Spring Awakening

The word ‘April’ is derived from the Latin term aperio which means to open, uncover, reveal, or explain. In particular regard the month of the year, this reference points to the opening of the springtime buds and blossoms. Here in Minnesota, our landscape is revealed from beneath the snowfall. We open our windows, shake off the dust, and roll up our sleeves for some spring cleaning. We can get outside and soar on Go Fly a Kite Day on April 21st and celebrate our planet with an Earth Day event on April 22^nd. Lastly, let’s awaken our creative spirits through reading, writing, and listening because April is National Poetry Month.

Revealing the Solar Eclipse through Sound

​On April 8^th, many parts of the US will experience a rare total solar eclipse. The moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun and briefly turning the daytime sky to night. The best points to experience a total solar eclipse will be in the path of totality, spanning in a narrow band from Mexico to Maine. In Minnesota, we will experience a partial eclipse, ranging from 77% in the southern part of the state to 59% in the north. However, we can now experience the solar eclipse through sound. The LightSound Project from Harvard University has created a device that allows the Blind and Low Vision community to listen to the eclipse. The device uses a technique called sonification which is the process of converting data (or light intensity in this case) to sound. Visit: The LightSound Project (harvard.edu) for more information. NASA will be broadcasting the eclipse live with audio descriptions. For the full experience, visit: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Broadcast (nasa.gov). The Exploratorium in San Francisco will offer live sonification of the eclipse on their website or through their app: Listen to an Eclipse | Exploratorium. Eclipse Soundscapes offers an opportunity to contribute to scientific data collection and research as they collect information from everyday citizens during the eclipse. Learn more about this special NASA Citizen Science Project here: Eclipse Soundscapes.

Preparing for College

Register now to join State Services for the Blind at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities on Friday, April 12^th, 2024, for an interactive workshop about assistive technology that blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind students use for success in college.

What: SSB is hosting a Tools for School workshop for students who are blind and visually impaired to learn about the technology skills needed for success in higher education. Please join us for a day filled with various panels that will cover a wide variety of assistive technology that BVI students use in college!

Who: Prospective and current college student in high school or who recently graduated from high school, parents, and educators!

When: Friday, April 12^th, 2024. 

Where: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus.

For more information or to sign up, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us

Opening Opportunities for Youth with Rare Diseases

Do you know someone living with a rare disease? There are more than 10,000 known rare diseases. In the US, about 1 in 10 Americans is diagnosed with a rare disease. One example is Choroideremia also known by the abbreviation CHM. CHM is a rare inherited disorder that causes progressive vision loss and ultimately leads to complete blindness. The disease affects the retina, which is the area at the back of the eye. If you or someone you know is a collage-age person dealing with a rare disease, The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases will provide one-time awards of $5,000 scholarships to 88 rare disease recipients in 2024. The application deadline is April 22^nd. Click here to apply: Scholarship for Rare Diseases - EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases

Uncovering New Career Paths

Disability:IN Minnesota would like to invite you to their 2024 Virtual INclusive Career Fair on April 26, 2024, from 1-4 pm. This event is a great opportunity for employers and job seekers to network and meet 1:1 to discuss job opportunities, internships, etc. Registration is required to attend the event. Employers need to register by April 19, 2024, to secure an employer booth. Job seekers need to register by April 24, 2024. To find out more about employers participating in the event, go to Disability:IN Minnesota’s INclusive Career Fair page.

Helping Students Grow

The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Foundation is hosting their first annual gala on Sunday, April 28^th. The lunchtime event is being held at the Royal Cliff Event Center in Eagan, MN starting at 1:00 pm. The event is billed as an afternoon of celebration and generosity. Proceeds from the gala will help build a greenhouse at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. This is a great opportunity for fellowship, celebration, and to make a difference in students’ education. If you cannot attend, there are also opportunities to purchase raffle tickets. Click here to register and purchase tickets: The First Annual MN State Academy for the Blind Foundation Gala - MN Academy for the Blind Foundation | Brushfire

Supporting One Another

SSB is working on establishing support groups around the state for seniors experiencing low vision. The goal is to provide an opportunity for you to connect with others experiencing vision loss in your area.

Benefits of Support Groups:

• Alleviate isolation and know that you’re not alone.
• Meet new friends and create a network.
• Support one another.
• Discuss aspects of vision loss and how you’re effected.
• Share tips and tricks.
• Learn about resources and recreational activities.

We look forward to launching these support groups soon. Stay tuned for updates!

Updating our Devices

Time to do some spring cleaning on our computers, smart phones, and tablets.

BARD has new mobile updates now available for Android and IPhone (IOS). These updates include many features to enhance your searching and listening experience. Check your smart phone and be sure you have the latest versions of the app.

NLS has released BARD Mobile version 2.0.0 for Fire OS. Build 226 is for 32-bit tablets and build 227 is for 64-bit tablets. The app supports Fire OS versions 7 and 8.

Additionally, there is a new version of the Radio Talking Book app for smart phones, now available. The new features include:

• Improved the sound quality for both the playback of the live stream and the Archives
• Added the ability to speed up or slow down playback when listening to an archived program
• Updated the program schedule
• Moved development to a new, more modern framework, to facilitate future updates
• Various bug fixes

The app can be found in the iOS App store and the Google Play Store. Search for “Radio Talking Book” without the quotes, and make sure it says 'Minnesota'.

If you are new to BARD and Radio Talking book, you can apply for services by filling out this application: Application for free library service (mn.gov) or contacting SSB’s Communication Center at: Communication Center / State Services for the Blind (mn.gov) or by phone at: 651-539-2300.

Ensuring Accessibility

With new guidance, the U.S. Department of Education is pushing schools to ensure that all students with disabilities have the assistive technology they need and the supports to use it effectively. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the agency said that every time an individualized education program team meets to develop, review, or revise a student’s IEP, they are required to factor whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services. Be the voice for students with IEPs by learning more about this important accessibility initiative outlined in this article: Ed Department Warns Schools Not To Overlook Assistive Technology In IEPs - Disability Scoop

Participating in America’s Field Trip

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and the Library of Congress are excited to be participating in America’s Field Trip, part of the official celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3 through 12 to submit artwork, videos, or essays responding to the question “What does America mean to you?” First-place winners will have the opportunity to participate in special tours at historical, educational, and cultural sites across the country such as Yellowstone National Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Library of Congress.

The deadline to enter is May 17, 2024. Find more information and submission guidelines at: America's Field Trip - America250