Guess what? It's back to School!

The second week in September usually finds most (if not all) children between the ages of 5 and 18 back in school. Shopping for school supplies is completed for most people.
BUT ... some of you still have shopping to do! You probably have one or two things left on your shopping list ... those hard-to-find items that are absolutely must-haves!

As I sent two of my three daughters off to school, the list of supplies they needed seemed very specific and yet endless. Pencils, rulers, notebooks, glue, and tape was needed for the first day ... no matter what!
Low and behold there was an item or two that my wife and I just could not locate, or that the stores did not have available.

Well, check out the items that I found below for you. They are all available from Independent Living Aids

·  Bold Line Writing Paper - 8.5" X 11" - 9/16" Item number 671999 This item is wonderful for those children and young adults who might have low vision but still want to provide the same work as others in their classes.

·  Braille Tactile Map of USA with List of State Capitals, ILA Item 309201 -- This puzzle not only provides hours of fun and learning, it enables the individual who is blind to become a "Geographical genius!"

·  Flat Fish Alphabet Set, ila item 126530
This item is great for those children who are not just yet ready for school, but are eager to learn.

·  PenAgain (TM Ergonomic Pen, ila item 811202 This pen can be utilized by anyone, and will put the comfort of writing in to your hands.

·  Moshi IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Talking Clock Radio, ila item 247523 The Moshi IVR Talking Clock radio gets you in the happiest of moods, and makes any day at school a great day!

White Canes: The History and How to Measure for Peak Performance

In the current age of electronics, the most sophisticated products will never take the place of the White Cane.  Originally developed and used in the early 1920's, the white cane has come to symbolize freedom, independence, and mobility for those who are totally blind.  Adopted in 1931 by Lions Club International as a tool for individuals without sight, today the White Cane serves proudly as an instrument for navigation throughout the world.

 

A discussion on how to best measure a cane for mobility is usually the spark for an excellent debate.  Here are a few ways to measure canes:

 

·        Measurement from the Ribs

When I was first introduced to the cane as a youngster, I was taught by a mobility and orientation instructor how to use the cane and measure it for my use.  For children, who are destined for an undetermined amount of growth, the cane is best measured from the bottom of the ribs to the ground.  This measurement is also accounts for how long or short the stride might be.

 

Note: A fast walker might be inclined to use a cane that is longer than usual so as to not stumble while walking.

                                

·        Measurement from the Tip of the Nose

The other way of measuring a cane is used by those who opt to use the NFB straight cane.  This method for measuring cane length is to measure it from the tip of the nose down to the ground.  Most who use this method travel with a very long cane so the length of their stride may or may not impact the use of the cane.

 

·        First Steps

Measuring your cane is vital to the success of using it correctly.  You should always first consult with your state agency. They will provide you with an evaluation by a trained mobility and orientation instructor to identify your specific needs and patterns for travel.  If you have not traveled with a cane before, venturing out on your own might not always be the safest way.

 

·        The History of the White Cane

The white cane is not just a tool that is used to achieve independence; it is also a symbol of citizens who are blind in our society. To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, we observe October 15th of each year as “White Cane Safety Day." Today, the white cane works both as a tool for the blind and as a symbol. This has not always been the case.

 

Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick existed as traveling aids for the blind and visually impaired. In biblical times, records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path. For centuries, the cane was used merely as a tool for travel. It was not until the twentieth century that the cane, as we know it today, was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind.

 

This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two world wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists. It was not until ten years later that the white cane established its presence in society. In February, 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931 the BBC suggested in its radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick which would become universally recognized as a symbol indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired.

 

In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lion's Clubs International. In 1930, a Lion's Club member watched as a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. With the realization that the black cane was barely visible to motorists, the Lion's Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists. In 1931, the Lion's Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who are blind Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, blind persons had walked with their canes held diagonally in a fixed position, and the role of the white cane took on a symbolic role as an identifier.

 

But when blind veterans of World War II returned to America, the form and the use of the white cane was further altered in an attempt to return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home. Doctor Richard Hoover developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. These white canes are designed to be used as mobility devices and returned the cane to its original role as a tool for mobility, but maintained the symbolic role as an identifier of blind independence. During this period, the white cane began to make its way into government policy as a symbol for the blind.

 

National Recognition for the White Cane

On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of The United States of America to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." The resolution read, "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that the President is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon the people of the United States of America to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Within hours of passage of the congressional resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first President to proclaim October 15 as White Cane Safety Day.

 

On October 15, 2000, President Bill Clinton again reminded us of the history of the white cane as a tool and its purpose as a symbol of blindness: "With proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way. As we observe White Cane Safety Day, 2011 and beyond, let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a staff of independence. Let us also recall the events that have permitted us to celebrate October 15 as White Cane Safety Day.

 

So keep in mind that when you see people traveling with a white cane, individuals from all over the World will celebrate White Cane Safety Day on October 15.

 

Top 10 holiday gifts from ila

Greetings to all-

The 2010-2011 ila Product catalog, Volume 1, Plain Text was recently released and hopefully by now, you have received your print copy. The excerpt shown below, from the catalog is being provided here on the blog for you to see the top ten gifts you can give someone you know and love this holiday season.
Pleasant reading and Happy Holidays from the ILA Techie.

The ila TOP 10 Products That Enable Your Active, Independent Life
Top 10 lists are an American tradition. They define the best-of-the-best. It’s in this spirit that we at ila want to share our own Top 10 products that enable your active, independent life. ila customers around the world helped determine our Top 10 products through their purchases and enthusiastic product reviews. We invite you to read and learn about these 10 very special products that enable your active, independent life …and enjoy the best-of-the-best.

#10 TALKING BIG BUTTON PHONE

There is something about a cordless telephone with extra-big buttons and amplified sound that gives you confidence. Take the receiver to any comfy-cozy place in your home or dial your best friend without squinting or asking for assistance. Best of all, you can converse easier than ever because incoming sound is amplified by 40dB, and each keypad button audibly repeats the letter and number when pushed. The telephone ringer is a real kick – 90dB of amplification that ensures you know the moment a friend calls.
ILA Item: 812307

#9 CAN-DO SUNLIGHT LAMPS

Let there be light! The best light is natural sunlight. Colors are more vivid and objects are clearly defined. Lamps that best reproduce this light give you superior lighting for reading and craft work. Our CAN-DO Sunlight lamps are stylishly contemporary and deliver light that is closest to natural sunlight. Reading material and hobby crafts are illuminated with brilliant clarity. Choose the model that best suits your needs.
ILA Item: 353827

#8 POCKETALKER ULTRL

Do you ever wish you could amplify just the sounds closest to you and reduce the background noise? Now you can! Improve your hearing and improve your life with the Pocketalker® Ultra. It features a lightweight, ergonomic design for portability and ease of use. A finger-tip volume control enables you to quickly adjust to your listening environment, whether your hearing loss is low frequency or high frequency sound, and the accessories jack accommodates a variety of earphone and headphone options. The Pocketalker® Ultra highlights the sounds closest to you. That’s a good thing.
ILA Item: 617736

#7 LINEAR BLUE SLC

Just because you wear a hearing aid doesn’t mean your conversational forecast can’t be sunny and clear with a good chance of laughter. Designed as an assistive listening device, the LINEAR Blue SLC delivers superior clarity during conversations using Bluetooth® wireless technology. The LINEAR Blue SLC enables you to take phone calls from your mobile phone just by pressing a big, easy-to-see button. No more fumbling with your cell phone and pushing miniscule buttons that you hit three at a time! Enjoy clear conversations and superior audio performance while watching TV, using the computer, and listening to the radio. The device supports 3-way calling so family members and friends can converse your independence with the LINEAR Blue SLC.
ILA Item: 617400

#6 SeeTV 2X GLASSES

Today, people with vision impairment have a lot of options to enable their active, independent lives. Among the best is the SeeTV 2X aspheric-lens binocular glasses. While full-size TV and computer magnifiers are perfect for many situations, other occasions require magnification that you can take on the road. If you prefer to wear your magnification aid – or to carry it with you – the answer is SeeTV glasses. Designed especially to watch TV, movies, the theater, and sporting events, SeeTV glasses are easy-to-fit, hands-free, binocular, and telescopic. They’re perfect for viewing any object from 10 feet to infinity. If you want to see what inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write of purple mountain majesties in America the Beautiful, these glasses, are the perfect choice!
ILA Item: 810236

#5 MOSHI IVR TALKING ALARM CLOCK

ila is the exclusive authorized distributor of Moshi products to the blind and visually impaired community. We’re really excited about this relationship because Moshi is THE name in talking alarm clocks. And this little beauty is a perfect vision of form and function. The Moshi voice controlled talking alarm clock is totally voice controlled. Options are big with Moshi. This talking clock comes packed with features both visual and audible. Watch the color temperature display. It may be RED HOT just as Moshi is the hottest interactive voice response product on the market today! And talk about easy to see! There’s no missing the time with these big, bold, and beautiful numbers.
ILA Item: 247519

#4 PENFRIEND

Everyone needs a friend! The PenFriend was introduced in 2009 and was an overnight success. One year later, it’s still one of our best sellers. The PenFriend is a voice labeling system that enables users to easily record and re-record information onto self adhesive labels. Simply attach one of the coded, self-adhesive labels to anything you want to label, and record and store your message on the PenFriend. To play back, touch the tip of the PenFriend to the label and it will play your recording. No computer required! The small pen-shaped recorder delivers clear sound reproduction. The PenFriend can also be used as a portable notetaker. The PenFriend is one terrific product for students as well as home use.
ILA Item: 756610

#3 GIANT BUTTON SPEAKERPHONE

Sometimes – when the stars align just right – a great product is delivered at a very attractive price. That’s the case with our giant-button speaker phone with flashing ringer. This phone doesn’t sing or dance and it doesn’t do magic tricks. But it does do all the basics... and at a price that begs the question: How did they do it? The first thing we noticed was the huge buttons. At 1x1.25 inches with big, bold numbers, you can’t miss them. Literally! You don’t have to worry about hitting the wrong number and misdialing. Then we considered the extras: 10, two-touch speed dials; 3, one-touch speed dials; hold button; last number re-dial; volume control; two-way speaker phone; and a flashing ringer. Whew! If this corded phone came with wings, we’d understand … because it’s flying out of our warehouse. To paraphrase a famous quote, yours is not to question why, yours is just to buy, save, and enjoy!
ILA Item: 186254

#2 1-BUTTON TALKING WATCH WITH CHOICE OF VOICE

Have you noticed how the most expensive, elegant watches are getting away from notches, dots, and other markings where the numbers should be? They’re going back to easy-to-read numbers. Maybe this is one upside to the Boomer generation maturing! And, ila products are as innovative as ever! They are easy to read with bold numbers on white or silver faces and beautiful leather or expansion bands. And they offer a choice of a male or female voice. These men’s and women’s watches can be set with just one button. These watches are gorgeous!
ILA Item: 314200N

#1 MILESTONE 312

ila celebrates a milestone for the Milestone This is it! For 2011, Milestone 312 sits atop the ila product pyramid. Why lug around 10 different products to entertain, organize, and simplify your life when one product – the size of a credit card – does it all? This is the brilliant execution that is Milestone 312. Milestone 312 was born in a land better known for snowcapped peaks and extraordinary timepieces than products for the blind and visually impaired. But leave it to the Swiss to confirm their reputation for putting big features in small packages. Milestone 312 is a superior, all-round audio device that represents a new generation of aids for the visually impaired. With all software extras and add-ons, Milestone 312 incorporates the functionality of 11 different products: Voice Recorder, Music Player, Text-to-Speech Player, NLS Audio Book Player, Radio, Clock, Alarm, Calendar, Organizer, Barcode Reader and Optical Color Reader. In addition to playing NLS books, Milestone 312 plays other formats such as Audible. No matter what you play, Milestone 312 increases or decreases playback and reading speed to conform to your personal preference. Milestone 312 integrates this enormous functionality in a light-weight housing the size of a credit card. You can take the unit and its many possibilities with you wherever you go and make Milestone 312 your daily companion. Software extras available for Milestone 312 include Agenda and Woodscan Barcode Reader. Agenda incorporates advanced technology to deliver a robust calendar that organizes your daily life. Build an extensive calendar that reminds you of appointments, birthdays, and other special events. The Woodscan Barcode Reader reads barcodes from a database of over 1.2 million barcodes. Another terrific add-on is FAME, an optical color reader with precise color resolution. FAME identifies more than 420 colors and is the ideal aid to sort clothes. Milestone 312 contains powerful hardware with room for add-ons. The unit integrates the newest USB 2.0 high-speed connection, guaranteeing rapid access to a computer. The 1GB internal memory is expandable up to 32GB with an optional SD memory card. Let Milestone 312 help you experience a new level of active, independent living. As ila’s Top Product for 2011, Milestone 312 truly enables you to Live Life Magnified!
ILA Item: 757826

Click here to go to the ila Top Ten Products page!
Click here to visit Independent Living Aids on the web!

 

Independent Living Aids presents Moshi Interactive Voice Recognition Clock Radio

Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2010; at 6:00 p.m. PST / 9:00 p.m. EST

 

Stephen Guerra, independent living aids’ assistive technology and technical operations specialist (“the ila techie with the toys to ‘tech’ your world”), is pleased to host the second in a series of webinars on some of ila’s most important new products. These products tend to be more operationally complex and require more technical expertise to set up and use. Stephen is an outstanding teacher who just happens to be blind. He will have you understanding and running the featured ila product in no time. During this particular webinar, Stephen will review ila’s incredible Moshi Voice-Controlled Digital Clock Radio.

 

About the Moshi Voice-Controlled Digital Clock Radio

 

Yes, it’s here! It’s arrived! We’ve got it! To say we were inundated with calls and e-mail is an understatement. It’s been a veritable deluge! Moshi’s new digital clock radio is a voice-controlled wunderkind. You can set all the digital clock radio functions with simple spoken commands. Set your wake-up time in a matter of seconds! Dual alarms, 6 station presets, and snooze. Say “Hello!” to the new Moshi. It may just answer you back!

 

Moshi Clock Radio product page; http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=247523

 

Directions to Participate:

 

If you are a first-time user of Accessible Event, there is a small, safe software program that you will need to download and then run. Visiting http://www.accessibleevent.com will allow you to install the component needed to participate in this webinar.  All online interactive programs are free of charge and open to anyone worldwide who has an Internet connection, computer, sound card, and speakers. Those with a microphone can ask questions and interact with Stephen.

 

When you have downloaded the software:

 

Go to http://www.accessibleevent.com

Enter your name and the event code:

033227072

If your requiring Captioning, use Event code:

115250067

 

Once you enter the event you will be able to interact with others, providing you have internal or external speakers/headphones and a microphone.

 

Please note that this presentation is open to just the first 100 attendees who log on.

 

Call ila today and let us show you how to

“Live Life MAGNIFIED, AMPLIFIED, and SIMPLIFIED!”

 

Phone: (800) 537-2118

Email: techsupport@independentliving.com

http://www.independentliving.com

“Mark your Calendars!”

 

Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2010; at 6:00 p.m. PST / 9:00 p.m. EST

 

Stephen Guerra, independent living aids’ assistive technology and technical operations specialist (“the ila techie with the toys to ‘tech’ your world”), is pleased to host the second in a series of webinars on some of ila’s most important new products. These products tend to be more operationally complex and require more technical expertise to set up and use. Stephen is an outstanding teacher who just happens to be blind. He will have you understanding and running the featured ila product in no time. During this particular webinar, Stephen will review ila’s incredible Moshi Voice-Controlled Digital Clock Radio.

 

About the Moshi Voice-Controlled Digital Clock Radio

 

Yes, it’s here! It’s arrived! We’ve got it! To say we were inundated with calls and e-mail is an understatement. It’s been a veritable deluge! Moshi’s new digital clock radio is a voice-controlled wunderkind. You can set all the digital clock radio functions with simple spoken commands. Set your wake-up time in a matter of seconds! Dual alarms, 6 station presets, and snooze. Say “Hello!” to the new Moshi. It may just answer you back!

 

Directions to Participate:

 

If you are a first-time user of Accessible Event, there is a small, safe software program that you will need to download and then run. Visiting http://www.accessibleevent.com will allow you to install the component needed to participate in this webinar.  All online interactive programs are free of charge and open to anyone worldwide who has an Internet connection, computer, sound card, and speakers. Those with a microphone can ask questions and interact with Stephen.

 

When you have downloaded the software:

 

Go to http://www.accessibleevent.com

Enter your name and the event code:

033227072

If your requiring Captioning, use Event code:

115250067

 

Once you enter the event you will be able to interact with others, providing you have internal or external speakers/headphones and a microphone.

 

Please note that this presentation is open to just the first 100 attendees who log on.

 

Call ila today and let us show you how to

“Live Life MAGNIFIED, AMPLIFIED, and SIMPLIFIED!”

 

Phone: (800) 537-2118

Email: techsupport@independentliving.com

http://www.independentliving.com

Milestone 312 Webinar; An Awesome Holiday gift

Mark Your Calendar!

Date/Time: Friday, November 12 at 10:30 a.m. PST / 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: Online Webinar

 

Stephen Guerra is pleased to host the first in a series of monthly ila webinars on some of ila’s most important new products. These products will tend to be more operationally complex and require more technical expertise to set up and use.
Stephen is an outstanding teacher and will have you understanding and running the featured ila product in no time.

During this particular webinar, Stephen will review ila’s incredible Milestone 312.

 

How to participate

1. Point your web browser to:
Accessible Event.com

Enter the Event Code: 135207154
and then enter your name.
2. Once you enter the event you will be able to interact with others, providing you have a sound card, speakers, and a microphone.

Please note that this presentation is open to just the first 100 attendees who log on.

 

About Milestone 312:

For 2011, Milestone 312, sits atop the ila product pyramid. Why lug around 10 different products to entertain, organize, and simplify your life when one product – the size of a credit card – does it all? This is the brilliant execution that is Milestone 312.

Milestone 312 is a superior, all-round audio device that represents a new generation of low-vision aids.
With all software extras and add-ons, Milestone 312 incorporates the functionality of 11 different products: Voice Recorder, Music Player, Text-to-Speech Player, NLS Audio Book Player, Radio, Clock, Alarm, Calendar, Organizer, RFID Tagging System, and color identifier.

In addition to playing NLS books, Milestone 312 plays other formats such as Audible.
Milestone 312 integrates this enormous functionality in a light-weight housing the size of a credit card.
You can take the unit and its many possibilities with you wherever you go and make Milestone 312 your daily companion.  Milestone 312 is truly an extraordinary product.

           

Using the Accessible Event Client

If you have not used the "Accessible Event" client before, you will be required to install a safe Internet plug-in so that you can participate fully.
Please complete this task prior to the event beginning on Friday. This will enable you to enjoy the entire event without any webinar frustration.

 

Questions about participating

Contact Independent Living Aids Technical Support at:
Independent Living Aids Technical Support

ATIA Conference being held in Orlando, Florida

As many people pack and get ready to travel to the ATIA, (Assistive Technology Industry Association) conference being held in Orlando Florida later this week, Independent Living Aids/Soundbytes, along with the other 133 vendors are getting ready to promote their own products.

 

Serotek Corporation,

 

http://www.serotek.com

 

Makers of System Access Screen magnification/reader solution, SAMNet (System Access Mobile Network) and

 

http://www.satogo.com

 

free screen magnification/reader tool and now

 

http://radio.samobile.net

 

SAMNet Radio will be bringing you live coverage and interviews from the Serotek Sponsored Internet Pavilion at ATIA, starting Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

 

Its hoped that many of the 134 vendors will be making their way over to the Serotek booth and will be interviewed by the staff of Serotek which you can listen in live for the first time since the ATIA show first started, 10 years ago.

 

Independent Living Aids,

 

http://www.independentliving.com

 

is a distributor of the System Access products, for more information about System Access, visit:

 

http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=870302

 

and System Access Mobile Network, visit:

 

http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=870300

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen A. Guerra
Assistive Technology Specialist and Technical Operations

 

Independent Living Aids LLC

 

200 Robbins Lane
Building A, Suite 100
Jericho, NY 11753
Phone: (800) 537-2118-x3817
Direct Fax: (516) 450-3842

 

Read the All Things ILA Tech Blog

 

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Visit Independent Living Aids on the Web

 

Visit Soundbytes on the Web