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

FEBRUARY 2004

A Word from the Manager....

The Governor has proposed a 5% budget reduction for fiscal year 2005, which begins in July, on top of the current year’s 2.5%. This will have a negative effect on the Special Needs Library of Northeast Georgia. I urge you all to contact members of your local legislative delegation to discuss the benefits of the Special Needs Library. We don’t want anyone to panic and think the Special Needs Library will be closing. That is not going to happen, but instead, I urge you all to keep checking out books and spreading the word about this great service. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me here direct at (706) 613-3650 ext. 328. Thanks, Stacey Chandler, Manager of the Special Needs Library.

Ivy Creek Guide Dog School

Ivy Creek Guide Dog School is located in Abbeville, SC, approximately fifty miles from Athens, GA. They extend an invitation to individuals interested in a guide dog to visit Ivy Creek and/or call Jim Durrance for a brochure and application. Also, please visit their website at www.ivycreekguidedogs.com

New Magazine

Vital Speeches of the Day is a new magazine on cassette now available to our patrons. Each issue of the bi-weekly periodical features eight to ten speeches by individuals “who have attained leadership in the fields of economics, politics, education, sociology, government, criminology, finance, business, taxation, health, law, labor, etc.” Vital Speeches of the Day offers “the best thought of the best minds on current national questions.” If you would like to receive this magazine, call us here at the Special Needs Library.

Braille Collection Moved

As of January 2004, Braille service for Georgia Library for the Blind patrons will be provided by the Utah State Library for the Blind and Disabled. The Utah Library may be reached several ways: their toll-free number, 800-453-4293; by email, blind@utah.gov, and at their website www.library.utah.gov/blind.html. You may contact the Utah Library to place your Braille order. The Utah Library provides Braille service to 18 states and has a very large collection with 3-5 copies of each title. Braille registered patrons will be receiving a letter from the Utah Library and the Atlanta Regional Library about the change in service.

Free Telecommunication Equipment

Do you need a TTY (teletypewriter), an amplified telephone, Braille TTY or speech-aided telephone? Deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-impaired people may apply to receive this equipment through the Georgia Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (GATEDP). GATEDP travels throughout the state of Georgia to provide workshops where individuals who qualify may receive equipment. For more information, call toll-free 888-297-9461.

Job Announcement: Braille Instructor

VISTAS/ICOD, Inc. is soliciting applicants for the position of Braille Instructor at the VISTAS office.
Job Description: The Braille Instructor will be responsible for teaching persons who are blind or visually impaired to read and write Grade I and Grade II Braille on an individual basis and/or in groups. Good communication skills required. Salary is negotiable.
Minimum Requirements: Applicant should be certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission as a Braille Specialist. However, documentation in one or more of the following areas is acceptable: VISTAS is also seeking individuals interested in becoming an apprentice to obtain the training necessary to become a certified Braille instructor. Interested persons should contact Peggy R. Chavis at 706-583-8001.

Lives of United States Presidents

This month we celebrate the birthdays of two of our presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Reader Advisor Ginny Ryan has compiled this list on Washington and Lincoln as well as other presidents. There are many more available in our collection. If the president you are interested in is not on our list, ask us.

Bobby WorldWide Approved