Barrier-Free Library

Andrew Heiskell Library's Best of Summer Links

We can't believe the summer is nearly over. Aside from the distractions of a minor earthquake and a hurricane (though Irene had been downgraded to a tropical storm by the time she hit New York City), we served up a number of links on our Facebook and Twitter pages that you might find interesting.

The New York City Mayor's Office is hosting a free exhibition Beep Baseball game between the L.I. Bombers and WFAN 660 sports radio on Saturday, September 24 at 3:30 p.m. at the Central Park North Meadow. A low vision vendor fair will be held before the game, from 1 to 3 p.m. Read more about the National Beep Baseball Association, "the adaptive version of America's favorite pastime for the blind and visually impaired."

Visionary Media supports blind and visually impaired talent in the music, media, and advertising professions.

Google wants you! At least those of you who are blind or visually impaired who use the Internet. It's conducting a survey on accessibility in coordination with the American Council of the Blind. You have until mid-September to complete the survey.

"Finding the Right IT Tools for Persons with Disabilities" at MIT.

The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) has a toll-free hotline to use if you need information or assistance regarding your legal rights. Call the NAGDU Education and Advocacy Hotline toll-free at 1-888-NAGDU41 (1-888-624-3841). Or call 1-813-658-5749.

From the NY Daily News: "Jewish Guild for the Blind's Six-week Class Helps Visually Impaired Students Prepare for College."

From Forbes: "New Touch Screens Allow Blind to Read Braille."

From BuzzFeed: "Bono & U2 Bring A Blind Fan Onstage To Play Guitar."

From Science Daily: "New Device Helps the Blind to Move Independently" — ‎"EYE 21 is an electronic tool that allows blind people to move autonomously in any environment." It uses special sunglasses equipped with cameras and headphones.