Passings in the Deaf and DeafBlind communities

Gertude Galloway, a well known Deaf leader, passed away on July 17, 2014.
Dr. Robert Smithdas, a famous DeafBlind leader, also passed away on the same day.
More information at the following links.

http://www.hknc.org/dr_robert_j_smithdas_passes.htm
http://deafseniorsusa.blogspot.com/2014/07/obititary-dr-gertude-gertie-galloway.html

Describe/Captionathon and discussion on accessibility and the maker movement, DC Public Library

The Describe/Captionathon and discussion on accessibility and the maker movement, today (7/19/2014) at the DC Public Library (#d19ndc) will have two parts: the hands-on lab in the morning which will take place from 10am to 12pm at the library (please feel free to contribute remotely at youdescribe.ski.org and amara.org), and the discussion in the afternoon, from 1pm to 4pm which will be remotely accessible via conference call and Adobe Connect at: https://meet76447463.adobeconnect.com/r77veaetn3e/

and at conference dial in number: (209) 647-1600, participant access code: 951481 .

The Adobe Connect session will have an ASL interpretation video window, a CART real-time captioning transcription window, and a chat window.  We only have a trial version of Adobe Connect which is limited to 25 seats so please use only if you need it, so as many people as possible can participate.  The conference call is not limited in number of participants.  Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #d19ndc . 

Name: Accessibility and the Maker Movement 2

Date: 07/19/2014

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

URL: https://meet76447463.adobeconnect.com/r77veaetn3e/

Conference dial-in number: (209) 647-1600

Participant access code: 951481

More information at http://dclibrary.org/node/43459

Joe Olson’s DIY-Enabled Wheelchair

Joe Olson is disabled but he’s also a maker with DIYability, a term used by John Schimmel on a website of that name for do-it-yourself “assistive technology.” 

http://makezine.com/2014/07/08/joe-olsons-diy-enabled-wheelchair/

MIT Finger Device Reads in Real Time

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device to be worn on the index finger of people whose vision is impaired, giving them affordable and immediate access to printed words.

http://www.wbur.org/2014/07/08/mit-finger-device-blind