As we move on through the pandemic, more and more resources emerge. We feature snippets of what is available through the websites mentioned, but all have a wealth of other information and activities. Explore.
Announcements
As of April 22, American Council of the Blind was added to the Be My Eyes platform as a “Specialized Help” provider. This means that anyone in the US who needs to communicate with an ACB expert can now initiate a video call directly through the Be My Eyes app and have their call routed simultaneously to the ACB team. To read the press release about this partnership, visit here.
On Thursday, American Foundation of the Blind hosted a webinar titled “Inclusive Remote Work Environments”, teaching how to create and maintain accessible online work environments. An audio-described, transcribed and captioned version will be available shortly here. Also available, “Remote Instruction and Services for Blind and Low Vision Participants”.
SNAP online shopping
Eleven states, including New York, are participating in a pilot program that allows online shopping for SNAP recipients through Amazon and Walmart, and in New York through ShopRite. Learn about it here.
Tour museums – Virtually
Our Space, Our Place, an afterschool program in Roxbury, Massachusetts, is moving ahead full steam – remotely, of course. OSOP students visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts regularly for tours and crafting sessions. OSOP’s director writes: “This month we used Zoom to learn about an exhibit created by high school students of color. We heard stories, pieces were described and students enjoyed the music associated with the piece.”
This posting reminded to look at the website of the Museum Arts and Culture Access Consortium. On May 6, the Intrepid Air and Space Museum will be hosting a Virtual Verbal Description Tour of the exhibit Navy Cakes: A Slice of History, created specifically for those who are blind or have low vision. And yes, it is about the festive cakes meant to boost morale for those at sea. Learn more and sign up at this website.
Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is streaming free Shakespeare plays for 14 days each. The current offering, Romeo and Juliet, runs until May 3. Access it here. Information about other plays in the series is here. There is no need to sign up, but their site has lots of moving pieces.
Intergenerational Activities
There was a great story in a local paper this week about the Greenburgh, New York police reading bedtime stories to children. Opportunities to connect with other generations are popping up regularly. A local volunteer website offered the following: make art and cards for seniors or veterans; make phone calls to seniors; play music or read stories to others via phone or zoom.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has a regular Kids Story Hour. Get information here , then use the Virtual NFB Events link.
Music and Movement, Cup and Conversation
American Council of the Blind offers numerous Peer Support and Mentoring Groups and Online Events like Easy Chair Yoga, coffee socials, and special interest meetings. To join, sign up for ACB’s email list by filling out the subscription form , or by sending an email to: [email protected].
NFB has a coffee klatch too, and a chance to get up out of that easy chair, learn salsa dancing or get involved in other virtual activities for students and adults.
The Mental Health Association in Putnam County hosts a weekly KARAOKE CALL-IN for its clients. Such fun!
Smile of the week: Pandemic-related mattress commercial: “Now, for the first time ever, you can change the world by staying in bed.”
Thanks to all of you for continuing to change the world by getting out of bed and doing the excellent work you always do – virtually!
