Blind-Friendly Cities in the US

Is your city blind-friendly? Is it easy to get around independently either by foot or via public transportation? If not, perhaps you can work to get something done about that or if you're looking to work and live in a blind-friendly atmosphere the articles to where these links will take you may be  of some help in your decision making:

Top Places to Live:
A list on ehow based on public transit, studies by AFB etc.  http://www.ehow.com/list_7463247_places-visually-impaired-live.html

Navigating Cities, For the Blind
Claudia Folska, a blind city planner, believes she can find ways to create urban landscapes that are easier for everyone to navigate(Wired Magazine): http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/st_qafolska/

Liveable Communities
Here is the list by the American Foundation for the Blind based on 2003 data: http://www.afb.org/section.aspx?SectionID=43&TopicID=183&DocumentID=2110
This list also tells specifically why these places were given the ratings they have.

News for Fans of Helen Keller (From AFB)

AFB American Foundation
for the Blind TM


Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss
Author...Lecturer...Activist...World Traveler...Ambassador...Icon
Helen Keller was all of this and more. The life she led continues to be an inspiration.
That's why the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) recently launched the Helen Keller Facebook Fan Page to honor her many accomplishments, bring new life to her words and deeds, and introduce this amazing woman to a new generation of students, history buffs, blindness professionals, and so many others worldwide.
Please join us as a Fan of this page, www.facebook.com/HelenKellerFans, to enjoy quotes, fun facts, news about the work that continues in her name, exclusive photos and artifacts from our Helen Keller archives, and share content and links with your friends and colleagues.
When you become a Fan you will also receive updates on our Helen Keller Gallery exhibits and learn how to sign up for a personalized tour.
For more information on Helen Keller you can also visit our web site at www.afb.org/helenkeller.
URL www.facebook.com/HelenKellerFans

Article: Expanding Possibilities for People with Vision loss

AFB American Foundation
for the Blind TM


Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss

Dear Friend,

At the American Foundation for the Blind, it is our mission and
guiding force to help individuals with vision loss redefine the
boundaries of what is possible.

As a reader of our publications, you probably already know that
for nearly 90 years AFB has brought innovation, support and information
to people with visual impairments, their families and the professionals
who serve them.

What you may not know is that AFB relies on the generosity of the
community -- of people like you who understand the importance of our
mission -- in order to provide much-needed programs and services such
as:

Information Tools -- available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to people
across the country and around the world, our award-winning website,
AFB.org and the tremendously successful online communities we have built
through our Senior Site® and Family Connect™ programs, provide
cutting-edge resources and a wealth of information to millions of men,
women and children with visual impairments as well as their caregivers
and families.

Assistive Technology -- a field AFB has pioneered since our founding
with innovative research into the next generation of devices and
adaptations for people with vision loss from cell phones and computers
to iPods.

Advocacy Efforts -- to ensure the law as well as regulations, from
Washington to state capitals to communities around the nation, address
the unique needs of people with vision loss.

If you'd like to join us in our efforts to make real difference in the
lives of people who are blind or visually impaired, please make a
contribution today. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Carl Augusto
President & CEO

P.S. We understand that you may not choose to support AFB at this time;
therefore, if you wish to opt out of receiving fundraising solicitation
emails from AFB respond to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject
line. This action will not affect future messages from AFB Press.

Books for Seniors with Vision Loss and Their Families

Books for Seniors with Vision Loss

and Their Families

Posted here as a resource and not necessarily an endorsement. The link
for offer may be outdated. ~K

	AFB	American Foundation for the Blind	TM
	Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss

Save 10% on Your Entire Order (Enter code "Seniors" at checkout) Out of the Corner of My Eye Nicolette Pernot Ringgold In this revised edition, Out of the Corner of My Eye remains a personal and compelling story of someone who lived successfully with macular degeneration and who shares her struggles and her triumphs with people who are coping with the condition now. Although the text of the original is essentially the same, so that Nicolette Pernot Ringgold still tells her inspiring story in her own words, each chapter contains a new section entitled "Living with Macular Degeneration Today," written by Priscilla Rogers and Judy Scott of the AFB Center on Vision Loss and Esther Smith, a Board member at the Center, who adds her own recent experience with macular degeneration to provide important new insights for readers. The book's new sections present information on what has changed—and what hasn't—since Mrs. Ringgold adjusted to her own vision loss and on new techniques and products that are now available. The Resources section is completely new and expanded, providing sources of more detailed information and assistance. $29.95; paperback, ASCII disk or CD-ROM, or audio CD $15.00; online edition or downloadable MP3 file http://www.afb.org/store ____________________________________________________________ For families, friends, and caregivers. Aging and Vision Loss: A Handbook for Families Alberta Orr and Priscilla Rogers As the number of older persons experiencing vision loss continues to increase at an exploding rate over the upcoming years, all of us may find that a family member or friend we care about has become visually impaired. Aging and Vision Loss contains reassuring, supportive, and helpful information on meeting the needs of the older person and family caregivers as well. Here you'll find: * Practical information on vision loss * Answers to common questions and advice on dealing with a full range of situations and circumstances to which people need to adjust * Adaptive strategies for carrying out everyday tasks and participating in leisure activities * Explanations of how any living environment can be organized for independent living * A comprehensive resource list $24.95; paperback,ASCII disk or CD-ROM $12.00 online http://www.afb.org/store _________________________________ Continue to live safely at home. Making Life More Livable: Simple Adaptations for Living at Home After Vision Loss Revised by Maureen Duffy This is an essential guide for adults experiencing vision loss and is an invaluable resource for their family and friends. Full of practical tips and illustrated by numerous photographs, this easy-to-use resource shows how people who are visually impaired can continue living independent, productive lives at home on their own. Useful general guidelines and room-by-room specifics provide simple and effective solutions for making homes accessible and everyday activities doable for individuals with visual impairments. $24.95; paperback, ASCII disk or CD-ROM, or audio cassette For a complete listing of all AFB Press's titles on aging, visit http://www.afb.org/store Enter coupon code "Seniors" when ordering online or for phone orders, mention the code to the customer service representative. AFB Press / American Foundation for the Blind 11 Penn Plaza, Suite 300 New York, NY 10001 afbpress@afb.net http://www.afb.org/store ____________________________________________________________ http://www.afb.org/store

You can subscribe to the latest news and products from the
American Federation for the blind at www.afb.org. ~K

AFB: Technology for the Blind

Technology

Technology has revolutionized daily life for all of us, but it has had particularly dramatic benefits for people who are blind or visually impaired. Until only recently, the world of print information—newspapers, books, signs, menus—was largely closed off to people with little or no sight. But the power of computers has now brought this world within reach for those unable to see. Computer technology, including specialized hardware or software that simulates the human voice reading the computer screen or renders hard-copy output into braille, designed to help persons with disabilities perform daily tasks, has changed the lives of countless individuals with visual impairments.

Assistive or adaptive technology, as it is called, has exploded many barriers to education and employment for visually impaired individuals. Students with visual impairments can complete homework, do research, take tests, and read books along with their sighted classmates thanks to advances in technology. Adults with visual impairments can continue to work and pursue a tremendous range of careers in mainstream society because of the use of computers and other devices.

A variety of information on technology can be found in this web site section, which features descriptions of adaptive equipment, offers tips on using technology effectively, and gives technology specialists advice on making web sites and computer applications accessible to people who are visually impaired.

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