Club Vibes has now awarded three mini-grants, all for computers. Lessons in the use of the computers and the screen reader JAWS were included for each of the recipients and they are all making good use of their computers. We have updates from Paige and Said. The third recipient, Jacoby and his computer are busy at Belmont University in Nashville. We also have another mini-grant application pending, and it is NOT for a computer.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY NEW COMPUTER

by Paige

I purchased my new Samsung computer at Best Buy with the help of my parents. I got to feel some of the computers and how they were laid out. Once I was finished looking, I settled on the Samsung model. I picked this laptop specifically because it had a numerical keypad which I wanted. 

I had been taking lessons with Joseph from IFB Solutions to learn the basics of using my computer as well as JAWS and Windows. I am now getting help at school from my Vision Teachers. Most of the time I use my computer to complete assignments, study for tests, and even to write this article. Typically, I do my assignments on my computer and email them to the teachers. Overall, I have to say that using Windows 11 has been an enormous success for me.

Thanks, Club Vibes for awarding me this mini-grant.

I PRACTICE EVERY DAY

by Said

I am still taking some Jaws lessons, and I feel like I am improving with using Jaws commands. I am taking 2 lessons every week from 2 different people. One teaches me Jaws and Word, and the other person teaches me Excel and other general Jaws commands. A student is teaching me and he sends me lessons by text or recorded audio lessons. Now I can use Gmail and I can also browse the internet using google chrome. I am trying the best I can to practice every day. I really want to use what I am learning to either get a job or get TBE certified.

All meetings are via Zoom unless otherwise noted.

Confirm these dates when you receive your monthly calendar.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

15-Mini-Grant applications due

18-Chat on the Porch

OCTOBER CALENDAR

3, 17-Chat on the Porch

10-General membership meeting, 6:30 

RSVP by October 7.

15-Mini-Grant applications due

IS NEW THIS MONTH ON OUR BLOG PAGE?

HOW TO MEET A PREGNANT NUN

At some point, most people with a disability will encounter a social situation where those around them are uncomfortable and do not know how to interact with a blind (or anyone with a disability) person. In anticipation of the inevitability of such encounters, it is wise to learn about "the Buckley Rule". Read more

HOW TO SEDUCE SOMEONE WHO IS BLIND

Often when a blind or visually impaired person is involved in a group, they are not really integrated on the same level as the members without a visual impairment. John relates a very positive experience he had when he was involved with a professional group. Read More

FIVE THINGS YOUR CASE MANAGER WON'T TELL YOU

As school resumes, it is a good time for students to review the IEP with their case manager and be sure that the teachers are aware of the goals and obligations of the school in meeting your needs.

Read more

MEETING A GUIDE DOG

There are some simple but important rules to follow when you meet someone with a guide dog so that you do not interfere with the dog's training and focus. John reviews them in this blog. Read more.

A GREAT WAY TO DISCOVER YOUR CHILD'S TALENTS

It is easy for kids to spend hours entertaining themselves with electronic devices but there is so much more in the world for them to experience and to discover hidden talents and interests. Schools offer many opportunities for kids to broaden their horizons through participation in extra-curricular activities. Many options do not require vision. With the school year just starting, now is the time to check out some of the options. John shares some of his experiences. Read more.

COMMENTS

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SUBSCRIBE

To guarantee that you do not miss any of our blogs, you can subscribe to them on our website, http://club-vibes.org/blog/

CLUB VIBES MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

We have some Club VIBES items for sale. [email protected]  if you wish to purchase either or both. They are perfect for personal use and also make great gifts.

SPOTLIGHT

THE FRESHMAN YEAR SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR BLIND STUDENTS

By Sophie Tibbetts, a Club Vibes member with limited vision.

On May 7, 2022, I graduated from Johnson University with my Bachelor of Science in English. When looking back upon these past three years, I find myself smiling at flashbacks of my girlfriends and I attending student bonfires, sharing meals together, and jamming out to music anytime we had the chance. In hindsight, I would have enjoyed spreading out my university experience a bit longer. Graduating a year early meant cramming more work closer together, and sometimes led me to disregard my physical limitations as a blind individual along with my mental and emotional needs. I am fortunate enough to still have my former classmates close by, but I recognize this will not be the case for everyone. Most people only choose to have one college experience in their lives, so it is crucial to make the most of it. Below sets a list of advice for my fellow low and no-vision students in making college as smooth and memorable as possible based on my experience:

1. Learn your schedule ahead of time.

Once you have received your class schedule for the new semester, take some time to learn each day’s route ahead of time. This will help prevent you from getting lost or arriving to class late. It will also help you determine what kind of assistance you will need. You may do this by yourself, with a family member or friend, a faculty member, or an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructor. 

     2. Be realistic about your capabilities.

Having low or no vision means there may be times when you need accommodations to help you complete tasks such as homework. You may need more time to read an assigned text or use a different medium from standard print. In some cases, this will cause you to take a bit longer on an assignment than some of your sighted peers. When deciding the number of credit hours you will take each semester, keep these things in mind and be honest with yourself. You do not want to fall too far behind or overexert yourself physically and mentally. 

      3. Create a close circle of friends.

The relationships you build in college, especially in the first semester, will largely determine the course of your social life over the next few years. Take some time to build a friend group with three or four other students and be intentional about attending social events on campus. Not only will this create lasting memories and relationships, but it will provide you with a support system in which you help each other through the demands of your education. 

      4. Create teachable moments.

“Teachable Moments,” in my vocabulary, defines times in which I take advantage of the chance to educate others about my disability. Although it might feel awkward when only one student in the class has to use a magnifier, cane, or other assistive technology, these moments give you moments to educate your fellow classmates about your position on the vast spectrum of blindness. Do not let fear or a sense of social pressure stop you from making use of the accommodations you need.

       5. Take time to rest.

Your mental and physical health matters, and you cannot work your hardest while burnt out. Believe me, I tried. Looking back, I would recommend taking breaks for every hour you spend on assignments. If you have a light schedule, you may even pick one day a week that you will avoid homework altogether. This will give your brain time to refocus and, for my low vision friends, your eyes time to relax from strain. 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Club VIBES membership meetings continue to be virtual but are no longer held monthly. We will have our next meeting on October 10. We believe that it is important for the members of Club Vibes to give back to the community in recognition of the many benefits that they have received. For the second year, the members will designate one or two charities that will receive a donation from Club Vibes. At the October meeting, each member will make a presentation on one 501 (C) 3 vision service charity that they believe would be a worthy beneficiary of a donation from Club Vibes. The membership will then vote on one or two charities to receive this benefit.

CHANGES AHEAD

Changes are coming to Club Vibes. We have lost three of our club member-leaders due to their enrollment in colleges and universities that are not in Knoxville. We are not receiving many new members from the local area due to our inability to spread the word about Club Vibes to local students. We have moved most of our activities to a virtual format which does not limit the location of new members and we are attracting them from areas near and far. There are also changes coming to our website,  club-vibes.org to make it better meet the needs of our changing membership and format.

MINI-GRANT APPLICATIONS

All Club Vibes current and past members are eligible to apply for a mini-grant for technology, education, fitness, independent living, or other areas that a member, with committee approval, feels will help them achieve an independent and productive life.

The process for members to obtain a mini-grant begins with requesting an application by email that includes, among other information about the applicant, what the grant will be used for and how it will benefit the member and the Vibes community. The application can be requested from [email protected]. Write "Club-Vibes mini-grant application" in the subject line. Applications are due by the 15th of each month for evaluation by the committee. Members can request up to $1500.

CHECK OUT THE HIMS eBOT PORTABLE MAGNIFIER

The eBot is a portable reading, writing and distance video magnifier with total “wireless” connectivity to any iPad, Android Tablet, Windows PC, or TV monitor. It allows you to view all your near and distant objects without having to plug anything in or rely on a dedicated Wi-Fi zone. It is available with or without text-to-speech. The price ranges from $2500-$3500. For details click here.

TAKE TIME FOR FUN

You know what they say about all work and no play-it makes Jack a dull boy. Those of you back in school might like to take a break with this game recommended by Illya to keep from becoming "a dull boy (or girl)". It is called "Blind Drive". This is an audio-only game in which your character has been kidnapped, blindfolded, and handcuffed to the wheel of a car. Your goal is to pass the levels by driving down the road, using the audio clues, avoiding oncoming traffic, evading the police, and staying alive long enough to escape your kidnapper.

I had a blast playing this game. What I enjoyed the most about it is that it will give you a good laugh from time to time. Unfortunately, at this time this game is only available for Android devices. You can get it at the Play Store for $3.99.  Click here to go to the game at Google Play.