INSIGHT

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS LIBRARY OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA

The Special Needs Library of Northeast Georgia is a part of your public library and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, serving Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Hart, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Rabun, Stephens, Walton and White counties. We do not endorse any product or service mentioned in this newsletter.

800-531-2063, 706-613-3655

Email: specialneedslibrary@athenslibrary.org

Staff: Stacey Chandler, Lavern Gordon, Claudia Markov, Pete Hayek

DECEMBER 2003

Just a reminder that the Special Needs Library of NE GA will be closed the following dates: Please mark your calendars

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Braille Anyone??

We have a patron who is looking for Braille readers in Gwinnett County. Her name is Deb Weiner, and she currently lives in Gwinnett County. She wants some ideas on what kind of materials other patrons would like to see done in Braille. If you would like to speak to Deb Weiner about materials you would like to see transcribed in Braille, she has given permission for anyone interested to contact her. Her number is (770) 448-4113 ext. 201.

Hadley School for the Blind

The Hadley School for the Blind offers more than 90 distance education courses to eligible students completely free of charge. From “Braille Reading for Family Members” to “Birdsong Tutor,” you can select from a wide variety of Hadley courses. You can study in the comfort of your own home at a time convenient for you. Course materials arrive in the mail (a few are downloadable), and for students in the U.S. and Canada, instructors are just a toll-free call away. The course material comes to you in your choice of large- print, Braille, or cassette (4-track). You can enroll for Hadley courses if you are a blind adult (age 14 and up), a relative of a blind or visually impaired child, a family member of a blind or visually impaired adult, or a professional in the blindness field. You are also welcome to apply for enrollment if you work with blind individuals at time of enrollment or plan to within the upcoming six months. Hadley offers four FREE educational programs, as follows: Adult Continuing Education Program, High School Program, Family Education Program, and Professional Educational Program. Hadley is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training/Council since 1958 and by the Commission on Schools of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1978. Now that I have told you a little about this fantastic educational resource, I want to congratulate one of our patrons for receiving the “Lifelong Learning Award” from the Hadley School for the Blind. Sheila Rousey of Eastanollee, Georgia, was selected as this year’s recipient. Hadley School for the Blind has an annual student enrollment of over 8,000 students from all 50 states and at least 100 other countries. Each year they select one student to receive this award, and they selected Ms. Rousey. Ms. Rousey has been taking distance classes since 1989 through Hadley. She has now taken 22 courses along with the college coursework from the undergraduate and graduate studies at Clemson University. Ms. Rousey says she is “very pleased to represent Northeast Georgia and wants others with visual impairments and those who work with the visually impaired to know that Hadley School for the Blind is an excellent educational resource”. Congratulations to Shelia Rousey! Way to Go!!! If anyone is interested in more information on Hadley School for the Blind, call 1-800-323-4238 or visit their website at www.hadley-school.org.

Hearing Help

Geared for parents of children who have been newly diagnosed with a hearing loss. So, Your Child Has a Hearing Loss is packed with information about types of hearing screenings for infants and children, early intervention, technology, communication, education options, and related topics. The 32-page booklet is produced by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Single copies are free by calling 1-202-337-5220.

Diabetes Store

Diabetesstore.com is becoming the leading online retailer of diabetes-related products. They offer diabetic testing supplies, sugar-free foods, sugar-free cold medicine, and essential accessories for the diabetic. Visit their website at www.diabetesstore.com for more information.

Comfort Food

Winter is almost here and it is time to put away those light summer salads, pack away your barbeque grill, and indulge in some heartier fare. This is the time of year for soups and stews, baked goods and, well…comfort food. Try some of these cookbooks compiled by Reader Advisor Susan Higgins. We are sure you will find some new family favorites.

Bobby WorldWide Approved