AccessWorld News

National Library Service Audio-magazines Now Available in Digital Format

"Our audio magazines are now available on digital cartridge," announced Karen Keninger, director of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. "Cartridges mark a new reading experience for our subscribers: They'll have access to more magazines, higher quality sound, and more fine-grained navigation tools. We're also asking them to participate in the new recycling program."

First-Ever Braille Summit to Solicit Ideas on Promoting and Supporting Braille Literacy

More than 50 braille readers, braille literacy professionals, librarians, and others with a stake in the future of braille will gather at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts, June 19–21, 2013, for a Braille Summit.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has organized the event, the first of its kind, in concert with Perkins to solicit ideas on ways libraries can promote and support braille literacy.

Fun for You and $5 for AFB VisionAware!

Enjoy today's bestsellers in easier-to-read large print by subscribing to Reader's Digest Select Editions Large Type and Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation will donate $5 to AFB in support of VisionAware, a free, easy-to-use informational website for adults with vision loss, their families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and social service professionals.

Register Now for the AFB Leadership Conference

Registration is now open for the 2013 AFB Leadership Conference and Illinois AER Annual Meeting. Visit the conference website to register, read the meeting agenda, and reserve your hotel room at the special group rate. Join experts and colleagues for intensive pre-conference sessions on April 18 and full-conference sessions on April 19 and 20.

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Mark Your Calendars for the 2014 AFB Leadership Conference in New York City

The 2014 American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference (AFBLC) is scheduled for February 27–March 1 at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott. Conference attendees can take advantage of a low group rate at the centrally-located hotel and join colleagues new and old for three days of informative and thought-provoking sessions led by leaders in the field.

New Federal Program Set to Distribute Communications Technology to People with Vision and Hearing Loss

Perkins School for the Blind, Helen Keller National Center, and FableVision Will Lead the iCanConnect Campaign

Many thousands of Americans who have combined loss of hearing and vision may soon connect with family, friends, and community thanks to the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program.

Braille Bug News

In classrooms across the country, school children are learning how to read and write braille with the help of a ladybug. AFB's Braille Bug website and teaching materials help to raise awareness of braille literacy by introducing sighted children in grades three through six to basic braille concepts. The site also provides teachers with the tools they need to bring braille into the mainstream classroom.

Dear certified teacher of students with visual impairments:

It is our pleasure to invite you to join our research called "Assistive Technology Competencies Possessed by Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) in the United States." (If you are a TVI from Texas please do not take part in this survey; Texans completed it last year.)

Landmark Technology Access Bill Heads to President Obama's Desk

On September 28, the House passed the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which is now headed to President Obama to be signed into law. This landmark bill will expand access to modern communications technologies, including smart phones, television programming, and more. AFB's public policy team contributed to the passage of this legislation and has participated in several media interviews. Thank you to Mark Richert and Paul Schroeder for all of their hard work on this.