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Here are the announcements as of Thursday, May 24, 2012

If you have any questions please contact John W. Smith at 40445-8230 or Lafayette wood at 770-366-1125.

This month’s meeting will be a question and answer format. Topics we’ll discuss include: questions/concerns visually impaired have to help family members understand the challenges better, questions/issues non-effected family members have on how to be helpful or supportive to the visually impaired, questions on the best apps on Smartphones for visually impaired (and why a smartphone is so useful for those with disabilities). We’re also trying to update and energize our group by trying new formats and being more inclusive. Our group is for all types of visual impairments, parents of children with visually disabilities, and teen/young adults making decisions for careers and life. We want to discuss a “name change” for this group. Come hear our suggestions and add yours to them.

Meetings are free and open to the public. We welcome new visitors. Our meetings are informal and you can participate as much or as little as you like. Bring your questions and learn from other people's experiences. Our regular members are always helpful in sharing their personal or family’s tips and insights. There’s usually a group of people that go to lunch together following the meeting.

For those who are unfamiliar with our meeting location, St. Joseph’s Hospital is next to the Medical Center MARTA Station on the North Line. Once inside the hospital lobby, take the elevator down one floor, pass the cafeteria, and follow the signs to the classrooms. For more information, please contact Gail Handler at kidlitgail@gmail.com or at 770-455-6734.

Date: Every Wednesday in May

Time: 12 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Organization: disABILITY LINK

755 Commerce Drive, Suite 105

Downtown Decatur

Topics to be covered include: employment, home ownership, emergency preparedness, being creative and advocacy. For more information or to RSVP contact Bonnie Dieringer at bdieringer@disABILITYLINK.org or 404-687-8890, ext. 120.

*Note change: The water aerobics class sponsored by the Diabetes Action Network (DAN) of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia is being temporarily postponed. The new date and time will be announced at a later date. For questions, contact Kay Jordan at 404-794-5724
*Announcing the 2012 GCB State Convention. We are hoping you can join us as we celebrate our 56th anniversary. The dates of the convention are August 3, 2012 through August 5, 2012. The location for this year’s conference is the Inn at Ellis Square, 201 West Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia. You can make hotel reservations by calling (912) 236-4440 and ask for extension 147. Request rates for the Georgia Council of the Blind. Reservations must be made at least one month before the convention. When you call to make hotel reservations, let them know you are with the GCB convention.
If you have any questions or need any additional information contact the GCB office at (706) 208-7132 or 1(888) 519-3988. The e-mail address is gcbfyi@yahoo.com and the web site is www.georgiacounciloftheblind.org.
*The WebAIM screen reader survey is an annual survey which was first presented in 2008, and contains a list of questions designed to gather information about screen reader usage. By completing this survey you will help inform development choices for those creating accessible web content and web standards. All screen reader users, even those who use screen readers only for evaluation and testing, are invited to participate. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, and will ask questions about which screen readers and browsers you use, as well as which types of web content, such as inaccessible Flash content or Captchas, you find most challenging.

Why is this survey important? By taking this survey, you will be providing information to those who develop accessible web content and web standards about the areas of the Internet which most need improvement in terms of accessibility. With your answers to this survey, you will also show that accessibility cannot be defined or tested with just one screen reader or web browser. The results of this survey will provide an accurate picture of how and where screen reader users access the web, and will help determine how web developers can work to improve access to Internet content for everyone. Please show your support for Serotek and for web accessibility in general, by taking approximately 10 minutes to complete this survey.

The survey will remain open for a limited time, and if you know of other screen reader users who may not be aware of the survey, please pass this message along and encourage them to participate. The survey is located at http://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey4/. No personally identifying information is collected.
*A Site to Match Tandem Riders. With spring in full swing what better way to enjoy the fresh air than on a bicycle? The U.S. Blind Tandem Cycling Connection is a free resource dedicated to matching interested blind participants with sighted tandem captains. Even if you do not own a tandem, there are probably cyclists in your area who have one to share with you.

Visit http://bicyclingblind.org, create your profile, and use your zip code to search for cyclists in your area. The site provides tutorials to make your first ride enjoyable and safe. You can also communicate with potential riders anonymously through the site. You can keep your contact information safe until you are ready to share it.

If you have any questions about the site, tandem bicycles, or anything related to cycling as a blind person, contact Ron Burzese, NOMC, (916) 716-5400 or email rrburzese@gmail.com.

*Atlanta Rowing Club Southeastern Adaptive Scullers host monthly meetings open to ARC members and the local community interested in becoming a part of the team. The Southeastern Adaptive Scullers (SEAS) Initiative provides an opportunity for people with intellectual, physical, or visual impairments to learn how to row. We offer private coaching and group clinics in order to promote competitive and recreational athletics.
Every third Saturday of each month, we will convene at the ARC lower boathouse in Roswell, GA along the Chattahoochee River to discuss new members, future directions, and to schedule volunteers for coaching and clinics (see website for future meeting dates). Our website Southeastern Adaptive Scullers has been updated and provides information about our programs and membership for athletes and volunteers. On the website, you will also find forms to apply for athletes and volunteers. We ask that volunteers submit an application so that we can ensure our athletes remain safe. In addition to the SEAS Athlete Application, we also ask that prospective athletes submit an ARC Membership Application (see website for instructions). Our website address is http://www.atlantarow.org.
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*Are you interested in being the first to know about upcoming savings and specials at CVI’s VisAbility store? Send your name and email address to visability@cviga.org and we’ll be sure to send you email promotions and special announcements.