TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

2007 MCB CONVENTION

Convention Coordinator

CANDIDATES’ CORNER

SMOOTH-TALKING WASHER

Alphapointe aids area blind

Education and Welfare Committee

401 Blind Task Force Committee Report

INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL

SUMMER CAMP MEMORIES

AFFILIATE AFFAIRS

Agape Council of the Blind

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY INC.

BLIND OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

JOPLIN SERVICE CLUB OF THE BLIND

LAKE STOCKTON AREA COUNCIL

Library Users Meeting

Progressive Council of the Blind

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FRIENDSHIP COUNCIL

Springfield Service Club

UWB Report

FROM THE LOWER LEFTHAND DRAWER

Shot in the arm for audio description

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THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
by Phyllis Lovett

Wow! What a busy summer. It's my privilege to represent the MCB on the State Rehabilitation Council. We met on May 3 and 4 in Jefferson City. The Council works with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind to set policies and goals. It's very interesting. We have the next meeting set for August 2 and 3 in St. Louis. I just got home from St. Louis today and I'll be back on the road again. I was in St. Louis to meet with the Budget and Finance Committee and the A.G. Edwards financial advisor about the MCB's investments.

On May 12, I participated in the annual Springfield Service Club White Cane Walk.

I attended the annual picnic of the Delta Area Blind and the River City Workers in June. It was a perfect day for a picnic and of course, plenty of good food. Thanks for inviting us. My brother Roy drove me there.

We went to Minneapolis for the ACB annual convention. I was disappointed in the exhibits. There did not seem to be about half of the number they usually have.

On August 4, Roy and I along with several of the Springfield Service Clubs members will be attending the annual picnic and benefit auction in Bolivar. This is an annual event for the Lake Stockton Area Council and it's always fun.

We are having problems with the thrift stores management company. We met with them and had a phone conference but we solve one problem with then another one pops up. We finally hired an attorney to deal with them.

Bev Armstrong and I are working on the agenda for the convention as well as other convention issues. Things are beginning to fall in place. As of now, the convention board meeting will start at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 2.

Our MCB tape recorder developed a problem. Instead of buying a new cassette recorder, we bought a DVD recorder. Our meeting now will be recorded on DVD discs, not videos but audio discs.

I have a conference call scheduled for tomorrow night, August 1 with the awards committee to name our recipients for 2007. What a job it is to select a few people from our many deserving and dedicated members.

I'm a little nervous about conducting the convention but I had an excellent teacher in Kathey Wheeler. I ask for your patience and we'll get through the convention with flying colors. We will see you in Joplin in October.

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2007 MCB CONVENTION

It is almost time for another MCB State Convention, which will be held in Joplin during October 4th through 7th at the Holiday In located at 3615 Range Line Road. The phone number for the hotel is 417-782-1000. Rooms are $69 plus tax double occupancy. There will be a $10 charge for additional persons in room.

I have requested that bottled water be removed from sleeping rooms, however if there is water in your room and the seal is broken, there will be a charge of $3.50 to your room.

The Banquet meal consists of a Brest of chicken with a Boursin cheese sauce, salad, Smoked Cheddar and bacon mashed potatoes, Country style greenbeans, rolls, coffee and tea and dessert Lemon chiffon cake, cost is $23. If anyone has special dietary needs, please contact me Eldon Cox at 816-363-5733 or by e-mail at eldoncox@kc.rr.com. The Hospitality meal on Friday evening consists of 4 chicken strips, a side of coleslaw, fresh fruit, a large cookie, coffee and iced tea for $2.

This year we are trying some new things with registration in hopes to make things run more smoothly and have less confusion. First all Board Members will receive their packets in the Board meeting. Second those that have preregistered will begin picking up their packets at 3:00 PM on Thursday. Third there will be a second table set up for on site registration at 4:00 PM.

Donna Giger is looking for blind and sighted volunteers to help with door monitoring, mike running, voting and other tasks. You may contact Donna at 417-866-5778. Phyllis Lovett is looking for sighted help to assist in the craft room. She may be reached at 417-883-7408.

Eldon Cox

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Convention Coordinator

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CRAFT ROOM

We need volunteers to work in the Craft Room. This is not making crafts but helping blind members with prices, colors and etc. Contact Phyllis Lovett if you can help. The hours are listed below. Thanks.

CRAFT ROOM THURSDAY
10 A.M. OPEN TO SET UP
Thursday: 12 to 4 P.M .
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY: OPEN 8:30 CLOSE 12:30 P.M.
OPEN 4 PM TO 7 P.M.

SATURDAY: OPEN 8:30 A.M. TO 12 P.M. ALL CRAFTS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 1 P.M.

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CANDIDATES’ CORNER

(Editor’s note: Up to now, the following people have expressed a desire to run for office at the MCB convention in October.)

Dear MCB members.

I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of 1st Vice-President of MCB.

I have been a very active member of MCB for more than 40 years, during which time I have held numerous appointed and elected positions in MCB. I was a long-time member of Tower Club and for about the last10 years a member of AGAPE' Council of the Blind. Currently, I serve as the Executive Advisor of AGAPE' Council, but have also served as Treasurer and Vice President as well as many various committee appointments.

Most recently I served MCB as Chairperson of the Education and Welfare Committee. During that time I made countless trips to Jefferson City to represent us before our legislators.

I believe I could and would serve MCB well in the position of 1st Vice-President. So I am asking for your consideration and your vote when we meet in October for the Fall Convention in Joplin,MO.

I would like to announce my Candidacy for a director’s position on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Council of the Blind.

Although I have only been a member of MCB for the past 4 years, I have attended most all of the board meetings and the annual conventions since my membership began. I am familiar with the operation of MCB and feel as though I know the direction the organization would like to go.

I have served as your web master for the past two years and feel as though I have done a decent job in revamping and updating the MCB web site. I have also served as president of the Adaptive Technology Inc. for the past year and have brought a revitalized purpose to the organization and initiated changes that have assisted many of the blind and visually impaired members of MCB.

My main goal as a director would be to inform the members at large of what is going on with MCB. We have quite a number of members at large that essentially have no representation on the MCB board. My hope is to be able to communicate with those members and inform them of the results of the board meetings and to receive feedback from them on their opinions and comments. Then be able to represent them at subsequent board meetings.

I am committed to helping make the MCB organization the very best it can be.

Your vote for me to fill this position would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions to direct to me, feel free to call me at: 636-262-1383.

My name is Steve Schnelle and I would greatly appreciate your support in my bid for a position on the MCB board of directors. From talking to many MCB members I have a good idea of the direction you would like the organization to move and, as a board member, I would make sure the people's voice was heard. I have served MCB in the capacity of president of Action Council of the Blind and vice president of the adaptive technology affiliate. I have also been a mentor for Rehab Services for the Blind for the last 6 years. I have worked at the Family Support Division as a case worker for the last 7 years. I know what hard work is and will work hard for you all to make sure MCB adheres to your expectations.

Please allow me to be the people's voice on the board of Missouri Council of the Blind by electing me to your board of directors. Thank you for your time.

Dear Fellow MCB Members:

Like you, I was disappointed to hear that Celita White has decided not to serve another term as MCB Treasurer. Celita has done a fine job and I was hoping she would continue for another two years. But, we must respect her decision and move on to elect a new Treasurer for the next term.

Many people know of me as Kathey's husband but are not aware that, since I was reading to her all of MCB's printed financial material, she appointed me to the MCB Financial Committee. For the past two and a half, almost three, years, I have worked on MCB's budgeting, investments, thrift store contract and other financial issues.

During my 30 year professional career I managed many grants and contracts for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation. At one time I signed for $110 million in EPA hazardous waste contracts and, immediately prior to my retirement from DOT, I was National Program Manager for $1.6 billion in environmentally oriented highway construction projects.

Between my previous financial experience and my current knowledge of MCB's financial situation and procedures, I believe I would be a suitable candidate for Treasurer of MCB. I ask for your support in the election at the October convention. And, in any case, I look forward to seeing everyone when I, once again, accompany Kathey to the MCB convention.

My name is Tony Moore. I have been a member at large of Missouri Council of the Blind for over two years. I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of director on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Council of the Blind. My goals are to work with MCB to keep members updated on changes that are voted on and endeavoring to include affiliate members and members at large in information sharing. I will be open to all ideas and willing to listen. I will work diligently with the rest of the board and officers.

Work History: I was the manager of a 16,000-acre dairy farm. I worked at Nevada City Hospital as working supervisor for 11 years. I was in charge of house keeping, security, and maintenance. I was in charge of maintenance at Walker school for two years. I was a warehouse manager of a large furniture store for four years. I worked for nine years at O Sullivans as a machine operator. My various work history before losing my eyesight in 2005 has helped me to gain valuable experience that I feel would benefit Missouri Council of the Blind.

My growth with MCB: I helped to organize a support group in Nevada. I also attempted to get an affiliate started in Nevada. I served on the city safety route committee. I did volunteer work at On My Own, and independent living center in Nevada. I did public speaking in El Dorado Springs, Fort Scott Kansas, and Lamar, Missouri. I have worked closely with newspapers, radio and television stations for coverage to advertise the affiliate. I have been attending meetings with the Progressive Council of the Blind and helping with fund razing. I am a member of Holmeswood Baptist Church and the Independence Host Lions Club. I would appreciate your vote. I welcome any questions. God Bless

Hello M.C.B. MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

This is Terrie Arnold. I am from the Progressive Council of the Blind of Kansas City, and I am seeking to be elected to the board as a Director this October at the state convention. I feel that I can add a voice to what is going on at the state level as well as what is going on within my chapter. I am the chapter's legislative rep, and have gone to various meetings at our state's capital to speak to our states legislative members within the house and senate. I have gone to Washington D.C. to speak to our house and senate representatives . I have learned a great deal in doing this . We have a voice and each person can make a difference in what happens with in our state and the city we live in. No matter what we do to let people know how this effects the people who are blind and the issues that effect us as a whole.

I have done fundraising for my chapter as well as other blind organizations within the Kansas City area. I have collected door prizes for the last state convention that was held here in Kansas City , First Steps for the Blind (a local non profit group that is here within the Kansas City area) National Council of Jewish Woman's luncheon that was held in the Kansas City area for seventy years; I was involved for three years, I did fundraising and door prizes for this group, and fundraising for American Human ices at Rochurst University. I have volunteered at a food pantry and clothing room through my church.

I have given this a lot of thought about this for sometime and I am putting my foot forward in letting you all know that I am running for this position for M.C.B. board as a director. I have not been involved as long as some of you but I think that I can add a great deal to help our organization to work on the issues that are important to our group that we can make known to people within MISSOURI.

So I'm looking forward to seeing you all at our state convention this fall, and hope that you all will elect me to the board for M.C.B. in October.

I am a lifetime member of A.C.B. as well as G.D.U.I. , a member of the Missouri Library User's Group, Missouri Guide Dog Users, and the A.C.B. Library User's group, and a Lion with the Independence Host Lions club.

The two year term as your Public Relations Director is flying by quickly. Time flies by while having fun, and I have definitely enjoyed performing the duties as your Public Relations Director. It is an honor to represent Missouri Council of the Blind because I am very passionate about the MCB philosophy and purpose. The representation of MCB is not on the shoulders of one person. It requires teamwork. MCB is blessed to have so many team players. The Public Relations Director should be working with each affiliate and special interest group in promoting the goals and endeavors of MCB. I have worked directly with several of the affiliate representatives, but have not had the chance to work with all of you. I have new ideas to share with every affiliate and I hope I will get the opportunity to continue the work as the MCB Public Relations Director.

I have learned a great deal during this first term, and now I am looking forward to promoting additional public awareness of the Missouri Council of the Blind. During this term, I have been able to get out Public Service announcements for our state convention to 144 radio stations throughout Missouri. The key word is networking. I have had many opportunities to attend meetings and conferences throughout the state. I will set up and man the informational booths for Missouri Council, and provide information to all those I come in contact with about the important work that MCB does for all individuals who are blind or legally blind.

While reading through all the promotional catalogues, I take seriously the selection of items that will publicize MCB in a way that gets the attention of the public. I do not want to waste the budget on items that will be discarded or will not be effective. The budget that I have to work with is to effectively publicize MCB through not only promotional items, but with advertising, informational booths, and attend as many conferences throughout the state.

Each member of MCB has my support and willingness to work with each one of you to accomplish the advertisement of MCB. If anyone has any questions concerning working as a public relations representative, I would love to work with you. I am open to any suggestions or ideas you might have for me. I love the verse from a song that states, “Take your candle and go light your world”. We can all light the world with our inspirations.

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SMOOTH-TALKING WASHER

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A smooth-talking washing machine may not be savvy enough to keep a user from mixing whites and darks, but it can open doors that the digital revolution has closed to the blind.

New generation appliances are sleek, high-tech - and incomprehensible if the user can't see the dazzling array of LED displays.

But it's a problem that can be talked through, literally. A team of engineering students at Michigan State University have figured out a way to cheaply modify household appliances to be easily used by the blind or those who have trouble seeing.

"One of the new trends in appliances is more buttons and lights, which is a seemingly insurmountable challenge to those who can't see," said Stephen Blosser, a specialist in MSU's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. "If you can't see the buttons, you just guess. But we can fix that."

Enter a senior-level electrical engineering class, in which student teams are matched up with needs. The students were unleashed on the problem:

Make the washer accessible to the blind, make it sturdy enough to withstand the spin cycle and cheap enough to be readily available.

Whirlpool donated a Duet washer, the cutting-edge model that boasts a bevy of sleek buttons and lights.

The students immersed themselves in the demands of the microprocessor, and figured out how to link up a voice prompter to the machine's existing LED read outs. But the students quickly discovered that the success would be found in simplicity.

"We figured out pretty quickly that the user isn't going to care about the technology details," said Nathan Bedford, a computer engineering senior from Southfield. "It's been really good to work with the consumers."

The washer clearly announces each function as it's selected, and can also run through the full range of selections. Bedford supplied the voice, but points out any voice - or any language - could easily be substituted.

The hardware costs about $30 in mass production on the washer, which retails for about $1,300. The modifications barely change the machine's appearance.

Only a smattering of holes for a speaker, tiny Braille labels and a small volume knob belie the hidden talents.

The machine was modified for Michael and Karla Hudson, both of whom are blind, and admire the latest technology.

"My blind friends warned me about buying a new appliance, that it would be a nightmare because it's getting harder to buy them with real knobs."

Michael Hudson said. "These modifications make it accessible to everybody."

The Hudsons are taking the talking washer home to test it out. Don Maynard, Whirlpool global product manager, said the company is actively pursuing several ways for people with a wide variety of abilities to interact with their appliances. Currently, the MSU project is not on the market.

"We were thrilled with the work done so far," Maynard said. "It's going to provide a great opportunity on campus for students and we learn from it as well.

It was a fantastic effort and we're pleased we could participate."

Erik Goodman, a professor of electrical engineering who ran the course, already is gearing up to start the next project: a dryer.

"People want to have better control of their appliances, and our students learned a lot from this chance to attack a meaningful, real-world design problem."

Goodman said. "One lesson they carried away - that with the right design, some products can be made more usable by many people without much additional cost - is one we hope they will apply in their careers."

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Alphapointe aids area blind

The Alphapointe Association for the Blind continues to add new products to the market, while also helping Kansas City's visually impaired. The non-profit organization assembles their products in their location at 7501 Prospect, near the old Fairyland Park. The 110,000-square-foot facility is divided into manufacturing, rehabilitation services and administrative offices for the organization.

The new products at Alphapointe include a lock to keep a laptop in place, anti-glare pens for aviators and antimicrobial stick pens.

Alphapointe started in 1911 at 18th and Broadway, moving to the present location in November 2002.

The group started as the Kansas City Association for the Blind with the intent to provide employment for blind individuals in Kansas City. The name change came in 1993.

The Alphapointe mission is, to empower people with vision loss to maximize their independence.

The organization serves more than 2,900 visually impaired people. Provided are employment opportunities and educational and rehabilitation services.

About 97 to 98 percent of the products manufactured by Alphapointe are for the federal government.

It takes time to get a product from the idea stage to manufacture.

It takes about 18 months for a new product,_ said Patt Papenfuhs, manager of Fund Development and Community Relations. The notebook locks were introduced the first of May.

Most of the products manufactured by Alphapointe are assembled by the blind and visually impaired here in Kansas City. Alphapointe employs about 90 blind people.

In the writing instrument area, the parts are purchased, brought in and put together by workers. The blind are sitting and putting items together, while the visually impaired are taking the assembled writing instruments and getting them ready for distribution.

Charlotte Ford, who is blind, puts together chain pens - the ones seen in banks and post offices that are chained so customers cannot take the pens.

She puts the chain through the hole in the pen and puts the rest of the items in the shell and completes the pen.

Ford has been with Alphapointe for 23 years. "It makes you feel like you are worthy," she said. I would rather be doing this than sitting at home.

Public Relations/Development Director John Heny said, _We buy the components and we assemble them. We ship to every major distributor to the federal government. We are the largest manufacture of writing instruments and plastic bottles for the VA (Veteran's Administration) and the Department of Defense.

The organization also makes plastic bottles for prescription drugs and specimen bottles. There are three shifts of eight hours each. The manufacturing goes on five days a week.

"We melt the plastic and it is blown on to a die and the color is added," Heny said.

The new products will also serve the federal government.

The new notebook lock is designed to prevent loss of notebooks with valuable data on them. In addition to locking the notebook in place, it has a built in defense system that guards against lock tampering.

With the stories in the press about government notebooks stolen with valuable data lost, the notebook locks are needed.

"We have a big order from GSA (General Services Administration),"Heny said.

The antimicrobial stick pens are effective against bacteria, mold, yeast and fungi. The pens are available in blue and black inks.

They are important because of the threat of biological and chemical terrorist attacks.

The B-3 Aviator pen is designed for the armed forces.

"It has an antiglare coating for pilots," Heny noted. "There is a black and red inks and a mechanical pencil."

In addition to its manufacturing area, Alphapointe has comprehensive rehabilitation services. The services are in Kansas City and several locations in nearby states.

The organization is presently looking for a new president and chief executive officer. Dr. Daniel Walker has the position at the present time but is leaving at the end of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, for a position in the pharmacology business in Sweden. "The Board (of Directors) is interviewing candidates and hope to have a decision by Sept. 30," Henry said.

Walker, who has a doctorate in microbiology, has been with Alphapointe for two years.

(Update from John Heny) Reinhard Mabry, Chief Operating Officer of Alphapointe Association for the Blind, was appointed President and CEO on July 23, 2007.

Mr. Mabry, a national leader in expanding employment and educational services for people with visual disabilities, has held executive positions in marketing, sales and operations. Mr. Mabry takes the executive position as Alphapointe nears its second century of service. "Reinhard has made excellent progress in helping us reach our financial objectives," Dr. Walker, commented. "In his first fourteen months, he has added several new products, increased sales and margins. As president of Alphapointe, I appointed Reinhard to the position of COO in 2006 and I am extremely pleased to have him accept the role of President and CEO".

"We are very excited that we have a dynamic new President with proven leadership skills, diverse interests, and a strong passion for the employment, education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind and visually impaired", said Judith Train, Alphapointe's Board of Directors Chair. "We would like to thank Dr. Walker for his strong leadership and efforts in positioning Alphapointe as the premier provider of services for blind and visually impaired individuals in the Midwest.

Dan has succeeded in solidifying Alphapointe's financial position and is leaving the organization with a very secure financial future," added Ms. Train.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Mabry said "Dan Walker positioned Alphapointe very well for the future by putting together an excellent team and making quality a critical component of our business strategy. I am eager to build on that foundation and thereby expand services and employment for people with vision loss in our community and throughout the Midwest."

Alphapointe is the largest employer of blind and visually impaired individuals in Missouri and the only Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Education Service in the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as the state of Missouri. The mission of Alphapointe is "to empower people with vision loss to maximize their independence".

Alphapointe's Campus is located at 7501 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Education and Welfare Committee

This has been a very rewarding year for the Education and Welfare Committee. We were glad to help do this on behalf of Missouri Council of the Blind. My committee members from each affiliate and the members at large who worked with us can say we got much accomplished. Most of the bills we worked on for the state level passed.

So far, our Medicaid is stable considering there will be a new health plan for the state soon. The durable equipment was restored and we still have dental and glasses as appropriations are available.

I have enjoyed serving on this committee and plan to continue to be a part of it if possible. I will not run for chair this year. I hope to be back in the future but due to many changes in my life at this time, I am going to spend a couple of years enjoying my grandchildren, attending their school programs and games, and writing. I thank each and every one of you for your kindness and help.

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401 Blind Task Force Committee Report

BTF Committee Meeting

Current Blind Task Force (BTF) Membership Vacancies: There are currently three (3) membership vacancies of the Task Force on Blind Student Academic and Vocational Performance: one (1) Public School Building Administrator; one (1) Special Education Administrator; and one (1) Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Representative. It was noted that the Advisory Council of the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB) will appoint a Rehab Council for the Blind representative to serve on the Task Force. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will follow up on this.

Survey for Students with Partial Sight (20/70 20/199): Yvonne Ali, Supervisor of Missouri Instructional Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, reported that special education directors will receive a survey in the fall requesting a response to assist in planning regional and statewide efforts to serve Missouri students who are visually impaired.

Special Education Assistant Commissioner: Heidi Atkins Lieberman attended the BTF meeting. She recently became DESE's new special education assistant commissioner. She has worked for the department for 16 years as a Legal Council and has been meeting with stakeholder groups to obtain input from them to better serve visually impaired students.

DESE has increased its funding for an additional Blind Skills Specialists (BSS) position; and an increase in BSS salaries.

Eligibility Criteria for VI Under New State Plan: The eligibility criteria for VI Under the New State Plan was adopted by the State Board in April 2007. There were no changes to VI eligibility term includes both partial sight and blindness.

MAP Improvement Committee: MSB staff and the visually impaired from other states have been reviewing test items. The next meeting has been tentatively set for December 11, 2007 at the Jefferson Building, to work on the MAP test item issues: formatting, embossing, etc. Reviewers are needed to work with Heike Imler, Effective Practices. The Braille test version should include a Braille reader and a minimum of three reviewers, with test copies made for all reviewers to read separately. The Assessment Section will pay for one night lodging for reviewers/readers.

Governor's Council for Disabilities: Applications for the Youth Leadership Forum have been received. A disability program specialist will be hired to work on the Youth Leadership Program which is based at the Truman Bldg in Jefferson City. There is no longer a St. Louis or KC area program.

Current Workshops/Events within the State:

Announcements: Missouri School for the Blind (MSB) placed fourth nationally in the Braille Challenge. Former and current MSB students are representing Missouri in the national games this summer in Colorado and Brazil.

On August 13 and 14, a Blind Services Summit will be held by MSB and Rehabilitative Services for the Blind. Representatives from every organization in the State of Missouri who serve visually impaired people will be invited to attend.

The next BTF Meeting is scheduled to be conducted on August 8, 2007.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL

The Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is still looking for council members to serve on the council. We need members with a cross section of disabilities which include spinal cord enjuries, hearing loss, mental illness and blindness. Some of our longstanding members are leaving the council and our number of members is critically low. We particularly need members in the rural areas of the state. If you know of someone who may be interested in serving on the council, contact me by phone at 816-255-3610 or by e-mail at bdewberry@kc.rr.com.

This year the SILC has been meeting in Jefferson City, and traveling across the state for every other meeting. So far we have been hosted by the Springfield and Nevada Missouri independent living centers. This is a great experience for me, because all I have ever known was the Whole Person here in Kansas City, Missouri.

For our May Meeting we were welcomed by On My Own independent living center with a tour of the center, a tour of the Nevada Museum with our own private guided tour, where we learned about the history of Nevada. There was a reception held in our honor that evening. The next morning for our meeting we were welcomed by the mayor of Nevada who said that we were helping their aconomy by having our meeting in their town. We all were given some information to take with us about the history of Nevada. After the meeting, we were treated to a bar b q lunch with all the trimmings We all had a great time.

Barbara Dewberry

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SUMMER CAMP MEMORIES

We have just returned from a great July week at Cobblestone Lodge where we had 81 campers. The weather was the best ever for our July week. We had a number of people there for the first time who let us know they had a wonderful time. We especially enjoyed the music of Steve Schnelle, Tim Metze, Aaron Lane and John Weidlich at the talent show and the jam session on Saturday afternoon. We are just about ready to get the bus and take that show on the road. Thanks, guys, for some fine entertainment.

The karaoke night was a big favorite this year. The winners of the contest were Celita White, Beverly Kaskadden and John Weidlich with their What Trio. We were entertained at the talent show with singing by Loretta Welch, Margaret Lyle's daughter Debbie, Harold Griffoth, Jim Smith, Jim Holmes singing and playing his guitar and Lee Layton at the piano. One of the highlights of our talent show this year was 5 year old Sarah Coccovizzo singing "You Are My Sunshine".

She seems to be carrying on the family tradition along with mother Linda and grandpa Jack. Linda and Christie missed Bob Jaco when they were singing "Goodbye Earl" and dragging Steve out in a blanket. Aaron did a fine job on old songs like "Love Sick Blues" and "King of the Road".

Marie Thompson's group from Sikeston were participating in all the activities. We noticed young David carrying home a lot of trophies and Marie was seen dancing the Macarana at the pool.

June camp brought some new people from Joplin and our usual fine group from Sedalia. Our total was 56.

We noticed Shirley Ritter speeding in her electric scooter and Rapid Robert Harwell keeping up with her in his walker. Someone called "Goofy Golfer" was directing traffic. Harry Hickman was back again with his many jokes and wealth of trivia information which helped the men to overcome an early lead by the ladies in "Male Chauvinist Pigs".

Rafting and tubing on the river were very popular during both weeks this year, and as usual the pool and hot tub were big attractions.We look forward to seeing many more friends at this year's September weekend.

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AFFILIATE AFFAIRS

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Agape Council of the Blind

Hello, form Agape Council of the Blind.

*A* *G*ateway to *A*dvocacy, *P*erseverance and *E*ducation of and for the blind.

First, congratulations to new officers: Nancy Dillard, Pres.; Elizabeth Moore, Vice Pres.; and Wilma Chestnut Brown, 2ND vice pres..

As far as, advocacy, we were elated to present a certificate of honor, along with a cash award, to Corey Jenkins, a student rom the Missouri School for the Blind. This Scholarship Award is named for one of our deceased members, Ida Sparkman, and is funded by proceeds from our annual chili supper.

Perseverance: we are sadly mourning the passing of senator John Bass in February. His legislative knowledge, spokemanship, humor and love will always be remembered.

Education: In January and February we Celebrated Louis Braille's birthday by sharing his story with elementary students in our community. We took slate and stylus, braiile writers, braiile and speak and other adaptive equipment. The students where very receptive of our presentations. They enjoys us as much as we enjoyed doing it.

Nine of our members attended the A.C.B. convention this year we where very pleased with the information and hospitality we received. It was a lot of fun.

We are looking forward to our annual Gospel Fest Sept. 24, 2007. We hope to see many of you there.

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ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY INC.

Adaptive Technology Inc. (ATI,) has had a full year and we are looking forward to the 2007 MCB convention.

Our annual meeting will be on Friday evening, October 5th at 5:00 pm during the MCB convention. If you are not a member of the ATI special interest affiliate, you are encouraged to join us that evening and listen to our guest speaker, Stephen Giggar, also known as Dr. Phone give a presentation on the accessibility of cellular phones and what they can do for you.

In addition to our guest speaker, we will be giving out some really nice door prizes including a wireless keyboard, talking thermometers and many other door prizes. The membership dues are only $5.00 that are payable that evening.

We will also be selling raffle tickets for a complete computer system that includes a 19 inch flat panel monitor, a Dell PC along with mouse, keyboard and speakers. The tickets are available now for $5.00 each and can be obtained from one of the officers of ATI.

If you are not already a subscriber to the ATI mailing list, you can join by sending a blank email message to: ati-request@moblind.org, with the word, subscribe in the subject line, or by going to, www.moblind.org and then to the ATI link. The mailing list keeps you up to date on adaptive technology news and items of interest in the adaptive technology area.

ATI has also begun a computer recycling program and up to this writing, we have placed three computer systems to blind individuals here in Missouri. If you are someone you know that is visually impaired and in need of a refurbished computer system, go to the forms and applications page of the MCB web site and fill out an application. We have several computer systems that are looking for a home.

The ATI executive board met in July and made several revisions of the ATI bylaws. We will be sending out the revised bylaws to all of the ATI members for them to look over before we vote on the changes made in our annual meeting at the MCB convention in October. If you did not receive a copy of the bylaws, please contact one of the officers of ATI.

Thanks and look forward to seeing you at the MCB convention in Joplin.

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BLIND OF CENTRAL MISSOURI

Hello to everyone from Sedalia

Camp is great as I always remember, I will look forward to the weekend in September.

We have 2 new members in our club. Judy Cunningham is sighted. She is semi retired and wants to help wherever she can in our club. Her mother was a member of our club. Her name was Marie Rothganger. Bonnie Brown is losing her sight. She works in the church, and other functions. Congratulations Judy and Bonnie and welcome to our club.

We had our annual outreach picnic on July 12 which was our meeting night. We were figuring on around 40 to 45 people. We had approximately 72 members and guests. Those that wanted to rode the little train before we ate. We had hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken patties, potato salad, bake beans, potato chips, vegetable trays and dip, fruit trays, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies and assorted soda to drink.

We had the drawing for our 50 50 raffle. Terry's friend Becky Combs won the raffle. The total raffle was $214.00. The winner got $107.00. The other $107.00 went in our treasury. It was an enjoyable evening of food, fun, and fellowship.

Robert Nicholson, who is Robbie Barnier's dad passed away on Saturday July 14. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.

There is one more thing that I would like to mention, We will look forward to seeing a lot of you at convention.

Until next time keep your smile and a song in your heart, and if you can't be good, be good at it.

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JOPLIN SERVICE CLUB OF THE BLIND

Hello, to all of our friends across the state!

The Joplin Service Club has been having our regular luncheons every Tuesday, with our business meetings on the second Tuesday after lunch. We have been having several visitors, that are now official members. We have recently welcomed Earl Ingle, Bill Boyd, Frances Morris, Sherry Kent and Ann Leggett to our club.

We unfortunately have lost several members to death in recent months, John Straine in April, Thelma Yost & Ervin Flowers in June. They are greatly missed by everyone!

In May our monthly dinner was hosted by the Fisher's Sunday School class of South Joplin Christian Church. We had guitar & piano entertainment. It was an enjoyable evening of food and fellowship.

Early in June a group of 15 left for camp, this was my first time to go. It was a lovely ride from Joplin to the Lodge. The Lee family and their Personnel took excellent care of us during the entire stay. We participated in the games and enjoyed the talent show. Mssourii Folk" are right up at the top when it comes to being hospitable!

Our driver Ted Jeffers, was ill while at camp, but still seen to everyone's needs, as he always does. When returning us safely to Joplin, through a very nasty storm he was hospitalized with pneumonia, for about a week. He has since recovered and is back at the wheel!

In June, instead of our monthly dinner the Association treated us to a picnic at the park & the kids and volunteers played Beeper Ball. This was in conjunction with the "United Way's Day of Caring."

Our July monthly dinner was hosted by the First Presbyterian Church and entertainment was provided by Bruce Phillips, a member of our club. Everyone really enjoyed the evening!

The Service Club is taking donations for a Patchwork & Hand Appliqued Quilt, to be given away at the convention, for $1 each or 6 for $5. We will have it in the craft room during the convention.

The Convention Committee is working to get things in order for the MCB Convention to be held in Joplin in October. We are looking forward to hosting it & hope to see you all there!

Wishing all of you Good Cheer!

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LAKE STOCKTON AREA COUNCIL

Hoping you are having a great summer. It's hard to believe that summer will soon be over and fall is waiting just around the bend.

Marie Davis, Eujean Dody, and Linda Dawes enjoyed their time spent at the White Cane Walk in May. Thanks to the Springfield Service Club for the invite.

President Eleanor Moser resigned as president of our affiliate. Harry Hickman, vice president, has now assumed the president's duties.

By the time the Chronicle reaches you, Lake Stockton will have celebrated its 21st birthday with the usual dinner and auction. As the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." So it goes with the dinner and auction as Eujean Dody has stepped down as chairperson of this event after 12 years. We will miss our annual get togethers and thank everyone for their support over the years.

The convention will be here soon. A few of our members are planning to attend. We look forward to seeing ya'll in Joplin in October.

And as fall begins creeping in “Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”

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Library Users Meeting

Our annual Library Users breakfast meeting will be at 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 4. The room will be announced in your convention agenda. Each member will be asked for $5.00 at the door to help defray some of the cost, as the hotel meals are very expensive. If you did not pay your dues before August 15, or if you are a guest, you will have to pay the full cost of the breakfast, $11.95.

I hope to see you there.

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Progressive Council of the Blind

Hello all MCB Members.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Summer.

Progressive Council sponcered an informational talk with questions and answers with Mike May, who is the owner of Sendero Group. This took place at the Waldo Library at 9:00 AM on June 20th. Mike demonstrated the GPS system, and afterwards a group of us met for lunch at the 75th Street Brewery. Eldon Cox and I got a personal demonstration from Mike as we walked to the restaurant. It was exciting to hear the streets and businesses announced and finally to hear you have arrived and we were right in front of the door of the restaurant. Mike was here in Kansas City for a book signing with Rainy Day Books for his book about his life story called Crashing Through. The book signing was held the night before and there was a good turnout for it.

We had ten members to attend the National Convention this year and we all had a great time.

Sharon Bryant who is the director for Share a Fare was a guest at our July meeting for questions and answers.

Progressive will be having our picnic on September 8th.

We are also getting ready for our annual nut sale of which we will be bringing nuts to the state convention again this year. We will also have beef jerkey to sell at that time. If anyone would like to order and have the nuts brought to convention, contact me by phone at 816-255-3610 or e-mail at bdewberry@kc.rr.com.

Well take care until next time!

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SOUTHWEST MISSOURI FRIENDSHIP COUNCIL

May: We held our business meeting May 1st. and discussed details of the May fundraiser. Members volunteered to greet customers at Panera Bread and advertising alternatives were suggested. We selected May 31st. as the date of our Finance Meeting and talked about the cost of meals at the upcoming October convention. The club voted on the dollar amount to be donated to a blind girl living in Carthage.

We held our fund raiser May 21st. between 5 and 8p.m. at Panera Bread in Joplin. We had a good turnout and club members had an enjoyable time.

The Finance Committee met on May 31st at Panera Bread in Joplin and discussed finances of the club. The food was once again enjoyed by all.

June: Due to a number of members attending camp at Cobblestone Lodge, it was decided that the business meeting scheduled for June 5th. would be cancelled and rescheduled for June 19th.

Weather during June camp was very cooperative and everyone had an enjoyable time.

During our business meeting on June 19th, the amount earned and donations received from the Panera Bread Fund Raiser were disclosed to our group. We discussed particulars on how the proceedings for the Blind Pension were going. Tom and Elvena Smith offered their patio and backyard for a cook out on July 17th; members volunteered to bring a covered dish for the occasion. Our group welcomed John Shealy as a new member. Welcome John!

July: It was decided that; in lieu of the 4th. of July Holiday and the ACB Convention, the business meeting scheduled for July 3rd. would be cancelled.

Our group gathered at Tom and Elvena's on the 17th. for an evening of great food and companionship. Everyone had a great time. Thank you, Tom and Elvena, for your graciousness and the use of your patio. We welcomed our newest member, Jan Whitmer. Welcome Jan!

I will leave you with this final thought: “Believe in your dreams. They are your passport to a beautiful tomorrow.”--Sheryll Bloom

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Springfield Service Club

At our June meeting copies of our revised bylaws and new standing rules, which we had approved in April, were distributed to club members in the format of their choice, braille, large print, or tape.

Five of our club members, and one MCB member at large from the Springfield area, attended the American Council of the Blind convention in Minneapolis Minnesota. There were educational opportunities as well as chances to participate in ACB business decisions. Of course, there were opportunities to have fun too.

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UWB Report

Greetings from the United Workers,

We elected new officers in June. They are: President, John Weidlich; First Vice President, Jack Lenk; Second Vice President, Anna Schell; Secretary, Kathy McCracken; Corresponding Secretary, Robyn Wallen; Treasurer, Celita White; Members At large, Mark Perr and Robert Vaughan. Robert is serving on the Board for the first time and he will be getting married in September. Now which of those two events do you think will bring him the most joy and happy memories? Serving on the UWB Board, of course. Just kidding, Robert. Congratulations on your marriage and on your election to the board. We look forward to meeting Kim when she comes to St Louis.

Most of our members have been in good health, although Nancy Lynn is facing some major surgery and Rhonda Dycus is recovering from a broken leg.

Bob Jaco has changed jobs. After many years as a medical transcriptionist, he has gone to work at the Lighthouse here in St Louis.

Several of us went to camp in July and had a great time. As you may know, Cobblestone gives out trophies to the winners in the various games and contests. Believe it or not (and it is rather hard to believe), I brought home a trophy for, of all things, singing. Actually, I had help, and boy, did I need it. Bev Kaskadden, Celita White and I won the trophy for our rousing karaoke rendition of Hello Dolly. You just never know what might happen at camp Cobblestone when MCB is there!

That's all the news for now but I think we will have some interesting news in our next report.

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FROM THE LOWER LEFTHAND DRAWER

In conducting some research I came across a website which sells equipment for amazingly cheap discount prices. most are either used, ex display etc. take a look at this site. I'd highly recommend it http://www.ableq.com/.

Mark Ward, technology correspondant for the BBC, tells us of A mobile, or cell, phone with a built in emergency button for elderly and disabled people. The Life phone is aimed at those aged 50 plus who do not want a handset crammed with every possible feature. Instead of a camera or music player it has a loud speaker tuned for those who are either partially sighted or use a hearing aid, a big screen and buttons. Created by the Austrian firm Emporia. It has been specifically developed for the older generation who find existing handsets too fiddly and complicated to use. The Life phone only has the most basic functions onboard and only lets its owners make and take calls, send and receive text messages or manage their directory of numbers. The dualband Life phone can be programmed with up to five emergency numbers. On the rear of the phone is a big red button that can be pressed in the event of an emergency and which will call one of the stored emergency numbers to summon aid. Text messages that should be sent in the event of an emergency can also be created and stored on the handset. The orange backlight for the 2.7in (6.8cm) monocolour screen has been chosen because it is easy to read for those with failing sight. Volume on ringing tones and loudspeaker can also be set to be very loud to help the hard of hearing. It also has an extra strong vibration function to alert its owner that someone is calling.

Seedlings Offers Children's Books in Electronic Braille:

Anna Dresner reports that Seedlings Braille Books for Children has begun offering some of its most popular two volume books in electronic braille for $10, a considerable discount from the hard copy prices. LINK:
http://www.seedlings.org/

Seedlings has been offering wonderful children's books at reasonable prices for years. You can view a list of these books, or if you search for a book and it's available in this format, you'll see two listings in the search results, one with "E Book" as part of the title. You purchase these books just as you would any other books from Seedlings, except that in this case, it's particularly important that you provide the correct email address because the book will be emailed to you. Books are emailed by hand, not via an automated system, so depending when you order, you may need to wait a day or two to receive your book. Each volume is sent as a separate file. The files are in BRF format, the same format used by Web Braille, Bookshare, and National Braille Press.

EXCITING SLEEP RESEARCH! Brigham and Women's Hospital seeks blind men and women ages 18-70 who do not have light perception. Spend up to 34 days at the hospital and eight weeks at home during the study. Participants can earn up to $7,325.00. For more information, call Joe at (617) 278-0857 or Email: jhull@rics.bwh.harvard.edu Lisa McCaig, Research Assistant; Division of Sleep Medicine; 221 Longwood Avenue, Room 446; Boston, MA 02115; phone: (617) 732-5500 ext. 33841; Fax: (617) 582-6006;

Sweet Tooth Candy: SWEET TOOTH SELLS CHOCOLATE BRAILLE BARS IN MILK, DARK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE WITH A CHOICE OF 6 SAYINGS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE YOU, HAVE A NICE DAY, THANK YOU, MERRY CHRISTMAS, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS. COST IS $2.50 PLAIN; $2.75 WITH NUTS OR KRISPI. CUSTOMER PAYS SHIPPING AND HANDLING.

Handcrafted bead bracelets and necklaces for sale! Beads are made of stones Quartz, Hematite, etc, and or faceted Czech glass. Many colors; Rose Quartz hearts now in stock. Necklaces: $15, Bracelets: $10.
Contact:
quipster@mybluelight.com with the Subject line: "Your Handcrafted Jewelry.

BRAILLE PAPER: We sell the finest dust free and acid free Braille paper available and ship it all over the world in a crushproof box using US Post Office free matter shipping or UPS. Our customers include the Library of Congress, ACB, NFB, The National Braille Association, The Perkins School For the Blind, and many others. Call or email us for free samples:
www.BraillePaper.com

Need technical support? I can help. Reginald George, (816) 721-3145; e-mail: adapt@kc.rr.com. I offer training and support services on the honor system by phone or E-mail, at $20 per incident. I am happy to assist with your E-mail setup, spyware removal, assistive technology questions including Braille based notetakers, and system errors. This is my pledge. If I can't resolve your issue I will not charge. My goal is to help people first.

The Love Is Blind website is specifically designed to help the visually impaired community find love or maybe just someone to chat with on the internet. Sign-up for a trial membership on
www.LuvIsBlind.net
Call Dominic at (210)219-5269 or email Dominic@luvisblind.net for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS: Kelcey Schlichting, a fifth graderfrom Carthage, MO, traveled out to Los Angeles, Calif., to compete as a finalist in the Braille Challenge. The Braille Challenge is an academic competition for visually impaired students throughout the nation. Children in grades one through 12 are tested on tasks including spelling, proofreading, comprehension, speed and accuracy. Kelcey, who was born visually impaired, competed with 59 finalists at the contest held on June 22-23, and finished in the top three in three categories. A total of 520 contestants participated in an academic pretest during the first two months of the year.

Interesting Survey: My name is Osagie Obasogie, and I am a graduate student in the Sociology Department at the University of California, Berkeley. I am currently conducting research on the relationship between race and vision, and would appreciate your participation. Here is a brief description of the project:

People in the sighted community tend to assume that race is something that is visually perceived and only affects people who can "see it." My research is exploring this widely held assumption by talking to people with visual impairments about their sense of race and their racial experiences.

The interviews themselves last about 45 minutes to an hour, and will focus on your personal experiences with race as well as other social interactions you may have had with family and friends. I'll be asking questions such as what does race mean to you, how (if at all) do you racially identify, is race important to you, why do you think race might be important to other people, how (if at all) is knowing someone's race useful to you, etc. There will also be a few questions on what race meant to you as a child and adolescent, and if you can remember any racial experiences from school or through family interactions. In a nutshell, what I'm trying to understand is how people with visual impairments come to know what race is and how (if at all) it becomes a part of their lives. I'm happy to speak with you at any time that you find convenient. I can be reached at oko2@berkeley.edu or 510-486-1589.

The following comes to us from The advance online edition of Current Biology:

How Blindness Boosts Memory, By Miranda Hitti WebMD, June 21, 2007:
Blindness may improve memory by practice and necessity, according to an Israeli study published today. "We speculate that this may be a classical case of 'practice makes perfect,'" write the researchers, who included Ehud Zohary, PhD, of the neurobiology department at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Zohary's team studied 19 people who were born blind and 19 people with sight. Participants listened to a list of 20 words read aloud. Then they were quizzed on the word list, including the order of words on the list. In a series of quizzes, the congenitally blind participants consistently outscored the sighted participants. The blind participants were best at what the researchers call serial memory, which is recalling long strings of words in the correct order from the word list. Zohary's team confirmed that the blind and sighted participants were equally intelligent. The researchers argue that blindness spurs people to remember the order of things so that they can distinguish between similar objects that only differ visually. For instance, the researchers note that when searching for a particular flavor of yogurt on a shelf filled with similarly sized containers, a blind person might remember that the flavor they want is the third container from the left. Such attention to order and sequence may help memory in general, according to Zohary's team

This next vbit of information was posted by Sandi, our MCB Secretary: The National Federation of The Blind's NFB NEWSLINE, a free service for anyone who cannot read printed newspapers due to blindness or a physical disability, is now offering AARP The Magazine, as well as the AARP Bulletin and our bilingual publication, AARP Segunda Juventud, in audio format via any standard touchtone phone. Visit
or call the National Federation of the Blind tollfree at (866) 5047300 for more information.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: NextGen is a premier consulting and permanent placement organization focused on hiring talented Information Technology professionals.

My client is currently looking to fill the position listed below.

Job Title: Visual Basic II
Assignment Length: 6 Months

Location: St. Louis
Education Level: Bachelor's degree equivalent experience
Secondary Technical Skills: C#.NET/VB.NET
Required Skills: Visual Basic II

Job Description: Senior Level Visual Basic Developer with at least 6 years experience. Candidate should also be familiar with Microsoft COM Technology

If you have the above listed skills and you would be interested in learning more please respond with your resume attached. Please also include salary requirements. If the above opportunities is not a fit but you would be interested in learning about what else may be available please also respond. If you have any friends or peers that are looking to explore other opportunities please pass my name along. We do have a referral program that pays you $500 for everyone you refer that we hire after they have been on project for 120 days.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Ken Stevenson
Technical Recruiter
NextGen Information Services
kens@nextgenis.com
www.nextgenis.com3
314-588-1212

Bible Talk: There seems to be considerable interest in Bible-related topics, so I thought we’d pass along the following: you might like to check out a web site called bartimaeus.us. I have read several articles that were put up there, and it might challenge your thinking. Many of them are written by scientists. I haven't gotten on this web site since it changed names, but it should be pretty blind friendly. It was put up by Grant Metcalf who lives in South San Francisco, California. He is a very serious Bible student, and, if you want to call him sometime, he would be glad to hear from you. It doesn't matter if you've never talked before. He is blind and heads up an organization called Bartimaeus for the Blind. They have a summer camp each year pretty close to San Francisco. Five days long I believe. His number is (650) 589-6890.

We had a nice note from Bill South. He asked if we would please include in this column the fact that he would very much like to hear from any of the folks he went to school with or he would love to make new friends. He would like to receive letters in grade 1 Bbraille or on cassette tape. He enjoys baseball, football, classic country and pop music from the 50's and 60's. He also likes reading his Bible in grade 1 Braille. Send Braille letters or cassette tapes to: Bill South; 701 N. Jeffries; Mexico, MO 65265.

Novel sensations has released its ECatalog 2007-2008. It contains a wide variety of gifts, collectibles and novelties including Christmas and inspirational items, Halloween items, musical items, candles and candleholders, incense and aromatherapy items, picture frames, bath gift sets, wind chimes, Native American and western items, Americana and patriotic items, nautical themed items, tools, toys, jewelry, home decor items, porcelain dolls, miniatures and much more. This catalog is free of charge. This is a very large document and is emailed in Microsoft Word attachment form. Please email your request to novel_sensations@comcast.net. Please type ECatalog in the subject line. Periodically, throughout the year, we will release new arrivals. If you wish to receive email updates of these new products, please indicate this in your message. I look forward to sending your free catalog.

Charlotte Bettinger, Owner, Novel Sensations

Battery Tip:
I doubt if there are many people who use batteries to the extent that we blind folk do. If you use the (nimh) nickel metal hydrate rechargeable batteries, you know that after 6 months on the shelf they are pretty well drained. There’s a new AA battery out made by Sanyo called the Enelop which they claim will not go flat on you. They also have a recharger available which will protect your batteries from over-heating while recharging, and it will also reject alkaline batteries. It is said that if you do quick recharges of batteries, you lose as much as 50 percent of your potential power. It is thought to be much better if you let the charge run for 7 to 8 hours.

E-mail message for you computer users:
“Friends, My son and I have formed Optasia Ministry to provide free religious materials for blind computer users. It all started when I was looking for an NIV Bible that would run on my Freedom Scientific Pac Mate, and couldn't find a vendor who could promise me it would work. So my son created one, and it also workds well with JAWS on the desk top. We can provide you with a free NIV Bible and lots of other stuff. Check out our website www.optasiaministry.org for more information. E-mail me at tom.vos@optasiaministry.org

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Shot in the arm for audio description

Chip Hailey posted the following to the Missouri Listserve:
“Sony has recently announced that all their digital TVs in the Bravia Range will now provide access to audio description on Freeview as standard. This follows in the wake of Panasonic, who made a similar move earlier in the year.

Audio description is an extra narrative voice added to a programme to help explain what is happening on screen for visually impaired viewers. After years of waiting, there are now several ways to receive audio described TV at home. Satellite and cable set top boxes provide this functionality as do specialist devices, such as the Portset Digital Media Centre. But if your old analogue TV has gone to the great junkyard in the sky, then an IDTV which is a digital television with a set top box integrated into it is an option to think about. What is quite exciting about this is that audio description is being provided as standard with these televisions in the same way that closed captioning has been for 25 years or more.

This means that no expensive special boxes need be purchased and no one will be financially penalised for being visually impaired; that isn't always the case. Additionally, we're not talking one or two token TVs here. You can pick from dozens of TVs from Sony and Panasonic to get the one that suits you best. Sony also indicated that they will be seeking to raise awareness of the issues by spreading the word to consumers, broadcasters and legislators about audio description. But who cares if Sony and Panasonic are after the disability dollar? If more companies chased that market, then there would be more accessible TVs, gadgets and websites in the world.”

Long Distance Chat: More and more people seem now to have the unlimited long distance plan, so I thought the following posted by Linda Cocoviso might be of interest: “I tried this. It was interesting. I was hoping to have choices as to what conference I went into, but I didn't I landed right in the middle of a conversation. It felt funny, but I figured the two guys must have known it could happen, so after awhile I started relaxing. One was from Canada, and I can't remember where the other was from. Then someone from the UK joined in. Terra started getting into stuff, so I left.

If you have time on your hands and free long distance, you should try it."Free chat. This might be benefitial to those who have the free domestic long distance in the US. Even people from United Kingdom or any part of the world can join the conference.

The Beyond Radio Network, a sight that truly goes beyond traditional radio, has recently launched a new idea that has broadened itself beyond radio even further. The network now offers a free conference telephone service that allows people to talk with others who are located in the United States and United Kingdom. In this conference, you will have an opportunity to spend time and share information with people who are both inside and outside of the blind community.

At any time of the day, you will often find a conversation going on. You might find people talking about pets, guide dogs, adaptive technology, college classes, how to set up a network, items related to living with blindness, MIDI sequencing, and anything else that life brings to the table. You might even see a few regulars who just feel like coming in and sharing events of the day. So why should you stop in? Because its fun. You now have the chance to call in and spend time for as long as you like while you talk with others throughout the US and UK.

The Beyond Radio Network welcomes you to stop in and introduce yourself. If you would like to join without being tied to a computer and microphone, here are the telephone numbers to call. Within just a couple of minutes, youll be in the conference. In the United States, simply dial: 1-702-520-5123. Listen, and follow the instructions. For more information about the Beyond Radio Network, visit their Web site at:
http://tbrn.net/>http://tbrn.net See you in the conference!”

New for Diabetics: The following comes from an e-mail diabetics’ list: “I wanted to let my fellow diabetics know about a flash drive device that I think everyone should have. It's called medflash. It's a flash drive thatyou can ware around your neck or on a key chain. You can store all of your medical information on this by filling in all of the edit fields and answering the questions. It has 6 tabs which are Personal information, Medical contacts, Medications, Special conditions, Medical history and image manager which is for your photo or X-rays. When you get done filling in all of your information, it will start saving everything to the flash drive as a text document which the medical people can access by using MS Word, Word Pad, Note Pad or Word Perfect.

The new version of the software that I received today let's you add a password to it just in case you lose it. The text file will still be available to the medical professional. It comes with a chain so you can ware it around your neck and it has a medical logo on it with the telephone number for someone to call the ambulance. You can go to there web site which is www.medflash.com to get more information on it and order it if you wish.”

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