Eight years ago, a nation watched as hundreds of New York’s bravest made the ultimate sacrifice to help those in need.

Since then, a group of students at one Villa Park middle school has helped raise money each year on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for their local fire department, while at the same time learning about the men and women that would come to the rescue in the event of a fire.

Students in the blind and visually impaired program at Albright Middle School in Villa Park spent part of their time in summer school making everything and anything patriotic, including American flag pillows, patriotic bracelets, and red, white and blue fans to sell to students, faculty and staff during two lunch periods today.

The school is part of Salt Creek School District 48, where the visually impaired program consists of more than 50 students. About 15 of the students were in the summer school program, and almost all of them participated in helping make the crafts.

Cindy Rukavina, a teacher in the Albright program, said the students have been doing crafts each summer since 2002, and have made nearly 50 different crafts to sell this year. Rukavina said the crafts not only assist with developing skills, but also help the students learn about what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as what firefighters do for the community.

“It’s our way to honor our local firemen who put their lives on the line every day,” Rukavina said. “They would give up their own life to help our own kids, especially the vision-impaired kids who need extra help. … We feel it’s our duty to do something nice for them.”

Later this month, Villa Park firefighters will come to Albright to pick up the money raised by the craft sale. Last year, the sale raised more than $180. Villa Park firefighter/paramedic Matt Sauter said the department uses the money to purchase hats, stickers, and other items to give to children during speeches about fire prevention.

“One of the best fire prevention techniques in the fire service is giving away handouts and educating kids and parents,” Sauter said. “Giving them the opportunity to know that someone will be there and to trust us if we yell to follow us in the event of a fire is important. … It’s good to reassure them we’re going to take care of them if we’re needed.”

Source for complete article: http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/villapark/news/x1170598697/Students-lend-firefighters-helping-hand

Bristol/Hong Kong-based Ocean Blue Software, a specialist digital TV software house, has developed “talking” digital TV technology for set top boxes and televisions that could potentially benefit millions of people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, severely dyslexic, and elderly.

The technology, produced in conjunction with the The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and other digital technology companies, works by converting on-screen based text menus into speech output. Consumers will be able control how the audio information is spoken to them, and have the ability to change the level of speech and the language through a customizable interface.

Developers are optimistic that the new technology will improve the quality of life of 8 million individuals living with disabilities in the UK, and even more around the world.

Ocean Blue Software also recently produced Nexus TVTM, a digital technology system with health care features that utilizes a television with a set top box and a remote control. The system is capable of providing automatic alerts reminding users which medication to take, and when. Users will also be able to order repeat prescriptions by scanning a barcode with the remote control and then forward it to their pharmacist. Individuals with limited mobility, will be able to shop local stores and markets through the Nexus TVTM network and have items delivered to their home.

“This is about exploiting technology to give the elderly and vulnerable every possible comfort and security where they most want it - in their own homes,” said Ken Helps, CEO of Ocean Blue Software, in a company press release. “At the same time, it addresses one of the greatest challenges for the British economy – how to finance support for an ageing population.”

Source for complete article: http://www.examiner.com/x-18867-NY-Disability-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Digital-TV-software-provides-talking-menus-for-the-visually-impaired-deaf-and-elderly

Pebble’s small lightweight design makes it the perfect companion whether you’re travelling or at home. Easily read labels, prescriptions, price tags, menus, bus schedules and so much more with this ultra-portable video magnifier. Carry Pebble in your pocket, purse or strap it onto your belt, the only time you’ll know it’s there is when you need it.

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“I think I’m the only blind principal in Los Angeles,” stated Connie Gibson after she developed diabetic retinopathy, which later led to sudden vision loss after complications from laser surgery. Now age 59, Gibson is currently legally blind, but has been able to move forward with her life. She continues working and living an active lifestyle despite her disability.

Vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy affects one in every 12 people with diabetes who are 40 or older. According to the National Eye Institute, it is one of the most common eye diseases among Americans age 40 and over that leads to some form of visual impairment like low vision, along with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts….

Source for complete article: http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2009/05/05/6180/tips-and-solutions-for-diabetic-retinopathy-and-low-vision/