Information from the INDATA Project is now available via podcast! Every Friday, the INDATA Project will release two podcasts featuring new assistive technology projects. The podcasts are available for viewing on the INDATA Project website and on iTunes. The “Assistive Technology Update” is a fast-paced weekly update for AT professionals and enthusiasts. The “Accessibility Minute” is designed for all listeners to provide assistive technology tips and tricks.
Dec 092011
National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind is an organization that seeks to provide security, opportunity, and equality for all blind people. The NFB holds fundraisers throughout the year in order to support community outreach initiatives and to provide scholarships to blind children and adults. One such fundraiser is next month’s “It’s a Family Affair.” This event will take place on May 15, 2011 from 11am-4pm at the Moose Lodge at 7055 East 16th Street in Indianapolis.
The event will feature 8 full hours of community fun while providing attendees the opportunity to become more educated about blindness and the members of the blind community. Festivities include a day of fun with games that give sighted and blind children the opportunity to play together, face painting by clowns, door prizes, Twister and hula hoop competitions, and much more. In addition, entertainment will be provided by the Butler University Jazz Band, singer and NFB member J.W. Smith, as well as a number of local artists and musicians.
This event is an affordable day of fun for families. Children 12 and under will be admitted for $3, youth age 13-19 for $5, and adults will get in for $15 for a single and $25 per couple. Meals will be$5 and the event is catered by the Moose Lodge.
Money raised from this event will go into the state treasury and will be used for community outreach at schools and businesses as well as for scholarships for children to have the opportunity to meet with legislatures on a trip to Washington, DC.
State Fundraising Chair for the NFB, Jean Brown said, “Enhancing the lives of the youth through a strong philosophy allows the NFB to educate future generations. Blind children are being deprived of Braille orientation and mobility skills training in schools, often causing them to fall behind sighted children in the education process. This event is a chance to raise awareness and funds to ensure that blind children are granted every opportunity for sufficient growth and education.”
The general public is encouraged to attend this event. “It’s a Family Affair” promises to be a day of entertainment and education.
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IMCPL
For many people, reading is a daily activity that provides a brief escape and the chance to relax and forget about daily stresses. Reading can be fun, informative, and even cathartic. Unfortunately, for individuals with certain disabilities, reading does not serve as a means of escape and relaxation; conversely, reading can be an arduous task that is frustrating or even impossible.
The Indianapolis Marion County Public Library (IMCPL) has a solution that may allow these individuals to enjoy reading by listening to stories through a wide selection of downloadable audio books. The eCollection from the IMCPL is an extensive resource of both audiobooks and ebooks, available for download on the IMPCL website.
The library of audiobooks is a great solution for individuals who have dexterity and mobility hindrances, for whom traditional reading practices may be extremely difficult. These individuals may not be able to hold a book or turn the pages. Additionally, the downloadable audiobooks are great for individuals who are blind or have low vision and cannot see the words on the page and may not know how to or may not want to read Braille.
The MP3 and WMA format audiobooks are available through OverDrive, a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital content. OverDrive delivers download fulfillment services for publishers, libraries, schools, and retailers. This technology allows audiobooks to be offered free of charge, available for loan like traditional library books.
Unlike library books, the audiobook is automatically returned after the specified loan period; nothing needs to be physically returned to the library. Many devices are compatible with the OverDrive software, including the Mac operating system, Windows operating system, the Apple iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile devices, and many more.
Downloadable audiobooks are an excellent, cost effective, and simple solution to allow those with a disability the opportunity to enjoy literature regardless of their ability to see the words on the page or hold a book in their hands.
To learn more about the library’s loan policy or to view the books available for loan, visit the IMCPL audiobook webpage.
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Mar 142011
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