Summer 2016 Ohio Connection

HORSE ADVENTURE
By Vicky Prahin
With Photos by Lee Tucker

Photo 1 caption: Dreams On Horseback staff helping Linda DeLong prepare to ride 
Photo 2 caption: Calvin Keuchler takes a ride around the ring
Photo 3 caption: Participants learning about equine care

As many of you know, ACBO is a member of Community Shares of Mid Ohio. This membership brings in some much-needed funds and, just as important, helps us make contacts with other nonprofit organizations. One of those is Dreams On Horseback, located on the far east side of Columbus. They have around two dozen horses and offer a variety of services, including riding classes and boarding facilities for other people’s horses. One of the most exciting programs provides opportunities for disabled people to learn about, groom, and ride the truly wonderful creatures in the barn. 

In August, several ACBO Columbus members spent the morning at Dreams On Horseback. We learned how the animals are cared for; handled all kinds of equipment, including different kinds of horseshoes; and had a chance to groom and/or ride. Although the staff regularly works with autistic children, Alzheimer’s sufferers, and other groups, they had never worked with blind people before, but they were eager and very competent. It took longer for our group to handle equipment and walk around a stall or ring than it does for those who merely look, but they generously allowed us to stay a little longer than our allotted time. Everyone had a good time, and several said they would enjoy a return trip.

ACBO’S FALL EVENTS
By Katie Frederick

As summer winds down and families focus on the upcoming school year, many ACB-Ohio activities for members and nonmembers of all ages are taking place. Saturday, September 24, we are partnering with the Ohio State School for the Blind, the Ohio Center for DeafBlind Education, and other agencies for the 2016 family seminar for parents, students and professionals who work with blind or visually impaired students. The event is taking place at the Holiday Inn Worthington from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Many workshops, assistive technology vendors, panel discussions, and networking opportunities will provide participants chances to learn about what’s new and happening with braille and assistive technology. To access the online registration form, visit www.acbohio.org; for telephone assistance contact Julie Pashovich at (614) 410-1042.
	
October 15 is White Cane Safety Day. Many blindness organizations, including ACB-Ohio, participate by offering cane walks and handing out literature in local communities. This year, the Columbus Chapter is holding an event in downtown Columbus on Friday, October 14. What does your chapter do to inform the local community about white cane laws or other information? Consider writing an article for the next issue of the Ohio Connection highlighting your chapter’s activities around White Cane Safety Day or other chapter news you wish to share. This is an affiliate newsletter; while we have many updates from the state office to share, we want to hear what exciting activities your chapter’s taking part in this year or planning for 2017.

This year’s annual ACB-Ohio Conference and Convention will take place October 21 through 23. Kalahari Resort in Sandusky will host the event. The conference format is one we’ve followed for the past several years; exhibits and registration will open Friday afternoon, followed by an evening keynote speaker and game night. Saturday program highlights include hearing from the Assistant Deputy Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Bob Nicholson; an annual business meeting; presentation of 2016 scholarships during lunch; and workshops discussing the National Library Service’s Talking Book program, low-tech devices to help increase independent living, apps for reading print using an i-Device, adjustment to vision loss, and more. We are pleased to welcome Talking Book narrator John Polk as our banquet speaker. Following the banquet another tradition, the annual auction, will provide an opportunity to bid on outstanding items and benefit this great organization too. Sunday morning will feature a nondenominational service for those who wish to attend. Following breakfast, we’ll remember those who passed away during the previous year, honor those who have served in the military, and wrap up with workshops covering accessibility of Android devices and self defense. 

We are trying something new this year, seeking sponsors for the conference and convention. To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available, visit www.acbohio.org and complete the sponsorship form. If you have difficulty with the form or have questions, call the ACB-Ohio office. Our annual conference and convention is one of the greatest programs we put together during the year and also one of our most costly as an organization; therefore, we are seeking sponsorships to help defray costs.

A final fun way you can win something for yourself and benefit ACB-Ohio is through participation in our 2016-2017 raffle. The single prize is $1,500 in cash, and a chance to win costs $10. If you buy three virtual tickets by visiting www.acbohio.org/raffle, you get one free. So we encourage you to buy three and get one free!

OFF TO HEAR THE WIZARD
By Jane Ehrenfeld

This summer, as I was preparing to provide live audio description for the CAPA Summer Movie Series presentation of The Wizard of Oz, I was reminded of an episode from my childhood. Back in the dark ages, before we had streaming video, DVDs or even videocassettes, the annual broadcast of perennial favorites such as The Wizard of Oz was a very big deal. There were two nights a year our family ate on tray tables in front of the TV, and one of those nights was when The Wizard of Oz was on. One year, I was being punished for some childhood transgression or other and I was not allowed to see The Wizard of Oz, which—for the sake of this tale—you should know I had seen several times before. However, by the night of the broadcast, my mother was feeling sorry for me and allowed me to sit beside the closed door to the den, where my sister and father were watching the movie with the sound turned way up—on 11, as the lads from the movie Spinal Tap might say—while my mother kept me company in the kitchen. With the music, sound effects, and dialogue as my cues, I proceeded from memory to regale my mother with details of all the visuals I was missing. And so, upon reflection, I suppose that's when my career as an audio describer began ...
 
Now to those of you familiar with audio description, this tale actually is a bit backwards with regards to how an audio describer works, and for those of you who are not, allow me to explain. An audio describer creates a supplemental narrative by describing the visual details and actions in a movie or performance that would otherwise be inaccessible to audience members who are blind, low vision or otherwise visually impaired. Audio describers also describe artwork and other types of exhibits in museums, parks, landmarks, educational materials, sporting events—pretty much any visual content you can think of. Audio description is just that: description. A good audio describer provides the imagery using language but does not interpret the material being described. It is our job to allow you, the audience, to have the story unfold with all of its nuances as the director intended and to experience art and exhibits so that you can draw your own conclusions.

So, what's actually involved in creating audio description for a performance? The first thing that is necessary is to preview the performance or movie. Ideally, I like to see something three times. The first time is just to see it and understand the flow of the story and action. The second time is to make notes on the action and visual details, and the third time, at least when I'm working on a film, is to work out the audio description in the context of the action. There's a lot of stopping and starting when I work on a movie. Unfortunately, when I work on a theatrical performance, my timeline is very compressed. I generally preview the show one time, maybe four or five days prior to the performance I'll be describing, before I begin writing the audio description and pre-show program notes. By getting a copy of the script in advance, I'm able to acquaint myself with the characters and the flow of the show before previewing. The night I'm in the theatre I keep one eye on the stage and the other on my notebook as I scribble details about the costumes and sets. I supplement my notes with photos from the production's website.

Unlike the pre-taped audio description you might hear on TV, at a live performance (or in the case of something like a movie festival where the audio description may be provided live), we have the luxury of spending the half hour prior to the show giving more detailed descriptions of the characters, costumes, scenery, and sets as well as pertinent information from the printed program. These notes generally run less than half an hour and are repeated as time allows until the curtain goes up. With previewing, reading and writing my description, I generally spend at least 16 hours preparing for a show. So when a venue requires that patrons make accommodation requests a certain length of time before a performance, please understand that they need time to locate an audio describer, and the audio describer, once booked, needs time to prepare so that you can have the best possible experience.

Many venues here in Columbus provide audio description upon request as opposed to having a set performance time that will have audio description. You can always request audio description for a performance by calling the box office. If the box office cannot handle your request, simply ask to whom you should speak and ask for the best way to contact that person. Many museums have audio descriptions of select items from their collections on their websites. The Audio Description Project has many resources listed on its website http://acb.org/adp/.

Don't be afraid to request access. If you are already an audio description consumer, please be sure to give feedback to the theatre (or museum or television station, etc.) so that they understand what it means to you to have this service. You can do this by posting on social media, making a phone call, sending an email or going old-school and sending a note via snail mail. If possible, try to get some feedback to the audio describer. We can provide better description when we have a better understanding of what our audience wants. Not everyone is the same, so not everyone may want the same level of detail and you may like some audio describers better than others. But, hey, that's a horse of a different color!

About the author: Jane Ehrenfeld has been an audio describer since completing training at the Audio Description Institute in 2012. She also completed training at LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disabilities) in 2013 with an emphasis on audio description in museum settings. A professional illustrator, Jane has long been accustomed to creating pictures out of words. As an audio describer she enjoys the challenge of reversing the process.
 
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS REPORT
By Robert Rogers, Committee Chair

The committee proposes amendments to Article 3 of the bylaws, requiring a simple majority vote to pass. The two sections, 3.4.1 and 3.9.2, currently state that notification of change must be sent to the membership two weeks prior to the annual meeting. We need to make changes to bring this article in line with the constitution, which requires four weeks notification. 
 
Bylaws Article 3.4.1 currently reads:
The committee shall be available to any member who wishes to propose amendments. It may draft amendments of its own. It shall be responsible for seeing that notices of proposed amendments reach the membership at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting at which these amendments are to be voted upon. To publish amendments in the newsletter may suffice if the information is in the hands of the membership at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting.

PROPOSED: The two weeks shall be changed to four weeks.

Likewise, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee proposes hanging the words two weeks to four weeks where they occur in Bylaws Article 3.9.2 as follows:

CURRENT WORDING: The membership shall be informed of the slate of candidates, as proposed by the nominating Committee, no less than two weeks prior to the election. Such notification via the newsletter may suffice provided that it is in the hands of the membership no less than two weeks prior to the annual meeting.

Come to the ACBO annual business meeting ready to vote on these amendments.

COMPOSING ACB-OHIO’S BOARD
By Lori Woodall and Katie Frederick

During the ACBO annual business meeting at the state conference and convention, one agenda item is electing officers and directors to serve on the organization’s board. This year, the offices of president, treasurer and second vice president are up for reelection, as are five director seats. All of these positions serve two-year terms. If you or someone you know is considering a spot on ACBO’s board, the following provides an overview of the responsibilities of individual board members.

EXPECTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS
·Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
·Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the American Council of the Blind of Ohio to advance its mission 
· Give a personal financial donation
· Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising efforts
· Participate fully in one or more committees
· Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings

The nominating committee recommends the following for reelection; however, nominations from the floor are welcome and encouraged. An individual may self-nominate or ask someone else to nominate him. If you wish to nominate someone from the floor, please speak with that person beforehand and make sure that he or she is agreeable to the idea.

Officers:
President, Vicky Prahin
Treasurer, Christopher “Chris” Schumacher
Second Vice President, Jill Noble

Directors:
Terry Olandese, Leah Noble, Jenna McCartney, Thomas “Tom” Dimit, and Irwin Hott

The board meets four times per year, with two meetings taking place at the conference and convention site, and the remaining meetings via conference call. Hopefully you have a better understanding of the role you can play as a member of the board and help ACB-Ohio continue to thrive for years to come.

ADVOCACY: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW
By Vicky Prahin

Photo of lady with white cane standing next to an audible signal, caption: Requesting an audible signal is one simple form of self-advocacy.

About five decades ago, one of my teachers instructed us to approach writing a paper by answering the questions who, what, where, when, why, and how. That approach served me well over time, both in school and on the job. Now I invite all of you to answer those questions when you think of advocacy.
ACB’s mission says that we “strive to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.” This statement applies to all members and, by extension, those who support our members. What does this mean? It means that you are an advocate. Through your efforts, you support causes, for yourself or others. It may be something as simple as using a signature guide or as big as petitioning for more audio description. 

This does not mean yelling at people, threatening lawsuits, or insisting on being served before others. It simply requires that you know what you need and ask for it, either as an individual or as a group.

In Columbus, a disabled citizen who would like assistance at a crosswalk has only to contact the city’s traffic engineer and make a request to have an audible signal installed within a very short time. This is a really simple, straightforward example of advocating for oneself. On a bigger scale, Eric Bridges and ACB obtained proof of discrimination and took cab companies in Washington, D.C., to court in order to get fair and equal access to transportation for blind people.

How do you go about getting what you need? First, determine exactly what you want and in what way you are denied. If necessary, line up evidence. Next, find out who is the best person to talk to—your neighbor, a business owner or manager, a city or town official, etc. Depending on the situation, you should telephone, arrange for a personal interview, or write a persuasive letter. Explain your problem and suggest a solution. Offering a solution to your problem is extremely important; don’t just leave it in the hands of someone else to figure out what you actually need. Be friendly and courteous, not loud and rude. Listen to the response. Finally, and only as the last resort, consider taking the next step, which may be to involve the media or to contact legal representation. Keep in mind that whatever impression you make affects the rest of us who may want to add our voices to yours or use your experience for support. 

One resource Ohioans have is Disability Rights Ohio ((800) 282-9181 / www.disabilityrightsohio.org). They can suggest ways to handle your situation, offer resources, and provide general support. 

It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own or with a little help from others. 

APPLESEED CHAPTER UPDATE
By Mary Castor, Chapter President

Our group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. for our LOV (loss of vision) support group and at 5 p.m. for our ACBO chapter meeting at the Waterford Assisted Living Center in Mansfield. Please pass the word along to others who live in north Central Ohio who would benefit from joining us.

On July 6, some of our members took a road trip to Cleveland for the Friends & Family event at the Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled. As in the past, we had a great day of learning about the Talking Book program and meeting old and new friends. We toured the sensory garden and various vendors’ tables to get up-to-date information on vision-related services and resources. Wayne Dawson, news anchor for Fox 8 News, was the keynote speaker, and he inspired us with his words of encouragement. We want to publicly thank our drivers, Steve, Dan and Stan, for making this day possible.

On August 3, the Ontario Lions Club hosted a picnic for our chapter at the beautiful Lions Club park. Special thanks go to the great grill masters Pat and Shirley. All the food was delicious. Carolyn Brook, Lions District 13-B Governor, spoke to us about the Lions local, national and international programs for persons dealing with vision loss. Thanks, Carolyn!

Our September meeting will host speaker Donna Dillinger, of the Richland Public Health Department, who will talk about diabetes.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

2016 NATIONAL CONVENTION WRAPUP
By Terry Olandese and Lori Woodall

Do you know what the state bird of Minnesota is? I do. It’s one of the fun facts I learned during our visit to the ACB annual conference in July.
 
The adventure started out on Friday, July 1, with a trip to the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the writer best known for the Little House on the Prairie books. The following day, we enjoyed a fantastic trip to the theater for a performance of South Pacific and a delicious brunch. That evening, the Host Committee welcomed us to Minneapolis at a get together. 

On Sunday, some people got up early to participate in the annual Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, a major fundraising event for ACB. Other activities included bus tours of Minneapolis/St. Paul, trips to the Mall of America, and visits to the fabulous exhibits, of course. In the evening, President Kim Charlson opened the convention by giving her annual report. She reminded us what our responsibilities are in ACB, i.e., contacting our representatives to encourage support of legislation that affects our daily lives and the lives of others with disabilities. She also spoke about Eric Bridges’s (ACB Executive Director) work in Washington, D.C., that resulted in a settlement with four cab companies accused of discriminating against visually impaired passengers with service dogs. Now the cab drivers will go through accessibility training supervised by ACB.

Several lives were honored through the Angels Memorial Tribute program, a way for ACB and friends to honor loved ones and service dogs who have passed on. Each “angel” is memorialized with a braille and large print plaque on the Wall of Angels, a board that is displayed at the convention each year. 

Still wondering about the state bird? We were told that it is the mosquito, but keep reading.

Monday, July 4, began with Margarine Beaman reporting on sponsors. John Huffman (Indiana) suggested changes to the constitution, mostly changing the word “session” to “meeting.”

As every year, ACB recognized those who help advance the organization’s mission. Apple was the recipient of the Robert S. Bray Award for the company's strides in accessibility and continued dedication to inclusion-based innovation for blind users. 

One noteworthy piece of technology I learned about is the Orbit Reader 20, a 20-cell refreshable braille display that should come out this fall. This unit’s price will be in the neighborhood of $500, making it affordable for most visually impaired persons. The National Library Service is working with Congress to purchase units for patrons who read braille. You can read more about this at www.aph.org.

As always, there were plenty of resolutions to go around. One of them was to speak to Wendy’s about its self-serve drink dispenser which is found in some locations. Everything is on a touch pad, making it inaccessible for visually impaired persons. 

I attended a BITS (Blind Information Technology Specialists) luncheon where LowViz Guide, an indoor navigation system, was discussed. We will use this system at our state convention. I also attended a Lions Club lunch, 1Touch Self-Defense workshop, and a session on raising money for affiliates.

The breakout sessions were informative, challenging and very interesting. You could learn about operating the new Victor Reader Stream, advocacy for those seeking suitable employment, dressing for success, fundraising tips, and of course those challenging workouts with Leslie Spoone (Florida).

Congratulations to coordinator Janet Dickelman for another successful convention. Thanks to ACBO for selecting me as a delegate. 

By the way, the state bird of Minnesota is the loon.

ACB 2016 RESOLUTIONS

Here’s a summary of the resolutions passed at the national conference.

Resolution 2016-01 urges the FCC to substantially expand the number of hours of audio-described TV programming required; increase the number of networks required to offer described programming; and propose and issue regulations requiring the designation of a dedicated digital audio stream only for audio description.

Resolution 2016-02 directs ACB to urge Congress and state legislatures to protect the integrity of assessments conducted by teachers of the visually impaired by rejecting calls which  require the use of the National Reading Media Assessment (NRMA) or any other single specific assessment tool or technique to determine the learning or literacy needs of all students who are blind or visually impaired; encourage state chapters and affiliates of this organization to advocate for appropriate assessments that honor students’ unique needs for reasonable accommodations. 
  Resolution 2016-03 directs ACB to repudiate any effort to alter or modify the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s existing braille provisions that would in any way impair IDEA’s currently uncompromising approach to the provision of braille, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to see low-vision services and devices get their due recognition in federal special education law so that all students who should benefit from such services and devices can finally receive them.

Resolution 2016-04 expresses ACB’s deep concern over the division of the United States into two codes for mathematical teaching, and directs the organization to urge every state to make clear in their policies and procedures that there will be provisions to protect access to mathematical instruction in the code to which the student is accustomed, even if that code is not the one in use in that state. 

Resolution 2016-05 expresses ACB’s profound frustration and disappointment with the Obama Administration for its failure to be responsive to Americans with vision loss who, have been calling for much-needed regulatory clarification of the ADA’s application to online-only places of public accommodation, and directs ACB to reach out to  presidential candidates to communicate our demand that, within the first six months of the new presidency, issuance of regulations clarifying that online-only places of public accommodation are nevertheless ADA-covered entities with Internet accessibility obligations must be achieved.

Resolution 2016-06 expresses ACB’s support for any and all efforts to allow the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to provide equipment to patrons for use with each of the formats produced by NLS; and urges Congress to promptly enact H.R. 5227, pending legislation to authorize NLS to offer digital braille reading equipment enabling all NLS patrons to have access to free library service in braille.

Resolution 2016-07 directs ACB to take all appropriate steps to persuade and/or compel the Social Security Administration, and agencies of the federal government generally, to ensure the availability of accessible in-person information and benefits kiosks or computerized systems that comply with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Resolution 2016-08 directs ACB to contact each of the commissioners and the principal staff of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and demand that the Commission include in its reasonable accommodations document complete and appropriate guidance on assistive technology accommodations for federal employees who are blind or who have low vision.

Resolution 2016-09 expresses ACB’s belief that the residents of southern California who are blind or visually impaired deserve to enjoy the same access to PBS television as their sighted neighbors and friends, and urges PBS So-Cal to purchase the necessary equipment to fulfill its public interest obligation to provide audio description.

Resolution 2016-10 directs ACB to pursue any and all appropriate legal remedies to address the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ inaccessible communications.

Resolution 2016-11 expresses support for teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) with vision loss who frequently face disability discrimination in hiring and advancement, and directs ACB to call upon state and/or local education agencies to provide driver assistance to TVIs with vision loss.

Resolution 2016-12 directs ACB to promote, through the public policy process, the availability and fiscal health of existing and new assistive technology low-interest loan programs.

Resolution 2016-13 directs ACB, in partnership with like-minded organizations, to develop and execute a public policy agenda, with the goal of making sure that no personal medical device remains inaccessible and unusable by people who are blind or visually impaired.

Resolution 2016-14 directs ACB’s officers, board of directors and staff to pursue all appropriate strategies to achieve harmonization of the United States Department of Transportation’s service animal regulations with those of the United States Department of Justice.

Resolution 2016-15 directs ACB to urge its individual members, chapters and affiliates to be aware of national, state, and local ballot races and initiatives, and to reach out to candidates to discuss the policy priorities that are important to each of us. 
Resolution 2016-16 directs ACB to ensure that all contracts entered into by this organization with hotels reflect the hotel’s compliance with braille signage requirements, and take such additional steps as are necessary to make signage usable and comprehensible by people who are blind or visually impaired participating in meetings of this organization. 
Resolution 2016-17 expresses ACB’s belief that there is a need for additional research concerning best practices in the design and utilization of audible countdown features, and that, ACB encourages that research focused on this subject be directed toward determining the most effective ways to convey countdown information, rather than whether audible countdown should be eliminated. 
Resolution 2016-18 expresses ACB’s belief that it is urgent to immediately challenge the Freestyle vending machine technology to include accessibility elements; both the touch-screen kiosk and the app should be independently usable by people who are blind or have low vision.  
Resolution 2016-19 directs ACB to ask Facebook to refine its automated picture description mechanism to create descriptions which contain specific details of pictorial elements, and to develop a mechanism to prompt Facebook members who post pictures and other visual media to attach accompanying descriptions. 
Resolution 2016-21 directs ACB to establish a high-level committee, in consultation with industry, to explore the feasibility of creating an intensive training academy designed to train suitable people with limited or no vision for mainstream technology careers.

2016 SUMMER SPORTS RETREAT ROUNDUP
By Katie Frederick

This year’s summer sports retreat took place during the first weekend in August. Five blind participants and as many sighted guides made the trip to Jody’s place for a weekend of good food, catching up with friends, bonfires, and boating. The weather was hot, hot, hot, but for those who chose to tube or swim, the cool water of the Ohio River felt refreshing. We spent Friday and Saturday enjoying the warmth of the fire, a lot of laughter and card playing. 

Many thanks to Jody Harris and her family for everything they do each year to make the weekend such a delight. Fun-filled ACB-Ohio summer and winter sports retreats would not be possible if not for the sighted volunteers driving blind participants, acting as guides and assisting throughout the weekend. 

As summer winds down, mark your calendars and plan to join us for the 2017 winter sports retreat taking place at Punderson Lodge over Martin Luther King weekend, January 13 through 17. If you haven’t attended some of the winter and summer sports retreat, what are you waiting for? 

FREE! TEST DRIVE INDOOR NAVIGATION APP AT OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Let indoor wayfinding technology be your guide around our event this year. MD Support is providing its new LowViz Guide app at no cost to you or us. Just download it to your iPhone or iPad and let it describe all points of interest and routes throughout the hotel lobby and meeting areas. For important information, see www.mdsupport.org/ audioguide. Everything you need to know is there, including:

·A direct download link to the App Store
·Instructions for use
·Frequently asked questions
·An audio/visual demonstration of the app
·What you need to know ahead of time
·Articles and audio broadcasts about LowViz Guide

MD Support personnel will be on hand to provide technical assistance, but your advance preparation will make using the LowViz Guide application faster and easier.

BITS ‘N’ BYTES

This new online publication presents nonpartisan political commentary on 2016 elections, with a focus on candidates and disability issues: www.TheRespectAbilityReport.org.
 
Did you know that American Printing House for the Blind has over 250 videos covering a variety of topics, like Quick Tips, product demonstrations, and Unforgettable APH Star Contest winners, and historical videos? While you are there, don’t forget to subscribe to the APH YouTube channel so you can receive updates on new content. 
 
The National Council on Disability has issued an advisory brochure on best practices for making prescription drug container labels accessible to people with vision impairments. Details here: http://www.ncd.gov/sites/default/files/ADLP_508.pdf 
 
Clicking on this link takes you to a resource entitled College Guide for Students with Visual Impairments. It’s full of interesting statistics, definitions of concepts not familiar to those outside the blindness community and some new ideas.  http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/college-planning-with-visual-impairments/
 
Check out this new website for the National Clearinghouse for College Students with Disabilities - share with your campus. The information you want... http://www.nccsdonline.org
 
Apple has launched a new room in iTunes dedicated to highlighting audio-described movies. Among the hundreds of titles available are The Force Awakens, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Spectre, and The Peanuts Movie. Check back regularly for new additions. The room, available at http://www.iTunes.com/AudioDescription, for the first time makes available a listing of all audio-described movies on iTunes in one central location.
 
Over 50,000 free eBooks are now available using Capti Narrator through a partnership with Project Gutenberg http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/05/prweb13391110.htm Users can listen any place, any time, switch between devices, and continue from where they left off. Capti is being adopted worldwide as a resource for language learning, providing alternative formats for students with reading difficulties. Details here: https://www.captivoice.com/capti-site/
 
This 10-minute YouTube from National Eye Institute describing low-tech solutions in real low-vision settings, plus the emotional impact of vision loss across life, may be a valuable asset for those in this situation. Both English and Spanish versions available. https://www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision/content/living
 
ACB-Ohio Datebook

September 15 Dining in the Dark, ACB-Ohio Fundraiser, Toledo, Ohio
September 24 Family Seminar, Holiday Inn Worthington, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
October 15 White Cane Safety Day
October 21-23 ACBO Conference & Convention, Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, OH
November 15 Newsletter Deadline
 
Photo on the back cover-Katie and Irwin petting a tan horse, caption: Katie Frederick, Irwin Hott and their new friend Tess at Dreams On Horseback
 
ACBO Community Shares Campaign Codes
State of Ohio 19003
City of Columbus 60240
Franklin County 60240
Ohio State University 60240
Columbus State 1061

Michelle Spillan, Editor
As always, thanks to the contributors: Mary Castor, Jane Ehrenfeld, Katie Frederick, Terry Olandese, Vicky Prahin, Robert Rogers, Elizabeth Sammons, Lee Tucker, and Lori Woodall. The Ohio Connection is a quarterly publication of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio. Please submit your material in print or through e-mail, and include your name, address and phone number. Please send items for the next issue to acbo.newsletter@gmail.com by November 15.