04:17 PM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2008

Theater By The Blind to do Shakespeare

ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare

Directed by: Ike Schambelan

Date: MARCH 5 - APRIL 6, 2008

Performances:

Location: The Kirk at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, NYC.

The timeless, tragic tale of two young lovers whose untimely deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. The production is traditional, rigidly faithful to Shakespeare's rules and form, yet wonderfully fresh and modern. The story takes place on NYC's Upper East Side; the Capulets are the nouveau riche, the Montagues, old money. Shakespeare is incredibly precise about real time in Romeo and Juliet, tracing five days - Sunday dawn to Friday dawn in mid - July. In TBTB's production, the time progression will be perfectly clear, taking the audience through each day's dawn, bright noon, sunset, and night. And the "two hours traffic of our stage" will actually take two hours.

TBTB has achieved great success with Shakespearean plays presented during the past two seasons - A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet. The New York Times said that A Midsummer Night's Dream was "an inspired choice for Theater By The Blind... fascinating... ingenious," and "the most intriguing thing is how the company stages the play with just six actors." The Times called Hamlet: "Playful, punchy, contemporary... An admirable, often intriguing production... with actors who show signs of having actually analyzed Shakespeare's language... the audience can understand the meaning of every word." Nytheatre.com said, "A well acted marvel of economy and energy... Fresh and accessible... As involving and engaging a production as I think it's possible to have."

Emboldened by these successes, TBTB tackles Romeo and Juliet with four actors playing all of the roles, without cutting a single scene, character or entrance. As Shakespeare's company made more money, the playwright wrote for larger casts, but Romeo and Juliet is an early play, created when he likely worked with a smaller company. It's designed as a quartet; key doubles are Juliet/Mercutio, Romeo/Lady Capulet, Nurse/Friar and Capulet/Benvolio. The doubling brings out the sense of fun in the play, joining its sad and joyous elements into an exuberant life - affirming whole.

Tickets can be purchased a www.ticketcentral.com

Use the code JULI for $20 tickets.

Posted by Nancy at 04:06 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2008

Ai Squared Releases ZoomText Scripting Edition

Personalized solutions for increased productivity.

Manchester, VT – Ai Squared, a worldwide leader in computer access solutions for the visually-impaired, is proud to announce the release of ZoomText® Scripting Edition, the newest product in the ZoomText family of screen magnification and screen reading products. ZoomText Scripting Edition makes it possible to create scripts to customize the behavior of ZoomText and other applications, providing enhanced functionality and automation of many computing tasks. With the power of ZoomText Scripting Edition, users will enjoy greater productivity and success, especially in workplace environments.

Many visually-impaired employees are challenged to perform routine computing tasks, especially those that require multi-step keyboard and mouse commands, or to find specific fields of information in a busy database system. ZoomText Scripting Edition can eliminate much of this repetitive work by automating tasks and providing more useful feedback from ZoomText’s magnification and reading, allowing the individual to work faster and meet performance goals.

A script is a text file that describes the steps required to complete a given task. ZoomText scripts can be written using industry standard scripting languages, such as VBScript, Java script, C#, or Perl. You do not need to download any other software in order to write a script—believe it or not, as long as you have Notepad and experience writing scripts, then you have everything you need to get started.

The first release of ZoomText Scripting Edition is available in the English, with international versions scheduled for release later in 2008. Single-user licenses of ZoomText Scripting Edition retail at $999. Multi-user licensing and upgrades are also available. To kick-off the new product, Ai Squared is offering a 20% discount on all purchases of ZoomText Scripting Edition through the month of February 2008. For further information about ZoomText Scripting Edition, contact the Ai Squared sales department at (800) 859-0270 or sales@aisquared.com.

Note: ZoomText Scripting Edition is not your typical out-of-the-box software product—you will need an experienced script writer to write your custom scripts.

About Ai Squared Headquartered in Manchester, Vermont, Ai Squared has been a worldwide leader in computer access solutions for the vision impaired for over 20 years. Ai Squared’s screen magnification and screen reading products dramatically improve a computer’s usability and friendliness for the low vision user, raising their level of productivity, satisfaction, and independence. The family of Ai Squared products – ZoomText, ZoomText USB, ZoomText Scripting Edition, and the ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard – is distributed through an international network of dealers. For more information, please visit Ai Squared online.

Mckenzie Brown Marketing and Communications Writer Ai Squared - Making Accessibility Simple ® mbrown_AT_aisquared.com Please replace the word _AT_ in the address with the appropriate symbol. 802-362-3612 ext. 128

Visit Ai Squared online.

Posted by Nancy at 07:35 PM | Comments (0)

Tax Credits and Benefits for New Yorkers with Disabilities

National Earned Income Tax Credit Day 2008 Event

Date: Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:00 AM

Location: Visions at Selis Manor, 135 West 23rd Street in Manhattan

New Yorkers could be eligible for thousands of dollars through tax credits! Learn how to claim these credits and apply for benefits, and gain information on free tax preparation. Featured speakers include the National Disability Institute’s Stephen Mendelsohn and ACCESS NYC’s Sabrina Smith-Sweeney.

Advocates and People with Disabilities Welcome! Free breakfast

Space is limited. To reserve your seat, call (718) 998-3000 or email taxprepforum_AT_gmail.com by Monday, January 28th.
Note: Please replace the _AT_ in the above e-mail address with the appropriate symbol.

If you would like to make an appointment for free tax preparation, you must mention that in your message.

Sponsored by the New York City Tax and Benefits Disability Coalition: ACCESS NYC ; Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled, Inc.; Children's Defense Fund - New York; Citizens Committee for New York City; The Disabilities Network of New York City; Easter Seals New York; Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; The Harlem Independent Living Center; Internal Revenue Service; National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions; New York City Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Financial Empowerment; New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities; New York/Staten Island WORKS (WIPA) Project; Seedco; Taxpayer Advocate Services; U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs New York Regional Office; and Visions Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Posted by Nancy at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2008

Disaboom and JobCentral.com Partner to Improve Unemployment Rate Among People Living With Disabilities

January 14, 2008 - Disaboom, Inc., (OTCBB: DSBO), the first online community for people living with or directly affected by disabilities or functional limitations, today announced a multi-faceted partnership with JobCentral.com. The JobCentral.com National Labor Exchange is a service provided by the DirectEmployers Association, a consortium of Fortune 500 and other leading corporations nationwide, in alliance with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). DirectEmployers was founded to develop and manage systems and software for employers to increase labor market efficiency and reduce Internet recruiting costs for its consortium members. The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is an organization of state administrators of unemployment insurance laws, employment services, training programs, employment statistics and labor market information and other programs and services provided through publicly funded state workforce systems.

Disaboom will launch version 2.0 of its Career Center in February 2008. The Career Center will offer employment opportunities, resources, and services to the Disaboom community and corporations. Through this partnership, Disaboom will fully integrate JobCentral's advanced search engine technology into the Disaboom Career Center. This will enable registered Disaboom members to search and apply directly for employment opportunities from a database of currently over 500,000 open positions with DirectEmployers' consortium members and state job boards. The partnership also includes, among other initiatives, Disaboom serving as DirectEmployers' content and resources partner for the upcoming release of a disability channel on the JobCentral.com site.

"We are very pleased to have DirectEmployers as the flagship partner in our Career Center. Approximately 15 years after the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the unemployment rate of people living with disabilities remains between 60% and 65%+. Disaboom's Career Center and DirectEmployers' disability channel will be excellent vehicles to provide employment opportunities, resources and services to our respective members and users," stated John Walpuck, President and CFO of Disaboom.

Chad Sowash, Vice President of Business Development of DirectEmployers, stated, "Our members are already working with the disability community, but they want to do more. We look forward to working with Disaboom to achieve the objectives of our partnership and consortium membership."

About Disaboom

Disaboom, Inc. was founded to develop the first interactive online community dedicated to constantly improving the way people with disabilities or functional limitations live their lives. It will also serve as a comprehensive online resource not only for people living with such conditions, but also their immediate families and friends, caregivers, recreation and rehabilitation providers, and employers. There are more than 54 million American adults living with disabilities or functional limitations today in the United States alone. Founded and designed by doctors and fellow disaboomers to meet this untapped market's specific needs, disaboom.com will bring together content and tools ranging from specialized health information to social networking to daily living resources, in a single interactive site.

About DirectEmployers Association and JobCentral National Labor Exchange

DirectEmployers Association's purpose is to share best practices, create new industry standards, provide research, and develop and manage systems and software for employers to increase labor market efficiency and reduce recruiting costs. JobCentral National Labor Exchange is the flagship service of the Association. Its member companies include an impressive group of industry leaders such as Abbott Laboratories, Analysts International, Allstate, ALLTEL Corporation, Anheuser-Busch, Ashland, Avaya, Bausch & Lomb, Baxter, Bell South, Cargill, Cisco, Coca-Cola, General Electric, General Dynamics, H&R Block, IBM, International Paper, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Mellon Financial Corporation, Merck, Harris Corporation, Home Depot, Honeywell, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Mayo Clinic, Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble, Progressive Insurance, Raytheon, Southern Company, Sprint, Textron, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Union Pacific, Volt Information Sciences, and Xerox Corporation.

Disclaimers & Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which the Company operates and the beliefs and assumptions of the Company's management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "may," variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of the Company's future financial performance, the continuing development of the Company's website, the prospects for selling advertising on the website and new visitors and visitor page views related to advertising agreements, the Company's anticipated growth and potentials in its business, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified in our filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements included in this news release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

© Disaboom, Inc., 2007

For more information about Disaboom, Inc., contact:

J.W. Roth
(720) 407-6532

Peter Shankman
(646) 522-9234

Molly Plyler
The Blueshirt Group
(415) 217-5867

Please visit the "About Us" section of our web site at www.disaboom.com.

Posted by Nancy at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)

Job Central National Labor Exchange

JobCentral National Labor Exchange, is a replacement for America’s Job Bank. It is a service of DirectEmployers Association, a nonprofit consortium of leading U.S. corporations, in alliance with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). The Association's online services also include DirectEmployers.com, an Internet search engine dedicated exclusively to employment.

Posted by Nancy at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)

Disability and Occupation

Frank A. Smith and David Clark in Data Note 13: Disability and Occupation published by the Institute for Community Inclusion tell us:

"It is well-documented that people with disabilities have a significantly lower rate of employment than people without disabilities (36% versus 74% according to the 2006 American Community Survey (ACS). Less is known about the types of work they do. Using the occupational classification system within the ACS, researchers explored the prevalence of people with disabilities within occupational groupings and discuss its relationship to occupational growth.

"Datanote 13 takes a look at the areas in which people with disabilities are employed. The US Department of Labor projects that approximately 18.9M new jobs will be created between 2004 and 2014..."Professional and related" and "service" occupations are projected to have the greatest increase in number of jobs with over 5 million in each group. This could allow for increased opportunities for people with disabilities to work in these areas."

Posted by Nancy at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2008

National ADA Symposium & Expo/Assistive Technology Fair: St. Louis, MO

Hosted by: the Network of DBTAC-ADA Centers

Date: May 12-14, 2008

Location: America's Center in St. Louis, MO

The National ADA Symposium is an annual three day conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws that has earned the reputation as the most comprehensive event available on the ADA. Each year, the ADA Symposium brings representatives from key federal agencies involved in implementing the ADA including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Access Board and the EEOC to provide comprehensive training and updates. All Symposium presenters are nationally recognized experts in their fields.

The ADA Symposium offers break-out sessions on a wide range of topics. Registrants select courses to create a schedule that reflects their interests and needs. A Pre-Conference is offered to provide both introductory and advanced sessions. A hallmark of the National ADA Symposium is the opportunities for networking and problem solving among participants. Social activities such as the Evening Reception and table-top discussion areas in the large EXPO Hall provide an atmosphere that encourages interaction.

The National ADA Symposium features an EXPO Hall filled with disability related products and services, an Assistive Technology Fair and demonstrations such as wheelchair golf.

Posted by Nancy at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2008

National Disability Policy: A Progress Report

A report issued on January 15, 2008 by the National Council on Disability (NCD). National Disability Policy: A Progress Report examines employment, housing, education, transportation and other federal policies that affect people with disabilities. It includes examples of continued progress, as well as the challenges that remain for citizens living with disabilities who wish to be more independent, more productive and more actively involved in their families and communities.

Posted by Nancy at 10:09 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2008

American Foundation for the Blind Calls for Accessible Medication Labels

The start of a new year is a great time to evaluate our lifestyles and make better, healthier decisions. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) began its own push for a healthier life for people with vision loss with the launch of a public awareness and advocacy campaign, Rx Label Enable. In today's world, medications have become an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Yet, for the nearly 20 million Americans currently experiencing vision loss, the lack of accessible prescription and over-the-counter medication label information poses a serious public health threat due to the potential misidentification and misuse of drugs.

AFB has embarked on the Rx Label Enable campaign to ensure that people with vision loss have ready access to the vital information available to all consumers via medication labeling and related documentation, ensuring that they can take medications safely, effectively, and independently. To achieve this goal, AFB is reaching out to all stakeholders, including consumers experiencing vision loss, policymakers, federal regulators, doctors, the pharmaceutical industry, retailers, assistive technology providers, and public and private insurers to promote solutions, build consensus, and take action. While there are strategies described on AFB Senior Site for enabling people with vision loss to identify medication, these methods do not fully address the problem and, perhaps more importantly, often require the intervention of sighted friends or family members. The hope is that through our campaign, policymakers will address this problem and develop standards to ensure that medication labels and information are accessible to individuals with vision loss.

AFB has been soliciting comments from consumers and their families about personal experiences with inaccessible drug labeling to build a case for a comprehensive, reliable national system for accessible medication information.

Read more about the Rx Label Enable campaign in the Public Policy

Issue Brief: Access to Prescription Drug Labeling

Subscribe to AFB's Rx Label Enable Campaign newsletter

If you, a family member, or friend has had trouble reading prescription or over-the-counter medication information, help us out by completing our short, informal survey, Tell Us Your Story.

Posted by Nancy at 02:13 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2008

Reading Habits of Blind and Physically Handicapped Defy National Trend

Book Consumption Rates Seven Times Higher for National Library Service Patrons Than Average Sighted Readers

WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ -- According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans of every age are consistently reading less. The study revealed an overall decline of 10 percent in literary reading between 1982 and 2002, totaling an overall loss of 20 million readers. Conversely, participants in the Talking Book program, a free library service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, read more than the general population by a significant amount. The average NLS patron, an individual with a visual or physical impairment, reads seven times more than most sighted readers, or approximately 35 books a year.

These numbers not only highlight the braille and audiobook appetites of NLS patrons, but also speak to the ease in obtaining ample reading material through the Talking Book program. "NLS patrons are extremely avid readers," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "NLS is dedicated to fulfilling their reading needs with the highest-quality collection so they can remain engaged in literature and connected to the world around them."

While NLS patrons have higher book consumption rates, their literary tastes do not differ from those of sighted readers, according to Jim Herndon, head of the NLS Collection Development Section. NLS librarians strive to build a well-rounded collection that meets readers' diverse informational and recreational needs. "Selecting titles for the collection is a rigorous process. NLS librarians consult book reviews and bestseller lists, monitor publishing trends, and assess patron requests before choosing titles," says Herndon. "Titles are selected based on such criteria as literary merit and popularity."

With more than 400,000 titles, the Talking Book catalog is wide-ranging. Among its unabridged offerings are bestsellers, classics, biographies, romances, mysteries, and westerns. Patrons particularly favor top sellers like Nicholas Sparks's True Believer, Danielle Steele's Impossible, and Malcolm Gladwell's Blink.

NLS libraries offer something for every bookworm, from kids to seniors. Summer reading programs and book clubs nationwide are designed to engage and reward readers. "Superheroes-Powered by Books," a program hosted by one network library, rewards blind and physically handicapped children who use their reading powers to fight summer boredom. Kids can report on the audio or braille books they have read in return for a range of superhero-themed prizes -- from masks to action figures. Additional reader appreciation programs include the 102 Talking Book Club, which honors centenarians for their lifelong devotion to reading.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, administers the Talking Book program, a free library service available to eligible individuals of any age living in the U.S. or American citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap makes reading a standard printed page difficult. Through its national network of regional libraries, NLS mails books and magazines on cassette and in braille, as well as audio equipment, directly to enrollees at no cost. Further information on eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures for the program is available at http://www.loc.gov/nls or 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323).

Posted by Nancy at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)

HSBC Bank Announces Audio Accessible ATMs Available in More Than 250 Locations

NEW YORK, - - (Business Wire) - - HSBC Bank USA, N.A. today announced the availability of audio - enabled or "talking" ATMs in more than 250 locations across the U.S. The talking ATMs provide spoken instructions in English and Spanish and allow individuals with visual impairments to hear on - screen information when conducting banking transactions.

"As the world's local bank, we are committed to providing our diverse customer base with the best products and services available to meet all of their banking needs. HSBC appreciates the input from Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. and the Westchester Council of the Blind that helped make our ATMs accessible to people with visual impairments," said Patti Thompson, Senior Vice President - ATM/Self - Service, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. "The audio - enabled ATMs offer visually impaired individuals, or individuals who have difficulty reading standard on - screen print, a convenient and secure way to use our ATMs and create a better banking experience overall."

"Having worked closely with HSBC to implement this technology we applaud their willingness and commitment to the blind community," said Sherry DeFrancesco of Westchester Council of the Blind. "The talking ATMs are invaluable to blind or low vision individuals, allowing them to conduct banking transactions safely and independently."

The talking ATMs are equipped with an audio jack on the front of each machine and accept most standard audio headsets. Once plugged in, the ATMs feature a recorded voice which prompts consumers through the needed steps to conduct banking transactions including: deposits, balance inquiries, cash withdrawals and transferring funds.

Customers can control the volume on the ATMs and the machines also offer a spoken tutorial providing step - by - step instructions for individuals using the ATM for the first time or anyone who would like extra help with the ATM. In addition, the tutorial provides a verbal description of the machine's layout, including the location of the opening to insert ATM cards and deposit envelopes as well as openings to receive cash and transaction receipts.

Those wishing to obtain additional information about talking ATMs, including the complete list of locations, can call 1.800.975.HSBC (4722), 716.841.7212 outside the United States or TTY/TTD: 1.800.898.5999 for the hearing impaired. A complete list of the 250 locations of the talking ATMs is also available at www.us.hsbc.com.

Media inquiries to Francine Minadeo, francine.v.minadeo_AT_us.hsbc.com
Please replace the word _AT_ in the above e-mail address with the appropriate symbol.
or call 212 - 525 - 8737.

Posted by Nancy at 09:31 AM | Comments (0)

Call for Student Posters

Proposals are due March 21, 2008.

The Eighth Annual Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion & Disability, an interdisciplinary conference exploring disability as an individual experience and social reality that cuts across typical boundaries of discipline, theoretical &. applied, public & private, town & Gown. Hosted by the Ohio State University’s ADA Coordinators office in the Pfahl Executive Education and Conference of the Fisher College of Business This years conference on April 21-23, 2008 will feature a Student Poster Reception on April 22 along with over 30 concurrent sessions & two Pre-conference Sessions.

This year's theme ”Looking Back and Thinking Ahead" is meant to encourage presenters and participants to consider topics, methods and programs from fresh perspectives.

“Congress acknowledged that society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairment.” Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. 480 U.S. 284.

Two decades ago Congress investigated the status of individuals with disabilities in society. Their findings led to the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. How relevant are those findings today? As we approach the second decade under the ADA Congress is taking stock with the ADA Restoration Act. What is the status of disability? Graduate and undergraduate posters addressing the themes of Access, Inclusion, and Disability are sought for the Eighth Annual Multiple Perspectives Conference.

Form more information contact L. Scott Lissner at lissner.2_AT_osu.edu
Please replace_AT_ with the appropriate symbol.

Posted by Nancy at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2008

Drawing Class for Adults who are Blind or Partially Sighted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Seeing Through Drawing


This introductory class explores the drawing process by experimenting with a variety of materials, techniques and approaches. Using objects in the museum as inspiration, participants will focus on learning and on engagement with the drawing process.


The program is free, but reservations are required.
Please call (212) 879-5500, ext. 3561
to make a reservation or for more information.

Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10028-0198

Posted by Nancy at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)

BookShare, RFB&D & Your Student: Newton, MA

Due to the recent implementation of NIMAC to provide textbooks in accessible formats, students now qualify for free access to the services of BookShare and Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.

Learn how to assist your students in qualifying for these services, to search their online catalogs and to either download or order books. We will spend some hands-on time learning to transfer books to note-takers and PDAs as well as in navigating them once they have been transferred.


Presenters: Brian Charlson & RFB&D Representative
Date: February 1, 2008
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Fee: $100
Location: Carroll Center Technology Center
770 Centre St, Newton, MA 02459
800-852-3131

To register, please email Dina Rosenbaum at dina.rosenbaum_AT_@carroll.org
Please replace the word _AT_ in the above e-mail address with the appropriate symbol.

Posted by Nancy at 01:25 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2008

National Federation of the Blind Lawsuit Addressing Web Accessibility Will Proceed

Target Cannot Appeal Class Action Certification Ruling

Baltimore, Maryland (January 2, 2008): The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied Target Corporation's petition for an interlocutory appeal of the District Court's order granting class action certification to a lawsuit filed against the retailer by the National Federation of the Blind for Target's failure and refusal to make its Web site fully accessible to blind shoppers. As a result, the suit will proceed against Target on behalf of all blind Americans, as well as for a subclass of all blind Californians.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are pleased that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed our lawsuit against Target to move forward on its merits. Target can no longer delay being held accountable to the blind of the nation for denying us access to its Web site."

Posted by Nancy at 06:52 PM | Comments (0)

2008-2009 Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are visually impaired, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community.

Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st and all materials must be received by March 1st. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Applications will be available to submit on-line until March 1st at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Posted by Nancy at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)

Disability Law Lowdown Podcast Launch

January, 9 2008 – On January 9, the first episode of the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast series will be available for free download on both iTunes and the Disability Law Lowdown website. The Disability Law Lowdown podcasts will deliver the latest in disability law information every other week. Listeners can subscribe to the podcasts to have shows automatically delivered to them. The podcasts are also available on the DLL website, where transcripts of the shows are simultaneously available.

The hosts for the Disability Law Lowdown are Lex Frieden and Jacquie Brennan. Reporters from around the country will bring listeners the latest information about disability rights, disability case law updates, obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other disability-related topics. You can subscribe now and listen to a preview podcast with information about upcoming shows. During 2008, Disability Law Lowdown will begin offering podcasts in both Spanish and American Sign Language.

Disability Law Lowdown is brought to you by the national network of Disability Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs). All ten Centers are funded by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research to provide technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. Find out about the resources your regional center offers by calling 1-800-949-4232 (V/TTY).

To subscribe, look for the Disability Law Lowdown podcast on iTunes, or go to their website at dll.ada-podcast.com.

Posted by Nancy at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2008

Technology Opens Doors - The New York State Governor’s Expo on Assistive Technology

The 10th Governor’s Assistive Technology Expo on Assistive Technology, to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, New York.

Lieutenant Governor David A. Patterson, a nationally-recognized advocate for persons with visual and physical impairments, will be welcoming attendees.

At the Expo, hundreds of exhibits and workshops on assistive devices and services will be showcased. In addition, the NYS Forum’s award-winning IT Accessibility Committee will present a series of tutorials on all aspects of accessible website development.

Register online or call Michelle Murray, NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQCAPD) at (800) 522-4369 (NYS only Voice/TTY/Spanish) or (518) 388-0690.

Posted by Nancy at 06:07 PM | Comments (0)

Denise Bissonnette Keynote Speaker at Rekindle the Flame: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Opportunity Knocks Rehabilitation Training Employment presents Rekindle the Flame conference.

It is a unique conference geared to Rekindle the Flame of Enthusiasm and is all about igniting your spirit, rejuvenating your well-being.

Denise Bissonnette is an exceptional keynote speaker that will surely set your flame of enthusiasm ablaze.

Date: February 6, 7, 8 2008.

Place: Holiday Inn Harbourview, 101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Posted by Nancy at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

January 07, 2008

Graduate opportunity for students interested in the topic of disability and employment

Douglas Kruse recently became Director of the Rutgers Ph.D. program in Industrial Relations and Human Resources.

This program is involved in several government-funded studies designed to understand and increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For example, they are working with researchers at several other universities on a study of corporate culture and disability funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, in which we are doing case studies of large U.S. companies to understand how company policies and attitudes create both barriers and opportunities for people with disabilities. They are also involved in a 5-year center to study employer demand for people with disabilities, with projects relating disability to employment projections, contingent work, and layoffs/downsizing. They plan to include Ph.D. students in these and other projects and help them become expert scholars in disability and employment.

The application deadline for admission next Fall is February 1st, 2008.


Posted by Nancy at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)