Check out the first two articles in this email, although the others might
be of interest as well.
Thanks
Nimer J
"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the
very wise cannot see all
ends." LOTR
Nimer M. Jaber
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to
which it
is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any
review,
retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in
reliance
upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended
recipient is
prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender via
reply e-mail, and delete the
material from any computer.
Website:
http://www.empowertheblind.org
Phone:
(720) (251-4530)
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind
Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:24:18 -0600 (CST)
From: Fred's Head Companion <fredshead@xxxxxxx>
Reply-To: Fred's Head Companion <fredshead@xxxxxxx>
To: nimerjaber1@xxxxxxxxx
Fred's Head Companion - American Printing House for the Blind
<http://www.fredshead.info/>
Link to Fred's Head Companion <http://www.fredshead.info/>
On-line Availability Of Representation For Social Security Claims
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498643023/on-line-availability-of-representation.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 08:20 AM CST
Allsup Inc., the first private national company to represent disabled
individuals before the Social Security Administration (SSA), has a home
page where social security disability claimants can pre-qualify for Allsup
representation. This can be done by completing a simple online
questionnaire. The Allsup website also gives computer users comprehensive,
up-to-date information on disability, representational services,
congressional re-engineering, and other initiatives that can affect their
benefits. In addition, company benefits managers with responsibility for
disabled workers can also go to the site for invaluable information.
Allsup Inc.
300 Allsup Place
Belleville, IL 62223-8626
Toll Free: 800-854-1418
Phone: 618-234-8434
Fax: 618-236-5778
Email: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:info@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Web: http://www.allsupinc.com
"The Top Ten List of what Motorists Shouldn't do when they See a Blind
Person"
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498629508/top-ten-list-of-what-motorists.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 08:05 AM CST
Orientation and Mobility Specialists, the instructors who train visually
impaired individuals to use the white cane, cross streets and ride the
busses offer suggestions to motorists regarding how to help the blind
pedestrian.
If you thought that a blind person just picked up a cane one day and went
for a ride on the bus . . . that's not quite the way it happened. Cane
users can spend more than 60 hours of "walking the streets", learning to
refine their skills. Those of us who provide this training spend all day,
everyday in traffic with our students. We have plenty of opportunities to
observe the motorists who, due to lack of knowledge, "test" our students
for us. We know that drivers have the best intentions and with a little
knowledge, they can be of great assistance. Therefore, we offer:
*The Top Ten List of what Motorists Shouldn't do when they See a Blind
Person *
*10.* Don't stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk line. You
may think that you are allowing plenty of room for the blind person to
cross, but the truth is that you are probably confusing them. Don't be
shy. Pull right up to the line and allow them to use the sound of your
engine as a guide for walking a straight path across the street.
*9.* Don't call out "it's O.K. to cross". The motorist may not have
considered all the factors before giving the "all clear". For example, you
stopped your car but the person passing you in the next lane may not. The
blind person listens to all the traffic sounds before deciding to cross.
*8.* Don't engage the visually impaired traveler in conversation. Even if
you know them. It requires skill and concentration to cross the
intersection and a "good morning" or "how're ya doin'?" may distract them.
Be sociable, of course, just wait until they have crossed the street.
*7.* Don't wait too long for the blind pedestrian to cross the street. The
sound of an idling engine "waiting" at the intersection puts pressure on
the blind people to cross the street when they are not ready. That will
soon become evident that they aren't going to cross and we suggest that
you "creep" slowly through the crossing. If the cane traveler takes a step
back and pulls in the cane, that's a definite "go" for the motorist.
*6.* Avoid split-second stops at stop signs. They are confusing to those
who are dependent on traffic sounds. Often, motorists stop briefly at
crosswalks noting they have time to pass before the pedestrian reaches
that side of the street. Failing to wait for pedestrians is dangerous and
if you come to a complete stop, you could even provide some assistance
with the sound of your car's engine. Come to a full stop and allow the
blind pedestrian to cross in front of you.
*5.* Don't turn right on red. In an ideal world that would be true. In
this world, however, statistics show that the right-turner is involved in
frequent vehicle/pedestrian accidents. And, no wonder! The motorist is
looking to the left, focused on turning into traffic and hasn't looked at
anything else since passing the mid-block point. Often, the turn is made
without ever checking the nearest corner, which is particularly dangerous
for a blind individual who cannot see the turning traffic. Our advice is
to take it easy on the right turns and try to remind yourself to check the
intersection before turning.
*4.* Don't fail to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks without stop signs.
Just a reminder. To ensure the safety of all pedestrians always come to a
full stop if when a pedestrian is anywhere in the crosswalk.
*3.* Don't stop in the middle of the crosswalk! That forces the blind
pedestrian to go around your car and often into traffic in order to cross
the street. Also, the sound of the engine in the crosswalk may deceive the
pedestrian into thinking they have veered out of the crosswalk. Try
stopping directly by the line.
*2.* Don't block the sidewalk at driveways. Creative parking solutions
often create problems for the cane traveler. In this particular case, a
path around the front or back of the car must be chosen, with no
guarantees on outcome. Going around the front of the car is best, but may
not be possible. For example, when the offending car is parked directly
behind another car in the driveway and there is no room to pass between
them. The fact that they can't get through is discovered only after the
attempt. Going around the back of the car may put them into traffic and
they are "fumigated" by the exhaust if the car is running.
AND NOW! Number One, and our personal favorite, on the Top Ten List of
What Not To Do When you see a Blind Person:
*1.* Do not HONK! Try this, go outside and stand on the corner with your
eyes closed (NO PEEKING!). When you hear a car horn, do you know if it's
for you? Or, totally unrelated to you? Blind pedestrians don't know
either. Honking at the blind pedestrian to let them know they can cross
usually results in scaring the heck out of them.
If you're patient and follow these suggestions, they will get across the
street . . . honest! When you see a blind traveler crossing the street,
you are seeing the result of many months, possibly years, of training and
hard work. The ability to use the white cane and have the confidence to
make good decisions requires constant effort, even for the most skilled
traveler. You, the motorist, can be of great assistance in that effort and
their teachers are grateful for your help.
/James Hazard, M.A./, is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the
Center for Living Independence for Multihandicapped Blind (CLIMB) in
Sierra Madre, California.
/Kathy Zelaya, M.A., COMS/, is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at
TravelVision Mobility Services, Glendale, California.
This article by James Hazard and Kathy Zelaya first appeared on
TravelVision's home page <http://www.oandm.org> (July-98) and is reprinted
with special permission from the publisher.
Rehabilitation Services
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498629509/rehabilitation-services.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:59 AM CST
If you are looking for rehabilitation services, the best place to locate
your nearest rehabilitation center is the AFB website:
http://www.afb.org/services.asp. If you would like to learn more about
what a rehabilitation center does, then read on.
A rehabilitation center is a place where a blind or visually impaired
adult can go to learn the skills they need in order to live independently.
Other services are also usually offered, such as counseling or vocational
training.
The most important skills needed to live independently are *Orientation
and Mobility* skills. These are the skills that let you know where you are
and allow you to navigate effectively from one place to another.
Other services that a rehab center provides are:
* *Communication skills:* alternate communication options such as
braille, digital or tape recorder use, handwriting guides.
* *Manual skills:* develop tactual perception and hand-to-foot
coordination.
* *Day-to-day activities:* personal management, home management,
meal preparation, cleaning techniques.
* *Computer training:* how to operate a computer and specialized
software such as screen readers.
* *Visual skills:* training to maximize the use of any remaining
vision.
Each person comes to the Center with a different set of needs and
proficiencies. Tests are given to assess these things. Once an
individual's skills and requirements have been determined, a unique
curriculum is devised to teach that person the skills that they need.
Contributor: American Foundation for the Blind: http://www.afb.org
<http://www.afb.org>
Take-Out Services At Neighborhood Groceries
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498599681/take-out-services-at-neighborhood.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:22 AM CST
Many grocery stores are now doing prepared-food take-out services. Some
neighborhood groceries still deliver groceries and will deliver take-out
foods along with the regular groceries. There are also companies that
specify in the delivery of frozen food products.
The following companies deliver groceries, either through the mail or
through a delivery service.
Schwan's
Schwan's is a home delivery food service that sells a wide variety of
prepared foods in 48 states. Delivered frozen, you will need to heat your
meals before eating. Online ordering is available from the web site, and
the MealTime catalog is available in braille, cassette, disc or e-mail
versions.
Schwan's Fine Foods
115 West College Drive
Marshall, MN 56258 Toll Free: 888-724-9267
Web: http://www.schwans.com
Cake Decorating with M&M's
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498599682/using-mms-in-cake-decorating.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:15 AM CST
Use M&M's for decorating cakes. They are much easier to handle than some
of the cake decorating sprinkles and add nice touches of color. They can
be used to spell names, provide trims, or make patterns. The M&M's can be
used for braille messages. Apply these just after you ice the cake.
If you want to make cupcakes with the M&M's as the decoration, make sure
they stay together by traveling with the Cup-A-Cake.
Cup-A-Cake was designed and patented by mothers to solve the age old
problem of sending cupcakes to school or outings with their children.
Before Cup-A-Cake, taking cupcakes anywhere caused a mess.
This unique container will hold a frosted cupcake in place with
protrusions positioned in such a way that the cupcake will not move within
the container if bounced, jiggled, or turned upside down.
* Made in the USA
* User friendly, can be used by the smallest fingers
* Practical and light weight
* Air tight to insure freshness
* Comes in a variety of colors
* Available in a single, reusable model
* Economical and fun
* Keeps cupcakes intact while you travel
General Uses
* School lunches
* Field Trips
* Picnics
* Birthday celebrations
* Parties
* Sporting events
* Boy or Girl Scout outings
* Camping or work
Click this link to get your Cup-A-Cake: http://www.cupacake.com/#
<http://www.cupacake.com/#>.
Cleaning Your Mouse
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498588195/cleaning-your-mouse.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:05 AM CST
My mouse is acting funny. Yes, it's one of those ancient roller-ball
mouses and sometimes I have to move it a few inches before the cursor
starts to move. Is it time for a new mouse?
I'm guessing the problem is that your mouse is simply dirty. Flip the
mouse over and feel, or look, for the ball.
Normally, there is a removable piece that holds the mouse ball in. It
usually comes off with a little twist. Pull the ball out and remove any
excess dirt, fur, hair, gum, pop, spare change, etc. Usually just wiping
off the ball with a lint free cloth will do the trick. If it's extra
grimy, rinsing it off under running water would be a good idea (the ball,
NOT the mouse), just make sure that it's 110% dry before you re-assemble
things.
Next look, or feel, inside the mouse where the ball was. You'll probably
need to take a pair of tweezers and (carefully!) pluck the hair / fur /
lint off the rollers. They act like a magnet for this stuff. You might
even try to blow it out with some of that canned air stuff. In case you're
tempted, it's probably NOT a real good idea to wash it out with water. :-)
Finally, make sure that your desk or mouse pad surface is clean and free
of lint, hair, mouse droppings, etc. If your mouse is still misbehaving,
you may need to replace it. You can even go cordless!
Differences Between The Abacus And The Calculator
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498588196/differences-between-abacus-and.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:03 AM CST
When comparing the abacus and the calculator, it is important to outline
the differences between the two. The abacus, for example, requires the
user to have knowledge of the processes of arithmetic--and the ability to
move counters (beads) in proper sequence to obtain a desired result. This
being the case, unless one is a skilled abacus operator who has spent
countless hours in practice, chances are the use of an electronic
calculator will yield results more quickly than that of an abacus. This is
especially true in areas such as root extraction, vector analysis,
trigonometric calculations, etc.
Additionally, abacus calculation helps to develop mental concepts
concerning numeric relationships, which is not the case with a calculator.
For example, it is possible to demonstrate place value by adding a digit,
or set of digits, to itself or themselves ten times. This shows movement
to the left by one place--and the presence of "0" at the end of the total.
Another difference from a calculator is that the abacus does not require
electrical power and can be used under most physical conditions. Further,
the abacus does not require programming to perform trigonometry or other
functions--as does a calculator. However, the limitation of the abacus is
based on the knowledge and ability of the operator.
Abacuses can also be connected in series. This means that if large numeric
values need to be calculated, two or more abacuses can be joined and
treated as one abacus. This cannot be done with a calculator.
There are certain testing situations in which those being tested are not
permitted the use of calculators. This usually results from the concern
that calculators can be programmed with formulae that make problem solving
automatic--and no longer dependent on the knowledge of the person being
tested. The abacus, however, offers no more aid and comfort than a pencil
and a piece of paper--and is in no way programmable.
Contributor: Fred Gissoni
Low Vision Research Group (LVRG)
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/498588197/low-vision-research-group-lvrg.html>
Posted: 30 Dec 2008 07:02 AM CST
The Low Vision Research Group (LVRG) is an organization whose members have
an interest in low vision issues, research and resources. Its mission
includes: the fostering of communication among low vision researchers
(especially those with different professional credentials); encouraging
critical and frank discussion and review of low vision research produced
in both formal and informal settings; and increasing the attention that is
paid to low vision within the vision research community.
The group's website - LVRGNet - offers information that may be useful to
researchers, clinicians and others with an interest in low vision. Follow
the General Information link for info on eye disorders, services, support
groups, discussion groups and assistive technologies.
Click this link to visit The Low Vision Research Group on the web at:
http://www.varrd.emory.edu/LVRGNet <http://www.varrd.emory.edu/LVRGNet>
How to Peel and Core an Apple
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/497858062/how-to-peel-and-core-apple.html>
Posted: 29 Dec 2008 10:00 AM CST
In my opinion, peeling an apple is best done with a vegetable peeler.
Knives take too much fruit. A peeler can make nice thin even slices of
peel leaving behind the maximum amount of fruit, smoothly removed.
Not all peelers are created equally. Many have dull blades, need too much
pressure and will be difficult to use. Look for one with a Swiss blade.
Swivel blades are also easier to use. I recommend the Messermeister line
of peelers. They are very easy to use and make light work of peeling.
Coring an apple can be easily done with a melon baller. Use one with a
sharp blade and sturdy handle, then simply cut the apple in half and scoop
out the core, seeds and all. You can even use the melon baller to remove
the blossom end and stem end. Now your apple is ready to slice and eat. If
you make the hole a little larger, your apple is now ready to be stuffed
and baked with cinnamon, flour and sugar or even cheese and nuts like Brie
and walnuts or whatever you prefer. The apples are also perfectly prepared
for poaching, which is excellent with red wine and spices.
Not all apples cook up the same. Some like the McIntosh or Spy will reduce
to more of an applesauce. When baking, use a variety of apples for better
flavour and a difference of texture.
Best Apples for Cooking
* Rome
* Cortland
* Golden Delicious
* Red Delicious
* Ambrosia
* Empire
* Gala
* Jonagold
* McIntosh
Best Apples for Eating, When You Just Can't Wait
* Cortland
* Fuji
* Granny Smith
* Jonagold
* Ambrosia
UK National Centre for Independent Living
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/497847925/uk-national-centre-for-independent.html>
Posted: 29 Dec 2008 09:42 AM CST
From the UK-based website:
"NCILs primary aim is to promote independent living. This means disabled
people having control and choice over our own lives. To do this we give
support and information around Direct payments and Individual Budgets, we
try to make sure that disabled people can get accessible information in
these subjects and provide newsletters, books, leaflets and
videos/DVD^D>'s. (see our publications section). We also have an Employers
Kit which helps employers and prospective employers with issues around
employing staff on a direct payment or individual budget.
We have meetings for people to talk about and develop new ideas around
independent living. We work with the Department of Health and other policy
makers to try and make sure disabled people can live independently.
Part of making sure disabled people can live independently is to campaign
to improve the rights of disabled people by working for better civil
rights and effective policy. We are constantly keeping up to date with
current issues and work together with other groups and disabled people to
make sure that the Government knows what disabled people need and want. To
find out about our current Campaigns and News please click on the links
provided on our website.
We also provide an online discussion Forum so people can discuss issues
that they need help and advice on with other people that have had similar
experiences The forums are designed to be a place where people help each
other, not necessarily a place where individuals ask NCIL for information,
you can do this by contacting the office. Topics are added by the Forum
members and moderated by NCIL.
NCIL regularly undertakes research, consultancy and training and has a
register of suitably experienced disabled people to undertake this type of
work. If you would like to learn more about us, visit our website at
http://www.ncil.org.uk <http://www.ncil.org.uk>.
New Technology for People with Disabilities
<http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/FredsHeadCompanion/%7E3/497847926/new-technology-for-people-with.html>
Posted: 29 Dec 2008 09:31 AM CST
Check out this resource. Project:Possibility is a nonprofit corporation
centered at the University of Southern California, working to encourage
new technology that could help people with disabilities expand their
capabilities. The group plans to create a worldwide open-source Website on
which software developers can collaborate with people with disabilities on
new ideas & add to existing programs.
Project:Possibility is a non-profit, community service organization. It is
led by individuals of diverse backgrounds and skillsets that share a
common goal: to make a powerful difference in the lives of persons with
disabilities. Click this link to read their /About us/ page to learn more
<http://projectpossibility.org/about.php>.
Click this link to visit http://projectpossibility.org
<http://projectpossibility.org>.
You are subscribed to email updates from Fred's Head Companion
<http://www.fredshead.info/>
To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now
<http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailunsub?id=18467172&key=KzMfKKGWTL>.
Email Delivery powered by FeedBurner
Inbox too full? (feed) <http://feeds.feedburner.com/FredsHeadCompanion>
Subscribe <http://feeds.feedburner.com/FredsHeadCompanion> to the feed
version of Fred's Head Companion in a feed reader.
If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: Fred's Head
Companion, c/o FeedBurner, 20 W Kinzie, 9th Floor, Chicago IL USA 60610
blind_html
To unsubscribe, please send a blank email to
blind_html-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
with unsubscribe in the subject line.
To access the archives, please visit:
//www.freelists.org/archive/blind_html
Thanks
