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                            THE BLIND NEWS DIGEST

                                 Issue # 1150

                            Sunday, May 07, 1995

Today's Topics:


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                                  Re: radio
                Summer programs for visually impaired teens.
         Summer college prep program for visually impaired students.
                 Adaptive Computer Equipment on Disk Catalog
                           FWD: Q re Text-only WWW
                         Disability World-Wide-Webs
                           Hebrew reader machine?
             Microsoft Licenses OSM Technology from Henter-Joyce
                                 Employment
                       Questions for Blind News Digest
                         Blind Son and Spanish books
                                New FTP Site


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Subject: Re: radio
From: drew@dsm1.dsmnet.com
Organization: DES MOINES INTERNET, DES MOINES, IA

In article <36591@handicap.news>, gary@sasquatch.com (Gary Peterson) writes:
>Index Number: 36591

>
>I'm looking for a radio that is particularly partial to the a.m.
>band.  I live in a coastal region between ocean and mountains.
>I'm looking for something that will pick up far away stations
>at night under these conditions.  Any suggestions?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Gary Peterson


Look for a G.E. Super Radio III.  K-mart sometimes carries them or they can be
gotten from Shortwave Radio catalogs (Univeral, Grove etc.).  This radio is
made for DXing the AM and FM bands.  Costs around $50.00.  Excellent radio!
Post back if you need anyother info.

Hope this helps.

Mark Drew




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Subject: Summer programs for visually impaired teens.
From: nu7i@netcom.com (Darrell Shandrow)
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)

                       Unique Summer Opportunity for
                   Blind and Visually Impaired Teenagers

The Colorado Center for the Blind (CCB) is offering two exciting
summer programs.  Each program challenges the student at a level
consistent with his or her unique capabilities.  The CCB prepares
today's teens to meet tomorrow's challenges by combining positive
attitudes with good skills.

                           Middle School Program
                     July 16, 1995 to August 12, 1995
                            Teens: 12-15 years

Students will be living in apartments with summer counselors,
providing them with the opportunity for real life experience in
daily living skills.  They will also receive basic cane travel
techniques, Braille, job shadowing and challenging recreational
activities.

                            High School Program
                              Earn and Learn
                      June 10, 1995 to August 5, 1995
                            Teens: 15-21 years

Students will live in apartments with summer counselors and work
part-time in local community agencies.  Intensive basic skills
programs will include: cane travel, Braille, daily living skills
and computer classes.  Extracurricular activities will include a
week long conference in Chicago, as well as weekend and evening
recreational activities such as technical rock climbing and
camping.  Summer counselors, job coaches and year-round staff
will be available during this eight week program.

For more information and applications please contact:

Dan Wenzel
Summer Program Coordinator

Colorado Center for the Blind
1830 S. Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 778-1130
1-800-401-4632
--
Darrell Shandrow
Student: Colorado Center for the Blind
Member: National Federation of the Blind
Living a Great Adventure! [ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/nu/nu7i/resume.txt]



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Subject: Summer college prep program for visually impaired students.
From: nu7i@netcom.com (Darrell Shandrow)
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)

                      Summer for Success Program 1995
                 for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
               in College or in Transition from High School

Anyone who has made the transition from high school to college or
university studies understands the profound level of changes
which are involved.  Classes are usually larger, assignments more
demanding, even finding a comfortable group of friends can be
difficult.  Perhaps the most significant difference between high
school and college is that the student, alone, must assume a far
greater responsibility for developing assertiveness, self-
discipline, and good study skills.  In short, successfully
completing this transition amounts to nothing less than learning
to manage many responsibilities of adult life.

Blind and visually impaired students attending college encounter
the same challenges as their sighted counterparts, but also must
deal with other issues.  These include:  developing ways of
accessing classroom, textbook, and library  materials; acquiring
functional orientation and mobility skills; designing ways to
participate in laboratory situations; accessing appropriate
technology; and establishing effective relationships with
counselors and disabled student service offices.  Many times,
blind students, accustomed to the services provided by vision
specialists and resource teachers in the public schools, find
themselves completely unprepared to meet these challenges.
Either they fail in school, or achieve far less than they are
capable of doing.

In 1995, the Colorado Center for the Blind will offer a nine week
summer program for blind and visually impaired college students.
Although cane travel, communications, and adaptive computer
skills will be taught, there will be a strong emphasis placed on
developing assertiveness and self-advocacy.

Through discussions and activities, students will learn:
a.  the care and feeding of readers;
b.  effective ways of conducting library research and using
computerized indexes;
c.  proven ways of establishing productive personal and
professional relationships with instructors, advisors, and
counselors;
d.  how to work with a disabled student services office without
abandoning independence;
e.  ways of developing satisfying personal relationships and
handling potentially embarrassing social situations;
f.  how to serve oneself in a cafeteria line without feeling
foolish;
g.  effectual techniques for working in the fields of biology,
chemistry, physics, and computer science, including laboratory
situations;
h.  techniques for working through the bureaucratic maze of
institutions, agencies, departments, and offices required to
complete a college program.


The 1995 Summer for Success Program will involve a number of
extracurricular activities, including a week long conference in
Chicago, in addition to regular classes.  The anticipated term of
the program is from Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, August 5.
During the nine week program students will select a course of
their choice at a local community college.  They will live in the
student apartments, though many activities will be conducted on
local college and university campuses.  Students will work hard
and learn a lot, during what may be the most enjoyable and
productive summer they've ever experienced.

Many agencies offer skills training programs for blind and
visually impaired students preparing for college, but the CCB
Summer for Success program is different.  While recognizing the
importance of good skills training, we realize the real
foundations of success are knowledge, motivation, discipline, and
self-confidence.  We believe in the capabilities of blind people,
and want to help as many students as possible acquire the tools
and confidence they need for success.  Come, join us, and make
plans for your own summer of success!

For more information and applications please contact:

Dan Wenzel
Summer Program Coordinator

Colorado Center for the Blind
1830 S. Acoma St.
Denver, CO 80223
(303) 778-1130
1-800-401-4632
--
Darrell Shandrow
Student: Colorado Center for the Blind
Member: National Federation of the Blind
Living a Great Adventure! [ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/nu/nu7i/resume.txt]



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Subject: Adaptive Computer Equipment on Disk Catalog
From: tmeade@infi.net (Medical Services 2001)
Organization: InfiNet


If you're visually impaired and would like the ability to browse a computer
catalog at your leisure then ACED is for you.

Adaptive Computer Equipment on Disk contains many products designed to
help the handicapped work with computers.  Products range from Voice
recognition to speach output devices and software.

For a copy of ACED please email tmeade@infi.net with the subject "ACED".

--
Tony Meade     tmeade@infi.net
MEDICAL SERVICES 2001
Phone: (804)-471-5385  Fax: (804)-471-5663



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Subject: FWD: Q re Text-only WWW
From: jkaysen@macline.com (Jesse Kaysen)
Organization: Mac Line BBS: (608) 233-9487

Found the following question on Media Access, a fun &
thoughtful list discussing captioning, descriptive video
services, and other "adaptive" access issues. Thought you
might have input to give this gentleman.
PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY to him: joeclark@hookup.net
To add a great list to your collection, follow instructions
 at the bottom of his post!

Jesse from Madison....
--------begin forwarded message

 From: joeclark@hookup.net (Joe Clark)
 Subject: Is text-only mode a drag?
 Date: Wed, 3 May 1995 10:39:58 -0500

Hi. I'm writing a story for _.net_ magazine in the U.K. on
text-only WWW (and other Internet) access. We all know about
the enormous growth of the World Wide Web, but what hasn't
gotten much attention is the way WWW-daemons are loading up
their sites with graphics (and sound and video). While those
may just try the patience of someone using Netscape on a
14.4 kbps modem, they may in fact be useless to blind people
on the net and anyone with a slow modem and/or text-only
access, a la Lynx.

So: I'm wondering if y'all could think of some answers to
questions like these--

* If you have text-only access, do you find that the impetus
toward graphics is turning into a barrier for you? Are you
denied access to information because it consists of a
picture and not text? (Currently there are ways of attaching
explanatory text to graphics, but few Webmasters do.)

* If you're a blind person, do you prefer to use something
like Lynx with voice output or to dip your toes deeper into
the flow and try using a graphical Web browser like Netscape
with voice output or similar technology? How cumbersome or
convenient is each approach?

* If you're a Webmaster, how much thought have you given to
the needs of people with text-only access?

* Whenever net.sociologists talk about information
have-nots, they tend to mean people so poor that they can't
afford any kind of computer and net connection. But are we
overlooking a middle group with outdated computers and/or
slow, limited net connections? What approach could we take
to accommodate such people?

And feel free to say anything else that comes to mind about
text-only Web access.

         Joe Clark
         joeclark@hookup.net
         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
SUBSCRIBING: Send "subscribe access" (no quotes) to listmanager@hookup.net
UNSUBSCRIBING: Send "unsubscribe access" to listmanager@hookup.net
MESSAGES as DIGEST: Send "on access digest" to listmanager@hookup.net
CONTRIBUTIONS: Mail to access@hookup.net
PROBLEMS: Report to owner-access@hookup.net


                                ******
**
Mac Line BBS: (608) 233-9487   -  A FirstClass System in Madison, WI USA

                                ******
**



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Subject: Disability World-Wide-Webs
From: limfung@biomed.nus.sg (Lim Fung)
Organization: Technet, Singapore

Dear all,

For those that do not already know, there is a visually handicapped
web page, and a hearing impaired web page at the following URLs
respectively;

http://biomed.nus.sg/vh/vh.html
http://biomed.nus.sg/DF/databases.html

Do check it out.

Regards,
Lim Fung

.Humans learn it the hard way (limfung@biomed.nus.sg)



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Subject: Hebrew reader machine?
From: OJJMS@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU (Ofer Jacobowitz)

Dear sir
My grandfather has lost his vision to macular degeneration.  As he
profoundly enjoys reading, I am looking for a reader machine (ie
combination scanner and speech synthesizer) for him.  I know of such
machines that read English and other European languages but I require
one to read HEBREW.  Do you know of any or where I could look for one?

Ofer Jacobowitz



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Subject: Microsoft Licenses OSM Technology from Henter-Joyce
From: senkmj@ptbma.usbm.gov (Mark J. Senk WB3CAI)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
 Date: Thu, 4 May 1995 18:26:39 -0700
 From: Curtis Chong <curtisc@winternet.com>
 To: Multiple recipients of list <nfb-rd@lothlorien.nfbcal.org>
 Subject: Microsoft Licenses OSM Technology from Henter-Joyce

Greetings:

The following information comes from the May 1 edition of
WinNews, a newsletter from Microsoft.  I thought recipients of
the NFB-RD list might find this interesting.  It does constitute
a significant step toward our ability to access next generation
Windows platforms but not the version of Windows 95 that is due
to come out this summer.

Regards,

Curtis Chong
curtisc@winternet.com

=================================================================

3. Microsoft Licenses OSM Technology From Henter-Joyce

April 24, 1995

Makes Windows Easier to Use for Computer Users With
        Disabilities;

Furthers Microsoft=92s Commitment to Make Windows the Most
        Accessible Operating System

        REDMOND, Wash., April 24, 1995, Microsoft Corp.
today announced it is licensing core Off-Screen Model
(OSM) technology from Henter-Joyce of St. Petersburg,
Fla., developers of JAWS* (Job Access With Speech) for
the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) operating system, a
screen-access program that makes Windows accessible to
people who are blind or visually impaired.  Microsoft will
use the OSM as the basis of an open component architecture
to provide individuals with disabilities access to the
information displayed on Windows-based computer screens.
Microsoft plans to provide this technology to developers
working on technologies that make computers more
accessible to users with disabilities (such as
blind-access, screen-magnification and voice-input
technologies) to help reduce time to market and increase
robustness of such key products while requiring fewer
system dependencies.

        "Microsoft=92s efforts to provide an Off-Screen
Model further demonstrates our commitment to make Windows
and Windows-based applications easier to use for everyone,
including individuals with disabilities," said Brad
Silverberg, senior vice president of the personal systems
division at Microsoft.  "Our licensing agreement with
Henter-Joyce is a key step in that process.  Microsoft
plans to work with accessibility vendors to build a
common, shared interface around the OSM code we are
licensing, helping to ensure compatibility with other
accessibility technologies.  We are very excited about
the potential it will bring to the Windows environment."

        "This is one of the most important events in the
history of computing for blind individuals," said Ted Henter,
president of Henter-Joyce and a blind user of computers for
15 years.  "Microsoft leads the world in computer software,
and now its view of the world includes blind people.  Steps
like this ultimately will result in making computing access
better for all people."

        Off-Screen Model is the term for a database of a
computer screen=92s contents, including text, graphics,
controls and other elements.  This technology primarily
has been used for blind-access products, which allow users
to browse the contents of their computer screen using
synthesized speech or a Braille display.  Some capabilities
of OSM also are useful for speech-recognition utilities that
need to determine what commands are appropriate at a given
time and screen-magnification utilities that must track a
user=92s focus as he or she works.

        Microsoft will incorporate Henter-Joyce=92s OSM
technology into its own open architecture to help make
Windows accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Numerous features specifically designed to make computers
easier to use for people with disabilities are being
incorporated into the Windows(R) 95 operating system,
with additional enhancements planned for the future.
The company plans to release the first set of
accessibility enhancements as soon as possible after
Windows 95 ships to help independent software vendors
(ISVs) port their existing products to the Windows 95 and
Windows NT operating systems.  This will be followed by
adapting and distributing the OSM technology for
Windows 95 and further integrating the technology into
future versions of Windows and Windows NT.  Future plans
also include incorporating the accessibility technology
into OLE, allowing mainstream applications to communicate
and cooperate with accessibility aids.


Benefits of OSM Technology for Windows

        The open component architecture Microsoft is
building with the Henter-Joyce OSM technology ultimately
will make accessibility products more readily available
to individuals with disabilities, since time-to-market
demands will be decreased for ISVs.  The technology will
reduce engineering time and costs, allowing ISVs to
reduce time to market with new products and for new
releases of the Windows operating system.  It also will
help them improve the quality of their core products by
allowing them to focus their time and resources on their
areas of expertise.
        =

        In addition, with the component architecture,
ISVs will be able to replace or extend the functionality
of the OSM easily, share components or enhancements with
other types of products, or simply use the underlying
libraries that provide system 'hooks' required by these
types of products.

        Microsoft=92s licensing of OSM from Henter-Joyce
is part of an overall effort to make Windows the most
accessible operating system available.  Microsoft is
committed to ensuring that accessibility is addressed
in Windows 95 by providing the following:

=B7 Guidelines for accessible software design that will
        be promoted throughout the software industry
=B7 Published guidelines for accessible software design
=B7 The necessary application programming interfaces (APIs)
        and libraries to allow ISVs to develop
        high-quality accessibility aids, including
        blind-access products
=B7 Documentation for Windows 95 and other Microsoft
        products in an accessible ASCII text format at
        no additional charge for people who have
        difficulties reading or handling printed materials
=B7 An audio tutorial designed for users who are blind
=B7 A set of utilities, including Dvorak single-handed
        keyboard layouts and other low-end accessibility
        aids
        =

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ -MSFT-) is the
worldwide leader in software for personal computers.
The company offers a wide range of products and services
for business and personal use, each designed with the
mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people
to take advantage of the full power of personal
computing every day.

#########

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United
States and/or other countries.
JAWS is a trademark of Henter-Joyce.






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Subject: Employment
From: nibrehab@aol.com (NIBREHAB)
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)

Positions openings with National Industries for the Blind

Manager of Purchasing
Administrative Assistant
Receptionist
Executive Secretary
Contract Administator
Regional Marketing Manager
Computer Database Analyst
Cost Accountant
Rehabilitation Engineer
Product/Service Engineer

For more information, please call Kathleen Gallagher (201) 595-9200 from
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (eastern time).



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Subject: Questions for Blind News Digest
From: SALINGSK@TEN-NASH.TEN.K12.TN.US

Please Help!  I am a teacher  of the visually impaired in Hamilton County,
TN.  WE are seeking information on several topics. If there is anyone out
there who would be willing to share information  with us on these
questions, we would be most grateful.
Question # 1  Is there any school system out there who has had experienc in
inclusion for
blind braille readers and writers?  Is there any documentation  describing
the results?
Question # 2 Has any school system had experience with totally blind
kindergarten students?  Do they require a classroom aide or just the
services of the vision teacher/specialist?  Is there docuamentation and
suggestions on how to best implement their IEP to acomodate to what
their sighted peers are doing?  These students are with a teacher and 23-26
other sighted kindergarten
students in a 7 hr. day program.
Question #3  This concerns a slate and stylus instruction.  When is the
most advantageous
age to begin instruction?  What is a suggestion for curriculum to follow?
Sincerey
and grateful, THANKS.  S. CROWDER

salingsk@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us




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Subject: Blind Son and Spanish books
From: kmorrow@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu (Kimberly Morrow)

Jim,

I have forwarded your message on to Kathleen Krause in Tucson, Arizona,
who knows David Lou (sp?) well and also has  affiliations with The Seeing
Eye.  Perhaps she can be of help here; she's a terrific person and I know
she'll do what she can to provide information to you.

As for the dilemma of finding materials in Spanish:  I am totally blind
and recently obtained my masters degree in German; as an undergraduate I
majored in German and Spanish and minored in French.  I think I can tell
you with a fair amount of certainty that there are no easy solutions to
this problem.  I got through my coursework utilizing readers a good deal
of the time.  I also used Recordings for the Blind as much as possible.
During my undergraduate years, when the state funded the purchase of my
books, I was able to have some of my texts in braille, which helped
immensely.  The only way I know--in *this* country--to achieve the
brailling of Spanish texts--or any foreign language texts for that
matter--is to have the text transcribed in a grade 1 braille format and
then to send it to the braille printer without going through the
translation program.  I know German braille and have an introduction to
Spanish braille, but unfortunately I have been unable to locate any
braille transcribers in the United States with knowledge of the Grade Two
German or Spanish systems.  If I can be of further help to you, please
let me know.  Also, please feel free to forward this letter on to the
person to whom you were originally responding; unfortunately I don't have
his/her address.

Kimberly Morrow
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas




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Subject: New FTP Site
From: djc@crl.com (Don Coco)

Your Invited to log in and check out my New FTP Site.  This site is set
up in a directory structure and you will find that the directories are
easy to use.  I also have a README file which explains the directory
structure so Please visit.  The address is ftp.crl.com and you should log
in as anonymous.  Then send your e/mail address as the password.  Once
your in the site cd /ftp/users/dj/djc which will take you to my site.
You can then get README and type ls to see what directories are
available.  You can grab as many files as you like.  Being a
Psychologist&broadcaster most files at this site are of an Educational
nature but you also will find other types of files as well so Please
enjoy.  Questions can be directed to me via e/mail to djc@crl.com and
thank you for visiting my New FTP Site.



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                 End of Issue # 1150 of the Blind News Digest

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