APH News

APH Products Announced!

Read on to learn about these important products – now available!

• APH Winter Wonderland Sale
• Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing, Fifth Edition, Braille
• Textured Pegs, Sound Matching Board I, and Sound Matching Board II Have Returned!
• APH Braille Book Corner

APH Tactile Graphic Image Library 2.0 Launched January 4!

The APH Tactile Graphic Image Library (TGIL), first launched in November 2008, was designed to supply braille transcribers, paraprofessionals, teachers, students and APH staff with a pool of well designed templates to create tactile graphics. This project has proved to be a huge success with the registration of nearly 2,000 users in the United States and around the world.

In the past year, we have received several suggestions from users to enrich the site and have embraced them. TGIL 2.0 makes the site more accessible, creates a more intuitive navigation system, opens the possibilities to receive graphics from other sources, adds a forum for tactile graphic discussions, and includes an automated registration system. As we continue to progress, we plan to add new components such as ecommerce possibilities, instructional and educational information on creating tactile graphics, and add links to APH products that would be useful in creating tactile graphics.

Visit the Improved TGIL on the APH website at sites.aph.org/tgil/index.html and experience the improvements. As always, your feedback is encouraged. If you have questions, please email us at tgfeedback@aph.org

NIMAC 2.0 Goes Live January 6!

On January 6, the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) rings in the new year with a whole new look and new features!

State Coordinators will have new options in managing their authorized user accounts; authorized users will benefit from a much improved watchlist for wished for NIMAS files; and publishers will have new options for managing their files.

To support the launch of NIMAC 2.0, NIMAC has scheduled a number of training sessions scheduled for authorized users, accessible media producers and publishers. The schedule and directions for registering will be emailed directly to NIMAC account holders, so watch your email for news!

New Yoga Feature on the APH Physical Education website!

Yoga Instructor Cindy Rogers explains the benefits and reasons to practice yoga. Her YouTube videos provide tips that help persons with blindness learn yoga asanas safely.

archive.aph.org/pe/features.html

Field Evaluators Needed for Elementary Math Products!

APH is seeking field evaluators for two elementary math products.

• MathBuilders – Measurement is designed for elementary braille students in grades K-3. The unit consists of lessons for each grade level, a set of manipulatives designed for braille readers, and worksheets to reinforce concepts. Objectives for each lesson have been matched to NCTM standards for grades K-3. Lessons will be introduced for measuring:
  • Time (including the calendar)
  • Money
  • Length
  • Weight
  • Liquid Volume
  • Temperature
• Addition and Subtraction Tables is a tool to help large print and braille students with addition and subtraction problems. The grids can be used to find the sum of two whole numbers from 0-10 or the difference of a related subtraction problem.

If you would like to be considered as a field reviewer for either of these products, please e-mail Jeanette Wicker, Core Curriculum Project Leader, at jwicker@aph.org

Field testing will begin in February 2010.

The Game’s Afoot…

The American Printing House for the Blind has been working very hard to develop products to encourage individuals with visual impairments to become physically active and to maintain physical activity throughout their lifetimes.
Among the many offerings from APH are products, curricula, books, and other resources. These products are designed to help facilitate physical education, recreation, nutrition knowledge, fitness and sports.

APH is proud to work with Dr. Lauren Lieberman to provide many of these materials, and would now like to offer a special opportunity for you to learn how to use these materials from Dr. Lieberman herself. We are pleased to partner with Dr. Lieberman to host a series of National Instructional Partnerships events that will showcase these products and how to use them with individuals with visual impairments as well as share how many of them were developed.

National Instructional Partnerships (NIP) events are designed to highlight the use of APH products across the areas of the core curriculum and the expanded core curriculum. Agencies partnering with APH are asked to provide space for the workshop, assistance with local arrangements, assistance with on-site registration, etc. APH will provide fees and travel expenses for the workshop leader and any attending APH staff and will ship all products and materials needed for the event to your site. If you are interested in hosting an event focusing on adapted physical activity in your area, please contact Janie Blome, jblome@aph.org, or call 800-223-1839, ext. 367.

Assessing the Situation in Arizona

Thirty teachers, educational diagnosticians, and other professionals from seven states traveled to Phoenix, AZ, for a NIP event held December 4-5 at the Desert Valleys Regional Cooperative. The event focused on the new APH braille edition of the Woodcock Johnson III achievement test.

Dr. Lynne Jaffe presented two days of valuable information to the group, covering the adaptations to the test itself, adaptations to the assessment process, and techniques for administering the test. Thanks to the technical assistance provided by one of the attendees, Dr. Jaffe was also able to share a video of an actual assessment with a student, which provided valuable insight and learning opportunities. Feedback from those attending the workshop indicated that the information presented was very helpful and timely.

If you are interested in hosting a Woodcock Johnson III NIP event in your area, please contact Janie Blome, jblome@aph.org, or call 800-223-1839, ext. 367.

Did you know…

The Accessible Textbook Department has capacity in braille and large print? It’s true! Send your orders in now! You can get the order forms at archive.aph.org/atic/index.html

Send your orders in early and beat the rush!

Hall of Fame for the Blindness Field Evolves

The first photo shows the cleared Hall space in December of 2001. The second photo was taken in December of 2010. Both were taken in approximately the same place with approximately the same people.

First photo: Don Keefe, Bob Brasher, Janie Blome, Gary Mudd, Will Evans
Second photo: Paul Zurkuhlen, Bob Brasher, Janie Blome, Gary Mudd, Will Evans

For the full virtual tour, visit archive.aph.org/hall_fame/tour.html

2010 Nomination Process for the Hall of Fame: Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field

The Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for 2010 induction consideration.

If you are interested in learning more about the process for submitting a nominee to join the 44 inductees, please visit: archive.aph.org/hall_fame/nominate.html. The nomination process will close Friday, March 26, 2010.

"The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame and through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or visually impaired."

Photo: Hall of Fame plaque of AFB’s Robert Irwin.

It’s Snow Time!

For your information, here are winter sports camps in California, Colorado, and Michigan for your students.

• Camp COOL Sacramento, CA
  Access Leisures AC
  Contact: Jenny Yarrow
  Phone: (916) 808-6017
  E-Mail: Jyarrow@cityofsacramento.org
  Camp Dates: January 30-31, 2010
• National Camps for Blind Children Christian Record Services
  http://www.christianrecord.org
  • Winter Camp – Snow Mt Ranch Camp
    Winter Park, CO
    Contact: Keith Elliott
    Phone: (402) 448-0981 ext. 222
    Camp Dates: February 28-March 7, 2010
  • Winter Camp – Au Sable
    Grayling, MI
    Contact: Pat Page
    Phone: (905) 436-6938
    Camp Dates: February 7-12, 2010

Celebrate Mary Ingalls’ Birthday

Join us in the APH museum on Saturday, January 9, from 10:00 a.m. until noon for a celebration in honor of the birth of Mary Ingalls. Mary was the older sister of Little House author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who said "My sister Mary is the reason I am a writer." Born in 1865, Mary lost her sight at age 14, and Laura became her eyes, describing the world so her sister could "see" as well.

We’ll explore the sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of Mary’s world, from her early days in Pepin, Wisconsin, in the home built by parents Charles ("Pa") and Caroline Ingalls ("Ma"), through her years at the Iowa College for the Blind, and her later life as a teacher and musician. Take a look at some of the books in Mary’s library, sing along with some of Pa’s lively fiddle tunes (performed by Barbara Henning, a graduate of the Kentucky School for the Blind and the University of Louisville School of Music), weave a beaded bracelet (the same as those Mary made for her sisters), and have some birthday cake made from Ma’s recipe.

The event is free, but since space is limited, registration is recommended. Please call (502) 899-2213, e-mail kcarpenter@aph.org to register, or visit archive.aph.org/museum for more information.

Run to Independence

APH is looking for runners, walkers, sponsors, supporters and even enthusiastic screamers to participate in the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & miniMarathon on April 24, 2010. We are thrilled that APH is an official Derby Festival charity this year and we need your help to make this inaugural event a huge success! Whether you walk, run, or form a relay team, training for and completing a Marathon or miniMarathon is one of the most rewarding and inspirational experiences you will ever have. Wouldn’t it be great to be a part of a team that is raising awareness and support for APH? Please contact Kristin Binkowski at kbinkowski@aph.org or 888-295-2405 for more information. Visit our website www.active.com/donate/aphfortheblind to make a tax-deductible gift or to sign up to be part of the Run to Independence team.

World Blind Union Recently Marked 25th Anniversary

December 20, 2009 marked the 25th anniversary of the World Blind Union (WBU)–the internationally recognized voice of blind and partially sighted persons at the global level.

In 1984, about 60 countries were members of the WBU; today there are national member organizations in more than 170 countries. Since it was founded, the WBU has made significant progress towards its objectives of representation, capacity building and resource sharing. Some of the highlights include leadership and organizational development training–particularly for organizations of the blind in developing countries–in all areas of its work. WBU has organized world forums on such topics as rehabilitation, braille literacy, human rights, blind women and blind children; advocacy in such areas as free postal service for materials for blind persons; the abolition of blinding laser weapons; and the development and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities.

In undertaking initiatives and fulfilling objectives, the WBU remains committed to optimizing opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with UN Departments and Agencies with which they are involved and other international partners. For further information, contact: Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer, World Blind Union, 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto Ontario Canada M4G 3E8. penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org

Website: http://www.worldblindunion.org

World Voice of the Blind

APH was pleased to be selected as host of the 2009 winter meeting of World Blind Union (WBU) officers. There were 34 people representing 17 countries, from the 6 regions around the globe who attended the sessions held December 3-5.

Tuck Tinsley, who is a member, stated that "The WBU is the internationally-recognized organization that speaks on behalf of blind and partially sighted persons at the international level, representing over 160 million blind and partially sighted persons in 170 member countries." It is the vision of WBU that "we live in a community where people who are blind or partially sighted can participate on an equal basis in all aspects of social, economic, political, and cultural life."

Officers from the World Blind Union gathered in front of the Hall of Fame Wall of Tribute. Seated Officers, from left to right: Arnt Holt, First Vice President, Norway; Frances Candiru, Second Vice President, Uganda; Mary Anne Diamond, President, Australia; Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer, Canada; Enrique Perez, Secretary General, Spain.

Help Needed with Schizophrenia and Vision Study

Researchers of the Vision Science Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are trying to locate persons who are visually impaired and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. If you know of one or more such individuals please contact: Mark Bolding, Graduate Student in Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 205/434-3423 or schizophrenia@me.com

APH Welcomes New Ex Officio Trustees

Bobby Simpson, the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the Louisiana Department of Education, replacing Janet W Ford.

Colleen Kirby, the South Dakota Department of Education, replacing Daniel Boyd.

APH Travel Calendar

January

January 14-15, 2010
NIP – SLK Training Event;
CA

January 14-15, 2010
Product Training at The Indiana School for the Blind "Eye Camp";
Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Indianapolis, IN

January 20, 2010
Product Training for Professional Development Event;
Columbus, OH

January 22, 2010
Caveland-River Region Special Ed Cooperatives TVI Group – Cortical Visual Impairment Training presented by Christine Roman;
Bowling Green, KY

January 27-30, 2010
ATIA 2010;
Orlando, FL

January 28, 2010
TSB Braille Challenge;
Nashville, TN

February

February 5, 2010
SWOMA Conference 2010;
Austin, TX

February 6, 2010
Maryland Braille Challenge;
Baltimore, MD

February 24-26, 2010
Celebrating Connections;
Charleston, WV

February 24-27, 2010
89th Annual EDA Convention (Eastern District Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance or AAHPERD);
Rye Brook, NY

March

March 2-6, 2010
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Conference;
Chicago, IL

March 4-6, 2010
Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness, 2010 Annual Research Conference, "Research into Practice";
Washington, DC

March 10, 2010
"Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness;
Norwood, MA

March 10-13, 2010
National Braille Association Spring Meeting;
Chicago, IL

March 16-20, 2010
AAHPERD 2010;
Indianapolis, IN

March 19, 2010
Syracuse Tech Conference;
Syracuse, NY

March 22-27, 2010
CSUN 2010;
San Diego, CA–Manchester Grand Hyatt

March 24-26, 2010
KAER 2010;
Barren River Lake Park Resort, KY

April

April 5-9, 2010
EPAC 2010;
at APH in Louisville, KY

April 21-24, 2010
CEC 2010;
Nashville, TN

April 23-25, 2010
CTEBVI (California Transcribers & Educators for the Blind & Visually Impaired)(was CTEVH);
LAX Marriott, Los Angeles, CA

April 29-May 1, 2010
AOTA 2010;
Orlando, FL

Winter Wonderland Sale

Load up a world of savings on selected APH products with APH’s Winter Wonderland Sale 2010, January 1 – March 31. As always, first come, first served. archive.aph.org/products/wonderland.html

NEW! Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing, Fifth Edition, Braille

5-59882-00 — $161.00

A regular print edition is also available:
Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing, Fifth Edition, Regular Print
7-59882-00 — $34.00

The Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing is designed for use by students in the correspondence course in English braille transcribing conducted by the Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), and for use by instructors of braille classes.

The course is intended to familiarize the student with the braille system, with braille contractions and their usage, and with the rules of braille transcribing. Rules are set forth by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) and published in English Braille American Edition (EBAE).

The course includes lessons covering the braille alphabet, braille contractions, and rules for writing braille. Lessons describe the elements of the braille system, give examples, and provide practice drills. At the end of each lesson is an exercise with sentences or short passages testing comprehension and reviewing concepts and rules from earlier lessons.

This manual is produced for NLS by the National Federation of the Blind.

Textured Pegs, Sound Matching Board I, and Sound Matching Board II Have Returned!

Three more APH products have risen from the ashes of our vendor fire! The following products are again available for order:

Textured Pegs

1-08930-00 — $31.00

Helps develop fine motor skills, manual dexterity, and grasp/release skills, reinforcing concepts of direction and position. Includes a 12-hole board and 12 large textured pegs. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 1 to 6

Sound Matching Board I

1-08710-00 — $60.00

Develops fine motor skills and auditory matching and discrimination, with the capability of introducing sequential order. Included are: 12 cylinders (four loud- and eight soft-sounding), and a circular, 12-hole board. Cylinders and board are of contrasting colors. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 3 years and up.

Sound Matching Board II

1-08720-00 — $53.00

Helps develop concepts of a series, directions, positions, matching, and discrimination. Includes eight shakers of four different sounds, and an 8-nest base. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 3 and up.

APH offers a number of recreational books in braille (Quota funds can be used). Each of these titles was originally transcribed and produced by APH for the National Library Service which has graciously granted permission for this offering. As usual, these titles have been added to the APH Louis Database where you can find thousands of titles produced in accessible formats.

Note: all books are produced upon receipt of orders, therefore, please allow several weeks for delivery.

Runaround
by Helen Hemphill: T-N1755-90 — $41.00
Although an avid reader of romance magazines, eleven-year-old Sassy is unsure how to attract a handsome neighborhood teen to be her first boyfriend. Then she discovers that her pretty older sister Lula has been flirting with him, too. Uncontracted braille. Fiction, Grades 6-9. *(AR Quiz #113308, BL 3.8, Pts. 4.0)

Who Was First? Discovering the Americas
by Russell Freedman: T-N1755-70 — $27.00
This book examines the evidence that indicates others may have traveled to the Americas before Columbus in 1492, including Viking ruins, Mayan stonework, and other mysterious objects found in New England that date before Columbus. Nonfiction, Grades 6-9. *(AR Quiz #118045, BL 8.6, Pts. 3.0)

Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change
by Elizabeth Kolbert: T-N1729-70 — $62.50
New Yorker staff writer addresses global warming in this examination of climate change. Kolbert recounts her visits to northern latitudes to document effects of greenhouse gases on land and people. Discusses the interplay of science and politics and details actions taken by organizations and individuals to avert a crisis. Nonfiction.

Murder on K Street: A Capital Crimes Novel
by Margaret Truman: T-N1755-80 — $104.50
U.S. senator Lyle Simmons discovers his wife Jeannette murdered in their Washington, D.C., mansion. Retired assistant U.S. attorney Phil Rotondi, who once dated Jeannette and who has been Lyle’s friend since college, helps him. As police investigate the politician’s dealings, additional deaths occur. Some violence and strong language. Fiction, Adult.

Everlasting
by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss: T-N1756-20 — $106.00
England, 1135. Lady Abrielle marries the lecherous Desmond de Marlé to save her family from poverty and disgrace after King Henry denies her stepfather a title and lands. But Abrielle is in love with Scottish Raven Seabern and hopes for a miracle. Fiction, Adult.

*Accelerated Reader quiz number, book level, and point value. For more information on the Accelerated Reader program, see the January 2006 APH News or www.renlearn.com/ar/