THE JOSHUA PROJECT STORY FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING BOOK!

I am so excited!  Yesterday in the mail we received our advanced copy of the book "Stand Up - 75 Young Activist Who Rock the World and How You Can, Too!" Edited and Introduced by John Schlimm.  The book will officially be released on September 17, 2013.  Josh's story (told by Josh himself) and the story of The Joshua Project are featured on page 42 along with a great photo of the boy wonder!  We could not be more honored to have been chosen out of the hundreds of stories which were submitted for the book.  This book is such an important way to educate, inspire, empower and engage the young people in this world.  

At any time of the day we can be barraged by images and stories of death, destruction and injustice.  I don't know about you but I was so tired of feeling helpless, sad and scared and I certainly didn't want my children growing up feeling powerless.  Personally I believe that we all need to focus our energy finding the good things that are happening ( no, I don't mean watching cute puppy or baby videos on YouTube, although that can be entertaining).

The thing I try to teach my children is to never say "can't" and if you don't like something in the world, figure out a small way that you can make it better and then DO IT!  Don't let anyone tell you that your idea is silly or useless!  If I had listened to those people who said to me "don't bother Christie, you will never get a grocery store to put in braille!"  Or what if we had given up after the first store took the braille down?  When you find the thing that you truly believe in, GO FOR IT!

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~Anne Frank

WHAT'S BLIND GOT TO DO WITH IT???

Who Opens the Eyes of the Blind

BY RABBI MARCI BELLOWS

Discuss on the WRJ Blog

Adapted From an article published in New York Jewish Week. I looked down at the podium in front of me. I had led services from this surface myriad times, but it had never before looked like this. Instead of three siddurim (mine, the Bat Mitzvah celebrant's, and the cantor's), there were two siddurim and a large document. On the document were little dots that were illegible to me, but to the girl to my right, these raised circles contained the holiest words known to Jews. Though I couldn't understand, her fingers moved over the Braille words and she was able to read, "Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad." It was my first Bat Mitzvah led entirely by the student in Braille. Over a year ago, we began to plan this very special day. Brooke and her family met with Rabbi Deanna Pasternak (our Educational Director) and me to think through her Bat Mitzvah. Brooke has been blind for many years, though she was not blind at birth. Though Brooke can no longer see, she is gifted with many other talents, including an angelic singing voice. We knew that music would be a special way for her to personalize her Bat Mitzvah celebration. With the help of Emily Altman, one of our tutors, and Cantor Steven Sher, we looked for unique opportunities for her to add to the musical portions of the service. In addition to leading the majority of the prayers, she learned a beautiful Debbie Friedman melody for the "Yotzer Or" prayer, and she delivered it a capella during the worship service. An integral part of our preparation process with Brooke involved working with the Jewish Braille Institute of America (JBI), an organization that provides Braille resources for many Jewish texts. In 1931, what was then the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods founded JBI. In 1963, as a tribute to 50 years of NFTS, Mrs. Harry J. Finke, the President of JBI, wrote the following as she reflected upon this Golden Anniversary: "Dedicated volunteers, and the support of NFTS, have enabled both Jews and non-Jews to find the gold of cultural and spiritual enrichment through the thousands of Braille volumes and Talking Books of our Library...Each and every book is a treasure of gold and a testament of gold to all the women who built this Institute and its Library." Incredibly, fifty years later, JBI continues to have an enormous impact upon the lives of Jews all over the country, and none of it would be possible without the support of Women of Reform Judaism. As I have gotten to know Brooke over the past few years, I have been delighted by her – she is full of curiosity, humor, and a general joie de vive. Whenever she and her family attend Shabbat services, she always asks what musical instruments we will be playing during the liturgy. "Organ and guitar," are my most common answers. Inevitably, she'll ask for some tambourine or piano to be added to the mix. I giggle at this frequent interchange, but I also understand that there is something deeper going on – for Brooke, the SOUNDS of the service are one of the most important ways that she connects to the prayers. During our planning meetings, I was amazed at Brooke's Hebrew skills. Here is a girl who has never "seen" a Hebrew letter, but she has nevertheless grown to be a capable reader and service leader thanks to the many Jewish Braille resources available to us through JBI. She knows the service so well that I told her she could easily substitute for me, if necessary. She learned her prayers, Torah, and Haftarah portions with confidence and competence in a way that few students her age are able. Brooke even wrote a moving D'var Torah (which she typed out on a Braille typewriter) about her portion, Ki Tavo. She grabbed onto the themes of inclusion and welcoming that our text often encourages. She wrote, "This Torah portion serves as a reminder to all people to treat others kindly. It also teaches us that we should be welcoming to other people even if they are different. I always feel happiest when I am included and feel that I am part of a group. This message is a very important one to me. I remember participating in my school talent show. The entire fifth grade was going to be dancing in the finale. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it. Everyone was so welcoming. I held onto my friend's arm and I danced my little heart out. Everyone helped me along by whispering the dance steps into my ear. I had a great time!" As you might imagine, there was not a dry eye in the house. We all sat in awe, feeling that we were a part of something truly miraculous. Brooke's voice floated over and around us all, bringing God closer than we had felt possible. Any fears that we might have about our own learning skills or performance abilities were put to rest – if Brooke could do this exceptionally, how dare we question our own proficiency? I felt a pang of sadness and injustice when we reached the prayer, "Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, who opens the eyes of the blind." I got angry at God – how could God not open Brooke's eyes? But, then, just as quickly, I got my answer: it was my OWN eyes that were opened. I had been blind as to how much a seemingly "disabled" person could do in worship, and I could now see the endless possibilities. We all had the blessed opportunity to witness all that Brooke could do, and we would never be the same. Rabbi Marci Bellows is the spiritual leader at Temple B'nai Torah in Wantagh, NY. She was proud to serve as a summer rabbinic intern at WRJ while in school at HUC-JIR (where she was ordained in 2004). A graduate of Brandeis University, she also writes the popular biweekly New York Jewish Week column, "Reform, Really."

The WRJ Ten Minutes of Torah series is sponsored by the Blumstein Family Fund and by Sandi and Mike Firsel and Temple Chai Sisterhood.

UPDATE: THE JOSHUA PROJECT FOUNDATION INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER (and Josh's mom's first blog entry!)

July 11, 2013  UPDATE: THE JOSHUA PROJECT FOUNDATION INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER

Hello everyone!  My name is Christie Goldenberg and I am Josh’s mom.

 I have been given the opportunity to take over The Joshua Project blog at this time, so please forgive me if I get a little wordy for this first one.  Since I am not an experienced blogger, other than my book review blog, please be patient with me as I learn the ropes. 

There are only 21 days left until the Inaugural Fundraiser Event at The Palm Restaurant on Aug 2^nd, 2013!  All of us involved in The Joshua Project could not be more excited and anxious and a be tired at this point too.  Planning this event has been like planning a wedding, but in our case, with a very short timeline.  I could not be more grateful and proud of my husband Evan and the other board members who continue to work tirelessly everyday to ensure this events success.  All of us are putting our entire hearts and souls into this because we believe so strongly in what we want to accomplish. 

The responses for donations for our silent and live auction have been overwhelming!  We have a rare laser signed football from the 2011 Dallas Cowboys (Josh’s favorite football team, and mine too), signed boxing gloves from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard along with jewelry, massages, salon services, limo rides, wine tasting and even a foursome round of golf at Sherwood Country Club and so much more!  There is something for everyone.  And those are just the silent auction items.  For the live auction we have a Dream Car Ride for 2 where the winner and the guest will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend the day driving in the world’s 7 most expensive and exotic cars!  If you have an item or service that you would like to donate, please contact me right away!

But by far the one I am looking forward to the most is one that is so personal to me.  Stephen Haddad has been Josh’s Occularist  since he was a baby.  Stephen is the one who fit Josh’s eye sockets with the special pieces to stretch out and prepare them for both of his prosthetic eyes (along with 4 surgeries).  Stephen Haddad is also the artist who, by hand, fits, makes and hand paints these magnificent works of art, that are my sons eyes today.  Stephen has over the years become a special friend to our family and Josh still eagerly looks forward to every visit to his office.  I am honored that Stephen is a part of our Board of Directors.  Generously Stephen will be donating a pair of prosthetic eyes which will then be given to a child or children whose families could not previously afford them.  Each eye is valued at approx. $1500!  When Josh was a baby and we inquired to our insurance company about prosthetic eyes we were told that they were considered cosmetic and therefore were not covered.  Another insurance company considered them “durable medical equipment” in the same class as crutches, and therefore only covered up to $250.  This for me and Evan will be a full circle moment for us and one we have spent years dreaming about.

The “Dining In The Dark” part of the evening seems to be the thing that most people are talking about and excited about doing.  Please be aware that although we are selling over 150 tickets for the event there are only a total of 40 seats for this part of the fundraiser.  Although tickets only went on sale this week, we have almost half of those 40 seats filled already!  The night is going to be filled with tears, laughter and inspiration.  I promise that everyone who attends will walk away feeling like a million bucks (which is how much I hope we raise). 

All of us on the Board of Directors are bursting with ideas to be implemented once we have the funds to do so.   Imagine not only grocery stores with Braille, but also machines or an app for your phone that can recognize products and verbally give you information!  We want desperately to get braillers, Braille printers (embossers) and computer apps for the blind and visually impaired, especially students! As an avid reader, Josh wants there to be a much better selection of Braille books and audiobooks in the libraries.  This is just the tip of the iceberg!  The Joshua Project Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of blind and visually impaired people in any way possible.

I really hope that you can join us for a night of amazing 5 star food, drinks, music and so much more.  If you are unable to attend I hope that you will consider making a donation to the project.  For those who are financial struggling during these difficult times, please help us by telling your friends and family about us, liking us on Facebook and or contacting us to volunteer. 

I am looking forward to sharing information and personal stories on this blog, along with giving hope, laughs and inspiration to all!

MEDIA ADVISORY

The Joshua Project Foundation is honored to be a part of actor David Caruso’s Art Gallery opening, featuring works by artist Cole Sternberg.

A portion of the proceeds from the artwork sold at this event will be donated to The Joshua Project Foundation, which will help us continue our quest of empowering the lives of the blind and visually impaired.

(Please click on the images to view the Press Release)

 

For more information about the Joshua Project Foundation, please visit our website: www.thejoshuaprojectfoundation.org

In the News 11.12.12

WHEN BLIND PEOPLE HALLUCINATE

There's a relatively obscure medical condition called Charles Bonnet Syndrome. It happens to people who are either losing their sight, or completely blind. Suddenly, one day they see vivid and detailed hallucinations. Click here to read more.  

ADVOCATES FOR THE BLIND ARGUE FOR MORE ACCOMMODATION AT AIRPORT CHECK-IN KIOSKS

 Advocates for the blind went toe-to-toe with United Airlines in the San Francisco 9th Circuit Court about what the airline could do to accommodate passengers unable to use check-in kiosks. Click here to read more.

MICROCHIP COULD GIVE SIGHT TO BLIND

New Technology is offering fresh hope to thousands of people who have lost their sight. Those left blind by an inherited eye condition now have the hope of some of their sight being restored. Click here to read more.

THE MIND'S EYE CAN LEARN TO SEE, EVEN IN THOSE BLIND SINCE BIRTH

People blind from birth can be taught to "see" images that are conveyed as sounds, says a new study that calls into question a longstanding belief about the limits to the human brain. Click here to read more.

ETHERVISION LAUNCHES BRAILLE PAD PRO AND BRAILLE WRITER PRO APPLICATIONS FOR IPAD AND MAC

Braille Pad Pro and Braille Writer Pro are the first iPad and Mac word processors to handle Grade 1 and Grade 2 (contracted) Braille complete with translation capability. Click here to read more.

CAMERA-TO-SOUND APP LETS BLIND PEOPLE 'SEE'

People who have lived in the dark from birth have now found they don't need their eyes to see. A new device developed by Amir Amedi from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel and colleagues is giving congenitally blind adults the ability to interpret visual information from sound. Click here to read more. 

In the News 11.05.12

PEOPLE CAN LEARN TO "SEE" WITH FAKE WHISKERS ATTACHED TO THEIR HANDS

People can learn to "see" with plastic whiskers attached to their fingers, heralding the potential of a next generation of sight aids that could take advantage of the human ability to adapt to new kinds of sensory perception. Click here to read more.

BRAILLE ON BEAUTY PRODUCTS... GENIUS! CLEANLOGIC LAUNCHES NEW LINE

Can you imagine what it's like to shop for shampoo blind? To feel the bottles in the aisle, take your chances on one, and then later realize you've washed your hair with body lotion? Click here to read more.

DESIGN SPACE: BRAILLE PRINTER

Index Braille, a Swedish company making printers that produce tactile versions of text, wanted to introduce a new high-volume Braille printer for offices and libraries that could be used by visually impaired as well as sighted people. Click here to read more. 

ANDREA BOCELLI FINANCING TECHNOLOGY TO HELP THE BLIND

Blind opera star Andrea Bocelli is funding a project to help develop a personal radar system for the blind through his self-named foundation. Click here to read more.

In the News 10.29.12

FEDS CONSIDER RULE FOR ELECTRIC CAR NOISES TO ALERT BLIND PEDESTRIANS

 Federal regulator have proposed a rule to require electric and hybrid car manufacturers to add artificial noises that to alert pedestrians, in particular the blind, to slow-moving electric vehicles. Click here to read more.

RAY "SMARTPHONE FOR THE BLIND" FEATURES TACTILE & AUDIO INTERFACE

Qualcomm has partnered with Project RAY, a group devoted to improving the lives of blind and visually challenged people through technology, to create a smartphone specifically for those that can't see. Click here to read more. 

$2 MILLION PRIZE ANNOUNCED FOR CURE FOR BLINDNESS BY 2020 

Singer Art Garfunkel, a real estate magnate and an investor are putting $2 million in gold bullion on the line to inspire researchers to cure blindness by 2020, establishing through Johns Hopkins Medicine one of the world's largest prizes for a scientific development. Click here to read more. 

BLIND BOLIVIAN, 7 YEARS OLD, JAZZ PIANO PRODIGY

 The musician takes a seat on the piano bench and begins to play, his fingers finding the keys effortlessly. Jazz music fills the room and an audience sits enthralled, but no ordinary musician sits on the stage before them. Click here to read more.

Santa Barbara Mayor's Award

Whole Foods Santa Barbara and the Joshua Project Foundation accepted the 8th annual Mayor's award for their work in providing equal accessibility to their store including braille labeling for the visually impaired. This is the third Whole Foods Market to implement the Braille signage, next up is Tarzana, CA.

To see the story on Noozhawk, click here:

http://www.noozhawk.com/article/101912_mayors_awards_people_with_disabilities/

KCLU Interview

Josh met with Lance Orozco from local radio station, KCLU. Orozco spoke with board members of the Joshua Project Foundation including Bob Love, Evan and Christie Goldenberg, Ashley Eaton and Joshua. He aired his show Friday October 12 to coincide with the Santa Barbara Whole Foods award ceremony. 

To listen to the segment, please click here.

www.kclu.org/2012/10/12/supermarket-chain-adds-braille-to-grocery-aisles-thanks-to-effort-of-ventura-county-boy/

In the News 10.01.12

NEW TECHNOLOGY MAY BRING SIGHT BACK TO BLIND

On Friday, an FDA Panel recommended approval of a remarkable device that helps some blind people regain part of their sight. It's called the Argus 2 and it may allow those who have gone totally blind to regain some of their vision. Click here to read more. 

CINEMARK ANNOUNCES GREATER MOVIE THEATER ACCESSIBILITY FOR CUSTOMERS WHO ARE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. one of the world's largest motion picture exhibitors, today announced that it is providing an audio description option for people who are blind or have visual impairments, in all of its first-run theaters. Cinemark is installing audio description systems on a rolling basis across it's circuit in conjunction with the chain's conversion to an all-digital format. Click here to read more.

GOING BLIND IN A DIGITAL WORLD: THE ROAD TO RECLAIMING MY WEB SITE

There's no better time to go blind than the present, with all the benefits that digital technology can offer. But a lifetime in tech should have warned me - the promise of IT rarely holds up to the experience of having to use it. Click here to read more.

BEAUTY TIPS BENEFIT VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Paola Espinosa smiled from ear to ear as she got her nails done in bright pink polish. She then applied pomegranate lip gloss straight from the applicator, and finally sat as her hair was softly braided and twirled. A sweep of nail color, a dab of lip gloss and a perfect coif. All are steps many women take for granted in their endless quest for beauty.  Click here to read more.

In the News 09.24.12

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP MAKES MOVIEGOING ACCESSIBLE TO ALL WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM SONY

Regal Entertainment Group, a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circuit in the United States, announced a milestone with 200 theaters nationwide now offering the Sony Entertainment Access System at theaters across the country. Regal Entertainment Group is working exclusively with Sony for this cutting-edge technology to assist moviegoers who are deaf, hard of hearing, have low vision or are blind. Click here to read more.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND APPLAUDS RULING REQUIRING EQUAL PAY FOR DISABLED WORKERS

The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's leading advocate for fair wages for workers with disabilities, today applauded a recent ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Davenport Division, finding that a turkey processing service violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by paying its disabled employees less than federal and state minimum wages. Click here to read more.

VISIONS OF A BLIND PHOTOGRAPHER

Sometimes when she's taking pictures, Sonia Soberats forgets she cannot see. Until 1986, Ms. Soberats was like many single immigrant mothers - living in Queens, working two jobs and watching her two children grow into flourishing adults. Life began to crumble, though, when ovarian cancer was diagnosed for her only daughter. Click here to read more and to view photographs.

BEN SIMONS: BRAILLE TRANSCRIBER

Imagine being able to read by running your fingers over a series of bumps. When you see Braille at traffic lights, or as you ride an elevator, have you ever wondered how it works? And who makes it? Ben Simons is a Braille transcriber. Click here to listen.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/09/20/4839576/national-federation-of-the-blind.html#storylink=cpy

In the News 09.17.12

BLIND AND ONLINE: PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION, FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED TECH USERS

Gayle Yarnall of Amesbury, Mass. is blind. Consequently, photography is not a skill she ever anticipated mastering. "But the iPhone will tell you if the face in the viewfinder is centered, or if [the face] is small or large," notes Yarnal, who runs a lifestyle consulting firm called Gayle Connected. Click here to read more.

SEEING BRAILLE INTO 21ST CENTURY

A Lake Zurich company has played a key role in redesigning a 1950s-era Braille writer into a 'talking' LCD screen device intended to make it easier for people to learn Braille. Click here to read more.

ARE SMARTPHONES KILLING BRAILLE?

New gadgets equipped with screenreaders are increasingly letting blind people listen to text. Is this contributing to "Braille illiteracy"? Click here to read more.

UTILIZING THE BLIND - A VAST UNTAPPED RESOURCE

Over the last few years, we have seen the highest levels of unemployment since the great depression. However, the numbers that are reported only tell one part of the story. Click here to read more.

BLINDFOLDING EIGHT-YEAR-OLDS TO PLAY BLIND FOOTBALL

What is the legacy of the Paralympics? Damon Rose spoke to a primary school teacher in East Anglia who used the Games to inspire his pupils and get them thinking and working differently with each other. Click here to read more.

BLIND CHEF CHRISTINE HA CROWNED 'MASTERCHEF' IN FINALE

From the moment she took those first tentative steps onto the national stage, chef Christine Ha captured America's heart. During Monday night's season 3 "MasterChef" finale, Ha won the title, $250,000 grand prize and a cookbook deal, beating out Josh Marks and about 100 other chefs. But that's not what makes her so inspiring. Ha is bind - the first contestant on the show. Click here to read more.

In the News 09.10.12

BLIND ACTIVISTS BOYCOTT GOODWILL OVER SUBMINIMUM PAY

 The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) escalated its pay protests against Goodwill Industries with August 25 sidewalk pickets at some 90 retail locations around the country. The informational packets are aimed at publicizing the NFB call for a consumer boycott against Goodwill over its policy of paying subminimum wages to thousand of workers with disabilities. Click here to read more.

FLASHES OF LIGHT SEEN BY BLIND WOMAN SPUR BIONIC EYE HOPE

 An Australian woman blinded by an inherited retina-damaging disease experienced some vision after doctors in Melbourne implanted an electronic device they say may lead to a bionic eye by 2014. Click here to read more.

MAGIC GLASSES LET BLIND SEE

Yvonne Felix was just seven when she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, an inherited condition that can cause major vision loss. In the 24 years since, her eyesight has become progressively worse, to the point where she was declared legally blind. For 40 minutes one day last April, the Hamilton, Ont., woman could see again. Click here to read more.

NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR THE BLIND COLLABORATES WITH ACCUWEATHER

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest nationwide organization of the blind in the United States, and its newspaper service for the blind, NFB-NEWSLINE, today announced a collaboration with AccuWeather, an online weather information service, to provide emergency weather alerts to blind and print-disabled subscribers throughout America. Click here to read more.

DANIEL KISH: A REAL-LIFE BATMAN

Daniel Kish has been blind since he was 13-months-old, but that hasn't stopped him living an incredibly active life that includes hiking and mountain-biking. To do this, he has perfected a form of human echolocation, using reflected sound waves to build a mental picture of his surroundings. When Daniel Kish clicks his tongue, the world answers back. Click here to read more. 

'MASTERCHEF' FINALIST CHRISTINE HA ON BEING BLIND, AND A FIGHTER

 Time and time again on this season of "MasterChef," chef Gordon Ramsay asked sight-impaired competitor Christine Ha: Am I being pranked? Are you really blind? Click here to read more.

In the News 08.27.12

COMPANY AIMS TO CURE BLINDNESS WITH OPTOGENETICS

One biotech startup wants to restore vision in blind patients with a gene therapy that gives light sensitivity to neurons that don't normally possess it. Click here to read more. 

APPS BEGIN TO GIVE BLIND ACCESS TO TOUCH SCREENS

While America's love affair with touch-screen payment devices continues to leave the blind and visually impaired in the dark, prospects for a hassle-free checkout in the near future are finally looking up. Click here to read more.

WHO'S AGAINST BLIND PEOPLE READING? NOBODY!

So, why is it so hard to get an international treaty to help people with disabilities that affect reading print? Welcome to the weird politics of intellectual property. Basically, we have approval of a policy, but are unable to implement that policy. Click here to read more.

BLIND STUDENTS PRESENTS 3-D TACTILE IMAGES TO NATIONAL MICROSCOPY CONFERENCE

While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year-old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge - one few others are willing to tackle. Gonzales is blind. Yet she is pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree that requires an understanding of many detailed, microscopic biological elements - something she finds fascinating and exciting. Click here to read more.

Gonzales is blind. Yet she is pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree that requires an understanding of many detailed, microscopic biological elements – something she finds fascinating and exciting.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge – one few others are willing to tackle.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge – one few others are willing to tackle. Ads by Google Online University Program - Earn Your Degree Online at Walden. Request Information Now - WaldenUniversity.com Gonzales is blind. Yet she is pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree that requires an understanding of many detailed, microscopic biological elements – something she finds fascinating and exciting.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

Enlarge ASU students present their poster, "Pictures Worth a Thousand Words," to a national microscopy conference. The poster details their research into 3-D tactile images which can help blind and visually impaired students succeed in STEM classes. Left to right: Debra Baluch, research scientist, School of Life Sciences (SOLS); Ashleigh Gonzales, ASU senior, SOLS; Leanne Harris, ASU senior, SOLS. Photo by: Tom Story (Phys.org)—While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge – one few others are willing to tackle.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

Enlarge ASU students present their poster, "Pictures Worth a Thousand Words," to a national microscopy conference. The poster details their research into 3-D tactile images which can help blind and visually impaired students succeed in STEM classes. Left to right: Debra Baluch, research scientist, School of Life Sciences (SOLS); Ashleigh Gonzales, ASU senior, SOLS; Leanne Harris, ASU senior, SOLS. Photo by: Tom Story (Phys.org)—While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge – one few others are willing to tackle.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

Enlarge ASU students present their poster, "Pictures Worth a Thousand Words," to a national microscopy conference. The poster details their research into 3-D tactile images which can help blind and visually impaired students succeed in STEM classes. Left to right: Debra Baluch, research scientist, School of Life Sciences (SOLS); Ashleigh Gonzales, ASU senior, SOLS; Leanne Harris, ASU senior, SOLS. Photo by: Tom Story (Phys.org)—While Ashleigh Gonzales is a typical, 20-year old ASU senior, she is not your average student. Unlike other undergraduates studying life sciences, her decision to major in molecular biosciences and biotechnology created an unusual challenge – one few others are willing to tackle.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-08-student-d-tactile-images-national.html#jCp

In the News 08.20.12

After a month of summer vacation, we are back with our weekly roundup of news articles relating to blind and braille!

RETINAL DEVICE RESTORES SIGHT TO BLIND MICE 

Researchers report they have developed in mice what they believe might one day become a breakthrough for humans: a retinal prosthesis that could restore near-normal sight to those who have lost their vision. Click here to read more.

DIGITAL BOOKS MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE. BUT FOR BLIND PEOPLE, THEY'RE A TRUE REVOLUTION

The book, not just a source of knowledge or entertainment, but as an intrinsically pleasing object, is a familiar theme. Indeed, it came up yet again in this newspaper's letters pages earlier this week. Click here to read more.

THIS DIGITAL AGE: WHY ISN'T IT A PARADISE FOR BRAILLE READERS?

I was reading this piece about how difficult it can be for Braille readers to get a wide selection of books to read and I was confused. For given that we're going all digital this should be the perfect time. Click here to read more.

23 SIGHTLESS TECH CONCEPTS

Even though I have 20/20 vision, I am still super excited by all of these sightless tech concepts. Designers have been hard at work redesigning tech like cellphones and e-readers to be more blind-friendly. Click here to read more. 

LEGALLY BLIND SOUTH KOREAN SETS ARCHERY WORLD RECORD

South Korean archer Im Dong-hyun sees only blurred colors and lines when he peers toward the target about 76 yards away, arrow at the ready. It doesn't stop the legally blind Olympian from hitting the grapefruit-sized yellow center - again and again and again. Click here to read more. 

It looks like people in other countries are also seeing the need for braille in grocery stores. Here is an article from Peterborough, England:

SUPERMARKET TO INTRODUCE BRAILLE HELP FOR BLIND GROCERY SHOPPERS
A store in Peterborough will become only the second supermarket in the country to be fitted with Braille signs to help blind shoppers. Sainsbury's in Oxney Road, Parnwell, will put Braille panels at the bottom of signs to help those with eyesight problems to use the shop. Click here to read more.

The Joshua Project is currently working on new and improved signs for the Whole Foods Thousand Oaks store and also adding to the Santa Barbara store. Thank you to Whole Foods for continuing this project with us. 

Above, Joshua is feeling a new sign being put up. The new signs are brighter and have a little more information.

Silpada Jewellery Fundraiser

Fundraiser at 32129 Lindero Canyon Rd, Suite 105 Westlake Village (Please find us across from Zin Restaurant facing the lake)  Featuring Silpada Designs Jewelry   Monday, August 20th Stop in any time between 11:00am to 5:00pm   A portion of all sales will go directly to The Joshua Project Foundation. Come by and meet Joshua Goldenberg of Simi Valley, an 8 year old boy born totally blind, who with his parents, Evan & Christie, recently started this non-profit (501c3) dedicated to putting Braille and assistive technology in grocery stores throughout the US to help the blind & visually impaired. For more information please go to: www.thejoshuaprojectfoundation.org **If you can not make it to the event, you can order the Silpada Designs online at www.mysilpada.com/mia.morgan Please be sure to select Joshua Fund as your hostess so that the money will go to this important cause.

In the News 07.23.12

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION BLOCKS INTERNATIONAL TREATY TO BENEFIT THE BLIND

 The Obama administration is blocking the creation of an international treaty designed to protect access to books and reading material for blind people in poor countries. Click here to read more.

GEORGIE APP FOR THE BLIND HELPS VISUALLY IMPAIRED ANDROID USERS NAVIGATE EVERYDAY LIFE

Whether it is getting off a bus or reading a menu, a new app aims to make life easier for the blind or visually impaired. Called Georgie, the app for Android devices enables people with little or no sight to accomplish daily activities that could be difficult for them. Click here to read more. 

NEW LEADING-EDGE TECH DEVICE HELPS PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND LEARN BRAILLE
Product development leader PDT partners with Perkins Products to bring first-of-its-kind technology to the world's most widely used braille writer, improving quality of life for people who are blind. Click here to read more. 

 

NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY OF BUILDIUM'S PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

 National Industries for the Blind (NIB) secured its first commercial Section 508 Assurance Service contract with Buildium, a could-based property management software company based in Boston. Click here to read more. 

RESALE SYSTEM'S BLIND HIRING NETS ALLIANCE BOOST

The National Industries for the Blind announced today that it is joining the Coalition to Save Our Military Shopping Benefits. NIB made the move in recognition of the major job generation efforts of he resale programs in support of the blind. Click here to read more. 

RESEARCHERS EXPLORE SOLUTIONS TO SLEEP DISORDERS AMONG THE BLIND

The blind suffer sleep disorders just as sighted people do that are often caused by disruptions to their circadian rhythms. Among sighted people, these disruptions in the 24-hour cycle of waking and sleeping are generally traced to increased exposure to artificial light during hours that in the natural world are dark. Click here to read more.

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE A BLIND PERSON IN LONDON?

Where would you take a blind person in London? Answer: It might not seem like it, but the capital is geared up to entertain those who are blind and partially sighted. Click here to read more.

SOPHIE TRIST, VISUALLY IMPAIRED TEEN, PROVIDES LOCAL RESTAURANTS WITH BRAILLE MENUS

Approximately 11 million Americans are visually impaired, but when was the last time you saw a Braille menu in a restaurant? This summer, 15-year-old Sophie Trist, who has been visually impaired since birth, is working to change that. Click here to read more.

In the News 07.09.12

NATIONAL FEDERATION FOR THE BLIND AWARDS $80,000

 Dallas, TX. Fifth Annual Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards presented at 2012 Convention of The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) today presented $80,000 in cash awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the full integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. Click here to read more.

PERKINS SCHOOL: ACCESS TO DIGITAL BOOKS FOR ALL

The Boston Public Library (BPL) has launched a new service with the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library to provide digitized copies of books to the visually impaired. Click here to read more.

FLEKSY: AN AMAZINGLY SMART IPHONE KEYBOARD APP FOR THE BLIND

Blind? Then you're most likely reading this post on an iOS device, because no other platform has quite the same level of accessibility options built-in. But that still doesn't help you when you want to write (unless using Voiceover to find the individual keys is your thing.) Click here to read more.

TWO BLIND BRITISH MEN HAVE ELECTRONIC RETINAS FITTED

Two British men who have been totally blind for many years have had part of their vision restored after surgery to fit pioneering eye implants. Click here to read more. 

OHIO GETS MORE FUNDS FOR BLIND

Ohio school districts and learning centers for students with disabilities are reporting more blind and visually impaired students - an increase driven by an effort to ensure all vision-impaired students get access to federally funded books and education materials. Click here to read more.  

HELPING THE BLIND 'SEE' WITH MUSIC

 Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new device that converts images into music to help individuals without vision reach for objects in space. Click here to read more.

PAINTING IN THE DARK: BLIND PAINTER CREATES A VIBRANT WORLD

John Bramblitt has always been an artist, but it wasn't until he went blind that he truly found his artistic vision. Click here to read more.

FOR BLIND COMPETITORS, PARTNERS SHOW THE WAY

The toughest of the three legs of an Olympic triathlon, for a blind athlete, is generally the swim. A plunge into cold water can drown one's alternate sensory perception. Sudden seizing panic attacks can follow, like waves of paralyzing disorientation. Shivering fits. It is these rare nadirs when the blind may seek an encouraging tug. Click here to read more.

MISS FLORIDA USA CONTESTANT IS LEGALLY BLIND

When Connor Boss looks out into the crowd this Saturday as she competes in the Miss Florida USA pageant, she will see the audience members only as blur. Click here to read more. 

 

{braille flag can be purchased here}

Happy 4th of July from all of us at the Joshua Project Foundation!