Lite Brite for the Classroom

ByMichael McCarty-May 29, 2009Lite Brite is one of those classic enduring childhood games that will never go out of style. Not much has changed with the Lite Brite over the years becauseit’s just so simple and perfect, it doesn’t need updating. Arrange the pegs, make a design and light it up. What’s better than a single Lite Brite board? Try a four sided Lite Brite Cube!!! More sides, more fun. Now up to four of your students with low vision can play with the Lite Brite at the same time. It has two integrated storage drawers, 10 refill sheets (8 design picture sheets and 2 free form sheets), light bulb, and over 400 pegs! Ages 4 and up.

Click this link to purchase the Lite Brite Cube from ThinkGeek.Post a Comment Read More »

Accessible Air Travel Guide for People with Disabilities

ByMichael McCarty-May 29, 2009The United Spinal Association has released an updated version of Accessible Air Travel: A Guide for People With Disabilities. The revised edition includes expanded regulations for the Air Carrier Access Act. This is the law that mandates air travel accessibility for people withdisabilities. The revised edition includes the new regulations that take affect on May 13, 2009.This helpful booklet informs individuals with disabilities of their rights as passengers on commercial airlines and how to adequately prepare to ensuretheir air travel experience is enjoyable. It also provides valuable insight on a multitude of air carrier procedures, such as information about requirementsfor foreign airlines, what to expect in terms of equipment liability, how to file a complaint, and airport screening requirements.

Click this link to visit the United Spinal Association’s website to download Accessible Air Travel: A Guide for People With Disabilities and other helpful publications.Post a Comment Read More »

Flexible Rulers (Braille/Large Type)

ByMichael McCarty-May 28, 2009These flexible rulers allow tactual and visual measurement of flat or curved surfaces. Recommended ages: 5 years and older. Two are offered:

18-Inch (package of five):
Catalog Number: 1-03050-00

30-Centimeter (package of five):
Catalog Number: 1-03031-00
Click this link to purchase Flexible Rulers from APH.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll Free: 800-223-1839
Phone: 502-895-2405
Fax: 502-899-2274
E-mail: info@aph.org
Web site: http://www.aph.org
APH Shopping Home: http://shop.aph.org Post a Comment Read More »

Quick Pick Counting

ByMichael McCarty-May 28, 2009Game designed to help young children learn to count to 12 with raised-line symbols and braille numbers. Can also be used with developmentally delayed students. Game includes fifty one-sided game cards in a plastic packet and is played as described below. The student counts the tactile symbols and then reads the correct braille number. The raised-line symbols are embossed only, the number answers are large print/braille. Cards can be subdivided into smaller groups with the raised-line symbols arranged to better match the student’s skill level. Recommended ages: 4 years and up.

Quick Pick Counting:
Catalog Number: 1-03574-00
Click this link to purchase Quick Pick Counting.

Quick Pick Math

ByMichael McCarty-May 28, 2009Math game consisting of a plastic packet containing fifty large print/braille cards. The front and back of each card contains a math question and four possible answers. To play, the student inserts the included tool in one of four holes in the front of the plastic packet. If the answer is correct, the card will slide out. If the answer is incorrect, the card will not pull out, and the student should try again. Recommended ages: 5 years and up.

Addition:
Catalog Number: 1-03570-00

Subtraction:
Catalog Number: 1-03571-00

Multiplication:
Catalog Number: 1-03572-00

Division:
Catalog Number: 1-03573-00
Click this link to purchase Quick Pick Math.

Hundreds Boards and Manipulatives

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009These two boards and included manipulative items can be used to help teach basic math concepts. Includes two desk-sized boards made of heavy-duty plastic.
— The Grid Board has a raised-line, 10 x 10 grid outlined in black. Grid is blank and manipulatives can be attached to it.
— The Number Board also has a raised-line 10 x 10 grid outlined in black. This grid is preprinted with the numbers 1 through 100 in large print and in Nemeth Braille. This board acts as a reference to check work placed on the Grid Board and can be used for concept demonstration.
— Included are hundreds of manipulative pieces made of tough plastic and backed with loop material for attaching to the Grid Board. There are two kinds of manipulatives, numbers (1 through 100) and four colored shapes.
Uses include patterning, counting, ordering numbers, comparing numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, graphing data, or using cardinal directions. Recommended ages: 5 to 10 years. Note: Some assembly r…Post a Comment Read More »

Math Drill Cards in Braille and Large Type

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009Handy math skill reinforcing cards. Sold as five separate sets. The cards in the Number and Math Sign set have a math sign or number sign in braille on one side and in large type and braille on the other side. Large type/braille math operations cards have a math fact on one side and the fact with the answer on the other side. Braille on cards is Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics. Cards measure 3 1/2 x 2 inches. On low-glare paper with black printing and an orientation corner cut. Recommended ages: 5 to 10 years. Note: Some assembly required. Storage box not included.

Number & Math Sign Cards:
Catalog Number: 1-03551-00

Addition Cards:
Catalog Number: 1-03552-00

Subtraction Cards:
Catalog Number: 1-03553-00

Multiplication Cards:
Catalog Number: 1-03554-00

Division Cards:
Catalog Number: 1-03555-00
Click this link to order Math Drill Cards in Braille and Large Print.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, K…Post a Comment Read More »

Brannan Cubarithm Slate and Cubes

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009Young students may find it easier to use this device rather than a brailler to align problems such as multiplication. A rubber frame with a 16 x 16 grid pattern of nests will hold small plastic cubes numbered 0 through 9 in braille (no print). Each cube represents one digit. Frame and cubes are sold separately. Recommended ages: 6 years and older.

Cubarithm Slate:

Catalog Number: 1-00320-00

Plastic Cubes (Set of 100):
Catalog Number: 1-00330-00
Click this link to purchase the Brannan Cubarithm Slate.

Geometric Forms

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009Introduces students to the circle, square, and triangle. Kit includes three plane figures, four solid figures, and a white plastic sheet illustrating the three shapes in black, raised lines. Recommended ages: 5 years and older.

Geometric Forms:
Catalog Number: 1-03410-00
Click this link to purchase the Geometric Forms from APH.

Click here to purchase these items through our Quick Order Entry page: http://shop.aph.org/quickentry.asp

If you need assistance, click this link to read the Fred’s Head Companion post “Purchasing Products From The APH Website Is Easy”.

Measuring tools For The Blind: Using A Protractor

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009Message: I would like to know where I can purchase a click-o-matic ruler? location: illinois There is a group in Colorado called “Community Advocates” that sells various forms of click rules. They are in either English or Metric and have extenders for added length. The phone number for the group is 303-666-8206. There is a good chance you will reach an answering machine and it may leave you with the impression that you have a wrong number but they have been around for quite a while.

Message: Are you aware of any angle measuring tools (ex. angle rulers) for the visually impaired? (particularly for low vision 5th grade students) Thanks. When I received your email, I immediately contacted our fantastic Customer Service Department and found a product that should be of assistance to your student. Braille / Print ProtractorBold large print numbers and raised dots mark the degrees along the half circle of this 180 degree protractor. An unusual feature is the “wand”…Post a Comment Read More »

Geometry Tactile Graphics Kit

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009Set of thermoformed raised line drawings depicting geometry concepts, figures, and relationships. Graphics are larger and easier for students to measure than those in braille textbooks. Kit includes 26 white plastic thermoform sheets measuring 8 1/2 x 11 inches. 52 drawings total. Includes two specially adapted protractors, a teacher’s guide in print and braille, and a storage binder. Recommended ages: 12 years and older.

Geometry Tactile Graphics Kit:
Catalog Number: 1-08841-00
Click this link to purchase the Geometry Tactile Graphics Kit.

CBBC Accessible Newsreader

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009CBBC has launched its Accessible Newsreader service, an alternative interface to the Newsround website. It’s been created to help fill the gap in good quality content available on the web for older disabled children or teenagers who use computers operated by switches. The CBBC team behind the Newsreader worked closely with industry experts and special needs schools to produce a greatly simplified interface, which is capable of being controlled by a single switch.Computer access for these children is achieved through Switch technology – a small piece of hardware that accepts input from one or more custom devices,such as a large button, motion sensor or even a tube to blow into, and then maps this input to a key on the keyboard.The Accessible Newsreader caters to other needs too, with features such as full speech synthesis for the menus and stories, and fully configurable fonts and colour schemes. There have already been some interesting findings during CBBC’s testing, in…Post a Comment Read More »

Sudoku for the Blind

ByMichael McCarty-May 27, 2009I received the following “Ask Fred” question:

Message: Dear Fred,Have you any ideas about adapting Sudoku for blind puzzle people?
location: CaliforniaYes, there are some accessible versions both for computer users and for those who like the more traditional game play. First, for those who don’t know, let me say a little about the game.Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle. The goal is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each cel of a 9×9 grid starting with various digits in various cells. Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience and logical ability. Sudoku attained a huge international popularity in 2005 and has already been called the “Rubik’s cube of the 21st century”. This may seem a bit late when you know that the foundation for the Sudoku was already established by an 18th century blind mathematician called Leonhard Euler, who lost his eyesight in ea…Post a Comment Read More »

Aids To Use In Telling Time: Clocks, Watches And Timers

ByMichael McCarty-May 26, 2009There are several methods that blind and low vision people may use for telling time. A common method is the use of talking clocks, watches or timers. These products may be purchased in stores that sell products for the blind, or stores that sell novelty electronic gadgetts like Radio Shack. Talking clocks come in a variety of sizes, shapes and with different voices and alarm sounds. Some are as little as a pack of gum and can be used as key chains. Some are larger and have additional features such as radio, thermometer, CD player, or calendar. Many of these talking products are available in English as well as in other languages like Spanish and French. For people who prefer to read the time, or for those who don’t want to be caught listening to their watch during a boring meeting or a church service, a great option are the braille watches and tactile clocks.An alternative to a loud alarm clock or time announcement is the vibrating sort of watches, clocks and ti…Post a Comment Read More »

White Cane Repair Service for the Blind

ByMichael McCarty-May 26, 2009Who hasn’t had a cane that lost it’s grip? You know, the band inside your folding cane decides to break, right in the middle of a walk or while you’re heading to work? What do you do with it now?I received the following information in an email and wanted to share it with all of you. Now, we finally have some place to send that broken cane!”We can fix your broken cane! We replace grips, reflective tape, elastic cords, tips, tubes, and more!””Our mission is to repair the widest variety of white canes at the lowest costs on behalf of low-income persons. Just call and we will make arrangements to have your cane refurbished. Our team will work hard to have your cane sent back to you as quickly as possible.””We also recycle used canes and donate them to people in need. Personal Checks and money orders are accepted. Please don’t send cash.””When you’re ready, please send your cane to the address below. Remember, it can be sent F…1 comment Read More »

CDs and DVDs

ByMichael McCarty-May 26, 2009Have you sat down and tried to count the number of CDs you have at home? I have tons of disks around. Music CDs are in my CD spinners, the kids have their Playstation CDs, I have a large collection of MP3 CDs, and of course all the software I save for the computer. You may use CDs and DVDs to backup your computer information. Just how long will they last?You may think that once you store music, documents, or photos on a CD or DVD that it will last virtually forever. That is not the case, however, as CDs and DVDs have a definite shelf life. How long CDs and DVDs will last in storage or in normal use, however, is a matter of much debate, and you cannot always trust manufacturer claims.One organization that has studied this issue is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Government Information Preservation Working Group, released on December 9, 2004 a Stability Study of Optical disks that may help shed light on this issue. Please note that this document is…Post a Comment Read More »

Expanded Dolch Word Cards

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009These flashcards, consisting of 220 sight vocabulary words and 95 words with pictures, can be used for reading practice or an informal assessment of a student’s ability to read words in contracted braille and to spell words in uncontracted braille. Cards measure 3 1/2 x 2 inches, with an orientation corner cut. Words are shown in contracted braille on one side and uncontracted braille on the other, with large print on both sides. Picture word cards contain a picture corresponding to the word. 30 blank cards allow for adding words. Indexing tabs and storage box included. Recommended ages: 5+Expanded Dolch Word Cards:

Catalog Number: 1-03560-00
Click this link to purchase the Expanded Dolch Word Cards.

Play FLV Movies with Applian

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Looking for an easy way to play FLV (Flash Video) files downloaded from YouTube and other video sites? Get the free Applian FLV Player. It’s easy to use, and you can view videos at 1x, 2x or even full screen, perfect for people with low vision. Features include:Play FLV files on any Windows PC.
Double-click files in File Explorer to play them automatically.
Zoom 50% – 100% – 200% and full screen.
Double click video view-port to toggle full screen.
Drag-and-drop multiple files.
Play URL’s, Streams and Local Files.
Remember position on screen at next launch.
Remember audio settings at next launch
Optional video smoothing for fast CPU’s. NOTE: May not be compatible with screen readers and some screen magnification programs.

Click this link to download the the Applian FLV Player.Post a Comment Read More »

Vodcast and Podcast Interviews for Healthy Eyes

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Nearly 14 million Americans experience vision problems, ranging from the need for glasses to blindness. The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, supports vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments for these conditions.Many vision problems can go undetected without regular, comprehensive dilated eye exams. In vodcast and podcast interviews for the Healthy Eyes Web page, NEI’s Dr. Janine Austin Clayton explains that nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia are common vision problems that are easily corrected once diagnosed. Visitors can also use the Web page to send free e-cards to encourage family and friends to get their vision checked.

Click this link to visit the Healthy Eyes Vodcast and Podcast page of the National Eye Institute’s website: http://www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes.The National Eye Institute (NEI), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is the federal government’s lead agency for v…Post a Comment Read More »

Interactive Timeline Details the Research Path Toward Gene Therapy Treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Nearly 14 million Americans experience vision problems, ranging from the need for glasses to blindness. The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, supports vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments for these conditions.This interactive timeline details the research path toward gene therapy treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), a blinding genetic condition that affects the eye’s retinal tissue. In a recent NEI-supported study, three young adults with LCA experienced improvements in day and night vision after undergoing gene therapy. The timeline incorporates video interviews with researchers, scientists, and medical experts to trace the scientific process from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside.

Click this link to view the interactive timeline: http://www.nei.nih.gov/lca/nei_timeline.The National Eye Institute (NEI), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is the federal government’s lead agency…Post a Comment Read More »

Online Newsmagazine from the National Eye Institute

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Nearly 14 million Americans experience vision problems, ranging from the need for glasses to blindness. The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, supports vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments for these conditions.Eye on NEI features in-depth stories, interviews with researchers, vision science images, and answers to eye health questions. The first biweekly edition included a profile of Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind man to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Weihenmayer recounts his experiences with testing a breakthrough vision device known as BrainPort. The device, developed with NEI support, allows visually impaired people to “see” objects and words by relaying electrical signals from the tongue to the brain.

Click this link to read Eye on NEI: http://www.nei.nih.gov/EYEonNEI.The National Eye Institute (NEI), a component of the National Institutes of Health, is the federal government’s lead agency for vision rese…Post a Comment Read More »

Accessible Brain Quest

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009APH has published four large type/braille editions of the popular Workman Publishing quiz game series Brain Quest: 1000 Questions and Answers. Recommended ages: 9 years and up.American History:
Catalog Number: 6-17001-00

English:
Catalog Number: 6-17002-00

Geography:
Catalog Number: 6-17003-00

Science:
Catalog Number: 6-17000-00
Click this link to purchase Brain Quest from APH.Score Card SetAPH’s Score Card Set consists of two reusable, brightly colored, tactile and audible plastic score keeping devices.Score Card Set:
Catalog Number: 1-17001-00
Click this link to purchase APH’s Score Card Set.

Tactile Graphics Projects Are Easier with Sticky Dots

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Sticky Dots Adhesive, included in APH’s Rolling Right Along Construction Kit, is available separately. Sticky Dots Adhesive is a convenient and quick solution to the slow glue-drying time often needed for creating collage graphics, tactile books, worksheets, maps, adapted game boards, etc. These sheets of self-adhesive dots allow teachers, transcribers, and parents to create multi-textured tactile displays by transferring the dots to a wide range of materials, e.g., felt, craft foam, textured paper, etc. Just press a pre-cut shape onto the Sticky Dots sheet, lift to transfer dots to the back of the shape, and then permanently affix the shape onto the page. Sticky Dots allows for smooth adhesive application to a variety of materials without adding the tactile distraction of unevenly applied glue.Package includes eight 8.5″ x 11″ sheets in a tear-off pad. Note: Sticky Dots not available on Quota.

Sticky Dots Adhesive:
Catalog Number: 1-08452-00
Click this link to purchas…Post a Comment Read More »

Rolling Right Along Construction Kit

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Rolling Right Along Construction Kit allows teachers and parents to construct books similar to APH’s Rolling Into Place, an interactive storybook.
Using provided accordion-folded panels, hook/loop material pathways, and accessory items (e.g., braillable sheets and a package of Sticky Dots Adhesive, self-designed books can be tailored to the interests and needs of a particular child with a visual impairment or blindness. The construction materials are accompanied by a full-color User’s Guide that provides story suggestions, tips for adding tactile embellishments, and sample book layouts. Enjoy designing your own tactile books with this starter kit. If possible, involve your student/child in the construction fun.
Rolling Right Along Construction Kit:
Catalog Number: 1-08451-00
Click this link to purchase the Rolling Right Along Construction Kit.

American Printing House for the Blind, Inc.
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6085
Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085
Toll F…Post a Comment Read More »

Rolling Into Place

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Although Rolling Into Place is an interactive storybook intended primarily for children with visual impairments, any young child can enjoy its unique, fun design. As the hook/loop material ball is rolled to its final “surprise” destination, important hand skills and basic directional concepts are learned and reinforced. The book’s simultaneous visual, tactile, and auditory feedback help the child attend to the path traveled by the ball. Also included are an assortment of interactive hook/loop material face pieces and an accompanying Author’s Letter detailing suggested activities. Not intended for children ages 3 and under without adult supervision.
Rolling Into Place:
Catalog Number: 1-08450-00
Click this link to purchase Rolling Into Place.

APH Sound Matching Boards

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Sound Matching Board IDevelops 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 older.Sound Matching Board I:
Catalog Number: 1-08710-00
Click this link to purchase the Sound Matching Board I.Sound Matching Board IIHelps 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 years and older.

Sound Matching Board II:
Catalog Number: 1-08720-00
Click this link to purchase the Sound Matching Board II.

Small, Medium, and Large Circles

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Set IIntroduces the concept of fine size discrimination. A frame contains three recessed nests for holding six foam circles of various sizes. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 1 to 6 years.Circles, Set I:
Catalog Number: 1-08590-00
Click this link to purchase Small, Medium, and Large Circles, Set I.Set IIFacilitates perception of three dimensions, while strengthening manipulative, matching, and discrimination skills. A base has three pegs for sorting three sets of four circles with holes in their centers. Circles are in four different colors, and as circle diameter increases, thickness decreases. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years.Circles, Set II:
Catalog Number: 1-08600-00
Click this link to purchase Small, Medium, and Large Circles, Set II.

Sensory Cylinder Set

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Develops skills in manipulation; number and language concepts; and tactual, color, and weight discrimination. Contains six cylinders, two each of three different weights. Ends of the cylinders have six different texture matches. No two matches of weight, texture, or color can be made simultaneously. Recommended ages: 3 years and older.Sensory Cylinder Set:
Catalog Number: 1-03670-00
Click this link to purchase the Sensory Cylinder Set.

Peg Kit from APH

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Helps children develop skills in manipulation; number and language concepts; and color, size, and tactual discrimination. Contains nine pegs of varying sizes, colors, and textures; a manipulation/storage container; and six inset frames with holes of varying number and size. Frames fit into the top of the container and provide for manipulating the pegs. Recommended ages: 3 to 8 years.Peg Kit:
Catalog Number: 1-03420-00
Click this link to purchase the Peg Kit from APH.

Access on Main Street

ByMichael McCarty-May 20, 2009Don’t you love finding a mainstream product that can be used by someone who is blind or visually impaired? Teachers have always had a knack for finding things like that. Well, now there’s a website that will help all of us find these gems.From the website:”Welcome to Access on Main Street. We cover mainstream products that, by chance or design, make life easier for an elder or a person with a disability. We want to inform consumers, inspire designers, and wake up marketers to opportunities with these underserved customers. Please comment on our articles, and point us to your own mainstream nuggets.”You can browse by category if you’re interested in certain product types or disability category. If you’re looking for a specific product, you can use the standard search box, or visit their Advanced Category Search page. You can also subscribe and they’ll notify you of new posts via email or RSS feed.

Click this link to visit http://www.accessonmainstreet.net.1 comment Read More »

Peg-A-Circle Set

ByMichael McCarty-May 19, 2009Assists in teaching concepts of next, sequence, clockwise, and counterclockwise. Consists of a 12 inch square board containing 16 holes in a circular pattern, and 16 pegs. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 3 years and older.Peg-A-Circle Set:
Catalog Number: 1-08550-00
Click this link to purchase the Peg-A-Circle Set.

Puzzle Form Board Kit

ByMichael McCarty-May 19, 2009The Puzzle Form Board Kit is a supplementary aid for teaching basic concepts such as shape, texture, color, size, and matching. This kit includes five different puzzle shapes with puzzle frames: circle, diamond, square, rectangle, and triangle. There are three variations of each of the five shapes. Recommended ages: 3 years and older.Puzzle Form Board Kit:
Catalog Number: 1-03721-00
Click this link to purchase any of the Puzzle Form Boards.

Scan N Talk

ByMichael McCarty-May 19, 2009If you can switch on a light, you can operate Scan N Talk. Simply place your printed sheet or book on the scanner and push 1 button. It scans and talks back the printed text and shows it on your monitor in highlighted large type at speeds faster than other Scan programs. Affordable, and the only reading platform to come with its own scanner. Not only is Scan N Talk a reading machine, but it will scan and save to ANY software resident on your computer!Braille
DAISY
Large Print
Audio
Accessible PDF
Greater accessibility with PaperPort.Quickly Scan Paper
Share Photos as JPEG or PDF
Manage and convert PDF Documents
View and Print over 150 File Formats
Fill Out Forms Electronically
Batch Scanning
Capture Web PagesCall or email for further information:
Phone: 509-239-9815
Email: info@colligo.us
Click this link to watch a video of book being scanned.
Click this link to learn more about Scan N Talk.Post a Comment Read More »

Horseshoe Pitching for the Blind and Visually Impaired

ByMichael McCarty-May 19, 2009The Midnite RingersWhether you are a preteen or a senior, you can benefit from the competition, exercise, and social contact that the sport of pitching horseshoes provides.Dr. Dennis R. Wyant, President, U. S. Blind Horseshoe Pitchers Association, tells everyone who will listen what a great sport horseshoe pitching is for the blind and visually impaired. It is inexpensive, easy to learn and you can pitch in your own backyard. Unlike other sports with moving targets or changing locations, horseshoes provides consistency because you pitch the shoe the same distance from the same position each time.The USBHPA is a non-profit association that plans to build horseshoe courts at V A Blind Rehabilitation centers, as well as at schools and summer camps for children with visual disabilities.Eventually, all Midnite Ringers will have the chance to compete in local tournaments and at a national championship for all ages, genders, and skill levels.Become a Midnite Ringer. There are no me…Post a Comment Read More »

How to Adjust Color Contrast in Windows

ByMichael McCarty-May 19, 2009Using contrast settings on your computer can heighten the color contrast of both text and images on your monitor. Increasing the contrast of colors can reduce eyestrain and make items easier to read by people with vision impairments.Here are instructions to adjust the color contrast settings for the Windows operating system.Adjusting Color Contrast using the MouseSelect Start and navigate to the Control Panel.
Open the Ease of Access Center.
Under Quick access to common tools, select – “Set up High Contrast”.
Under High Contrast, select – “Choose a High Contrast color scheme”.
Under Color scheme, select – One of the High Contrast options from the list – Then press OK.
Under High Contrast: to turn High Contrast on or off, select – “Turn on High Contrast when left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN” is pressed.
When using keyboard shortcuts to turn Ease of Access settings on, select one or both of these notification options:

Display a warning message when turni…Post a Comment Read More »

Textured Matching Blocks

ByMichael McCarty-May 18, 2009Encourages recognition of textures, identification of textures by name, and tactual matching, while reinforcing directional and positional concepts. Includes six blocks of different textures and a board with identically textured nests for block matching. Print instructions. Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years.Textured Matching Blocks:
Catalog Number: 1-08950-00
Click this link to purchase Textured Matching Blocks from APH.

Giant Textured Beads

ByMichael McCarty-May 18, 2009Introduces a variety of concepts, including shape, color, and texture. Also assists in the development of muscular and eye-hand coordination. Set includes 12 brightly colored plastic beads in three shapes: cube, rectangular solid, cylinder. Shapes have three textures: smooth, striped, and a grid. A bead stringer and instructions in print are included. Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years.Giant Textured Beads:
Catalog Number: 1-03780-00

Stringer only:
Catalog Number: 1-03790-00
Click this link to purchase Giant Textured Beads from APH.

Effective Use of Objects: A Process Centered Intervention

ByMichael McCarty-May 18, 2009Helps learners with multiple disabilities develop task-oriented behavior that is self-regulating. Focuses on the kinds of problem-solving skills that encourage the functional use of objects. The first section stresses task orientation and exploration of the physical properties of objects. Section two addresses skills related to using objects in work sequences at a more advanced level. Recommended ages: functional ages 2 to 7 years, for parents and professionals.Effective Use of Objects:
Catalog Number: 7-35500-00
Click this link to purchase Effective Use of Objects: A Process Centered Intervention.

Fine Motor Development Materials: Twist, Turn, and Learn

ByMichael McCarty-May 15, 2009Helps young children with visual and with multiple disabilities develop and enhance fine motor skills. Kit assists in developing reaching, grasping, raking, pincer grasp, wrist rotation, searching technique, palmar grasp, and visual-motor/visual-perceptual coordination. Includes eight modules with bright colors and ringing bells; a set of straps that allow the modules to be hung on playpens or cribs; a carrying bag; and a print teacher’s guidebook. Recommended ages: birth to 36 months, primarily for professionals.Fine Motor Complete Set:
Catalog Number: 1-08420-00

Teacher’s Guidebook only:
Catalog Number: 7-40400-00
Click this link to purchase the Fine Motor Development Materials Kit: Twist, Turn, and Learn.

Parent Early Childhood Education Series

ByMichael McCarty-May 15, 2009These activity sheets describe techniques parents can use to help their blind or visually impaired child grow in key developmental areas: cognitive, communication, eating, motor, and play skills; emotional and sensory development; and orientation and mobility. Recommended ages: birth through 5 years, for parents and professionals.Teacher, English Edition, Print in binder:
Catalog Number: 7-96201-00

Parent/Caregiver, English Edition, Loose Leaf Print:
Catalog Number: 7-96200-00

English Edition, Braille:
Catalog Number: 5-96201-00

Spanish Edition, Loose Leaf Print:
Catalog Number: 7-96202-00
Click this link to purchase the Parent Early Childhood Education Series.

About Fred’s Head

Welcome to the APH Blog, also known as Fred’s Head! This is where you’ll find information on new products, APH events and new developments in the field of blindness.

Labels

Show moreShow less

Search This Blog

Posts

About Fred’s Head

Archives

Labels

Related Articles

Leave a Reply Cancel reply