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

MAY 2005

Popular Books

Are you waiting for books by your favorite author and never get very many? Although we get multiple copies of all of our books, sometimes you may have to wait on some very popular authors or titles. Danielle Steel, John Grisham, Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark are a few of our most popular authors. All of these authors have many requests pending on most of their titles and many readers have them in as their favorite authors so the books go right back out as soon as someone sends them back. If you like John Grisham or Nora Roberts, ask the staff if they can suggest another author that you might also like. Also you can help us out by reading and returning these books as quickly as you can.

Summer Reading Program

Just a quick reminder that summer is fast approaching and with summer comes our Summer Reading Program! Our Summer Reading Program, for children ages preschool-seniors in high school, will begin on June 1st. There will be more details in June’s newsletter about our summer reading program and requirements. If you have any questions about the summer reading program, call us here at the Special Needs Library.

Test Study

The VA Medical Center in Decatur is seeking volunteers to test a system that provides audio directions for finding your way inside a building. To qualify for the project, your vision status must be light perception only or no light perception. If you can see intersecting hallways or doorways, you have too much vision to participate in this project. The project requires one visit and takes about 2 hours. Transportation can be provided and participants will receive $25.00. Individuals 18-21 years old are especially needed. For more information, call Erica Watkins at 404-321-6111 ext. 5830.

Refurbished Computers

The Texas Center for the Physically Impaired has refurbished computers available to blind and disabled people all over the world for the cost of only $50. These are Windows-based Pentium computers with a monitor, keyboard, a six-cassette tutorial, and a demo copy of Window-Eyes version 4.1. Bob Langford evaluates individual needs and provides the initial freeware, shareware, or demos. For more information, contact Bob Langford at boblang@airmail.net or call 214-340-6328.

Wristband fundraiser

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is selling Braille translucent wristbands as fundraisers. The wristband says “Our Vision is Clear” in Braille lettering. By wearing the wristband, you are demonstrating support for the millions of Americans affected by diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Uscher syndrome, and Stargardt disease. These fashionable wristbands make great gifts for you, family members, or anyone who wants to help find a cure for blindness. The wristbands cost $3.00 and are sold in lots of 10 for $30.00. There is no charge for shipping and handling. The proceeds go directly to The Foundation Fighting Blindness. For more information or to place an order, visit www.fightblindness.org/wristbands

Georgia ADA Exchange


To view the newsletter, go to www.gaada.info/Winter_2005.pdf Please call 770-451-2340 if you would like to receive a print edition of the newsletter.

Seeing Double

You will be “seeing double” as you read these books featuring twins!

Bobby WorldWide Approved