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* NEW INFORMATION: CVI announces the following summer exercise classes. For more information or to register for a class, please contact Annie Maxwell at 404-875-9011, ext. 4371. 

YOGA: Tuesdays July 15 through September 16 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. taught by Michelle Mobley in the STARS Activity Room.  Costis $50 for the 10-week session.

AEROBICS: Mondays August 4 through Oct. 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (excluding Labor Day) taught by Michelle Mobley in the STARS Activity Room.  Cost is $10 for the 10-week session.

WEIGHT TRAINING: Mondays August 4 through October 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30p.m. (excluding Labor Day) taught by Kristi Logue in the exercise room.  Cost is $10 for the 10-week session.

AEROBICS: Mondays August 4 through October 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the STARS Activity Room taught by Michelle Mobley.  Cost is $50 for the 10-week session, due on the first day of class.

AEROBICS: Wednesdays August 6 through October 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the STARS Activity Room taught by Kristi Logue.   Cost is  $50 for the 10-week session; $10 for clients. 

* NEW INFORMATION: Looking for meaningful employment?  Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is scheduled to open Dialog in the Dark in Atlanta, on August 30. Dialog in the Dark is an exhibit to be experienced in complete darkness.  They are looking for individuals who would enjoy meeting and welcoming visitors to hire as Tour Guides for the exhibit, which will be located at Atlantic Station. . Tour Guides will accompany visitors through the exhibit, providing support and direction as visitors navigate through the various galleries in the dark.  For more information, please attend the Recruitment and Interview Meetings held at CVI. There are two morning sessions scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday, July 9 at 9:00 a.m.  Both Recruitment meetings will be held in the BellSouth Community Room on the 4th floor. Interviews will be held in the afternoon after both sessions and all day on Thursday, July 10.  To apply online, log onto: www.prxi.com/didapp/ or email your resume to didapp@prxi.com, Attention: Agnes Correia. You can also fax your cover letter and resume to 404.842.2626 or call our toll free number: 1.877.267.1899, if you have any questions about the Dialog in the Dark or the application process.

* NEW INFORMATION: Buy.com has the black edition of the Nokia N82 for $399.99. The black model is identical to the titanium version, other than color. Shipping is free.   For more information visit: http://www.buy.com/prod/nokia-n82-unlocked-cell-phone-5-mp-camera-w-xenon-flash-carl-zeiss/q/loc/101/207383635.html. 

* NEW INFORMATION: With the release of Window-Eyes 7.0, life just got a bit easier due to the product's ability to read bar codes. In this short demonstration, listen as J.J. uses a bar code scanner and a Window-eyes script to identify packages and read product directions.  Listen at: http://www.blindbargains.com/audio.php?m=3243. 

* NEW INFORMATION: Window-Eyes 7.0 Beta 1 is in public beta, with improved web browsing features, a powerful and accessible scripting feature and other enhancements.  For more information visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/beta. 

* NEW INFORMATION: BlindBargains.com has launched a new website that aims to help you select and compare phones usable by the blind and visually impaired. At AccessiblePhones.com, you can choose a wireless provider, screen reader, phone manufacturer, or feature, and learn about accessible phones which are available. There are detailed specifications, links to purchase the phones and software, as well as manuals and resources. They will also be expanding this site with more features, phone reviews, and new phones in the coming weeks and months. They include phones which work with a screen reader as well as phones with proprietary, built-in accessibility, making it the only known resource of its kind. Please let them know what you think of the site and how they can improve. Welcome to the world of accessible phones.  Visit http://www.accessiblephones.com/ for more information. 

* NEW INFORMATION: The National Braille Press has Keyboard Shortcut Guides for Office 2007 programs. Each Guide is available in paper or electronic format, and each costs $5, with the package costing $16. Guides are available for Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word 2007.  For more information visit: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/OFF07-WORD.html. 

* NEW INFORMATION: The Creating Futures Program may be able to offer free training toward an entry-level job in the tech field to returning veterans, disabled veterans, others receiving disability benefits, at-risk youth, and displaced workers.  For more information visit: http://www.creatingfutures.us. 

* NEW INFORMATION: Fred's Head Companion has put together a resource-filled posting called Meeting the Challenge of Finding Employment.  Check it out at:
http://www.fredshead.info/2006/07/meeting-challenge-of-finding.html. 

* NEW INFORMATION: A new update has been released for the LevelStar Icon and BraillePlus PDA's. Among other features, version 1.11 adds support for the Audible book format so users can download and listen to books from Audible.com. Also, a new feature called the workspace has been added which allows for users to view recent RSS feeds, files, or a welcome screen. Some bugs with some National Library Service books were also fixed.  To learn more about the update release visit: http://www.freelists.org/archives/icon-discuss/06-2008/msg00605.html.  Current users should search for software updates by using their units. 

* NEW INFORMATION: LevelStar has published a complete set of Icon and Braille Plus audio tutorials in DAISY format.  Users of the Icon and Braille Plus can download these directly to their units by checking for software updates and pointing to the tutorial file.  Others may go listen to some audio casts about the products at http://levelstar.libsyn.com/. 

* NEW INFORMATION: The Large-Print Ministry is offering two CDs that can help the blind and visually impaired and others with special needs in their devotions and more fully participate in worship.  These CDs are "Prayers & Psalms for today" and "The Book of Common Prayer "(1979) of the Episcopal Church, USA.  To place your order please send a self-addressed, stamped 6x9-inch envelope with four 42-cent stamps attached (five on a padded envelope) to Ann Dahlen, 1900 6th Ave., Apt. 513, Rock Island, IL 61201.  Please indicate which CD(s) you want. Two CDs can be sent in one unpadded 6x9-inch envelope. The CDs are sent in slim jewel CD cases.

* NEW INFORMATION: One of the most anticipated summer product releases is Code Factory's Mobile Geo, the latest entry into the ever-growing GPS software landscape. In this audio interview with Chris Grabowski, technical support specialist for Sendero Group, you will hear an initial hands-on demonstration as well as discuss the features of the upcoming product.  To listen, visit: http://www.blindbargains.com/audio.php?m=3252. 

* NEW INFORMATION: WebAnywhere is the latest entrant in the field of web-based access products, and offers access to websites using a centralized program. The software was developed at the University of Washington and is currently available in English, though other languages are planned.  To try the Alpha release of WebAnywhere visit: http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/. 

* NEW INFORMATION: For Sale: Mint condition PAC Mate QX420 with accessories.  Includes PAC Mate QX with 4.1 firmware, new battery installed, AC adaptor, 20 cell Braille display, Executive products PAC Mate custom leather case.  Also included is a copy of street talk (GPS software) with global sat bt338 GPS receiver, form fitting case for global sat with belt clip and PAC Mate case clip, PAC Mate USB cable, Wireless card
56K modem card Ethernet card, Ear peace, 2 compact flash cards: one 64 MB and 1 GB and a Bluetooth card.  The original CD is also included with all necessary drivers and audio training files as well as demo software.  Asking $3000 or best offer.  If interested contact Darren Duff at (678)936-6113 or duff379@gmail.com. 

* NEW INFORMATION: The Rehab R&D Center at the Atlanta VA is looking for blind and visually impaired persons to participate in a research study testing the BrainPort device.  Participants will be reimbursed at a rate of $12.00/hour for their time, and transportation will be provided.  If interested, please call Jenni Griffith at 404-321-6111, ext. 2992. 

* NEW INFORMATION: The VA Medical Center in Decatur is seeking volunteers to evaluate two new wheelchairs designed for use by the visually impaired.  These wheelchairs have sensors that help guide the user around obstacles in their way.  Participants must have a severe visual impairment and have prior wheelchair experience. The project will require as many as three visits to the VA Medical Center and each visit will take approximately 3 hours. Transportation will be provided if needed. Participants will receive $15.00 per hour for the time spent at the VA evaluating the wheelchairs. For more information, call Erica Watkins at 404-321-6111, ext. 5830.

* NEW INFORMATION: "Intersection: Disability, Transgender, & Intersex Experiences" will be Wednesday, July 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More (1189 Euclid Ave NE in the Little Five Point Business District).  Come join three leading activists - Caitlin Childs, Scott Turner Schofield and Anne DelBene for an evening of open, frank, in depth and sure-to-be-humorous discussion about how their individual everyday lives, interactions and experiences intersect. Caitlin, Scott, and Anne will talk to each other, fishbowl style, about commonalities among lives touched by disability, intersex, and  transgender experiences, then converse with the audience.  Join us for an informative and fun-filled evening of introspective community dialogue.  ADA qualified ASL Interpretation is available for all Charis Circle programs with 1-2 weeks advance notice. Please contact Charis Circle directly to request interpretation at this program.  For more information contact Charis Circle at info@chariscircle.org or 404-522-9912

* NEW INFORMATION:  Audiopoint, a leading provider of innovative voice data solutions, announced the release of its new Voice Terminal Service, or VTS, that provides instant access to user-defined Internet content in real time over any ordinary landline or mobile phone. Designed for both the visually impaired, as well as users with limited internet access, VTS seamlessly combines Internet surfing capabilities and email access with Audiopoint's exclusive Notifier service to provide a comprehensive and secure personalized data service that is available anywhere, anytime from any telephone.   For more information, visit www.audiopoint.net/vts or call 1-866-545-1560.

* NEW INFORMATION:  On Monday, June 23 Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager from HumanWare  appeared on Tech Talk he discussed the latest news for the Stream. He focused on the exciting new features and improvements in this software version 2.0 which is the most comprehensive software upgrade yet released for the Stream.  To hear the recording visit: http://www.accessibleworld.org/content/humanware-unveils-whats-new-victor-reader-stream-20-tek-talk-monday-gerry-chevalier-victor-r. 

* CVI hosts the Open Window Book Group on the first Monday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in CVI's BellSouth Community Room. Participants must be blind or visually impaired and at least 18 years old. Light refreshments will be available. The book for July 7 is "Interruption of Everything" by Terry McMillan   (GLASS #) 60512. Contact Melissa Imtiaz at 404-875-9011, ext. 4433 if you have any questions

* The VisAbility Store announces the arrival of two exciting products.  The first is the Compact by Optelec.  It is a portable CCTV unit with a 4.3" wide screen display and  shows in 5 different viewing modes (Full Color, Black and White, Blue and Yellow, Black and Yellow and Reverse Mode.)  It has a built-in handle for easy use and magnifies 5X, 7.5X and 10X.  The unit also comes with an AC adapter, carrying case and cleaning cloth.  Viewers state the contrast is great, offering very sharp, crisp images.  The Compact retails for $795.00. The second is the KNFB Reader Mobile.  The KNFB Reader Mobile puts the functionality of optical character recognition (OCR) software and a reading machine into a multifunction cell phone. The Mobile Reader products can be activated and ready to use with the touch of a single button on the phone. The user takes a photo of the print to be read, and the character recognition software in conjunction with high quality text-to-speech will read the contents of the document aloud. At the same time, it can display the print on the phone's built-in screen and highlight each word as it is spoken.  The KNFB Reader Mobile retails for $2,295.00.  For more information about these products call VisAbility at 404-602-4385.  Come check these new exciting products out and see what you've been missing! 

* The next MARTA EDAAC (Elderly and Disabled Access Advisory Committee) meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the MARTA annex building located at 2424 Piedmont Rd, NE near the Lindbergh station. There is time at the beginning or end of these meetings for people to speak to the EDAAC Board. Al Kaufman attends these meetings regularly.  For more information, call Al at 404-875-9011, ext. 4316.  A group will leave CVI at 8:45 a.m. and return around noon.

* Toastmasters International's Beyond Sight Communicators (a club for people who are blind or visually impaired and interested in improving their verbal communication) meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month.  The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at CVI on the fourth floor in the BellSouth Community Room.  Please note that the front doors of CVI will be closed 30 minutes after the meeting ends and participants must leave the building before then. Adult guests who are using paratransit may want to consider asking for an L-van pick up at a local public area other than at CVI.  CVI recommends the AT&T North Avenue MARTA station, using the address of 675 West Peachtree Street at the Mall entrance at Third Street and West Peachtree Streets. This station is a secure spot for waiting with public pay phones, restrooms, seating, and security guards.  For more information, call Garrick Scott at 404-371-1000.

* Prevent Blindness Georgia, in conjunction with Prevent Blindness America, announces the nationwide launch of its "See America" contest, an effort to educate Americans about the importance of preventive eye exams to promote overall vision health.  The nonprofit groups will award the grand prize winner the opportunity to "See America," including four complimentary plane tickets to any United States destination of their choice.  The first runner-up will receive two complimentary plane tickets.  The "See America" contest is open to all those affected by impaired vision and their families.  From now through July 31, entrants are asked to submit stories, 500 words or less, about a time in their lives that they have had to sacrifice due to poor eye health.  Contestants are also asked to specify a destination within the United States that they wish to visit if they win and why that location is so important to them.  Those interested in participating in the contest should go to www.preventblindness.org/seeamerica to obtain contest parameters and submit their story, or call 404-266-2020 to receive information on submissions by mail or fax.

* Debra Mota will be having an overnight trip to the Palace Casino in Biloxi MS.  Participants will depart from the Kensington MARTA station on Saturday September, 6 at 6:00 a.m. and arrive at the Casino at 12:30 p.m. and then leave the Casino on Sunday, September 7 at 2:30 p.m. and arrive back at the Kensington MARTA station at 8:30 p.m.  The cost is $145 per person with two people to a room and $130 per person if there are three to a room.  The cost covers transportation costs as well as the hotel stay.  While on the bus, there will be snacks, giveaways and an onboard movie.  The Casino offers an incentive of up to $25 per day per person upon arrival if lunch or dinner is purchased at the buffet.  For those who are interested, a bus trip is planned to go to the "Mississippi Gulf Festival" in Pascagoula, which is approximately 18 miles away on Saturday, September 6.  The bus will leave the Casino at 5:00 p.m. and return to the Casino when the festival ends at 10:00 p.m.   "Early Bird" tickets for the festival are on sale from August 1 to August 9 for a cost of $18 per person.  Advanced tickets (after August 9) are $25 and at the door they are $30.  All payments are due to Debra prior to August 1 to secure early bird tickets.  For more information call Debra at 404-587-0462 or email at trini402003@yahoo.com.

* Mark your calendars!  The Fall 2008 Statewide Coalition on Blindness will be held at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Warm Springs, GA. 31830 on Saturday, September 27.  Hotel accommodations will be at the Best Western White House Inn.  The rate is $65.00 per night, plus tax.  Rooms will be held until August 15.  For reservations call 706-655-2750 and tell them you are with the Coalition on Blindness group in order to receive the $65.00 rate.  Registration for the Coalition will be $10.00 cash only. No checks, credit cards, debit cards etc. will be accepted.  For additional information contact Alice Ritchhart at 912-996-4213 or via email to alice.ritchhart@comcast.net.