Archived Stories 2010
Shirley Ann Burton
Positive Attitude Triumphs
"That was great, Heidi," exclaimed Michael. "You gave the boat enough power to get me up and out of the water."
As Michael found his way into the back of the ski boat he added, "Six years ago a car accident took my sight."
Today, he was learning to wake board without any sight. Michael's positive attitude and "can do" spirit encourages many of the blind campers at Camp Mivoden. This NCBC (National Camps for Blind Children and Adults) is located on beautiful Lake Hayden in Idaho.
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Library Services Update
Damian and the Water
Fifteen-year-old Damian dabbles with his paddle while the sighted guide does most of the work. He is immersed in new sounds - the clank of the paddle against the metallic canoe, passing motorboats, and happy voices floating across the water from the nearby swimming area.
It's the little things like the sounds on the lake that fascinate Damian; most of us tend to take these things for granted. He is near the lake often, for swimming, boating, fishing or canoeing.
Screen Reader Review
Many adaptive tools are available for blind and visually impaired people to use when on a computer and surfing the Internet. Here are some examples:
- Programs that can enlarge text on the computer screen.
- Software that translates text to braille using a computer and a braille embosser or refreshable braille display.
- Screen readers that audibly read the text on websites, email, and other electronic documents.
For more examples of adaptive technology, visit www.99main.com/~charlief/vi/adaptive.html.
I recently came across a free screen reader at www.satogo.com.
What's New from the CRSB Editorial Department
- What Happy Couples Know, by Mark Finley and Steven Moseley--Practical principles gleaned from the real-life experiences of couples who have the ability to communicate well, to share their deepest feelings, and to listen sensitively to one another. Apply these principles and your own interpersonal relationships will improve. Available in large-print. Braille edition is in progress.
- Even These Believed, by Shawn Boonstra--In this book, Boonstra shares— through stories of people who have traveled to the farthest outposts of . . .
Andrew's Winter Camp Adventures
One of the perks / duties of being the director of the CRSB Direct Mail program is visiting some of the blind camps (National Camps for Blind Children). As the campers take on new challenges, I am impressed with their “can do” spirit.
I also have the opportunity to build friendships with those who've attended camp in the past. Once such person is Andrew, who had attended summer camp last year for the first . . .
Awesome, Cool, and Fun
“I had a blast and made new friends.” – Andrew
“I had a lovely day. I climbed the rock wall and went roller skating for the first time.” – Allie
Kevin – “I went snowboarding for the first time. I’m better than Sean White (Olympian).” “Call me Sean Black.” As Kevin shared with the group, his joke brought laughter.
. . .Letting Loose at NCBC camp
Blind and visually impaired campers like Seri love the thrill of this unusual and giant swing.
First Seri has to climb up the ladder to reach the swing. After being secured, staff members pull the swing by a rope back and higher.
Let her go! The swing and Seri make an impressive arc through the sky. Whew! The drop tickles her tummy.
As the swing makes several trips back and forth, back and forth, it finally begins to slow. But Seri has something more in mind. She tries out a few graceful gymnastic maneuvers in the air.
Finally, the swing slows to a stop. "Wow, that was fun! . . .