IFB Beat – Week of May 16, 2022

Programs and Services

The NFB support group in Winston-Salem is collecting broken or used canes.

These canes will be cleaned up and repaired for people who are blind in third world countries that do not have access to canes for safe travel. We will be collecting canes through the end of September. Please support this effort by putting your broken or used canes in the collection box located in the TADS room by the braille cabinet. You can also give your canes to an NFB member.
Brian Ballard/Vinyl department
Tonya Patterson/Vinyl department
Angela Hanes/ ACS department
Bob Parson/ ACS department

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

The S.E.E. kids in Winston enjoyed learning about rockets in after school. This rocket snack on a wooden skewer has the flat end of a strawberry, then a pattern of 3 banana cylinders and 2 large marshmallows, then topped off with a strawberry half nose cone. It was a fun way to practice cutting fruit with a table knife on a cutting board. Now we are ready to blast off on more adventures!

Assistive Technology Support Group

May 19th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and we are celebrating as part of our monthly Assistive Technology Support Group Meeting. We invite you to join us Thursday night at 7 PM, as we celebrate this day. It is also our third anniversary of the group as a whole. Invite your friends, and join us as we talk about our role in the accessibility process. We will also talk about audio books, and the various services available. We will also cover the latest technology news, and much more. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday May 19 at 7 o’clock.

Adult Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, May 16 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, May 17 VIPS Club meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Wednesday, May 18 Diabetic support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Thursday, May 19 Assistive Technology support group meeting from 7:00-8:00 via zoom (Zoom information is at the end of the newsletter.)

 

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Item of the Week:

OttLite LED Mobile Task Light | $34.75 Powerful light you can take anywhere! The Low Vision center is a one stop shop! While you are purchasing a OttLite LED Mobile Task Light check out a OttLite Cobra Color Changing LED Lamp!

CLVC April item of the month:

Eschenbach Contrast Enhancing Solar Shields $49.00. Available in multiple colors to filter light and cut down on glare.

If you are interested in purchasing Low Vision Equipment through our Loan Program (3rd Party), please contact a Low Vision Coordinator for assistance.

Insider Corner

Vision of the Future

Backed by Stevie Wonder, researchers are developing a pair of high-tech glasses with a built-in camera that ping images wirelessly to the brain. It sounds like the glasses worn by Geordi La Forge (played by LeVar Burton) in Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, science is edging closer towards allowing blind people to see again — without using their eyes. Read full article: See Again with High-Tech Glasses

Expand Your Knowledge

Book: Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon
By: Colin Bryar and Bill Carr
“In 20th century firms, planning typically looks at competitors and then seeks to create a future that will enable them to stay ahead of the competition.
By contrast, 21st century management does the opposite: it starts with the customer and works backwards, as Amazon-insiders Colin Bryar, former chief of Staff to Jeff Bezos, and Bill Carr, former vice president of digital Media, explain in this forthcoming book. The authors both held important leadership roles at critical moments in Amazon’s history. They bring out not only what is the unique corporate culture of Amazon but also illustrate how this culture was built through the fundamental principles, processes and practices of 21st century management. It’s a deep dive into one of the world’s most interesting firms.” Forbes

Reverb: Buy & Sell Music Gear for iPhone and iPad

Use this free app to find great deals on best-selling music gear, hunt for a one-of-a-kind vintage finds, or post your own gear for sale. Shop a huge selection of new, used, and vintage guitars, pedals, synths, drums, microphones, and more from top brands, retailers, boutique builders, and musicians from all over the world. Easily get your unused instruments in front of a global community of musicians and make money to fund your next purchase. Plus, learn and get inspired through gear demos, artist interviews, video lessons, and more.

Some features include:
• Watch listings to get notified when prices drop.
• Follow searches in your Feed (like “Fender electric guitars before 1965” or “Korg synths under $300”) to get updates on the gear you

want.
• Make offers to find the best deal.
• Message sellers for more details on any listing.

Sell
• List gear for free. Create a listing in minutes: simply take photos, write a description, and set your price.
• Respond to offers and messages from anywhere.
• Manage your shop—promote listings with Bump, update prices, and more.

Discover
• Watch gear demos, artist interviews, and how-to videos.
• Read about gear history, recording and production techniques, and more.
• Browse handpicked collections of gear curated by our expert staff.
• Learn about rare and unique gear and under-the-radar deals and steals.

Version
4.54 on iOS 15.4
Accessibility Comments
The app has amazing VoiceOver support and is very responsive.
App Store Link
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reverb-buy-sell-music-gear/id674604876
Developer’s Website
https://www.reverb.com
Developer’s Twitter Username
@reverb

 

Have some interesting information to share or topic you would like to see in the Insider Corner? Whether it is your favorite podcast, website, or article that caught your attention, send to Faith Harding at fharding@ifbsolutions.org and we will post it!

Community Connections

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so what better time to practice skills that can improve your mental health? Join Youth LEAD NC’s LEADing On Series on Thursday, May 19th from 7:00 to 8:00pm for a laid back event that will be dedicated specifically to relaxation! We will not only be talking about mental health, but Youth LEAD NC’s board member, Bethany Smith, will be leading activities to help us relax, breathe, and wind down!

Give yourself a break! Tag along for this month’s LEADing On Series as Bethany leads us through deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation. There will also be a discussion on resources for mental health emergencies and crises. The Zoom information is below. Hope to see all of our youth, who are 30 and under, and NCYLF alumni there!

ZOOM INFO:

Topic: May LEADing On Series: Mental Health Awareness Month
Time: May 19, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9163000318?pwd=SGtaTGVNV0lOcG1Zd3BiaHZ1b29LUT09

Meeting ID: 916 300 0318
Passcode: Youthrock
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,9163000318#,,,,*820009510# US (New York)
+13017158592,,9163000318#,,,,*820009510# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 916 300 0318
Passcode: 820009510

 

 The WeWalk Smart Cane is now available in the US.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The WeWALK smart cane pairs an ultrasonic cane handle with an Ambutech graphite white cane to create a cane that can detect obstacles above chest height, in addition to those on the ground.  A free smartphone iOS or Android app can also be downloaded to provide additional guidance tools including guided navigation, points of interest exploration, and a public transit integration.  WeWALK is best used by people already familiar with white cane mobility skills.

Obstacle Detection

• Detects anything above chest height, including lampposts, tree branches, truck mirrors, and street signs
• Detection range can be set between 30 and 70 inches, using the preference menu on the app, or through the menu on the WeWALK touch pad
• Also handy for detecting elevators and revolving doors
• Useful for social distancing

Accessible Navigation, via the app

• Turn by turn directions, with choice of left/right/straight guidance or clock directions
• Low vision maps
• Percentage journey completed
• Multi-modal navigation, including integration with public transit and guidance towards the proper bus stops and exits

Exploration, via the app

• Scans an area and notifies a user of popular points of interest, including cafes, restaurants, and museums
• Categories include Arts & Entertainment and Pubs & Clubs
• Points of interest can be saved as a favorite destination, offer a phone number for dialing, connect to Uber for a ride to the location, or provide guided navigation to the destination

Public Transportation, via the app

• Check arrival times for buses or trains in the area
• View timetables for local transit
• View and track all stops on a selected route
• Receive notification when the destination is reached and it is time to exit

Specifications

• Available in 3 lengths, 51”, 54”, and 59”
• App available in 10 languages, including Spanish
• Weight: 0.80 pounds
• 20 hour average battery life; USB chargeable
• Free 1 on 1 training sessions with a WeWALK specialist
• One year manufacturer warranty

Product Instructions
Click here for the WeWALK user manual

View videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNuoU4dlnss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFUkNKEXrEw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-w3B-No9Dg

 

Opportunities

We are HeRe for you!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Not only is keeping your physical health in check important, keeping your mental health in check should also be a priority! On May 18^th during regular lunch hours, IFB Solutions is hosting the Mental Health Association of Forsyth County for Lunch and Learns! These will be 30 minute sessions, with food provided on the topic of “Importance of Self-Care/Building Resiliency”. There will be valuable information shared during these sessions, so we encourage you to sign up as there is limited availability! Please contact Haleigh Yarboro via email hyarboro@ifbsolutions.org or phone at extension 5635 if you are interested.

 

Just a friendly reminder!

The Winston Salem location has a $250 referral bonus program for any current employee that refers a blind or visually impaired candidate or sighted/temporary candidate to IFB.
Please contact HR for referral bonus program criteria. Associates at other locations should ask your HR Manager or supervisor for the specific programs available at your location.

Job Announcements

Hazmat Coordinator- BSC McGuire Hazmat

Education and work experience:
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledgeable of EESOH-MIS program
• Two years of related experience.
• Must have a valid Drivers License and a safe driving record
• Must complete forklift certification within 30 days of hire
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR card
• Receive RCRA training and respirator certification within 90 days of hire

Internal candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=38144&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5
External candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=38143&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

For more information

Please contact Brent Burkholder at 336-245-5611 or bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Join Zoom Meeting (Adult Support Groups)

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576

 

Join Zoom Meeting (Assistive Technology Support Group)

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/94434630872?pwd=aXFYSHYyWkh1SE1tWDNOdDIwVURwUT09

Meeting ID: 944 3463 0872
Passcode: 924496

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,,99434630872,,,#,,,,# US (Germantown)

13126266799,,,99434630872,,,#,,,# US
+(Chicago)