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Indiana Center for Accessible Materials

Accessibility Services, Organizations 1 Response »

May 132010

The Indiana Center for Accessible Materials (ICAM) is an online project managed by the Office of the Associate Superintendent, the Indiana Department of Education. This project’s mission is to team up with educational facilities to provide accessible formats for students with print disabilities. Some of its services include:

Serving as a state repository for textbooks and instructional material in specialized formats
Providing accessible materials to local educational agencies in a timely matter
Providing training to educational agencies on accessible technology

The ICAM website is a great resource of information. They have training materials in the form of podcasts, videos, and written tutorials. All of the necessary forms you might need for their services are available to download and print. You can do a library search on their website to see who carries accessible formats (they even tell you if they’re free or fee based). They also have a page with definitions to important terms that you might not be familiar with, like NIMAS.

To gain ICAM access for your school district, get in touch with your local PATINS Regional Site Coordinator.

Interview with American Council of the Blind of Indiana's President John Huffman

INDATA Projects, Organizations No Responses »

Apr 292010

Today we would like to introduce John Huffman, the current president of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana. After earning his degree in Political Science at Indiana University and obtaining his Master’s in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois, John worked for over 33 years in human resources or equal employment opportunity. Besides Indiana, John has also lived in Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. He is married with one son.

INDATA: Are you an Indianapolis native?

John: I’m originally from nearby Lebanon, Indiana, but attended 12 years’ schooling in Indianapolis and have lived here approximately 16 years as an adult.

INDATA: How did you become involved with the American Council of the Blind?

John: I was invited to join ACB of Indiana at its formation in 1972. Frequent relocations limited involvement; however, I was active with the Cleveland, Ohio ACB chapter (1987-91) before rejoining ACBI in 2000.

INDATA: What type of work does the ACB do?

John: The ACB, nationally and through state, local and special interest affiliates works in various ways to benefit the community of people who are blind or visually-impaired. We advocate for both federal and state legislation to improve services for blind and visually impaired, protect civil rights of all persons with disabilities and improve access to our environment and to information technology. We strive to educate the general public to both the capabilities and accommodation needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. We work with service providers to improve rehabilitation and other services to blind consumers. When necessary, we advocate on behalf of individuals to ensure that they receive goods and services needed to improve their productivity or access to goods that will increase their ability to participate in the larger society on terms of equality.

INDATA: What kinds of assistive technology devices do you use to read, travel, use the computer, etc?

John: I am a white cane user and generally feel comfortable when needing to work with sighted guides. I use screen reading software and a Braille display for computer access. I am a longtime Optacon user for direct access to printed/typed materials. I also make extensive use of Braille or recorded materials when these are available.

INDATA: What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

John: I read extensively in a number of fiction and non-fiction genres. I like music and have sung in choirs in every church of which I have been a member. I keep and enjoy a large collection of music on LPs and compact discs. I enjoy walking and swimming.

INDATA: What are some ways people can support the blind community?

John: Drivers could become more knowledgeable of “rules of the road,” especially as they relate to the safety of pedestrians. Members of the general public could work to increase their use of public transportation and join in advocating for better-funded and expanded mass transit systems. Employers could undertake to learn more about the potential of blind and visually-impaired people in their enterprises. All people could strive for better understanding that those of us who are blind, like the rest of society, are people first, who happen to be blind. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors, every faith and political stripe—including none at all, and we vary enormously in our interests and abilities.

Introducing Lee Martin, President of Circle City Chapter of National Federation of the Blind

Accessibility Services, INDATA Team No Responses »

Apr 212010

Braille, photo credited to lissalou66 on flickr

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Martin, President of the Circle City Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Lee is also a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability (MACD) and the Blinded Veterans Association.

INDATA: Are you an Indianapolis native?

Lee: No, I grew up in Muncie, Indiana.

INDATA: I understand that you work with the National Federation of the Blind. Could you describe the type of work you do?

Lee: We are an activist organization that’s been around for over 40 years working to dispel the myth of the difficulties associated with blindness. We meet with Congress and community leaders to spread awareness. Our mission is to reach out to schools, legislation, churches, and communities to educate them about technology and resources available.

INDATA: How did you become involved with the NFB?

Lee: I was introduced to the NFB in 2002 by Freddie Edwards three years after I lost my sight. I was looking for direction in my life, and the NFB was there for me. After going through their programs, I wanted to become an active member in the organization.

INDATA: Could you tell me a little about NewsLINE?

Lee: NewsLINE is one of the services provided by the NFB. It provides access to local newspapers over the phone, as well as 200 national newspapers online, and even TV Guide. It’s important that we make this information available to people who are blind, because knowledge is power.

INDATA: What kinds of assistive technology devices do you use to increase your independence?

Lee: I mostly use my computer with JAWS for Windows. I also use my PACmate, which I take with me everywhere to take notes and read. When I was introduced to Braille, I wanted to really challenge myself to learn it. It took a while, but I did!

I continue to use a VoiceMate, also known as a Parrot, but they don’t make them anymore. It’s a handheld device similar to the Victor Stream, and contains a contact book, appointments, and an alarm.

I use the KNFB Reader to store things like business cards and restaurant menus. It’s so nice because I can access everything I need on this mobile device.

INDATA: What assistive technology do you use to get around the house and to travel?

Lee: I actually don’t use any devices to get around; I just use my basic skills. I don’t use a cane; I rely on common sense to find my way around my house, my yard, and my community. It helps to have familiarity with your surroundings.

For traveling, I believe the best means of going somewhere is the cab voucher program, I like it better than Open Door.

INDATA: What do you like to do in your free time?

Lee: I enjoy going to movies, working out at the gym, cooking, barbequing, and gardening. I try to live the same way I did before going blind.

INDATA: What relationship do you share with Easter Seals Crossroads?

Lee: About four or five years ago, they came to me when I interviewed for a job. When I got the job, one of their counselors trained me and Crossroads re-scripted my workplace’s computer so that JAWS could run on it. I am very grateful for all the work Crossroads did for me.

INDATA: What are some ways people can support the blind community?

Lee: Blind organizations need to reach out to communities about the condition of blindness, as there are many misconceptions. I think it’s important for people to realize that there is support for those who have lost their sight, and that they can lead normal lives.

I also think we need to share this information in the schools. I have met several computer “experts” that have graduated college with a degree in Computer Science, and they have never heard of JAWS or any other type of assistive devices that are available. If these people don’t know what these applications are, how are they going to help accommodate people with disabilities?

No one has to hide behind the ADA; it all comes through education. Technology levels the playing field, so that people with disabilities can operate computers and other machines with as much independence as someone without disabilities.

I’d like to quote an old Chinese proverb: “Be not afraid of moving slowly, but be afraid of standing still.”

That wraps up our interview with Lee Martin from the NFB. Stay tuned for a blog post about the American Council of the Blind!

Talking Book and Braille Library Welcomes Hoosiers with Vision Impairment

Accessibility Services, Asstive Technology Stories No Responses »

Apr 202010

Talking Book Player

The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) is one of 57 regional libraries that provides FREE alternative reading sources for people with low vision.

The TBBL is a part of the Library of Congress’ National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. They offer large print, braille books, and books on tape to Indiana residents who have difficulty reading standard print. You can even borrow digital talking book players.

TBBL also has a children’s summer reading program, a reference collection on disabilities and services, and publishes a seasonal newsletter that is distributed to over 8,00o agencies and individuals in Indiana.

Read about eligibility requirements here.
Do a basic search through the catalog here.
Read the TBBL newsletter, Indiana Insights, here.
Check out what types of materials you can borrow, including a list of magazines available, here.
Get your application here.

Accessibility in the Classroom

AT Basics, Assistive Technology Products No Responses »

Apr 162010

Shelf loaded with books

Teachers- is your classroom accessible to all of your students? Parents- does your child struggle to read standard print? Now is the time to speak with your curriculum committee about acquiring textbooks in formats that everyone can read.

You may recall an earlier post we wrote about accessible formats for digital media, which also had a follow-up post. Both posts are great resources for people who have difficulty reading standard print, whether they have vision loss, dyslexia, or a learning disability. We would now like to focus on accessible classroom textbooks, and what kind of assistive technology you can use to read them.

Window-Eyes Training in Cincinnati

Accessibility Services, Events 1 Response »

Apr 022010

Window-Eyes

GW Micro is offering classes for students, assistive technology professionals, rehab counselors, or anyone wanting to get a thorough training in Window-Eyes. This could benefit a number of different audiences, whether you already use the program and want a better understanding of its uses or if you’re using it for the first time. The two day program covers the basics of Window-Eyes and goes over intermediate skills.

Classes of this nature typically run about $1,000 per session, but GW Micro is offering these courses for only $325 per day. This is a great opportunity to get some hands-on learning with certified trainers without breaking the bank! You will also get a CD containing the entire 2-day curriculum.

If you think you might be interested in the training, be sure to register for the upcoming class in Cincinnati, Ohio. The training will be held at the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired computer lab on May 25 and 26.

To learn more, visit the GW Micro website.