[handiham-world] Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, August 1, 2018
- From: "Moody, Lucinda K" <Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "handiham-world@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <handiham-world@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2018 23:26:59 +0000
[Logo for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part of Allina Health]
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the
week of Wednesday, August 1, 2018
This is a free weekly news & information update from the Courage Kenny Handiham
Program<https://handiham.org/>, serving people with disabilities in Amateur
Radio since 1967.
Our contact information is at the end.
Listen here:
https://handiham.org/audio/handiham01AUG2018.mp3
Get this podcast in iTunes:<http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=372422406>
[Subscribe to our audio podcast in
iTunes]<http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=372422406>
RSS feed for the audio podcast if you use other podcasting software:
http://feeds.feedBurner.com/handiham<http://feeds.feedburner.com/handiham>
Subscribe or change your subscription to the E-mail version
here.<//www.freelists.org/list/handiham-world>
________________________________
Welcome to Handiham World.
In this edition:
* A note from the coordinator
* News in Assistive Technology
* Interview of the Week
* Ham Radio in the News
* Website Update
* Equipment Connection
* Help Needed
* Check into our nets!
* ...And more!
________________________________
A note from the coordinator...
The 2018 Amateur Radio and Assistive Technology Conference will be on November
7-10. We chose those dates since airline travel is cheaper if you don't have to
fly on Sunday. There is a complimentary airport shuttle, so getting to and from
the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport will not be difficult. We are finalizing the
location information, so look for that announcement next week. We will have
some scholarship funds to help people on a sliding scale with the cost of
attendance, however there will be no assistance with travel expenses. Don't
forget, if you require the services of a care attendant, you will need to bring
them with you. If you have a friend who wants to attend, rooms can be shared to
reduce the cost. If you are planning to come, please contact Pemdy to be placed
on a list to receive an application and also let her know if you will be
applying for any scholarship assistance. If you are local to the Twin Cities
and would like to attend during the day only, please let Pemdy know when you
contact her for an application.
I will be out of the office through Wednesday of next week, but Pemdy will be
here during her usual hours. Due to high call volumes please be patient about
return phone calls. The best times to reach us are Monday through Thursday
between 9 am and 2 pm Central Time in the United States. Don't forget, if you
need to update anything like your contact information, call sign, license
class, membership, or members only log-in information, you can email us at
handiham@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:handiham@xxxxxxxxxx>.
In the E-Letter this week, there is more information about the blog that is
putting together a reference guide for smart phone assistive technology along
with the third part of an interview with John Farina, W2QCY. Of course, you can
also find the regular articles you see here each week.
Do you have a story to share about assistive technology or ham radio related
activities? Please send your articles and stories via email to
Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx> or by calling me at
612-775-2290.
________________________________
News in Assistive Technology
Cheap or Free Cellphone Adaptations for People with Disabilities! Part 2 Vision
[Photo of several smartphones of varying brands.]
With smartphones, you are basically carrying a computer in your pocket or
purse. Many people who have these devices are not aware of assistive technology
that is already built in. The North Dakota Assistive Technology blog is
publishing a series of articles bringing all the cell phone assistive
technology information together in one place, working to create a reference
guide for smart phone assistive technology. This week's article contains
information about apps for both iOS and Android. You can learn more at the
following website:
http://ndipat.org/blog/cell-phone-adaptions-for-people-with-disabilities-part-2-vision/
________________________________
Interview of the Week
John Farina, W2QCY, joined me for a phone interview a couple weeks ago. He has
enjoyed many years in the ham radio hobby and also has experience in assistive
technology. Please enjoy the third part of this interview.
Editor's note: This interview took place in the Handiham Program office.
Because some work was being done on Pemdy's computer at the same time, there is
some extra background noise.
[Photo of w2qcy and n2shc with seeing eye dogs.]
JF: People are certainly exposed to technology at a younger age. I didn't have
a computer until I was working. Granted, back when I was growing up, computers
were not available. The fact that someone can be exposed to an iPod in the
third or fourth grade and begin working with it, that is good. Maybe they are
exposed to a braille display or a screen reader after they have developed the
hand-coordination to allow them to type easily. That's great. I think that is
something that has changed.
JF: It goes along with the exposure at a young age to orientation and mobility
for people who are visually impaired, in preschool. That allows them to do some
exploring when they are walking around.
LM: That is so different from what they used to do.
JF: Yes. My wife and I did not have a cane in our hands until we were in junior
high. And actually, back then, the school didn't allow me to use it, and nobody
said they had to. Today, if the school says you can't use your cane, they are
read the riot act. As long as they are safe with a cane, then they should be
encouraged to be using it. That's the key.
JF: Having the exposure to things and concepts, being able to touch things,
being able to check things out in a store, those are all important things for
kids who are visually impaired to learn.
JF: One of the reasons I like AT and continue to work with it is that I have
some school aged kids that I work with, providing IEP related services. I have
to get to the school at the scheduled time to provide the service. Sometimes
you can be flexible, but if the school says the student can be available during
a particular period, you have to be there. You have to be mobile in this field,
and you have to be able to use the transportation that is around you. You also
need good personal mobility skills.
JF: I think that is the other change for me, being able to access GPS
information. I go back to Braille Note GPS when that first came out, and now I
have it on my phone, in my ear. It tells me when I have made a mistake or gone
too many or too few blocks. It allows me to find an address or find a bus. I
can also know when the bus is coming without having to make a phone call.
JF: Here, we can now pay our bus fare via an app. I did some testing of the app
along with a friend of mine to determine if it was accessible and worked with
them as they implemented the app. Those are cool things.
JF: I've not gotten into the Aira Explorer mode. I just don't feel like I can
justify the price tag for that yet. I also want people to think about the fact
that while we have all this technology that solves some of our problems, you
also want a back-up plan. You may need a Perkins Brailler or a small digital
recorder. When you are travelling, you also need to have the social skills to
reach out for assistance if you are in an unfamiliar location and need to find
the restroom, elevator, or something. You need those low-tech social skills to
go along with this, even with the social media craze that seems to be happening.
JF: I think that is one thing different about amateur radio. We are by and
large social. We have to get on the air and do something to talk to people.
Whether it's a digital mode we type on, CW, or 2 meter FM, we have to be
social. I think that is great. My wife and I have met a lot of great friends
over the years who continue to help when we need it. That's why we say I have
several people I can call if something goes wrong.
LM: Well, those things happen to all of us for one reason or another.
JF: You just do it, even if you need help.
Stay tuned for the fourth part of our interview with John next week.
________________________________
Ham Radio in the News
ARRL Board Adopts Volunteer Monitoring Program; Official Observer Program to be
Retired
[Photo of Kenwood TS-440 with microphone.]
The ARRL has decided to implement the new Volunteer Monitoring Program,
replacing the old OO Program. Current OOs will be invited to apply to be
Volunteer Monitors (VMs). This action is being taken in response to the FCC
closing several regional offices and reducing its field staff. While the
coordination of cases and evidence gathering will be done through ARRL
Headquarters staff, the FCC will be responsible for final decision-making
regarding specific cases. You can read more at the following link:
http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-adopts-volunteer-monitoring-program-official-observer-program-to-be-retired
________________________________
Website Update
[Photo of the words website update with construction equipment working on the
letters.]
Here are the latest updates on the new Handiham.org website. Don't forget to
monitor the site for updates throughout the week. When changes are made, I will
post to the website. You can also subscribe to the category specific RSS feeds
to keep up on the website activity.
The August QCWA Journal was uploaded today. I will start working on the archive
section of the website next week. For those of you who are Handiham Program
volunteers, you should be able to access the new Volunteers Only section by
next week. Don't forget, the Members links appear only if you are logged in. If
you have entered your username and password and those links do not show up, try
entering on the Courage Kenny Handiham Program link after you have entered your
login credentials. If you are a current member and your credentials are not
allowing you to login to the site, please contact Pemdy for assistance at
handiham@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:handiham@xxxxxxxxxx> or 612-775-2291.
________________________________
Equipment Connection
[Photo of Icom IC-7200 with LDG auto-tuner and power supply.]
Equipment connections are happening, and the list is open! If you have a
request for the Equipment Connection, contact me, leaving your name and phone
number. I will call you to discuss your request. Please note that it may take
several days for a return call due to all the other things going on in the
Handiham Program. If you don't hear back from me after two weeks, you may
contact me a second time. Additionally, if you have received any equipment from
the Handiham Program during the last 12 months, you will automatically be
placed at the bottom of the list so that others can also participate in the
Equipment Connection. As a reminder, there is some fine print that you will
need to be aware of when these connections take place.
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part of Allina Health ("CKRI"),
provides a way to connect Handiham members in need of radio equipment with
people who want to donate used equipment; however, CKRI makes no warranty
whatsoever regarding the equipment. No warranties, promises, and/or
representations of any kind, express or implied, are given as to the equipment.
CKRI shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatever nature (direct,
indirect, consequential, or other) whether arising in contract or tort or
otherwise, which may arise as a result of your use of contact information (or
failure to use) contact information provided by CKRI. CKRI only provides
contact information upon request where an individual has used ham radio
equipment to share that matches a request and both individuals have agreed to
the exchange of contact information. The outcome of the contact between the
individuals is not with the control of CKRI, and we cannot take responsibility
for any aspect of the communications or transactions. The provision of contact
information is not to be taken as an endorsement or representation of any kind
by CKRI.
Many thanks to the numerous people who have offered equipment for Handiham
Members. If you have equipment that you would like to donate to a Handiham
Program member, please email Lucinda at
Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx> or call
1-612-775-2290.
________________________________
Help Needed
[Photo of note with the words help needed written on it.]
The Handiham Program needs more readers. While we need some regular readers, we
also need some with a background in teaching in STEM related fields, especially
if you have also worked with students requiring accommodations. This volunteer
position requires you to use your own equipment to record, however, we will
provide the reading materials. If you or someone you know would like to try
reading material for the members only section, please contact me for more
information on how to submit a demo recording.
We need help updating our available resources for members. If you are blind and
enjoy using your ham radio or assistive technology related devices, your
assistance is especially needed. It would be a big help to your fellow Handiham
Members if you would record a tutorial or product review. These need to be
recorded in Mp3 format, and the Handiham Program reserves the right to edit the
recordings as needed before publishing in the Members Only section of the
Handiham.org website. Please contact me at
Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:Lucinda.Moody@xxxxxxxxxx> or 612-775-2290 if
you have any questions.
I want to say a big thank you to those who have made or volunteered to make
tutorials for the Members Only portion of the website. We have already had a
number of members step up to offer their services, and their help is greatly
appreciated! We also have some new readers, so keep watching for website
updates as we add more content.
________________________________
Check into our Handiham nets... Everyone is welcome!
How to find the Handiham Net:
* The Handiham EchoLink conference is 494492. Connect via your iPhone,
Android phone, PC, or on a connected simplex node or repeater system in your
area.
* The Handiham Net will be on the air daily. If there is no net control
station on any scheduled net day, we will have a roundtable on the air
get-together.
[Cartoon multicolored stickman family holding hands, one wheelchair user among
them.]
Our daily Echolink net continues to operate for anyone and everyone who wishes
to participate at 11:00 hours CDT (Noon Eastern and 09:00 Pacific), as well as
Wednesday evenings at 19:00 hours CDT (7 PM). If you calculate GMT, the time
difference is that GMT is five hours ahead of Minnesota time during the summer.
Doug, N6NFF, poses a trivia question in the first half of the Wednesday evening
session, so check in early if you want to take a guess. The answer to the
trivia question is generally given shortly after the half-hour mark. A big
THANK YOU to all of our net control stations.
________________________________
Membership
* You can pay your Handiham dues and certain other program fees on
line. Simply follow the link to our secure payment site, then enter your
information and submit the payment.
* Handiham annual membership dues are $12.00. The lifetime membership
rate is $120.00.
MEMBERSHIP DUES PAYMENT
LINK<https://pay.usbank.com/default.aspx?id=COURAGE_KENNY_HANDIHAMS>
* If you want to donate to the Handiham Program, please use our donation
website. The instructions are at the following link:
DONATION LINK<https://handiham.org/wordpress1/donations/>
* As always, while our other services require that you have a current
Handiham Program membership, you do not have to be a member to receive the
Handiham World E-Letter.
How to contact us
There are several ways to contact us.
Postal Mail:
Courage Kenny Handiham Program
3915 Golden Valley Road MR 78446
Golden Valley, MN 55422
E-Mail: handiham@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:handiham@xxxxxxxxxx>
Preferred telephone: 1-612-775-2291
Toll-Free telephone: 1-866-HANDIHAM (1-866-426-3442)
Note: Mondays through Thursdays between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM United States
Central Time are the best times to contact us.
You may also call Handiham Program Coordinator Lucinda Moody, AB8WF, at:
612-775-2290.
73, and I hope to hear you on the air soon!
For Handiham World, this is Lucinda Moody, AB8WF
The weekly e-letter is a compilation of assistive technology, operating
information, and Handiham Program news. It is published on Wednesdays, and is
available to everyone free of charge. Please email
handiham@xxxxxxxxxx<mailto:handiham@xxxxxxxxxx> for changes of address,
unsubscribes, etc. Include your old email address and your new address.
This message contains information that is confidential and may be privileged.
Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you
may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any information
contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, please
advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message.
Other related posts:
- » [handiham-world] Handiham World Weekly E-Letter for the week of Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - Moody, Lucinda K
